When auto defrosting your single door freezer fridge, you should leave the power on. The auto defrost feature in modern refrigerators is designed to operate with the power on, and turning off the power during the defrosting process can lead to several issues:
Temperature fluctuation: When you turn off the power, the temperature inside the fridge and freezer compartments will rise. This can cause any frozen food you have stored to start thawing, potentially leading to spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria.
Water drainage: During the auto defrost cycle, the freezer's evaporator coils will warm up and melt any ice buildup. The resulting water should drain through a system of channels and tubes to a pan located at the bottom of the fridge, where it will evaporate naturally. If you turn off the power, the water might not be able to drain properly, leading to water pooling in unwanted areas.
Food safety: Leaving the power on ensures that the fridge stays at a safe temperature during the defrosting process, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
To safely auto defrost your single door freezer fridge:
Remove perishable items: Take out any perishable items from the fridge and freezer and store them in a cooler with ice packs to keep them cold during the defrosting process.
Unplug or adjust settings: If your fridge has a manual defrost setting, set it to defrost mode. Otherwise, leave the appliance running as usual, and the auto defrost function will engage on its own.
Allow time for defrosting: The auto defrost cycle will automatically kick in, and the ice buildup will melt. This process can take a few hours to complete.
Clean and dry: Once the defrosting is done, clean any water that has accumulated in the fridge or freezer. Dry the interior thoroughly before placing the food back inside.
By leaving the power on during the auto defrost cycle, you ensure that the process is effective and that your food remains safe and at the correct temperature.