Can I use an outlet timer to make my non-defrosting chest freezer have a defrost mode?

Question

I am trying to avoid the buildup of frost and figured that since a defrost mode simply shut down the cooling cycle and applys heat to the coils, why not shut the unit down overnight for 30 mins or so? What do you think?

Answer 1

No No No No! That's dangerous!

Automatic systems that defrost periodically, do it within a window specific to the insulation properties of the unit, so always maintaining food storage temperature whilst defrosting. They also have a rapid defrost system! This means that the unit is powered up and operating again very soon, thus preventing the compromise in content temperature.

Your idea, is OK, but there are other complexities involves with rapid defrost, and turning off the unit from the supply, is not one of them!

Answer 2

Personally I think that is a genius idea.  Wish I would have thought of that myself.  I think you could even shut it down for longer than the 30 minutes.  Simply genius.

add:  i noticed that you said non-defrosting chest freezer.  so once again, i say genius idea.