# Will a frost free freezer work in sub-freezing ambient temp?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-frost-free-freezer-work-in-sub-freezing-ambient-temp/448318>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 6, 2008, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-frost-free-freezer-work-in-sub-freezing-ambient-temp/448318 "2008-05-06T17:48:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![masterofnone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@masterofnone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/masterofnone)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2008, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-frost-free-freezer-work-in-sub-freezing-ambient-temp/448318/21 "2008-05-07T13:59:19Z")

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That’s odd - We had a big chest freezer in the garage when I was growing up, and I know of at least 3 people with modern freezers in uninsulated sheds, and I’ve never heard of anyone having a problem with them not working between 32 and 40 until now.

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**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2008, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-frost-free-freezer-work-in-sub-freezing-ambient-temp/448318/22 "2008-05-07T18:04:44Z")

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It depends on the model. There is some oil inside the compressor. If that gets too jelled, bye-bye freezer. You need to check the manufacturer’s spec.

As to defrosting, it also varies. My fridge’s freezer compartment has an actual heater coil. You can see the orange reflection of the coil in the back when it is running.

Note that defrosting a well maintained freezer shouldn’t be that common. I can go years without defrosting my standard freezer. It’s kept in a garage and we have quite a humid environment. I keep the door seals clean and we keep the door opening to a minimum.

Here’s a link:

> **[Garage Refrigerator | Appliance Aid](https://www.applianceaid.com/garage-refrigerator.php)**
>
> ApplianceAid.com offers tips and help for a garage refrigerator

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**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2008, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-frost-free-freezer-work-in-sub-freezing-ambient-temp/448318/23 "2008-05-07T18:12:58Z")

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[QUOTE=ftg]

> **[Garage Refrigerator | Appliance Aid](https://www.applianceaid.com/garage-refrigerator.php)**
>
> ApplianceAid.com offers tips and help for a garage refrigerator

[/QUOTE]

> [@](#):
>
> A freezer only ( chest or upright ) will often operate fine all year round, but a frost free refrigerator will usually quit during the cold winter months.
> 
> \<snip\>
> 
> Under extreme cold/freezing situations, the oil in the compressor could thicken up and cause permanent damage to the compressor. Don’t let the garage temperature drop to much below 10 degrees Celsius( 50F ). Otherwise, the oil becomes thick and could cause premature compressor failure.

Apparently “cold winter months” means temps in the 50s-60s. Must be a tropical manufacturer/dealer.

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**Author:** ![masterofnone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@masterofnone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/masterofnone)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2008, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-frost-free-freezer-work-in-sub-freezing-ambient-temp/448318/24 "2008-05-07T18:20:45Z")

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In case anyone is interested, I found a site that shows how to add a heater to a freezer to prevent this problem. Apparently it only comes on when the compressor needs to start running and outside temp is \<45F.

[http://www.fridgedoctor.com/fridge-doctor-book/fitting-a-system-to-operate-in-an-unheated-space.html](http://www.fridgedoctor.com/fridge-doctor-book/fitting-a-system-to-operate-in-an-unheated-space.html)

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**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2008, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-frost-free-freezer-work-in-sub-freezing-ambient-temp/448318/25 "2008-05-07T18:45:54Z")

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Like the others have said here. Some manufacturers offer fridge/freezers that are designed to work in cold garages. You pay a premium for them, but they’re there.

Mine is primarily a summer beer fridge. In winter when I need beer stored cold in bulk, I just leave it in an open cooler on the garage floor.

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