Time to replace the freezer?

R

ricmic

New Member
Location
Mid Suffolk, UK
When is the right time to change a freezer? Do I leave it until it breaks down and I lose everything, or do I replace it while it's still working perfectly well?
 

My answer to this... is for my own case only, but if my freezer is still working perfectly well, I'd have a hard time justifying ditching it "just in case" it goes bad. I'd check the food every day, and if food is still frozen, no need to replace it. If it starts having trouble, I'd be able to have a new one delivered the same or next day, so no food would be lost. A disclaimer to that would be I'd consider the age of the freezer... if very old or showing signs of wear, my answer would change.
 
Put a freezer thermometer in the freezer. If its having a hard time keeping the temperature at freezer temps then start shopping around for a replacement.
 

ricmic said:
Our frost-free freezer is now 13 years old, and I don't know what the expected life of a freezer is really. I'm feeling inclined to replace it at 15.
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Ah... well then I think your plan of replacing at 15 is a good one. This from AI:
"A frost-free freezer typically lasts 10 to 20 years, though a common average is about 10 to 15 years. The lifespan depends on the appliance's quality, maintenance, and usage patterns."
 
Unless it just suddenly goes out, most people who have had a freezer for years know how it acts and instinctively know when to get rid of it.
 
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Excellent question @ricmic. If it's a chest-type freezer, put a small, open container of water (paper cup) in a highly visible location in the freezer and let it freeze solid. Then set a coin (we use a quarter) on top of the ice. If you ever open the freezer and the coin has sunken down into the ice, it's time to take action.

For upright freezers . . . I have no idea. I would never own one. :rolleyes:

A freezer that is full doesn't have to work as hard as one that's half empty. Keep it as full as is practicable even if you have to fill spaces with jugs of water.
 
Before deciding to replace it I would take a hard look at whether or not I needed a freezer.

I think a freezer is great for gardeners, sportsmen, large families, and folks that live in the boondocks but I’m not so sure that they make much sense for average singles or couples.

The cost of the freezer and the cost to operate it along with the cost of the contents and potential waste makes them a bad bargain for me.

If you are able to shop weekly and have no special circumstances I would consider living with the freezer compartment of an average refrigerator.

Good luck with your decision!
 
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