No Frost fridge: what it is and when you need it

You're choosing a new fridge freezer and the No Frost label pops up everywhere. So what is a No Frost fridge exactly, and do you really need it?

What is a No Frost fridge?

No Frost literally means 'no ice'. It's a function that stops a layer of ice or frost from building up in the freezer section of your appliance. In a standard freezer, moist air gets in every time you open the door. That moisture settles on the walls and the drawers, and freezes. After a few months you're left with a thick layer of ice that you have to chip away by hand.

A fridge with No Frost does that job for you. The appliance keeps the freezer compartment dry, so no ice forms. Defrosting with buckets, towels and a wet floor is a thing of the past.

How does No Frost actually work?

The technology behind No Frost is simpler than it sounds. Instead of inside the freezer itself, the appliance lets the moisture freeze outside the freezer compartment. Here's how that works in practice:

• A fan draws the moist air out of the freezer compartment.

• Outside the freezer section, on the evaporator, that moisture freezes as frost.

• The appliance defrosts that frost automatically at intervals. The meltwater runs into a tray near the compressor and evaporates in the heat released there.

• The cold, now dry air is blown back into the freezer compartment.

That cycle repeats continuously. And because the air keeps circulating, the temperature throughout the freezer is more even than in an appliance without No Frost. That's exactly why you see the label so often: it's mainly a convenience feature, with a few practical benefits attached.

The main benefits

The biggest benefit is an obvious one: you never have to defrost. With a freezer without this function, that's a chore that keeps coming back several times a year.

On top of that there is an energy benefit. A layer of ice works as insulation: the cooling system has to work harder to reach the same temperature. Prevent that ice from forming and your appliance keeps running at its most efficient all year round.

And then there are the everyday things that stand out less, but are still nice to have. Your drawers don't freeze together. The door keeps closing properly. And because the temperature in the freezer stays more stable, you get fewer ice crystals in your ice cream and less risk of freezer burn.

And the No Frost drawbacks?

There are a few drawbacks to the No Frost function as well:

• An appliance with No Frost usually costs a bit more to buy than the same model without it. Depending on the brand and the version, you're looking at anything from a few tens of euros to well over a hundred extra. You do earn part of that back on your energy bill. And if you rent a fridge, the purchase price isn't an issue at all.

• The air circulation needs a fan, and that makes a soft humming or blowing sound. In most kitchens it disappears completely into the background noise. If your fridge freezer is in a small studio or an open-plan kitchen, it's worth keeping in mind.

• Because moisture is actively removed, the air inside the appliance is drier. In the fridge section, uncovered food can dry out a little faster.

No Frost, Low Frost or neither?

Alongside No Frost you'll also come across Low Frost. With Low Frost the cooling pipes sit inside the freezer wall, which means ice builds up more slowly. You still have to defrost, but far less often.

When is a No Frost fridge useful for you?

No Frost mainly pays off in how you use it. If you fill your freezer well and you're in and out of it every day, a lot of moist air gets in, and without this function you would be defrosting regularly. That's when No Frost is a real relief.

It's also a nice choice if you have little time or space to defrost. Think of an apartment without a shed or storage room, where there is nowhere to park your frozen food for a while. And if you freeze a lot yourself, from meals for the week to fruit and bread, the stable temperature is a big plus for the quality of your food.

If you only use your freezer for a bag of ice cubes and a bit of emergency stock, Low Frost or a standard appliance is often more than enough. So look above all at how you use your fridge and freezer.

Renting an energy-efficient fridge freezer from Homie

Still not sure whether you want to spend hundreds of euros on a fridge with No Frost? Then renting is an option too. At Homie you rent an energy-efficient fridge freezer on a subscription, from around €13.99 a month. Delivery and installation are included, usually within one to three working days, and if something breaks, we take care of it. Explore our range and start your subscription today.