As the table below shows, the average model contains 390 litres of usable space, which is enough for around 20 supermarket carrier bags' worth of shopping. If your fridge doesn't have wheels, ask a friend to help you push it forward. So you're gonna have to eat that whole custard pie (or keep it in your fridge for up to five days). "The good news about frozen foods is they retain their nutritional value and may be higher in some vitamins than foods like vegetables that were harvested many days before you but them and eat them," said Stack. She said that fresh, whole roasts, steaks and whole chickens will keep their quality for up to a year, but once meats are cut into pieces, their quality freezer life drops to four to six months. Make the most of your wedding's date with one or more of these seasonal ideas. Only use a hairdryer if your refrigerator does not have styrofoam insulation, which could melt. They have fewer freezer drawers than a conventional freezer. Its important to use a plastic, not a metal spatula, because metal may puncture or damage your refrigerator. One pound of meat will often thaw in 30 minutes and shouldn't take much more than an hour. WebKeep rice in the fridge for no more than 1 day until reheating. These nostalgic hot tools have officially made a comeback. WebFind our healthy eating recommendations, food guide kitchen, tips, resources and more. Although defrosting ground beef in the refrigerator is the safest method, it also takes the longest time. "Frozen peas, corn, beans, berries and small pieces of fish like shrimp and scallops should not be a solid block of food," said Stack. Exploding ovens: why glass doors shatter and what to do it if happens to you, Stackable ice cube trays that dont leak: weve found one. Solid white Albacore tuna is more expensive than light and is perfect for dishes where you want to see lovely pieces of fish as when added to a salad nioise.. "The water must be changed every 30 minutes as the food continues to thaw," Brigman says. Some are rich and decadent, others are meaty classics, and some are just plain fun and delicious. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. Microsoft pleaded for its deal on the day of the Phase 2 decision last month, but now the gloves are well and truly off. 24 Ways to Throw the Ultimate Winter Wedding. "Frozen peas, corn, beans, berries and small pieces of fish like shrimp and scallops should not be a solid block of food," said Stack. Based on all (30) Best Buy American fridge freezers available on which.co.uk. Thawing times vary by weight when using the cold water method. Read How to deep-clean your fridge for advice on cleaning a fridge water dispenser. Below are lists of the top 10 contributors to committees that have raised at least $1,000,000 and are primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure or a candidate for state office in the November 2022 general election. Unlike manufacturers, who measure fridge freezer volume with all the shelves and drawers taken out, we measure how much space you can actually use for storing food. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 53,209 times. Yes, but mostly no. However, sometimes the fridge and freezer will each have two side-by-side doors, but the fridge will sit on top of the freezer. Replacement filters can cost anything from 20 to more than 90 each, so its worth checking the price before you buy to avoid extra costs later on. Avoid taking the carrots out until you cook them, as freezing and refreezing So, How to defrost frozen pizza dough? Which? If your microwave does not have a defrost mode, use the lowest power setting and heat the meat in short increments until thawed. From pasta sauce to poultry, here's how to keep frozen food safe to eat and delicious. Label the package with the contents and the date, so you dont lose track of a good steak in the freezer. For a quick craft that's also sweet, candy canes easily transform into the tails of festive mice party favors. "However, they might not taste very good or have a strange texture that makes them unappealing." Cooking and Reheating Salmon Cook salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F (you can use a food thermometer to test the temperature), per the FDA. While it's impossible to eliminate dust entirely, you can drastically slow down how fast it builds up in your space by heeding these helpful tips. The experts say "no" with some caveats. Madeline Buiano, Staff Writer at Martha Stewart. You may need to interrupt the cycle to reposition the meat to get more even thawing. Aaron Beth is the founder of Aarons Refrigeration Company in New York City and a factory certified installer (FCI) for Sub-Zero products. Its no glamorous job, but at some point you may have to defrost your refrigerator. Set the carrots in the freezer on a flat surface. 14 July 2020. Heres how long other common foods keep in the freezer. Whichever route you choose, you're bound to delight your loved ones. How to Winter SowPlus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months. Page last reviewed: 26 March 2020 If you want an American model with the very latest mod cons and cooling technology, consider choosing the following: Find out more about fridge freezer features in Fridge freezer features explained. "Refreezing the food might result in undesirable changes in texture and some loss of flavor but it will be safe to eat," said Stack. Pop Your Steak Out of the Freezer and Make One of These Delicious Steak Dinners. Mark the container with the date so you know how long it's been since you sealed them. Expert Interview. Most commonly, there are just two doors, with the fridge sitting next to the freezer. Bake Off 2022: which appliances are in the tent and are there cheaper versions? If you are thawing more than a pound of meat, divide it upbetween multiple bowls of cold water, if possible. If youre not going to eat meat within a couple days of purchasingor if youve stocked up on a saleweve got good news: steak freezes really well. Support wikiHow by "This brings parts of the food closer to temperatures at which bacteria multiply rapidly," she says. Freezing steak shouldnt change the texture of steak. Get inspiration and ideas for your Christmas or Hanukkah gathering from our selection of menus that feature traditional and new dishes for cocktails, buffets, brunches, and dinner parties alike. Use a meat thermometer to determine when the meat hasreached a safe internal temperature: Do not cook frozen meat in a slow cooker. Growing a Tapestry Lawn Will Transform Your Turf Into a Living MasterpieceNo Fertilizer, Aeration, or Water Needed. While you can freeze milk and cheese, "they may have some changes in their texture," said Stack. Next, Saunier says to put the ground beef on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent any runaway juices from dripping on other raw products, which can cross-contaminate your food. Slimmer models are available, but they will always be at least 70cm wide 10cm more than the width of a standard freestanding model. Keep rice in the fridge for no more than 1 day until reheating. You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to. "If the power in your home goes out, keep the freezer door closed so the inside of the freezer stays as cold as possible," said Stack. How much do you need to spend to get good kitchen knives? Next, select the defrost feature on the microwave or manually set it to 30 percent power. The lists do not show all contributions to every state ballot measure, or each independent expenditure committee How much do American fridge freezers cost? You can defrost ground beef in cold water two ways: Run water constantly over the bag of protein until thawed or place the bag of ground beef in a bowl full of cold tap water and ensure it is completely submerged. Change the water every 30 minutes, until the meat has thawed. how long other common foods keep in the freezer. None of the above take your fancy? Related: What Are the Best Ways to Thaw Meat, Chicken, and Fish? Alternative water dispensers have refillable jugs, but youll have to keep topping them up. Browse online and in-store today! Heres a complete guide to freezing steak. But do you know which of those facts are true and which ones you can toss out along with that mystery meat that's been in the back of your freezer for five years? Though it may be too late for tonight's dinner, it's good to remember that the safest way to thaw meat is in the refrigerator. Some are from our most recent testing, but you may spot one or two older models that we still recommend. It has a mild, fresh taste and is less fishy. It also contains three times as much Omega-3 fatty acid as light, but it does have higher mercury content. Do not reheat rice more than once. Also, keep in mind that food stored in a chest freezer may take longer to thaw. "Once ground meat, stew meat, poultry or fish are thawed, cook them within a day or two," said Stack. Comparing the cheapest ways to cook, Seven common fridge freezer faults and how to deal with them, Belling, New World and Stoves gas cookers to be modified to remove carbon monoxide poisoning risk, Christmas gift ideas for 2022: great-value gifts for every budget, 4 things you should know before you buy a cheap air fryer this Black Friday, Seven things you need to know before buying a dishwasher this Black Friday, Why you really don't need to pay more than this for a baking tray, 5 American fridge freezers that are worth your money. At this point, its also important to lay down some bowls or towels to collect water that may leak out as the frost melts. Is it safe to use a hair dryer to defrost a freezer? 15 Easy Christmas Craft Ideas Anyone Can Make This Holiday Season. The 11 Best Mail Order Turkeys of 2022, Tested and Reviewed, Best Places to Buy Wild Game Meat in 2022, How to Cook a Frozen Ham Without Thawing It. American models can be too deep to manoeuvre through front doors and internal doors, so measure your doorways to see whether youll be able to get it into your kitchen. Food safety experts weigh in. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? If you eat rice that contains Bacillus cereus bacteria, you may be sick and experience vomiting or diarrhoea about 1 to 5 hours afterwards. Though it may be too late for tonight's dinner, it's good to remember that the safest way to thaw meat is in the refrigerator. You can use a defrosted steak in any steak recipe. If rice is left standing at room temperature, the spores can grow into bacteria. American models are around 175cm to 190cm tall. If you properly wrap your steak and dont leave it for ages, steaks will taste delicious even after freezing. Jill Martin just released a cozy TODAY fashion collection heres how to shop it. Some models have removable water jugs that you simply top up from the tap. Most microwaves allow you to enter how many pounds of meat you need tothaw and will automatically calculate the recommendeddefrost time. Read answers to more questions about healthy eating. How to Prevent Dust Before It Forms, According to Cleaning Experts. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! These are the top-scoring models from our independent testing. Remove from the grocery packaging, which probably has too much air in it, and wrap it well. Are air fryers the healthiest way to cook chips? Page last reviewed: 26 March 2020 Next review due: 26 March 2023 Support links. See all our American fridge freezer reviews. These other methods, if used properly, should allow you to thaw chicken and keep it out of the danger zone (40 to 140 F), which is the temperature zone that allows bacteria to grow. Enjoy! With this in mind, its important to consider the following dimensions carefully: The standard width of an American fridge freezer is 90cm, so it will take up more space in your kitchen but also gives you far more space to store fresh and frozen food. 1 White albacore tuna. If you're after a show stopper for your kitchen, then take a look at out the 10 best American fridge freezers, below. Defrost steak slowly, in the refrigerator; how long itll take depends on the thickness and size of the beef, but itll generally be overnight to about one full day. When you reheat rice, always check that it's steaming hot all the way through. Then place the beef in a microwave-safe container and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Remove the meatfrom itspackaging, and place itin a clean plastic sealable bag. Yes, you can get food poisoning from eating reheated rice. When thawing ground beef in the microwave, Saunier stresses that the ground beef should be cooked immediately because some areas may start the cooking process during the thawing. Also, youll have to change the water filters every six months or so. Defrost in the fridge, then reheat in a microwave or oven until piping hot. Its important to wrap steak (and all meats) well before freezing. % of people told us that this article helped them. While you can safely freeze any food, some foods just don't freeze well. chicken salad), whole eggs and egg yolks and custard pies. And make sure to keep them cold. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Heres how toget a practically airtight seal on your freezer bags. The outer layer of the food will enter the danger zone and begin producing bacteria rapidly while the inner layer is still thawing. There's no place like home for the holidays, but dressing your house up for this celebratory season can feel like a time-consuming chore, especially if you have tons of timely gear (think lights, garland swags, and porch accents) to lug down from the attic. Sorry, nope. Some methods can take over eight hours, but there are tricks you can use to make the process much faster. Larger chicken pieces take approximately 2 hours to defrost. The cut of beef has the most bearing on tenderness: tender cuts, like filet, will remain tender, while fattier cuts, like flank, will remain chewier; heres a guide to all the types of steak and how to cook each. Ways, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. Many come with water dispensers and ice makers. Thawed or partially thawed foods that were in your freezer can be safely refrozen if the food has not gone above 40F. When you buy frozen food, choose packages that do not obviously have ice crystals, since this may indicate that the food has partially defrosted and then refrozen. Food thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately. Refrigerators can become frosty and icy for lots of reasons whether the door has been left open, youve put hot food in to cool, or the door just has a bad seal, annoying frost can build up and begin to smell. WebFood Type Refrigerator (40 F or below) Freezer (0 F or below) Salad: Egg, chicken, ham, tuna, and macaroni salads: 3 to 4 days: Does not freeze well: Hot dogs Theyre pricey to buy and expensive to run. Can be chilled and eaten within three days or frozen for up to a month. American fridge freezers look impressive and promise the end to an overflowing fridge or crammed to bursting freezer. This will help the meat to dry, giving you the best texture and browning. The exterior may reach the danger zone while the interior remains frozen. Heres how toget a practically airtight seal on your freezer bags. "Ground beef should never be defrosted on the counter or in warm water," Brigman says. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Defrost steak slowly, in the refrigerator; how long itll take depends on the thickness and size of the beef, but itll generally be overnight to about one full day. Steak may be safely frozen for longer, up to a year, but could be more susceptible to freezer burn. In an ideal world, everyone would plan ahead and set tomorrow's dinner in the fridge overnight. Never thaw your meat at room temperature or in a cool area such as outdoors, garage, or basement. IE 11 is not supported. 20 Holiday Menus That Will Help You Celebrate Everything, From Hanukkah Dinner to Christmas Brunch and Everything in Between. When you need to thaw meat quickly, there are a few options. With any of these methods, a few tips and tricks will ensure the meat remains safe to eat. That's a pretty good dealwhen you consider that it typicallytakes two days to thaw out a 10-pound bird in the fridge. WebOnce cooked, remove the fish from the colander to a plate, and discard the skin. Old toys gain new life when they are repurposed into tree ornaments. This will affect where you can put it in your kitchen and can make them expensive to install. The FoodKeeper app is a super handy tool that gives timelines for freshness and quality for foods stored in the refrigerator and freezer. Aaron Beth. Whether you want to prepare something quick and easy or take the whole day to master a new pastry technique, this gallery has delicious Christmas appetizer ideas for every type of host. "The side door storage areas usually get a little warmer so the food might soften or start to defrost.". Quick Holiday Decorating Ideas That Will Make Your Home Festive in 30 Minutes or Less. Bake for 30 mins until golden, then serve with salad, if you like. American fridge freezers are wider and deeper than conventional models, so they take up more space in your kitchen, but they also give you far more space to store fresh and frozen food. Just remember this: During the holiday season, you'll want to choose the right appetizers for the occasionones that feel extra special. All Rights Reserved. According to Saunier, small packages may take about an hour to defrost, while larger packages (about 3 to 4 pounds) could take anywhere from two to three hours. Again, assuming your fish is sealed in moisture-proof packaging, simply place the fish in a shallow dish in the sink, fill it with water, and leave the faucet running a tiny bit so that a narrow stream of water runs into the dish. Just make sure that the food is laid out in a single layer on the baking sheet before baking! For definitive answers to some common questions about keeping frozen food healthy and tasty, TODAY Food consulted two experts: chef Jennifer Stack, RDN, who teaches nutrition and food safety at the Culinary Institute of America, and Lauren Sucher, a press officer for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These can include: Frost-free freezer This is probably the most useful feature of all as it saves you the laborious job of scraping away ice and mopping up water from your kitchen floor. Raw steak is easy to freeze. Midway through the defrost, remove the steak from its packaging, pat dry and place on a plate or container, uncovered; return to the fridge until completely defrosted. With over 54 years of experience, Aaron is the recipient of numerous Super-Service awards from Angies Lists and 2019 Best-of-the City. When using this method, keep a close eye on things because defrosting can quickly cross over to cooking. WebBrowse our full range of products from dressing tables to complete modern kitchens. Cook like a pro with these simple tips and tricks, Ina Garten shares 5 tips for safely and efficiently using your freezer, Does cooking food kill coronavirus? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Is it okay to use a knife to remove ice from a freezer? The longer cooked rice is left at room temperature, the more likely it is that the bacteria or toxins could make the rice unsafe to eat. These can include: It depends on your budget and the brand you want as premium features, such as automatic ice dispensers and a stainless-steel finish, are nice extras that inevitably bump up the price. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); Note that once youve defrosted steak or any other meat, its not safe to refreeze it. The cold also keeps it out of the "danger zone" for bacterial growth (between 40 F and 140 F). Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. This doesn't mean you need to keep it in the freezer and save it for a different dayyou can still get the meal you planned on the table without waiting hours for the meat to defrost. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Ice crystals form on food after that food has gotten warm and begun to defrost; then gets refrozen. Your Section-by-Section Guide to Storing Foods in the Fridge, From the Upper Shelves to the Crisper Drawers. Use the defrost setting (50 percent power) on your microwave to thaw meat in a matter of minutes. Although it is a quick and practical method, it is difficult to defrost the whole chicken. Wrap the meat tightly, pressing as much air out of the packaging as possible, since exposure to air can cause freezer burn. If frozen, defrost in the fridge overnight and consume within 24hr. Uncooked rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus, bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Be sure to relish this time, thoughit isn't every day that you get to make something beautiful with the people you love most. to unlock the table and gain instant access to all our product reviews. Next review due: 26 March 2023. Generally, it it should take about seven to eight minutes per pound to defrost ground beef in the microwave, Brigman says, but this depends on the wattage of the microwave and the size and thickness of the meat. Take this suspended vignette, for example: With just two wreaths and some satin ribbon, you can make this spectacular decoration in a few easy steps. WebTop with the rest of the fish, pushing it into the pasta a little, then scatter with the remaining cheese. Start your holiday meal with a few of these delicious Christmas appetizers. You may see some changes in the quality of the food but it will still be safe to eat. These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden. 3 Ways to Defrost Ground Beefand Why You Should Never Thaw It on the Counter. You should also check the instruction manual for your microwave, which provides information on the proper settings for thawing. Doing this can cause bacteria to grow as food gets warmer, so defrost in the fridge, instead. To speed the process along, separate the individual pieces or cutsof meat as soon as they arethawed out enough to pull apart. Appetizers can also set the mood and sate the appetite. A water dispenser that offers unlimited chilled water has to be plumbed into the mains water supply. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 6 Outdated Bathroom Trends Interior Designers Are Tired of Seeing. Looking for a different type of fridge freezer? Don't use hot water to thaw meat or leave defrosted meat at room temperature for more than two hoursrefrigerate it immediately. Most of these crafts take mere minutes or less to complete, which means you can deck the halls and make things merry in speedy fashion. This is a common misconception, but the experts say that if you're still in the safe window for cooking and eating meat, poultry or fish, it's perfectly safe to refreeze them, provided that the foods were thawed in the refrigerator and kept cold (40F or below). Every American model we've tested has a frost-free freezer. According to Saunier, this method gives you better control of the temperature and avoids the danger zonethe temperature at which bacteria multiply rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees. These bacteria will multiply and may produce toxins (poisons) that cause vomiting or diarrhoea. It's not effective for whole birds and large roasts. Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Web4) You can also use this method to defrost other types of frozen food, such as frozen chicken breasts or fish fillets. members canlog into see our recommendations. That means leaving any raw poultry, raw beef or any other food you wouldn't leave sitting out on the counter is a bad idea. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) food safety guidelines state that a whole turkey requires a full day for every 5 pounds, while 1 pound of ground beef typically thaws in one day. For example, maybe you've been told that ice cream has gone bad once you see those crystals form or that you should never thaw and then refreeze meat. The underbanked represented 14% of U.S. households, or 18. Leaving chicken to defrost on the counter or submerging it in hot water can cause bacterial growth and could make those who eat it sick. unlocking this expert answer. The microwave is our best friend if we want a quick way to thaw. Depending on the size of the meat you need to thaw, this method may take a full day or longer. A former in-house editor at Taste of Home, Kelsey now writes articles and novels from her home in Milwaukee. The main appeal is the amount of storage space they contain. While it's a great way to thaw the protein quickly, defrosting ground beef in cold water requires more attention than using the refrigerator. Don't worry we've tested more than 100 of the most popular models to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen. At this point, its also important to lay down some bowls or towels to collect water that and no-sew Christmas tree skirts to fun card displays and pine-centric floral arrangements. Submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water. Buying a hottie or wheat bag for a loved one this Christmas? Older refrigerators tend to have their coils located on the back of the fridge. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Nope! WebLots of American fridge freezers come with extra cooling and storage features as standard. Appliance Technician. Also called meadow lawns, this landscaping technique requires little to no maintenance or resources to thrive. For the best quality, juiciness and texture, use steak within six months of freezing. How to Deep Clean Your Refrigerator with Vinegar: 3 Easy Methods, 9 Quick Fridge Cleaning Hacks, in 30 Minutes or Less. Any food that has thawed and was above 40F for more than two hours should be thrown out. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/academy/small-appliances/how-to-defrost-your-fridge-or-freezer/, http://dadsroundtable.com/other/2014/02/defrosting-frost-free-fridge/, https://www.property24.com/articles/5-quick-steps-to-defrost-your-fridge/18608. Make your bathroom a more inviting space by swapping these design clichs for something fresher. "Thawing in the microwave is best if you need a fast thaw time," Saunier says. Make sure that frozen foods are wrapped well or in a tightly sealed container. According to Tap Warehouse, more than half of the UK (54%) defrost meat and fish at room temperature. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. They take up a lot of space and may be too big for your kitchen. "This may also be a sign of defrosting and refreezing for these foods. ", Make sure that frozen foods are wrapped well or in a tightly sealed container. If you have a whole turkey, chicken, ham, orroast that you need to get on the table posthaste, your best bet is to cook it from a frozen state. research reveals how little water dishwashers use compared to hand washing, Which? Generally, thawing in the refrigerator usually takes one to two days. Our Best and Brightest Christmas Appetizers. While it might not be the way to go if you need the meat for tonight's dinner, if you have enough time for this method, defrosting ground beef in the refrigerator is the way to go. This means you wont have to factor in plumbing costs and you can put the fridge freezer anywhere in your kitchen but youll only get two to three litres of water before youll need to refill the jug. ", If you thawed the food in the refrigerator, you generally have between one to five days to cook it. This article has been viewed 53,209 times. "Red meat roasts and steaks can stay in your refrigerator for three to five days before you need to cook them.". She's an avid cook, reader, flneur, and noir fanatic. Here's the thing: Preparing your space for Christmas doesn't require a ton of store-bought embellishmentsand the handmade stuff doesn't have to cost you an afternoon. warns about potential gas oven grill risks. Where have all the A-rated fridges and fridge freezers gone? Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Turn a set of stockings into an advent calendar with special treats as you count down to Christmas. The spores can survive when rice is cooked. Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared food, and leftovers within two hours.". We have plenty more tricks up our sleeveahead, you'll discover a myriad of simple, seasonal projects, from strung garlands (made from waxed dental floss!) Place the ground beef, still in its packaging, on a tray with a lip or in a container that can capture any juices as it thaws. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Full Access first month 5, then 9.99 per month, cancel at any time. To help you curate a subtle, simple, and festive holiday scene, we went ahead and rounded up several quick and easy Christmas decorating ideas that you can tackle in 30 minutes or less. "For example, a refrigerator set at 35 degrees might lengthen the thawing time compared to a refrigerator set at 40 degrees." He specializes in the service and maintenance of built-in refrigerators, wine coolers and ice machines. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you're not a member,join Which? In about an hour, smaller cuts of meat can defrost in cold water, while a microwave makes the process even faster. Where you store your food can impact how long it stays fresh and reduce your risk of cross contamination. The constant temperature allows the meat to defrost slowly and evenly, producing a better texture and taste when cooked. You may also have to factor in extra space at the back, sides and/or top for air to circulate. "Followed the method and defrosted the freezer.". This article was co-authored by Aaron Beth. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Defrost-a-Refrigerator-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Defrost-a-Refrigerator-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Defrost-a-Refrigerator-Step-1.jpg\/aid10628661-v4-728px-Defrost-a-Refrigerator-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"