Auto Defrost? Kelvinators?

[melissa]

Hi

I found a yellow kelvinator fridge at an estate sale. Does anyone know if this model kelvinator has to be defrosted or if they have auto defrost.

Do you know if the autodefrost feature works on any of the old fridges? I've read they have it on some of the Philcos, and GEs with two doors.

Any info would be appreciated! I've never had to defrost a freezer before and want to make sure I'm not getting something that is more work than it is worth!

Here's a picture of the fridge. It's supposed to be in good condition, just a small crack in the plastic. It's plugged in and is keeping things cold.

 

[melissa]

another pic

Here's a picture of the inside!

 

[maytagbear]

Single door refrigerators like this-----

They do not defrost the freezer. The fresh food section stays free of frost, but not the freezer chest, and furthermore, it's not really capable of going near a true freezer section's 0F. At least not if your goal is maximum time between defrostings. Sorry.

HOWEVER, it is a beautiful fridge, and appears to be in good condition.

There are fast methods of defrosting one of these freezers, however. One approach is to turn it off (< always before defrosting!) and place large flat (13x9x2-"lasagne" type pans of Very Hot Water) on the bottom of the freezer, and close the doors. Change the water in about 10 minutes. Or, use a blow-dryer. (carefully!) Or, there are defrosting devices....electrical coils in a cage with legs. Defrosting devices are common on eBay, and sometimes show up in resales like Goodwill or others. Do not use knives, ice picks, or other pointed implements, or you will kill the thing. Ask how I know.

Don't be discouraged. If you want it, go for it! It has a lot of advantages, like a porcelain liner, instead of odour-retaining plastic. It can encourage a person to shop for fresh vegetables and fruit more than once a month. It's likely to be quiet. Most importantly, it's pretty!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[goatfarmer]

That looks like one half of a FoodARama!

 

[petek]

Single door oldies

The 57ish single door GE we had (square look model with the revolving shelves) had auto defrost

 

[norgeway]

Some Kelvinators...

Had what was called hot gas defrost, it basically was a heat pump, every so many door openings and the reversing valve sent hot refrigerant thru the evaporator, and in a very few minutes it was defrosted, good simple system, if yours is one it will have a button at the top that is spring loaded, when the door opens it counts the number of times it is opened and closed, then when the pre determined number is counted..it defrosts.

 

[maytagbear]

SORRY!!

I was just going by my experience with Whirlpool, GE, Indensit, and Frigidaire one door refrigerators as opposed to true frost-free refrigerator freezers. I could have, and should have worded my previous post better.

I hope you all will pardon my arrogance.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[petek]

From this day forward I declare you pardoned !!! lol

 

[rp2813]

Lawrence, that was a safe generalization to make.

 

Single door fridges that auto-defrost are definitely an exception.

 

I'm guessing the estate sale has ended and Melissa may not have the option to buy the fridge anymore, auto-defrost or not.

 

Given the fact that she's in L.A. where MCM anything is in high demand, I'm confident this fridge met up with a happy buyer.

 

[melissa]

thanks

Thank you all for the helpful responses. I did not get the kelvinator, but not because of the autodefrost issue. You guys gave me the courage to experiment with defrosting!

The day I was going to buy the kelvinator, I searched craigslist again (for the millionith time) and after several years of searching, found the exact fridge I want - a ge double door with a fairly large freezer and beautiful chrome handles. Granted this fridge doesn't *work,* but that's a minor detail it's oh so pretty - and I'm going to try to restore it. Wish me luck!

Attached is a picture of my new fridge!

 

[stan]

GE fridge

It looks like its in really nice shape! whats wrong with it? Keep us posted on your restoration (pics) Looks like its going to be worth the effort. Good Luck