Refrigerator drip defrosting system: what it is and how it works

Basic concept and features of what drip defrosting is

The system facilitates defrosting automatically using the evaporator on the rear panel, so there is no need for manual cleaning. This, in turn, cools the air flow. The temperature inside always remains positive. This approach promotes the formation of condensation on the surface.

Defrosting controls the presence of ice that accumulates in certain areas of the refrigerator. When its layer becomes as large as possible, the system automatically turns off the compressor.

The operating principle of refrigerators with a drip defrosting system

The refrigerator's drip defrosting system is a technology based on the action of cooling and thawing systems. When the device is operating, condensation covers its internal walls; as it accumulates, it flows down and collects in a compartment where a container is located to collect the resulting moisture. Automatic defrosting is accompanied by characteristic sounds, which is why such a system is also known as “crying.”

Reference. The basis of drip defrosting is condensation. The back wall of the refrigerator is equipped with an evaporator - this is a complex of tubes into the cavity of which refrigerant is supplied. Thanks to the cooling composition, a negative temperature is created in the inner chamber, the level of which is regulated by the user.

As moisture accumulates in the refrigerator compartment, it settles on the inner walls in the form of ice crystals. When the accumulated ice reaches a threshold thickness, the compressor is activated and automatically shuts off the refrigerant supply to the system.

The surface of the back wall of the chamber gradually heats up, which leads to the melting of the ice, it begins to peel off, forming a liquid that drains, accumulates in a special container and evaporates. This is a constant cycle of drip defrosting, consisting of water turning into ice, melting and then turning into steam.

What is a refrigerator defrosting drip system?

Products with drip technology are trouble-free to use, and their cost is in the middle range. The principle of drip defrosting of the refrigeration chamber is based on the following aspects:

1. The equipment is equipped with a panel in which moisture accumulates and is discharged into specially installed tanks.
2. The defrosting process is carried out silently for residents thanks to the built-in mode, which optimally determines the time of freezing and thawing.
3. Refrigerators operating using this method are equipped with an alarm that is triggered during periods of elevated internal temperature. In this case, users are immediately notified that the refrigerator needs to be defrosted.

The drip defrosting function is well thought out. The only thing is that sometimes it is necessary to clean the containers that collect water so that they do not become clogged.

The principle of operation of the refrigerator drip defrosting system

The chambers of the device are cooled using a serpentine tube mounted in the radiator grille. It's called an evaporator; freon condenses here. The system operates continuously until the set temperature is reached.

The compressor then stops the flow of refrigerant. At this time, the evaporator heats up. Under the influence of temperature, the ice accumulated on the back wall of the chamber slowly melts. Through a special hole, the drops flow into the tray. This defrosting system is also called a “crying wall.” When the entire assembly is put back into operation, the water dries up.

Drip defrosting of a refrigerator has a number of advantages:

• long service life due to the absence of complex parts;
• defrosting of the cooled chamber occurs automatically;
• preservation of useful volume due to the absence of bulky elements in the unit;
• ease of operation and maintenance;
• low price compared to its main competitor.

The drip system is intended for refrigerator compartments only and does not remove ice from freezers. They have to be defrosted manually.

Moisture also accumulates inside the unit, which promotes the development of microorganisms. The temperature in the lower part of the chamber can be 5-6 0C higher than in the upper part.

Advantages and disadvantages of drip defrosting

The drip defrosting technique has a simple design; its operating principle is based on the simplest physical phenomenon - condensation.

System advantages:

• comfortable operation;
• affordable price;
• high quality;
• quiet operation of the equipment;
• minimal power consumption.

Disadvantages of the system:

• The freezer needs to be defrosted independently;
• The drain hole and drain hose may become clogged.

Advantages and disadvantages of the drip system

Drip defrosting of a home refrigerator, like other technological improvements, has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• freeing the user from frequent defrosting, compared to models with manual defrosting. In units with drip defrosting, this process should be carried out no more than once or twice a year.
• relative cheapness of the models, since the drip model does not require complex technologies for its operation;
• inexpensive repairs, compared to more complex defrosting technologies “No Frost”, “de Frost”, mixed types;
• energy saving. Units with drip defrosting most often have one motor and one compressor, which do not require a large amount of energy;
• preserving the freshness and taste of products without additional packaging.

Refrigerator compartment with drip defrosting

Flaws:

• The freezer still has to be defrosted manually. The drip system only works in refrigerated rooms.
• slow equalization of temperature (cooling) after complete defrosting or a large influx of fresh food.
• uneven temperature in different parts of the chambers. It is always warmer on the upper shelves, as warm air rises.
• The water drain tube may become clogged with crumbs, food debris, or cling film. In such cases, the tube should be cleaned with a syringe or a soft wire, otherwise condensation water will accumulate at the bottom of the unit.
• being replaced by newer models with fully automatic defrosting technology.

The most popular defrosting systems

Modern technologies are perfect for defrosting. They ensure constant air circulation inside. An evaporator is provided between the freezer and main chamber. We figured out what drip defrosting of a refrigerator is, let’s look at popular systems.

The air flow is supplied from one side and exits from the opposite. If the compressor turns off, the water flows into the tank and then evaporates. There are several types of defrosting. Let's look at the most popular of them.

Refrigerators are equipped with separate chambers for storing vegetables.

No Frost defrosting system

No Frost technology means “no frost”. During operation, a snow cap will not accumulate on the inner walls of the refrigerator, which should be removed independently.

The main difference between this system is the absence of an evaporator or air cooler, which is present in standard refrigerators. The evaporator is provided in a recess or on the back wall of the equipment and has the shape of a coil with fins.

The advantages of the No Frost option are as follows:

• minimal effort required for operation;
• uniform temperature throughout the entire volume;
• easy and simple use of technology;
• Condensation does not collect on the back wall;
• Built-in quick freezing function.

Disadvantages of the No Frost option:

• high price;
• such products do not differ in capacity;
• there is a high risk of breakdown due to the presence of many parts;
• consume relatively more energy;
• Quite noisy when working.

However, this defrosting system has more advantages, which is why it is popular among buyers.

Literally, the term “No Frost” is translated from English as “without frost”

Naturecool defrosting system

The Naturecool defrosting system is an innovative, modern development. It does not use forced air circulation. The cold enters the chamber directly from the evaporator, which is located inside the walls. Thanks to this, ice does not form in the chambers.

Refrigerators with this defrosting system have the following advantages:

• high capacity;
• there are additional compartments for storing food;
• quiet work.

Since this defrosting technology is new and is used mainly in Bosch refrigerators, users have not yet discovered any disadvantages.

Cooling in NatureCool refrigerators is carried out without forced air circulation

Direct Cool (drip defrost)

The Direct Cool refrigerator drip defrosting system (which means “directional cooling”) is the simplest, most affordable and reliable. While the compressor is operating, the temperature in the refrigerator gradually decreases due to heat intake from the evaporator. Moisture begins to accumulate and freeze on the back wall. If the temperature becomes as low as possible, the compressor turns off and the air temperature begins to rise.

The Direct Cool drip defrosting system has numerous advantages:

• affordable cost of equipment and maintenance;
• almost silent operation;
• the likelihood of parts failure is reduced;
• widest selection of models;
• low power consumption.

Minor cons:

• not in freezers;
• the back wall is always covered with ice;
• Frequent defrosting is required;
• The walls of the refrigerator compartment can be of different temperatures.

Some users note that water may leak during operation if the drain is clogged. Through it, condensate is removed from the refrigeration chamber. Therefore, manufacturers do not recommend placing equipment on carpet, laminate or parquet.

Low Frost

The Low Frost option is based on an evaporator, which is located across the entire surface of the freezer. This approach makes it possible to maintain temperature and humidity at the same level.

Ice formation is quite slow, and it appears in a thin layer. This makes defrosting much easier. The advantages of the system are as follows:

• there is no strong condensation, which contributes to the appearance of ice;
• the difference between the temperatures of the walls and the air in the chamber is small;
• the entire volume of air in the freezer is cooled;
• Maintenance is quick and easy.

The undeniable advantage of Low Frost defrosting technology is its low cost, simplicity of design and attractive price for consumables. Household refrigerators with such a system are very popular in the market.

LowFrost is a design of an evaporator circuit placed around the perimeter of the freezer behind its inner walls.

Advantages and disadvantages of drip defrosting

Drip automatic defrosting system in a modern refrigerator: what does this technology give to the consumer? First of all, such a system is harmless to human health and does not affect the quality of products. In addition, drip defrosting gives the owner a lot of advantages over the manual defrosting method:

• The refrigerator compartment defrosts automatically, which saves a lot of time.
• During the defrosting process, the use of additional devices is not required: hair dryer, scrapers, etc.
• The device maintains an optimal level of humidity, allowing you to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for a long period of time.

The disadvantages of the drip defrosting system for the refrigeration chamber can be considered:

• The difference in surface temperature of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment, which in the lower and upper parts can reach 5°C.
• Stopping the refrigerator can negatively affect the quality of perishable food products.
• A clogged drainage system leads to water appearing at the bottom of the device.
• The effect of the “crying” evaporator applies only to the refrigerator compartment, without affecting the freezer.

So, drip automatic defrosting system, is it good or bad? According to the general opinion of service center specialists, the main advantage of this technology is the simplicity of the design, which affects the cost of the device. The main disadvantage is the possible peeling of the back wall of the refrigerator from the surface of the evaporator. The air gap disrupts the thermoregulation process in the chamber, the compressor stops turning off, which leads to icing of the back wall of the refrigerator.

What to choose, drip defrosting or an air defrosting device - this must be decided by the consumer, based on his financial capabilities and requirements for the refrigeration cabinet.

Rating of the best models of refrigerators with a drip defrosting system

Here is a rating of the best models of refrigerators with a drip defrosting system according to users’ opinions and sales volumes.

Refrigerator Shivaki SHRF-90DP

An inexpensive and spacious refrigerator from the manufacturer Shivaki is an affordable budget option, its average cost is 12 thousand rubles. The equipment weighs only 26 kg. Perfect for a rented or small apartment.

The original design allows the refrigerator to be used in conjunction with a bread maker, dishwasher and other appliances. There are two doors that open separately. The kit comes with various useful accessories.

Important Features:

• class A energy consumption savings;
• silent operation;
• The drip system is only in the main chamber.

Among users, this refrigerator received 4 points out of 5.

Price: ₽ 12,000

Refrigerator Indesit SB 185

A powerful, large and capacious device with a drip defrosting system. The total volume of the chambers is 339 liters. The quality of defrosting is at the highest level; even after a power outage, the cold will remain in the chambers for up to 15 hours.

It operates almost silently, but has class B energy consumption. The average cost varies from 18 thousand rubles. The technique has received a large number of positive reviews.

Price: ₽ 18,000

Refrigerator Pozis RK 139

A beautiful and stylish refrigerator from a Russian manufacturer with a bottom-mounted freezer. The model has a strict design and is made in white. It is distinguished by its height, capacity (285 liters) and economical energy consumption.

The original design has the ability to overweight the doors in order to open them comfortably. The average cost is 19 thousand rubles.

Price: RUB 19,572

Comparison: drip defrost system for refrigerator and No Frost

A similar type of defrosting is No Frost, or dry defrosting. A No Frost refrigerator also has a cooling panel and a compressor, but additionally has fans installed that distribute air throughout the refrigerator compartment.

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Thanks to this, the cooling of the compartment is more uniform. Although condensation is present on the rear panel, it is in much smaller quantities. These units do not need to be defrosted.

There are several subtypes of No Frost technology:

1. Frost Free means that the freezer operates on the No Frost principle, and the refrigerator compartment is defrosted by drips.
2. Total or Full No Frost - the “no frost” system operates in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
3. Innovation in the field of No Frost technology - separate fans for the freezer and refrigerator, which ensures the freshness of food and the preservation of specific odors only within separate chambers. This technology is called Neo Frost. The latest Beko models are equipped with it.

Drip defrosting system or No Frost: which is better?

To find out which system is better, you need to pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of each technology.

Benefits of No Frost:

• The air in the refrigeration compartment is of the same temperature throughout the entire volume.
• Almost complete absence of condensation. This has a beneficial effect on the safety of products, since bacteria multiply in a humid environment.
• Freezers operate using No Frost technology.
• Fast freezing function available.

Drip defrosting system or No Frost: which is better
Disadvantages:

• The compartments are less spacious.
• The cost of the equipment is higher compared to units equipped with a drip system.
• Consume more electricity.
• Produce more noise during operation.
• Due to the more complex technical design, they break down more often.
• Products without packaging quickly weather and dry out.

Buyers who choose drip defrosting note the reliability of the equipment, lower cost, and ease of use.

However, the disadvantages do not go unnoticed:

1. Surfaces can only be washed with mild, non-abrasive detergents; it is prohibited to use metal sponges.
2. Forced defrosting and cleaning must be carried out at least once a year.
3. Do not scrape frost off the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment.

Read more ► How to properly transport a refrigerator lying on its side or vertically, how long after it can be turned on

The characteristics of the units also vary regardless of the defrosting principle, which makes the choice even more difficult.

Comparison table: Low Frost, No Frost or drip system

Refrigerators with drip defrosting combined with a freezer that requires forced defrosting are gradually becoming a thing of the past. The drip system is complemented by No Frost or Low Frost technology.

Comparative review:

Comparison table of the best drip defrosting systems for refrigerators

Defrosting a refrigerator with a drip system

There is no need to defrost the refrigerator compartment in units with a drip system, but the freezer operates in the usual, traditional mode, so it will have to be thawed approximately 1-2 times a year.

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Some refrigerator models have an audible signal to notify you when manual defrosting is required. In other cases, it is necessary to focus on the thickness of the ice on the walls. If the thickness of the ice approaches 1 cm, it’s time to defrost.

Defrosting procedure:

1. All food is removed from the refrigerator.
2. Turn off the freezer or the entire unit.
3. They put a basin on the bottom, lay rags and newspapers. The doors are not closed to ensure the flow of warm air.
4. You cannot pry the ice with sharp objects. To reduce defrosting time, you can direct air flow to the freezer compartment from a fan operating in cold air mode.

Some models of refrigerators have a drainage hole in the freezer and components for draining melt water.

Caring for a refrigerator with a drip system

Some users are confused by the appearance of the back wall of the refrigerator, along which water flows from time to time. They try to wipe up the water or urgently dial the customer service number. In fact, this is a planned, carefully calculated process, and nothing needs to be done about it.

You don’t have to worry about the fact that such a device requires manual defrosting, since the drip system is quite well designed. The only thing that needs to be remembered periodically is cleaning the containers that accumulate water, as sometimes they tend to get clogged.

To carry out this procedure, you can read the instructions in more detail, which describe methods for cleaning containers. Typically, a syringe or thin wire is used for cleaning. These auxiliary tools will help remove stuck dirt particles from the holes.

How to defrost a refrigerator with a drip system

Defrosting of the refrigerator compartment occurs automatically, but removing the layer of ice from the freezer is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Unload perishable foods from the refrigerator compartments; products are stored in another installation or packaged in special thermally insulated containers. If food in the freezer is frozen into a layer of ice, it is removed during the equipment cleaning process. It is strictly forbidden to speed up the defrosting process by mechanically removing the frost layer, as there is a risk of damage to the cooling circuit.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the household electrical network.
3. Open the compartment doors and place a moisture-absorbing cloth around the perimeter of the case. If the installation design provides an additional drainage pipe, it is connected to the drain hole and discharged into a container for collecting melt water. Some refrigerators have a special tray under the freezer designed to collect melt water. As the tray is filled, it is removed from the mounting socket, and the water is drained into the sewer or a previously prepared container.
4. Wait until the remaining ice is removed and wipe the chambers with a dry cloth. To eliminate unpleasant odors, surfaces are washed with a solution of baking soda. It is also recommended to remove the rubber seals and remove accumulated dirt.

To eliminate unpleasant odors, surfaces are washed with a solution of baking soda.

Refrigerator design with a drip system

Refrigerators with drip defrosting element by element include:

• compressor;
• a condenser (zigzag tube on the back wall) filled with refrigerant - heat is removed through it to the outside;
• capillary tube (in which gaseous refrigerant condenses into liquid);
• the evaporator (tubes inside) absorbs heat from the internal chambers, cooling them;
• a relay with which you can control the temperature.

For greater efficiency of cooling processes, the inside of the refrigerator body is lined with heat-insulating materials. The internal volume of the refrigerator does not reveal the presence of technical elements and meters of all kinds of tubes; the walls are smooth.

On a note! New models of refrigerators are equipped with displays that display information about the temperature inside. Here the accuracy of the set mode is +/- 0.5 degrees.