How to Keep Your Student Freezer Frost-Free (and Avoid Big Repair Bills)

Let’s be honest: student freezers work hard. Between late-night pizza runs, batch cooking, and trying to squeeze everyone’s meal prep into one little box, it’s no wonder they can get frosty—literally.

Here’s how to keep your freezer frost-free, working its best, and avoid those annoying repair charges for broken drawers!

1. Don’t Open the Door More Than You Need To

We get it—sometimes you just need to stare into the freezer and hope something new appears. But every time you open the door, warm air rushes in. When that air cools down, it turns into frost. So, try to plan ahead, grab what you need quickly, and keep those late-night freezer raids to a minimum.

2. Defrost Your Freezer Regularly

Even the best freezers can get a bit icy over time, especially in busy student houses. If you notice frost building up on the inside walls or around the drawers, it’s time for a defrost.

How to defrost your freezer:

Unplug the freezer (and let everyone in the house know in advance!)
Move food to a cool bag or ask a mate to borrow their freezer space
Let the ice melt naturally (don’t chip at it with sharp objects!)
Wipe up any excess water, dry thoroughly, and plug it back in

Aim to do this at least once or twice a year, or whenever frost gets thicker than a £1 coin.

3. Don’t Overfill It

It’s tempting to pack your freezer like a game of Tetris, but overfilling restricts airflow and can cause uneven cooling, leading to—you guessed it—more frost. Try to leave a bit of space for cold air to circulate, and keep drawers organised so you can find things quickly (see tip #1).

4. Broken Freezer Drawers: Why They Matter

We know the drawers can feel a bit flimsy, but they’re really important for keeping your freezer running efficiently and frost-free. Broken or missing drawers mean cold air escapes and frost builds up even faster. Plus, freezer drawers are expensive to replace—often £25-£50 each (sometimes even more for certain models).

If you notice a drawer is cracked or broken, let your Student Housing team know right away. Don’t try to force it or tape it up, as this usually makes things worse (and can come out of your deposit).