Freezer in conservatory?

ka7e

My freezer is currently housed in the conservatory and has developed a fault with the auto-defrost cycle, which means it is being replaced by the retailer.

I know there is a minimum temperature under which most freezers will not function properly, but is there a maximum one? My conservatory thermometer sometimes records temps of 35 degrees and I wonder if another upright freezer would struggle to operate in the heat?

Also, the model I had before is now only available in black - I'm assuming the outer casing will absorb heat making the problem worse!

I don't have a garage or suitable shed and the conservatory is the only place I have room for a freezer.

12sapphire

We had a small freezer in our conservatory for years without problems. We've now put it in the garage as the larger one in there died a death a few months ago. (the make is Norfrost - not a particularly well known brand I don't think)

TimBuckTeeth

The standard temperature classes for fridges are listed here :

http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/climate-classes-for-fridges-freezers-and-fridge-freezers/

Fridges and freezers sold in the UK are N or SN climate class with a maximum rated temperature of 32˚C.
Above this the temperature inside the freezer will probably rise above the safe temperature of -18˚C and the food will spoil.

As 35˚C is only slightly above the maximum if it is only occasionally for short periods it is unlikely to be a major problem. Although it would be best if you could leave a couple of windows open to keep the temperature lower and keep some flat ice packs in the drawers.

The lower rated temperature of 10˚C or 16˚C could be more of an issue, it is often a problem with fridge-freezers as they do not switch on often enough to keep the freezer cold enough in cold weather, with separate freezers it is less of a problem but depends on the design/brand.
A non frost-free type would be better, Beko state that some models of their freezers will work down to -15˚C.

ka7e

Thanks, that's a great site!

VoucherMan

Bookmarked this thread to remind me to do some research.

My chest freezer (also a Norfrost - not that rare 12sapphire) is currently in my cellar which never gets that cold (i.e. below freezing). I'm planning to move it to an unheated utility room later in the year which has occasionally witnessed sub zero temperatures in the last couple of years.

The freezer's a class N - supposedly minimum 16 degrees C -that's the temperature in my cellar now. It rarely gets much higher, yet all the instructions state is
Whilst the freezer can be used in an outbuilding or garage, this may affect it's performance. Even the website's FAQ just has
Can the freezer be stored in a garage or outbuilding.

The siting of freezers in unheated garages/outhouses may in cold weather give rise to condensation. This is not a fault . However the condensation should be removed using a dry cloth.


Slightly more limiting with regard to high temperatures - do not locate it in direct sunlight or where the temperature rises due to the heat affects of the sun - which would pretty much rule out a conservatory.


All suggests that the classification system is is nothing more than a vague guideline. A bit like a best before date on a tin of food.
So maybe an interesting read, but absolutely no use in deciding whether or not to relocate it.