Defrosting "frost free" fridge freezer so as not to ruin oak floor

pigeonpie

I have a 6 year old Hoover frost free fridge freezer which now has total snow in the freezer compartment and a big block of ice in the fridge.
It's semi built-in, in a space where an integrated FF used to be (which went wrong and landlord didn't replace with integrated, due to cost).

The unit it's standing in is partially oak. The kitchen floor (4" below bottom of the FF) is solid oak.
Obviously if oak gets very wet, it will warp.

I want to replace the FF with an integrated frost free FF.
Any ideas on how to defrost it while protecting the oak cabinet and floor please? Any ideas on a replacement - I'm keen on a good quality quiet (open kitchen in flat) German made 70/30 FF with as long a warranty as possible.

Thanks for any help.

HappyMJ

Towels...mop up any spills immediately. The oak will not warp if it gets wet and is dried out straight away. Make sure the room is warm and dry so that it evaporates quickly.

samejh

Put a sheet of plastic down, or a layer of carrier/bin bags topped with towels.

I would also place a towel in the bottom of the FF.

pigeonpie

Thanks! I'll be out while it defrosts. Fingers crossed that it doesn't drip in the cut out space underneath the FF. That would go through the ceiling and I can't get there with bin bags and towels (not without moving the actual fridge first)
Going to do it tomorrow.
Do you think I could put raw chicken, fish and dairy products back in the fridge after it's been back on for about half an hour? I am going to do my shopping tomorrow late afternoon.

Now trying to find a kitchen appliances company that will deliver up to the second floor, no lift. None of the cheaper ones want to!

kboss2010

You can buy freezer defroster spray from Lakeland for a few ££s and if you spray that on it will defrost faster. Also, turkey trays work well if you get a cheap shallow one it will fit under the bottom bit of your freezer

roddydogs

If its FF how is it iced up? must be faulty or the door seals have gone.

maman

You could start it off tonight. I find putting trays (I use roasting trays) of boiling water on the shelves helps to defrost quickly. Replace them regularly.That way the big lumps of ice/snow might fall away before you have to go out.

If it's as cold where you are as it is here then just put the food in a cold/unheated place for a while.

jackyann

Old towels on the floor and in the bottom of the freezer.
I have a wonderful quiet Miele FF, which I am hoping will last me out as it cost so much......