De-Frosting an Upright Freezer

Kido

My freezer is not freezing like it should so I've invested in a new one.
I was thinking about how to keep the food cold as I will need to empty the old one before the new one comes. My neighbour suggester wrapping each of the baskets in blankets and then de-frosting the freezer before putting the baskets back in.
2 questions - How do you defrost it? - Do you just unplug it and put a bowl of boiling water in it? and How much water will be released from it (it's about 5 drawers high) and where will it be discharged from.

Sorry if these are obvious questions, I'm just not quite sure.

Thanks,

Kido

davetrousers

Unplug it, you can use a hairdryer to help melt the ice, but remember to be very careful as water and electricity is dangerous! As the ice warms you can pick bits of ice off, but don't force it.

Most Freezers have some form of spout at the bottom that either clips on or pulls out, so put a (washing up size) bowl underneath

economiser

I have a steam cleaner that defrosts my freezer very quickly.

swake

Just turn it off place a large towel at the bottom and wedge the door open it should take 4-5 hours to defrost. I dont think i would go near it with a hairdryer unless you want to kill a few hours, or maybe yourself. lol

she_grinch

I put the turkey tin in the bottom to catch falling ice