I need to determine the best way to manage our freezer. Overall, I'm trying to figure the most efficient way for it to be cold when we arrive, stay cold when shut off while cruising, and minimize frosting. On weekend trips we only put a few things in it (ice cream, etc.), but never more than 20% of its capacity. Should I put in some styrofoam blocks to cut down on the air space, or add some gel freezer packs to maintain the temp? Both, neither? We normally keep the (empty) freezer running when the boat is connected to shore power, but shut off the freezer when sailing. Thanks. Harry Bethesda, MD 2002 Hunter 456 - "Czech Mate"
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Fill it with jugs or bottles of water that soon
become ice. If you open an empty freezer the air temperature rises immediately to nearly room temp. If it is full of frozen food the food will store many BTU's of zero degree heat. The unit won't cycle as often and will keep cold longer. Works at home and it works on the boat.
become ice. If you open an empty freezer the air temperature rises immediately to nearly room temp. If it is full of frozen food the food will store many BTU's of zero degree heat. The unit won't cycle as often and will keep cold longer. Works at home and it works on the boat.
another cooler
In addition to Ross's good advice, we also keep all our of drinks in a separate cooler. The fewer times the main one is open, the better.
In addition to Ross's good advice, we also keep all our of drinks in a separate cooler. The fewer times the main one is open, the better.
Both Good Advice
And both will help reduce frost, which is (largely) water, contained in the warm air that is let into your refer when the lid is raised, condensing on the cold surfaces inside the box. Less available air volume means the refer ships less warm air when it's opened; fewer/briefer openings means less warm air gets into the box as well.
And both will help reduce frost, which is (largely) water, contained in the warm air that is let into your refer when the lid is raised, condensing on the cold surfaces inside the box. Less available air volume means the refer ships less warm air when it's opened; fewer/briefer openings means less warm air gets into the box as well.
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