[pastor1189]

A chest freezer with manual defrost. Does that mean you need a drain hose
To the outside of your house. What does auto defrost models mean do you still need a drain hose?

[ma0641]

With a manual defrost you may need a drain hose. Most drains are located far enough off the floor that a pan can be used. I just use a rubber mallet and hit the ice and manually remove it. With auto defrost, there is usually a small drain pan and what little water gets into it is evaporated by compressor heat.

[pastor1189]

Great information

[drtom4444]

If you take that advice you will be needing a new freezer soon. NEVER hit on anything in a freezer or refrigerator! You will break something like a capillary tube full of refrigerant gas. I cannot count the units I have seen ruined this way. Just let it defrost and use a little hot water. Freezers do not need defrosting very often, anyway. I like to wash them out with a water hose after taking it outside. If it is a chest model use a wet-vac on it. Be patient and do not tear up a good unit.

[pastor1189]

Haven't gotten it yet. Just doing the primary investigation and opinions Thanks
For the advice, I can use it.

[drtom4444]

I do not think that a self-defrosting model is worth it with a chest freezer, but with an upright model it may be best, unless you do not open it much and you can wash it out to melt off the ice about once every two months. When you add things like outside coils with a fan you add things to go wrong, and you will have to clean the coils every six months to a year.