Compact Refrigerators - Ice in mini-fridge freezer-want to get rid of it?

Ice in mini-fridge freezer-want to get rid of it?

I have a mini fridge with a freezer in it that has accumlated a ton of ice. Normally I would just chip it out, but I saw someone giving away my same fridge on craigs list because they did that and broke it. So I am wondering what is the best way to do it without breaking it. Taking all the food out and turning it off isn't an option, its our only fridge.

Public Comments

First thing I'd do is make sure if it is a model that is supposed to be "frost-free." If so then you have to find out why it is gettting a build up of ice. Most likely it is caused by a faulty seal. You could fix that. If it is not a frost free then go ahead and defrost it yourself. My mom used to do ours about once a month. She'd put all the frozen stuff and stuff like milk in a cooler with some ice then get she'd put a pan of hot water in the freezer and use a blow dryer to melt the ice and she'd use a hard PLASTIC spatula (the kind you would flip pancakes with) and then would melt and chip the ice out. It only took about half an hour depending on how long she went between defrosts. Sorry, but taking the food out is really going to be necessary. Plan to eat up the ice cream before you defrost and plan your trip to the grocery store for sometime AFTER the defrost. Best of luck to you. Oh and if it is the seal or you need to do some other maintenance to it, then I recommend one of these sites: http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/refrigeratormaintenance.html or doityourself.com
use a hair dryer and don't stand water