Yes, you can keep food in the fridge while you defrost the freezer. In fact, it's a good idea to transfer perishable items from the freezer to the fridge during the defrosting process to ensure their safety and prevent them from spoiling.
When you defrost the freezer, the temperature inside the freezer will rise, and the frozen items will start to thaw. If left at room temperature, these items could enter the "danger zone" (temperatures between 40°F and 140°F or 4°C and 60°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly, leading to potential foodborne illnesses.
By transferring frozen items to the refrigerator during defrosting, you keep them at a safe temperature, below 40°F (4°C), and slow down the thawing process. The refrigerator compartment will remain cool enough to prevent rapid bacterial growth in the food.
Here are some tips for defrosting your freezer while keeping the food safe:
Plan ahead: If you know you need to defrost the freezer, try to consume or use up as much of the frozen food as possible in the days leading up to the defrosting day.
Transfer perishable items: Move any perishable items from the freezer to the refrigerator before starting the defrosting process. It's best to place these items on a tray or in a container to catch any potential drips as they thaw.
Turn off the freezer or use the defrost function: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for defrosting your freezer. Some freezers have a manual defrost option, while others have an automatic defrost function. If your freezer requires manual defrosting, turn it off and let the ice melt naturally.
Speed up defrosting (optional): You can speed up the defrosting process by placing a pan of hot water or using a hairdryer on a low setting to gently melt the ice. Be cautious not to use sharp objects like knives or ice picks to chip away at the ice, as this could damage the freezer.
Clean and dry the freezer: Once the ice has melted, clean and dry the interior of the freezer to remove any remaining water and prevent mold growth.
Return the food to the freezer: Once the freezer is completely dry, return the food items from the refrigerator back to the freezer.
By following these steps, you can safely defrost your freezer and protect the quality of your frozen food items.