How often do you have to defrost a chest freezer? every 6 to 12 months How Often Do You Have To Manually Defrost A Chest Freezer? Most manufacturers suggest regularly defrosting a chest freezer every 6 to 12 months or when the frost buildup is over 1/4 inches thick. The freezer’s usage affects how frequently… Continue reading How often do you have to defrost a chest freezer?