We all expect our freezers to keep our food frozen for months on end reliably.
However, the reality is that even the newest freezers can be vulnerable to external factors that can cause food to defrost accidentally.
Power outages, natural disasters, and even routine maintenance can all disrupt the freezer’s performance and lead to spoiled food.
Therefore, a simple trick using a frozen cup and a coin can be a lifesaver.
Place a cup of water in the freezer and let it freeze completely.
Afterward, put a coin on top to easily check if your food has defrosted.
How does putting a coin in the freezer work?
The way it works is that if the power goes out or the freezer stops working properly, the water in the cup will start to thaw.
As it does, the coin resting on top will gradually sink down through the melting ice.
When you return home, you can quickly check the position of the coin to determine the fate of your frozen food.
If the coin has fallen to the bottom of the cup, it means the water has completely thawed.
Why is putting a coin in the freezer important?
This indicates that all the food in your freezer has likely defrosted as well.
In this case, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard any perishable items, as refreezing defrosted food can allow dangerous bacteria to grow.
If the coin is still on top of the ice or suspended in the middle of the cup, it means the water hasn’t fully thawed.
There’s a good chance your frozen food is still safe to eat.
You can then inspect each item individually to assess its condition before deciding whether to keep or toss it.
Apart from power outages and natural disasters, the coin-in-a-cup method can also be useful for those who go on trips or leave their homes for an extended period.
Returning to find your freezer has malfunctioned can be stressful, but this trick helps you to identify the safety of your frozen items.
Source: wikiany
