Power Went Off With a Full Viking Freezer: Safe Choices on What to Keep

After a storm knocks out the power, the first question is always the same: can I save what is in the freezer? A full, closed freezer holds its cold far longer than a half-empty one, but the answer depends on how long the power was off and how the food feels.

During the outage

• Keep the door closed. Every opening lets cold air escape.
• Group packages tightly together. Frozen items keep each other cold.
• If the outage drags on, move food into a cooler with ice if you can.
• Place a thermometer inside before storms, so you can read the true temperature afterward.

Judging the food afterward

Food that still contains ice crystals or feels as cold as if it were in a refrigerator is generally safe to refreeze, though quality may drop. Anything that has thawed completely and sat warm for a long period should be thrown out. Meat, poultry, seafood and dairy are the highest-risk items. If you cannot tell, do not taste it. Throw it away.

Restarting the unit

1. Check that power has been restored and that the cord is firmly seated.
2. Wait a few minutes before turning it back on if the lights flickered, since a surge can harm the compressor.
3. Listen for the compressor to start, then give the unit several hours to reach its set temperature.
4. Look for pooled water and wipe it up so it does not freeze into a sheet of ice.

If the unit stays warm, makes clicking sounds without starting, or trips the breaker, stop and call for help. A surge protector designed for large appliances is a sensible investment in storm country.

Book a visit through our freezer repair page. We quote the price in writing first, and our work comes with a 30-day workmanship warranty.