aibu to ask you how to defrost my freezer when it won't even open

[travellinghopefully12]

yeah, I know I am being a bit unreasonable posting here, but really concerned so posting for traffic. We live in rented accommodation, so it's up to us to keep it nice - we also have lots of food in the freezer (lovely things like salmon from the reduced section.)

I have opened it (the front door of the freezer) but the three drawers are frozen shut with white frost and thick impenetrable ice on the front.

We have two cool bags for the stuff in the freezer once it's open, but opening the damn thing is another problem.

It's the same unit as the fridge so fridge is off as well.

Any ideas?

Trying a hairdrryer now, freezer is weeping copiously but no where near yeilding. How long will this take?

I have used car de-icer! But only to get massive chunks of ice quickly off after I took the drawers out. Have also used a hairdryer and chisel for the same purpose. De-icer might unfreeze your door although I think I'd just switch it off and wait, the door should open ages before any of the food has chance to defrost if your freezer is tightly packed.

bototm drawer is open. I feel amazing.

I used my floor steamer and it worked a treat :)

Just aim and blast with LOTS of towels underneath.

I do all the things you are not supposed to do when defrosting my freezer on the basis that it needs to be done as quickly as possible to prevent the food from spoiling. I'd sit and wait if there was nothing in there, otherwise needs must.

Don't use anything sharp or you could damage it, a spatula or wooden spoon will loosen stubborn bits.

Don't forget to chuck towels down under the door to catch some of the water

Just don't use a blowtorch. An elderly gentleman hit the news recently for using one to defrost his freezer. Unfortunately he also managed to burn an entire block of posh flats down to little more than a shell.

I had this, freezer defrosting right now. I switched off and waited. Encouraged with hot water and various kitchen implements occasionally. It didn't take that long until the draws could be opened.
Edit: I didn't know hot water was bad