Refrigerator having a defrost heater

A refrigeration appliance, comprising:

• an evaporator;
• a defrost heater, said defrost heater being adapted for periodically subjecting the evaporator to a defrost process;
• and
• a temperature sensor disposed at least in proximity to the evaporator, said temperature sensor being adapted for switching off the defrost heater once the temperature sensor detects a predetermined defrost temperature, wherein the temperature sensor provides a predetermined defrost temperature profile having first, second and third time segments, a first defrost temperature during the first time segment changing to a second defrost temperature during the second time segment, and holding the second defrost temperature during the third time segment.

A method for regulating a defrost process for a refrigeration appliance having an evaporator, a defrost heater having a temperature sensor, and a predetermined defrost temperature profile having first, second and third time segments, the temperature sensor switching off the defrost heater once the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature, said method comprising the steps of:

• producing a first defrost temperature during the first time segment;
• changing the first defrost temperature to a second defrost temperature level during the second time segment;
• and
• holding the second defrost temperature during the third time segment of the predetermined defrost temperature profile.