Abstract: A freezer includes a freezer compartment in which frozen items are stored and frozen. Air from the freezer compartment is drawn into a fan panel by a fan. The air is cooled in an evaporator and then returned to the freezer compartment. Flexible baffles are provided in the fan panel. During normal operation, the airflow created by the fan deflects the baffles, allowing the air to flow through the fan panel unhindered. When ice and frost forms on the evaporator, a defrost mode is initiated to melt the ice with heat generated by a heater. The fan is turned off, and the baffles drop to a straight vertical position due to gravity. The vertical baffles create resistance in the airflow and prevent the heated air and moisture generated by the heater from entering the freezer compartment and forming frost on the frozen items.