Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a recirculating water defroster that dispenses, collects, and recirculates water to defrost food. The recirculating water defroster may include a water dispenser unit, a water pump, and a food placement unit. The water dispenser unit connects to the water pump to dispense water over food placed on or in the food placement unit. The water runs over the food to defrost the food and may be collected in a tub. The water pump recirculates the water collected in the tub to the water dispenser. The volume of water being recirculated may be controlled through the water pump. The water pump may also have a water filtration unit. The recirculating water defroster may be portable or may be integrated with the tub, where the water pump may be located inside or outside the tub. The water pump may be integrated with the food placement unit.