Freezers: Buying Guide

Whether you opt for a chest freezer or upright freezer should really come down to your needs, and if it works for your household. There are pros and cons to them both.

Chest freezers offer more flexible storage space, and are often quieter and use less energy. However, they take up more room, have disorganised storage, and aren’t usually frost free. This means that they’ll generate frost that you will need to defrost frequently. Due to their opening, they are also less accessible for many people.

An upright freezer has more convenient storage, and is more likely to be frost free. Those that do produce frost are easier to defrost though, as the interior capacity is more easily accessed. They also take up less space and have more flexible installation options. However, they do tend to be noisier and use more energy.

The capacity is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new freezer. How much space you need will depend on your household size and lifestyle. Freezer capacities, on average, range from 80 – 400+ litres.

It’s important not to just go as big as possible. A freezer that is only half filled will use more energy, giving you bigger energy bills. It’s therefore important to choose a size that works for your household’s needs.

If you’re simply replacing an old freezer, knowing the dimensions is easy. However, if you’re designing a new space or buying your first freezer, you may not know the dimensions you need.

To figure out the dimensions you require, measure the height, width, and depth of the space you plan to place your freezer. Remember to account for ventilation space. Once you know your measurements, you’ll know the dimensions to look for in a freezer.

A frost free freezer means that no frost builds up on the inside. This works by using specialist Frost Free technology that removes warm or humid air from the freezer to prevent ice build up. This saves you many hours defrosting your freezer – because you’ll never have to again!

All freezers will come with an assigned energy rating from A-G, with A being the most efficient. Freezers run 24/7, and so energy efficiency is particularly important. By choosing a more energy efficient freezer, your food will stay frozen for cheaper.

The ideal freezer temperature is -18°C. This keeps your food fresh and frozen, whilst not using too much energy. Airflow is also important for keeping the right temperature and not using too much energy. Allow a ventilation gap around the outside of your freezer, and don’t pack your food too tightly inside.