Freezer Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Freezer
Freezers come in two distinct styles, upright and chest. Each type is specifically suited to address different needs, so take a moment to weigh their strengths against what will most benefit you. Regardless of which style you choose, you will have to consider where you will place the unit and how much food you plan to keep in it. Each of these decisions will affect the style and size of the freezer you purchase.
| Freezer Type |
Capacity Range (Cu. Ft.) |
Features To Consider |
Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upright |
4.7 - 24.7 |
• Many units come in frost-free configurations • Shelves and drawers for convenient storage and easy access • Lighted interior |
• Ideal for keeping items organized • Good fit for smaller spaces • Reliable performance and economical choice |
| Chest |
3.6 - 25.0 |
• Most units are manual defrost • High energy efficiency • Lift-out drawers for easier organization |
• Ideal for families who store large amounts of food • Stores big and bulky packages easily |
Placement and Use
Regardless of which type of freezer you choose, there are several issues to consider. One of the most important is where you will place the unit. You want to avoid storing your freezer too close to a heat source, such as an oven or near a window with direct sunlight, as this can force the unit to work harder, reducing efficiency. When it comes to determining how large of a freezer to purchase, bigger may not be better. Freezers less than 2/3 full use more energy, so having a large under-stocked freezer will cost you more money in the long run. Select one that meets your capacity requirements or, if you find you're not utilizing 2/3 of the available space, consider adding jugs of water to fill up the empty space to improve efficiency.
• Place manual defrost units near a drain for easier defrosting
• Keep freezer away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight
• Freezers at 2/3 capacity or more maximize energy efficiency
Features
| Interior Lights |
Most upright and some chest freezers feature interior lights, making it easier to see and organize food. |
| Door Locks | Freezers with door locks are especially handy when you have small children. Locking the door not only blocks access, it also prevents young ones from accidentally leaving the door open and spoiling food. Door locks also ensure the unit stays tightly sealed to conserve energy. |
| Adjustable Temperature Control | Models with adjustable temperature control give you the ability to choose the ideal climate for the amount of food you have in the freezer. This improves efficiency and prevents food from getting too warm or too cold. |
| Alarm | Some models feature an alarm that will sound if a temperature change occurs too quickly. Most often, the culprit is an open door and the alarm lets you know in plenty of time to close it and prevent food from spoiling. |
| Adjustable Shelves and Storage Baskets | Movable shelves are generally only available in frost-free freezers. Shelves and baskets make it easier to organize food, helping you to sort new from old so you can prioritize consumption with ease. |
| Food Spoilage Warranty | If you keep a lot of food in your freezer, seek out a model that provides compensation if the freezer fails and food spoils. |
| Magnetic Door Seal | Tightly sealed doors are more energy efficient, and magnetically sealed doors close reliably to keep cold in and heat out. |