Freezers

Although it may sound ludicrous, ConsumerSearch.com found that the biggest problem with many freezer  models is that they do not actually freeze! Many of the models tested had temperatures higher than the 0°F recommended as the ideal storage temperature; some had readings as high as 48°F.

Since food can spoil at temperatures higher than 0°F, it is clearly important to choose a good model if you plan to keep food in the freezer for any length of time.

Freezer Shapes

Here are some different types of freezers. Depending on the location and amount of space, different freezer types may be more practical for you. 

Upright Freezers  More day-to-day convenience. Looks like a refrigerator. Uses more electricity, because cold air spills out when the door is opened. Smaller physical footprint, but cannot hold large items (like large cuts of meat). Some upright freezers are side-by-side  with the refrigerator.	Chest Freezers  Good for long-term storage. More energy-efficient because the cold air stays in when the top opens. Requires more floor space, but can hold larger items. Most need to be defrosted yearly, although there are some frost-free models available.	Manual Defrost Freezers  Coated with a layer of ice. Ice insulates the freezer and makes it more efficient, saving you money on your electricity bills. Must be defrosted every 6 to 8 months, which can be a hassle.	Frost-Free Freezers  More common and do not develop layers of internal ice. Never need to defrost, but require a bit more energy (and money) to cool. Can dry out food more quickly.

Freezer-Fridge Combination

Freezer and refrigerator combination units allow you to save space in your kitchen, while getting all the necessities.

Side by Side  Pros  More freezer shelves. Small doors for little kitchens. Usually come with in-door ice and water dispenser . Cons Narrow space for both fridge and freezer. Difficult to get large items inside.	Top and Bottom   Pros Traditional appeal (these are the original combination freezer/fridge). Wide space for reaching the back of the freezer and fridge. You can get an aesthetically pleasing French door  freezer. Bottom freezers  are easy to access. Cons Wide doors make it difficult to open in a small kitchen. Rarely have in-door ice and water dispensers.

Size

• How much storage space do you need?
• Most food gets dehydrated and will be barely edible after several months.
• Each household member takes up, on average, 1.5 cubic feet of freezer space. Multiply accordingly.
• A cubic foot of freezer spaces holds about 35 pounds of food.
• In the past, a 20 cubic foot freezer would serve a meat-eating family. Today, in the world of fresh vegetables, a 7-12 cubic feet model is much more reasonable.

• How much room do you have for this freezer?
• The "footprint" is how much floor space the model will take up in your home.
• Keep in mind that the storage capacity refers to the inside of the freezer. The outside will be larger.

Efficiency

• Frost vs. Frost-Free Freezers
• Although frost-free freezers are more efficient, the difference in energy use may not be that large.
• A high-efficiency frost-free model may only cost $10 to $15 more to run per year.

• Seasonal Freezer Use
• If you find that you only enter your freezer in certain seasons, consider a frost freezer.
• They're more efficient and, since you turn it off anyway, not too difficult to defrost.

• If you fill the unused portion of the freezer with blankets or containers of water, they will provide insulation and the freezer will use less electricity.
• EnergyGuide tags tell you how much power the freezer will use in a year. The lower the number, the less energy used. Eco-friendly freezers will be labeled as EnergyStar compliant.
• New freezers, while often more expensive, are usually more efficient and can save you money in the long run.

Other Features

• Internal Organization
• Many chest freezers are just one big empty space, and food can be lost or forgotten at the bottom.
• Some of the better models have sliding shelves or adjustable compartments so that things stay organized as well as frozen.
• You can also look for storage options from another manufacturer, but be sure that they will fit.
• Comprehensive Warranty
• Adjustable Thermostat
• Many will feature adjustable electronic controls.
• If you've done your research you will know if your freezer has a feature like IcePlus that accelerates the freezing rate. It's useful not only for keeping your food fresher but for making ice cubes.
• Built-In Alarm
• Quick-Freeze Option: If you need something stored and fast, this is a good option to have.
• Manual Defrost is a useful feature, but be wary that if it doesn't have a drain you should have a mop and bucket ready.
• You should have a locking door to keep children out. They're also helpful in keeping the stored food at its freshest.
• Added drawers will allow you to have different temperatures. You should organize your food by type so you can set the temperature to fit it perfectly.
• Ice Maker
• These are the alternative to ice cube trays. They're much easier.
• Newer models will most likely come with these in the freezer door.
• You can also often get filtered tap water and ice chips out of the same system.
• Wine coolers are a wonderful option if you take your cooking or collecting seriously.

Recommendations

These are the top freezers , each running between $400-$500.

Frigidaire Upright Freezer  This model is a self-defrosting upright fridge.	Whirlpool EV209NBTQ  If you need extra space this model is a lifesaver. Its upright freezer has a large capacity.	Kenmore 16542  This freezer has a lock and key, lift out baskets, and an interior light.	Kenmore 16922  This freezer is quiet, inexpensive, and durable.

Major Manufacturers

These manufacturers are generally trusted in all of their appliances.

• Kenmore 
• Amana 
• Frigidaire 
• Haier 
• Maytag 

Related Products

These products are both freezer and kitchen related--just what you need for your brand new freezer.

Deni Freshlock Vacuum Sealer Replacement Rolls  Vacuum sealing your food is one of the better ways to keep it fresh and safe from freezer burn.	Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet and Ice Cream Maker  Do you have a sweet tooth? An ice cream maker may be your dream come true.	Ziploc Container Large Bowls  For use in the fridge or freezer, these Ziploc bowls will keep leftover fresh.	Whirlpool Freezer Deodorizer  You don't want your freezer to smell stale. This deodorizer is stronger than baking soda.	Sterilite Ultra-Seal Food Storage Containers   These containers are air- and watertight.

Related Guides

Refrigerators If you decide to get separate refrigerators and freezers, this guide will help you find the second appliance.	Vacuum Food Sealers  Food will last in a freezer when it is vacuum sealed. Here's a guide on how to do it.	Refrigerator and Freezer Organization For large freezers, these organizers can help keep shelves clean and in order. There are options for almost any type.	Freezer Bags  For anyone who regularly uses his or her freezer, these bags will make storing food much easier.	Ice Cube Trays  If you don't have a freezer with an automatic ice maker/dispenser you'll need to stock up on some ice cube trays.