Choosing a Freezer:

Size and capacity:

As with a refrigerator, consider how much space you have, what you want to store whether you need a combined fridge freezer, an integrated model to slip into a fitted kitchen or a standalone unit.

If you settle on a standalone unit, you then have the option of choosing between an upright or chest freezer. An upright model will be suitable for most kitchens and is easy to store food in thanks to shelves and compartments. In contrast, a chest freezer can provide more storage space, particularly for over-sized items like the Christmas turkey. But due to its size and design, food in a chest freezer can be more difficult to access and is often better suited to storage in a garage (selected brands only) or utility room.

Energy:

Like refrigerators, all freezers should have an energy efficiency rating of A+ to C. The more efficient the unit, the more you save in electricity and cut back on your carbon footprint. Making sure you keep the doors shut and the seals clean will also help it work at its optimum level and prevent frosting.

Features:

Fast-freeze helps prevent the temperature rising when warm items are put inside, helping to preserve the food’s quality and freshness. Some models also have automatic fast-freeze which kicks in when the unit is too warm.

A frost-free freezer will allow fast freezing in all compartments so you never need to defrost.

How it works

The appliance consists of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump (mechanical, electronic, or chemical) which transfers heat from the inside of the fridge to its external environment (i.e., the room in which it's located); so that the inside of the fridge is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the room.