Freezer Buying Guide
Freezer Buying Guide
Looking for a new freezer? This buying guide explains everything you need to know when choosing your appliance, including key considerations like whether to choose a freestanding or integrated model, types of freezers you can choose from, and useful functions that can make your time in the kitchen a little easier. We'll take a closer look at how to find a new freezer below.
What is a freezer?
A staple of the kitchen, a freezer allows you to preserve meals and ingredients so you can keep everything from leftovers to sweet treats in the best condition, packed with flavour and ready to eat.
How to choose a freezer?
There are so many freezers to choose from, which can make finding the perfect appliance seem daunting. But it doesn't have to be. We've broken down how to find a freezer to suit your space into the following steps:
- Choose your freezer fit
- Types of door hinges
- Types of freezers
- Freezer sizes
- How to measure for a new freezer
- Helpful freezer functions
- Freezer energy ratings
- Freezer brands
- Choose a colour
1. Choosing your fit
The first decision you'll have to make when choosing a freezer is whether you prefer a freestanding or integrated model. Typically, this depends on where you plan to put your freezer. For example, if you have less space, an integrated freezer might be the best option. Let's take a closer look below:
Freestanding freezer
A traditional choice, freestanding freezer is a great option. These versatile appliances can be placed in your kitchen or utility room.
Integrated freezer
A built-in or integrated freezer is an ideal option for a fitted kitchen. This type of freezer is hidden behind a cupboard door that matches your cabinets, blending in seamlessly. There's slightly less choice in terms of type with built-in models. For example, you won't be able to get a deep chest freezer as an integrated option.
2. Types of door hinges
If you choose an integrated freezer, you'll need to choose a type of door hinge:
Sliding mechanism:
This type of mechanism means the cupboard door will be on a separate hinge to the freezer itself, connected by a slider that moves as you open the door.
Fixed hinge mechanism:
The type of mechanism uses just one hinge. The cupboard door is screwed directly onto a bracket on the fridge door, so the two parts move as one.
3. Types of freezers
Once you've decided whether an integrated or freestanding freezer would be the best option, you'll need to choose a type of freezer that works best. Your options include:
Integrated freezers
Built-in freezers:
A built-in freezer is integrated into your existing kitchen units. These types of appliances are covered by a cabinet door that matches the others in your kitchen. They can be full height or fit underneath your counter.
Built-under freezers:
A built-under freezer is similar to the built-in models but only comes in a more compact half-height size to fit underneath a kitchen counter. This type of freezer is covered by a door and boxed in at the top and sides.
Freestanding freezers
Tall upright freezers:
Want to max out your freezer space? Upright Tall freezers give you tonnes of freezer compartments and loads of room for frozen goods. They can slot in perfectly alongside a bank of tall kitchen units.
Under-counter freezers:
These freezers fit perfectly beneath your kitchen counter. They pair well with an under-counter fridge and can make a great addition if you're looking for a little extra storage space.
Chest freezers:
A real classic, a chest freezer opens from the top and offers plenty of space for frozen goods. They can fit in your kitchen, utility or garage depending on your space preferences.
4. Freezer sizes
Here's a guide to freezer sizes:
Built-in freezer sizes
- Built-in freezers are typically between 130-178cm in height.
- Built-under freezers are typically between 80-90cm in height.
Freestanding freezer sizes
- Upright freezers can vary between 125-200cm in height, with 54-60cm in width and 60-70cm in depth.
- Under-counter freezers are usually 80-85cm tall, 46-60cm wide and 50-65cm deep.
- Chest freezers are typically 84-92cm high, with the width and depth being flexible depending on the brand or model.
- Compact freezers are the smallest type of appliance. They're typically less than 50cm high, wide and deep.
5. How to measure a new freezer
Measuring for a freestanding freezer is easy: just make a note of the height, width, and depth of the available space and compare this with products as you shop. Leave a few centimetres on either side of where the appliance will sit so that the door can open properly.
Follow these steps to measure up for an integrated freezer:
- Integrated freezers usually come in standardised widths and depths to fit into a typical cabinet, but measure the available space inside your kitchen units and cross-reference this with products as you shop, just to be sure.
- When measuring the depth of your cupboard space, allow a few centimetres at the back so that there's enough room to plug the appliance in.
- Measure the height of the available space inside the cupboard, checking to make sure that your new integrated freezer will fit.
Replacing an existing built-in freezer? Simply check the dimensions and door hinge mechanism of your current appliance and buy a new one that matches.
6. Helpful freezer functions
Once you've taken care of the most important decisions, you can start thinking about some useful functions you'd like to have. Here are some of the advanced freezer features you can choose from:
Frost-free technology
With old freezers, ice can build up within the appliance. This can have an impact on the way your freezer works, and can be annoying when you have to defrost it! Frost-free technology fixes this issue, keeping the air moving at all times to prevent build-up.
Automatic Super Freezing:
You can freeze food more quickly with this function, perfect if your frozen food has started to thaw on the way home from the supermarket.
Freezer guard technology:
Whether you're keeping your freezer in your kitchen, utility room, garage or out house, it will be protected from temperatures as low as -15 degrees—your freezer will still work as it should.
Multi Airflow:
This feature circulates air around the appliance for constant temperature control. Food will be cooled faster, and the quality of the food will be preserved for longer freshness.
Adjustable compartments:
Freezers are available with adjustable compartments to allow you to store a wider range of items, from tall cakes to heavy plates. You can also divide the freezer into smaller compartments depending on what you've got in it.
Open door warning:
The latest freezers come with an open door warning. This handy function plays a sound to alert you if you've left the door open. You'll never have to worry about accidentally thawing your frozen food, and you won't waste energy!
7. Freezer energy ratings
Your freezer's energy rating will determine how much it costs to run. Choosing an energy-efficient freezer can reduce how much your energy bills cost, and also reduce your impact on the environment.
Our freezers are listed with energy ratings from A to G, with A being the most efficient. To find out more, read our guide to energy ratings.
8. Freezer brands
We have a range of freezer brands to choose from, whether you're looking for the best of the best, a freezer that will look great in your kitchen, or one to match the rest of your appliances. Shop brands including AEG, Hisense, Bosch and Miele and more.
9. Choose a colour
Black
White
Grey
Once you've chosen the essentials, pick a colour to suit your kitchen. Choose a sleek black washing machine for a contemporary feel, a classic white washing machine to brighten up a room, or a grey washing machine for something a little easier on the eye.
Freezer FAQs
There's a lot to think about when buying a new freezer. Here, we've provided answers to the questions that customers often ask us. Can't find the answer you're looking for? get in touch and our team of experts will be more than happy to help.
Should I choose a freestanding or integrated freezer?
This will depend partly on where you plan to put your new freezer. Freestanding models can be positioned pretty much anywhere, provided that there's an electricity supply. Integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cupboards, so they are ideal for modern fitted kitchens.
What is a chest freezer?
A chest freezer is a spacious appliance with a door that opens from the top. These types of freezers come in a wide range of different sizes and offer you plenty of space for frozen goods.
What is a frost-free freezer?
Frost-free freezers use a fan to keep the air inside moving at all times, which prevents ice formation and the buildup of frost.
What is the best freezer for a garage?
During the colder months, the low temperatures in a garage or outbuilding mean that some types of freezers won't function properly. Freezers with winter guard technology are suitable for use in cold environments all year round, with some models operating fine at temperatures as cold as -15°C
How long does a freezer last?
Freezers are one of the longest-lasting home appliances and can keep working for 12-20 years.
You can extend the lifespan of your freezer by looking out for signs that it isn't functioning properly and calling a repair specialist if required. Common issues to look out for include regular build-up of ice, loud noises, and frozen food thawing out.
What should I do with my old freezer?
We always recommend recycling any old appliances. When we deliver your new freezer, we can collect the old one too - visit our recycling services page for more information
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