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Freezer Buying Guide
Category: Guides
Looking for a new freezer? This freezer buying guide explains everything you need to know when choosing your appliance. Starting with key considerations like whether to choose a freestanding or integrated model, we’ll move on to consider the different types of freezers and much more.
Read on to learn more about:
- Choosing your fit
- Types of freezers
- Freezer sizes
- How to measure for a new freezer
- Useful functions to consider
- Freezer energy ratings
- Choosing your colour
- Freezer brands
- Freezer FAQs
Choosing your fit
The first decision to make when buying your new freezer is whether to go for a freestanding or integrated model. This will depend partly on where you plan to put it – for example, a built-in model is the right choice if you’re looking to integrate it into a fitted kitchen.
Freestanding
If you’d like to have an appliance that can be positioned pretty much anywhere that has a power socket, then a freestanding freezer is right for you. These versatile appliances are just as at home in your kitchen as your utility room – and there are plenty of different types to choose from depending on the needs of your household (more on these below).
Integrated
An integrated or built-in freezer is ideal for a fitted kitchen. These appliances are hidden behind a cupboard door that matches your kitchen units, 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 to maximise on storage space.
Door hinge types
If you opt for an integrated freezer, bear in mind that the door could use either a sliding or fixed hinge mechanism:
- A sliding mechanism means that the cupboard door will be on a separate hinge to the freezer itself, connected by a slider that moves as you open the door.
- A fixed hinge 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.
You don’t need to worry about this if you’re installing an integrated freezer for the first time. Both types of mechanism will work with all cabinets and an installer will be able to fit the door for you.
When replacing a built-in freezer, the easiest option is to replace like with like (although you can swap a sliding mechanism for a fixed one without too much trouble).
Types of freezers
There are several different types of freezer to consider. The range of choices available to you depends on whether you’re after an integrated or freestanding appliance.
Integrated freezer types
Keen to have an integrated freezer that blends in with your kitchen décor? There are two options open to you in terms of integrated freezer types: built-in or built-under.
Built-in freezers
As the name suggests, a built-in freezer is integrated into your existing kitchen units. These types of appliances are completely 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
Built-under freezers are similar to built-in models but they only come in more compact half-height sizes to fit underneath a kitchen counter. With this type of freezer, the appliance is covered by a door and boxed in at the sides and the top.
Freestanding freezer types
Choosing a freestanding freezer gives you a few more options when it comes to the different types of freezer that are available. Depending on how much freezer space you need, you could pick a tall upright freezer, an undercounter freezer, a chest freezer, or a compact freezer.
Tall upright freezers
Looking to max out on freezer space? An upright freezer gives you tons of freezer compartments and plenty of room to store all of your frozen goods. These models are the ideal size to position alongside a bank of tall kitchen units.
Under counter freezers
Under counter freezers fit perfectly beneath your kitchen counter. This type of appliance pairs well with an under counter fridge and makes a great addition to your kitchen if you’re just looking for a little extra storage space.
Chest freezers
A classic chest freezer opens from the top and offers plenty of space for frozen goods. You’ll find this type of freezer in a range of different sizes to suit any requirement, so you’re sure to find a model that’s ideal for your household.
Compact freezers
If you’re short on space, then you could consider a compact freezer. The smallest freezers are less than 50cm in height, width, and depth, so they can be placed wherever you like provided there’s an electricity supply nearby (including on a countertop).
Freezer sizes
Once you’ve picked out the right type of freezer, the next step is to consider which freezer size would be right for your household.
Integrated freezer sizes
Integrated freezers are manufactured in relatively uniform sizes to fit standard kitchen cabinets. The width and depth dimensions of a built-in freezer will typically be between 54-60cm, whilst the height can vary more widely:
- Built-in freezers are usually between 130-178cm in height.
- The height of built-under freezers ranges from 80cm to 90cm.
Freestanding freezer sizes
Freestanding freezers come in all shapes and sizes:
- Upright freezers vary between 125-200cm in height, 54-60cm in width, and 60-70cm in depth.
- Under counter freezers are designed to fit underneath your worktop, so they’ll usually be 80-85cm tall, 46-60cm wide, and 50-65cm deep.
- Chest freezers are typically 84-92cm high. There’s plenty of choice in terms of width (52-165cm) and depth (47-75cm) with this type of freezer.
- Compact freezers are the smallest type – they’ll typically be less than 50cm high, wide, and deep.
How to measure for a new freezer
Whichever size and type you go for, make sure to measure up for your 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 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.
Useful functions to consider
With the key decisions like the type and size of your new freezer taken care of, you can start thinking about some of the useful functions you’d like it to have. Freezer technology is constantly developing – here, we’ve outlined some of the features you might want to consider.
Frost-free technology
With older freezers, the inside of the appliance can start to build up frost and even clumps of ice over time. This can be really annoying, particularly when you have to dig through a layer of ice to see what food you have in. Frost-free technology fixes this issue using a fan to keep the air inside the freezer moving at all times, which prevents ice from forming.
Winter guard technology
Many people choose to buy an additional freezer for their garage or outbuilding. Although this is great in terms of providing extra storage space, not all models are made to be used in colder environments. As you shop, look out for freezers with winter guard technology. This ensures that your appliance operates correctly even during the coldest months of the year.
Fast freeze
The fast freeze functionality lets you rapidly lower the temperature of your freezer – perfect for when you get home from shopping and need to cool down frozen food that is beginning to thaw out. Equally, fast freeze comes in handy for saving your frozen food if you ever leave the freezer door open by accident.
InstaSwitch™ technology
The most advanced modern freezers offer InstaSwitch™ technology. A highly innovative feature, this technology lets you transform your freezer into a fridge at the touch of a button. Appliances with InstaSwitch™ also come with fast freeze, so you can quickly cool them back down to freezing temperatures when you’re ready to convert the fridge back into a freezer.
Open door warning
Many newer freezer models come with an open door warning. This handy function plays a sound to alert you if the freezer door is left open by accident. Ever come into the kitchen to find your frozen food thawing out? The open door warning helps to prevent this situation from happening and can also save you money on your energy bills.
Adjustable compartments
Freezers with adjustable compartments allow you to store a much wider range of items. With some models, you can completely remove compartments in the freezer to make space for large frozen foods – perfect for storing the Christmas turkey! Equally, you may want to divide up the freezer into smaller compartments depending on what you’ve got in.
Freezer energy ratings
Your freezer’s energy rating will determine how much it costs to run – and an energy-efficient freezer will also reduce your impact on the environment.
The new freezer energy ratings run from A to G (with A being the most efficient). Take a look at our guide to the new energy rating system for more information.
Choosing your colour
As you shop for your new freezer, we recommend looking for a colour that not only complements your décor, but is also easy to clean. Below, we’ve outlined the benefits of the various colours that you’ll find on the market.
White: White freezers offer a classic look and remain the most common choice today. There are several reasons behind its enduring popularity: white is neutral, pairs well with any decor, and tends not to show up mucky fingerprints.
Stainless steel:
Black: Black freezers are great for making a statement, providing the perfect finishing touch to a stylish, modern kitchen. Black is also a versatile option that can blend into its surroundings with darker décor or stand out in a lighter space.
Other colours: Looking for something a little more daring? If you’d like to add a pop of colour and brighten up your kitchen decor, you’ll also find a range of other shades in our selection including blue, brown, and even purple freezers.
Freezer brands
Whichever make you prefer, you’ll find a wide range of freezer brands to choose from in our selection:
Freezer FAQs
There’s lots to think about when buying a new freezer – and we appreciate that you may still have questions to ask. 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 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 freezer 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 build up 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 freezer 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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