Freezers

Although it may sound ludicrous, ConsumerSearch found that the biggest problem with many freezer  models is that they do not 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.

Recommendations

ConsumerSearch says that these are the top freezers, each running between $400-$500:

Frigidaire FFU1764  Frost-free upright.	Kenmore 24722  Manual defrost upright.	Whirlpool EH150FXM  Manual defrost chest freezer.	Frigidaire AFFC1466D  Frost-free chest freezer.

Freezer Shapes

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 footprint, but cannot hold large items (like large cuts of meat).	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.

Size

• How much storage space do you need?
• Most food gets dehydrated and 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 lbs. 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 basement or garage.
• 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 insulate 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.
• 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
• Built-In Alarm
• Quick-Freeze Option
• Locking Door to keep children out.
• Added Drawers for different temperatures.
• Ice Maker

Major Manufacturers

• Kenmore 
• Amana 
• Frigidaire 
• Haier 
• Maytag 

Related Products

Refrigerators	Vacuum Food Sealers	Freezer Organizers	Freezer Bags	Ice Cube Trays

External Links

• ConsumerSearch: Comprehensive buying advice plus product recommendations.
• Ezine Articles: How to choose a freezer.
• About.com: Saving money with your freezer.
• American Council for Energy Efficient Economy: Top-rated freezers.