Freezer Buying Guide

Freestanding Freezers

 A freestanding freezer is a standalone appliance designed for freezing and storing food. Unlike built-in models, it is not integrated into the kitchen structure, providing flexibility in placement. Available in upright or chest designs, it offers various sizes and capacities. Features include adjustable temperature controls, fast-freeze options, and energy-efficient models. Regular maintenance involves defrosting and cleaning. This type of freezer is suitable for households with varying storage needs and allows for easy relocation.

Integrated Freezers

 An integrated freezer is a built-in appliance designed to be seamlessly incorporated into kitchen cabinetry. Unlike freestanding models, integrated freezers are not standalone units. They feature a custom panel or door that matches the surrounding cabinetry, creating a cohesive look in the kitchen. Integrated freezers offer various sizes and configurations, including upright and under-counter options. Their design allows them to blend discreetly with the kitchen aesthetics. While installation is more involved, integrated freezers provide a streamlined appearance and are suitable for those who prioritize a cohesive kitchen design. Regular maintenance involves cleaning and ensuring proper functionality.

Tall

A tall freezer is an upright freezer characterized by its vertical design and increased height compared to other types. It typically features a single or double door, multiple shelves, and compartments for organized storage. The vertical orientation allows for efficient use of space, making it easier to access and locate frozen items. Tall freezers are suitable for those who prioritize convenient organization and accessibility in a relatively compact footprint.

Under Counter

A freestanding undercounter freezer is a compact and standalone appliance that can be placed beneath kitchen counters without requiring built-in installation. It offers the convenience of easy placement and typically features a front-opening door. This type of freezer is suitable for those with limited space who still desire a standalone freezing solution.

Chest 

A chest freezer is a standalone freezer with a horizontal, chest-like design featuring a top-opening lid. Known for their larger storage capacity and efficient use of space, chest freezers are suitable for bulk storage and items that need to be stored in a single layer. They are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and often require manual defrosting. The design helps maintain a consistent temperature, making chest freezers suitable for long-term storage. 

Table Top

 A freestanding tabletop freezer is a small and independent freezer unit that can be placed on a tabletop or any flat surface. It provides a convenient freezing solution for those with minimal space or specific needs. Typically compact in size, it offers the flexibility to be easily moved or relocated. This type of freezer is suitable for individuals or small households looking for a portable freezing option.

Tall

An integrated tall freezer generally refers to a freezer unit with a vertical orientation that is designed to be built into kitchen cabinetry. It is characterized by its height, providing ample storage space. These freezers often have a single or double door that can be customized with panels to match the surrounding cabinetry seamlessly.

Upright

 An integrated upright freezer typically refers to a freezer unit that is also designed for built-in installation but may not be as specifically focused on height. Upright freezers have a vertical design and a front-opening door. Like tall freezers, integrated upright freezers are built into the kitchen structure and can be customized with panels to blend in with the cabinetry.

Undercounter

An integrated undercounter freezer is a compact appliance designed for built-in installation beneath kitchen countertops. Characterized by a front-opening door, it offers sufficient freezing space for smaller households. The design allows for seamless integration into cabinetry, contributing to a cohesive and uniform look in the kitchen. 

Defrost Types

Frost Free

A frost-free freezer is equipped with automatic defrosting technology, preventing the buildup of frost and ice inside. It features a heating element that melts accumulated frost at regular intervals, and the resulting water is drained and evaporated, eliminating the need for manual defrosting. This technology ensures consistent temperatures, enhances convenience, and simplifies maintenance compared to traditional freezers.

Low Frost

Low frost technology in freezers aims to minimize the accumulation of frost and ice within the freezer compartment, reducing the frequency and extent of manual defrosting. While it doesn't entirely eliminate the need for defrosting, low frost technology makes the process less frequent and more manageable for users. This technology often involves design features that improve efficiency, preserve consistent temperatures, and enhance the overall user experience by addressing challenges related to frost build up.

Manual Defrost

Manual defrost is a feature in some freezers and refrigerators where users are responsible for initiating the defrosting process. Unlike auto defrost systems, manual defrost appliances lack an automatic heating element to melt frost. Users must turn off the appliance, remove stored items, and allow frost and ice to melt periodically. Manual defrosting is considered more energy-efficient and cost-effective upfront but involves hands-on maintenance tasks and user intervention. The frequency of manual defrosting depends on factors such as humidity and usage patterns.

Energy Efficiency

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.
• Table Top freezers are the smallest type – they’ll typically be less than 50cm high, wide, and deep.

How to measure for a new Freezer

To measure for a new freezer, follow these steps:

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:

1. Measure the height, width, and depth of the cabinet opening precisely.
2. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for ventilation clearance around the integrated freezer.
3. Measure clearance needed for the door swing to avoid hitting adjacent cabinets or walls.
4. If a custom panel is required, measure its dimensions following manufacturer guidelines.
5. Check electrical requirements for compatibility with the chosen location.
6. Assess floor strength and ensure it is level for proper installation.
   
   

Frost Free Technology

Frost-free technology in freezers automates the defrosting process to eliminate or reduce frost and ice buildup on interior surfaces. This is achieved through an automatic heating element that melts accumulated frost, and the resulting water is directed to a drainage system for evaporation. The technology prevents manual defrosting, maintaining a consistent temperature inside the freezer for efficient cooling and preserving the quality of frozen items.

Fast Freeze

The "fast freeze" feature in freezers enables a rapid reduction of internal temperature to quickly freeze fresh food items. This function preserves the quality of food by minimizing ice crystal formation and is especially beneficial for bulk freezing or preserving large quantities of perishables. Fast freeze is energy-efficient as it is only activated for a short period, preventing prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures.

Adjustable compartments

Open Door alarm

Reversible Door

Adjustable Temperature

 The "adjustable temperature" feature in freezers allows users to customize and control the internal temperature, catering to specific storage needs. This flexibility enables users to set the temperature within a range suitable for different types of frozen items, promoting optimal preservation and extending shelf life. Adjustable temperature settings are adaptable to seasonal changes, enhance energy efficiency, and accommodate specialty items with specific freezing requirements.

Black

Choosing a black freezer can be motivated by its sleek and modern aesthetic, versatility in complementing different kitchen styles, and a timeless, elegant design. The colour black is known for its ability to resist fingerprints and hide wear and tear, contributing to a clean and polished appearance. A black freezer can integrate well with other black appliances, make a bold design statement, and blend seamlessly with dark cabinetry. 

White

Choosing a white freezer can be influenced by its timeless and classic aesthetic, versatile compatibility with different kitchen designs, and the ability to create a bright and airy atmosphere. The colour white is known for its adaptability to various colour schemes, its capacity to hide wear and tear, and its seamless blending with cabinetry. White appliances convey a sense of cleanliness and hygiene, contributing to a pristine kitchen environment.

Stainless Steel / Silver

Choosing a stainless steel freezer is driven by its modern and sleek appearance, versatility in complementing various kitchen styles, and durability. Stainless steel offers easy maintenance, resisting smudges and fingerprints, resulting in a consistently polished look. It matches well with other stainless steel appliances, contributing to a cohesive and coordinated kitchen design. The reflective qualities of stainless steel can enhance the perception of space, creating a bright and spacious atmosphere