Freezers

An upright freezer refers to a freezer that looks like a standard refrigerator with a door that opens outward. It may contain adjustable shelving, pull-out bins, and storage drawers. They offer advantages and disadvantages when compared to a chest freezer. Upright freezers have lower energy efficiency since cold air escapes the freezer and sinks to the floor every time the door opens. The refrigerator then uses more energy making cold air to replace it. However, space-saving upright freezers provide easier access to the food.

Upright freezers come in all shapes and sizes, from large freestanding freezers to countertop freezers. Large freezers work well in spaces such as a garage where you have lots of room. Countertop freezers offer an advantage because they can sit on a countertop in areas with limited floor space. They also offer accessibility to quickly reach food and for those with mobility issues who struggle to bend down.

Excess ice and frost buildup happens in all types of freezers. It prevents the freezer coils from operating. The unit then becomes unable to properly freeze the food. Upright freezers offer auto and manual defrost options.

Automatic defrost means the freezer’s heating elements cycle on and off during the day. Water from melting ice gets discharged through a small hose at the back of the freezer, and then down to a drip tray at the base. It requires very little maintenance. Disadvantages include lower energy efficiency and more noise. They also cost more than manual options. Most upright freezers have auto defrost, but HomElectrical sells some upright freezers from Whynter with manual defrost.

Manual defrost means you must manually defrost the freezer coils so air can flow through. When the frost buildup becomes a quarter to a half inch thick, unplug the appliance, remove all items from the freezer, and pull off large pieces of frost. Manual defrost freezers tend to cost less than auto defrost options. While more energy efficient, manual defrost requires more time and labor.

Freezers work in a variety of locations to supplement your kitchen fridge freezer or to provide access to frozen foods in other locations, such as basements, offices, and garages. When choosing a freezer, consider the following factors:

Storage space: To determine how much freezer storage you need, first figure out how many people will use the freezer. Generally, you need 1.5 cubic feet of storage per person.

Location: Not all freezers work in all locations. Some freezers may not operate in an unheated garage. The compressor will turn off if the temperature inside the freezer matches the temperature in the garage. If you want to keep your freezer in the garage, purchase one labeled as “garage ready.”

Security: If you keep your freezer in a location easily accessible to children, you may worry about them accessing the freezer and leaving the door open. Some freezer models include a security lock and key to prevent this problem.

Temperature controls: Make sure you know the correct temperature for your food and beverages. Find a freezer that accommodates the range you need. A freezer with mechanical temperature control allows you to set your desired temperature within that range.

Other features a freezer might offer include a reversible door, storage baskets, a temperature memory function to return to the temperature you set after a power outage, and a temperature alarm that lets you know if you left the door open or the temperature rises. They also many include certifications such as Energy Star.