Buying a freezer is an important decision that significantly influences your household. Whether you’re looking to store groceries, meal preps, or store seasonal produce, having the right freezer at your house saves you time and money, while giving you peace of mind.

With countless options available, finding the right freezer might feel overwhelming. In this Freezer buying guide, we’ll break down what to look for when buying a freezer, helping you choose an option that best suits your needs and budget.

What are the Types of Freezers:

Before identifying What to look for when buying a freezer, one important thing is to identify the types of freezers.

There are four main types of freezers: chest freezers, upright freezers, built-in freezers, and portable freezers. Each has pros and cons, so understanding the differences can help narrow your options.

Chest Freezers= Chest freezers are famous for their generous storage capacity and energy efficiency. They open from the top, which means cold air stays inside even when the lid is open. It helps reduce energy consumption.

If you have a big family, a chest freezer might be the best option. However, chest freezers can be challenging to organise, and items at the bottom may be hard to reach.

Pros: Large capacity, energy-efficient, cheaper to buy

Cons: Takes up more floor space, more difficult to organise, can be difficult to access frozen items.

Upright Freezers:

Upright freezers are similar to refrigerators, with shelves and drawers that allow for easy organisation. They open from the front, making it easier to access items.

Although they are more convenient in terms of organisation and access, upright freezers are less energy-efficient than chest freezers. And also, they normally come at a higher price.

Pros: Easy to organise, saves floor space, convenient access

Cons: More expensive, and less energy-efficient compared to chest freezers

Built-In Freezers:

Built-in freezers are designed to adapt seamlessly into your kitchen cabinets. These are the most aesthetically pleasing options and are perfect for those with a modern kitchen layout. However, built-in freezers are expensive, and the installation process is more complex. They’re also difficult to move if you decide to remodel or relocate.

Pros: Blends into kitchen design, space-saving

Cons: Expensive, hard to relocate

Portable Freezers:

Portable freezers are small, lightweight, and perfect for on-the-go use. They are ideal for camping, road trips, or storing small amounts of frozen goods in a limited space. However, their storage capacity is limited, making them inappropriate for long-term household use.

Pros: Mobile, lightweight, good for travel

Cons: Limited storage, not practical for long-term storage

What to Look for When Buying a Freezer?

1. Capacity and Storage Needs

When considering what to look for when buying a freezer, capacity is one of the most crucial factors. Freezer capacity is measured in cubic feet. It shows how many food items you can store inside the freezer. You should buy a freezer that is sufficient for your household size and food storage habits.

As a general rule, about 1.5 to 2 cubic feet of freezer space is enough per person in your household.

If you frequently buy bulk items or freeze large portions of food, a chest freezer might be more appropriate since it has more storage space. On the other hand, if you need a freezer for everyday use, and storing smaller amounts of food, an upright freezer may be more suitable.

Remember that it’s better to slightly overestimate your freezer needs rather than run out of space. If you plan to grow your family or start meal prepping, buying a larger model will be a good decision.

2. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the most important factors you need to consider when buying a freezer. Since freezers operate 24/7, they consume a significant amount of electricity.

Choosing an energy-efficient freezer can save you a lot of money on your electricity bills in the long run. The best way to measure energy efficiency is to look for a freezer with an Energy Star rating. Energy Star Rating guarantees the freeer meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for energy use.

Usually, the energy-efficient freezers are expensive. But the savings in energy bills over the freezer’s lifetime make them a smarter financial option. Additionally, these models are more environmentally friendly, helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Frost-free vs. Manual Defrost

One of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to go for a frost-free or manual defrost freezer. Frost-free freezers automatically control the ice buildup. It saves you the hassle of manually defrosting.

However, they are slightly more expensive and use more energy. Manual defrost models are cheaper and more energy-efficient. However, they require regular defrosting, which can be time-consuming.

4. Temperature Controls

Look for a freezer with adjustable temperature settings. Some freezers offer digital temperature control, helping you to set specific temperatures for different types of food. It is helpful if you’re storing specific items like meat, which require lower temperatures to stay fresh.

5. Shelving and Storage Baskets

Shelving and storage baskets can make organising your freezer much easier. Chest freezers, in particular, benefit from baskets that can help separate different types of food. Upright freezers come with multiple shelves, so look for adjustable shelving options to maximise flexibility.

6. Door Style and Seal

The type of door can also affect energy efficiency. Chest freezers with top-opening lids are more energy-efficient because less cold air escapes when you open them. Upright freezers with well-sealed doors ensure minimal air leakage, so check for models with airtight seals to maintain consistent internal temperatures.

7. Noise Level

If you place the freezer in a living area or near bedrooms, consider its noise level. Some freezers can be quite noisy, which could become a problem in quiet spaces. Check for models with sound ratings or read customer reviews to measure noise levels before purchasing.

8. Locking Mechanism

For families with small children, a locking mechanism can provide peace of mind. This prevents kids from accidentally opening the freezer or tampering with its contents. It’s also a good feature for freezers placed in shared spaces or garages.

9. Build Quality and Durability

When considering what to look for when buying a freezer, pay attention to the quality of materials used in its construction. A well-built freezer made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or durable plastic will last longer and provide better insulation, keeping your food at a consistent temperature.

Additionally, high-quality insulation can control temperature fluctuations that affect food preservation. Freezers with thicker walls and better insulation materials will maintain their efficiency for a longer period and reduce the risk of mechanical issues.

10. Price Range and Budget

Freezers vary in price depending on their size, type, and features.

When deciding on your budget, consider how much space you need, what features are essential, and how much energy efficiency matters to you.

It’s worth investing in a quality freezer that will last longer and perform better, even if it means paying a little more upfront. Balance your budget with your long-term needs to avoid overspending on unnecessary features or underbuying and needing to replace the freezer in a few years.

11. Maintenance and Warranty

Maintaining your freezer properly can expand its lifespan and keep it operating efficiently. Regular maintenance tasks include cleaning the interior, defrosting when needed (for manual defrost models), and checking the door seals for wear. Always refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to ensure you’re caring for the unit properly.

Finally, when buying a freezer, check the warranty details. A good warranty should cover parts and labour for at least 1-2 years. Higher-end models may offer extended warranties, which can be a good investment if you’re buying a premium freezer.

In summary, choosing the right freezer involves a careful review of your storage needs, energy efficiency, and desired features. Whether you choose a chest freezer, upright freezer, built-in, or portable model, make sure to select one that fits your lifestyle and budget. 

By keeping the key factors mentioned in this guide in mind, you can confidently make an informed decision about what to look for when buying a freezer.

Contact us today:  

Phone: (03) 9794 8627  

Fax: (03) 9794 7258  

Email: sales@melbournerefrigeration.com.au  

Visit us during our trading hours to see our range of freezers and other high-quality commercial refrigeration equipment. We look forward to helping you find the perfect solution!