Having a separate freezer in your household provides an added level of convenience to your day-to-day life. It allows you to take advantage of supermarket specials, buy your groceries in bulk and store pre-cooked homemade meals. The two main types of freezers to choose from are chest freezers and upright freezers. Depending on your lifestyle, budget and available space, one may be more suited to your needs than the other. Chest Freezers: Pros and Cons In terms of capacity and price, chest freezers can be an economical choice. Chest freezers often allow more flexible storage space compared to upright freezers. Larger, more cumbersome items are easily stored, as there are little to no fixed compartments inside many chest freezers. This, however, means there may be more shuffling around of food in order to fit everything in and find what you need. When looking at how much storage space you get for your money, chest freezers can be great value compared to upright freezers. In regards to energy use, chest freezers are often good at holding their temperature, which can help them run efficiently. One downside is that many chest freezers require manual defrosting, which can take time depending on the model and amount of frost build-up. Because of the size and shape of chest freezers, having enough floor space, as well as sufficient height to open the lid, is vital when installing. Upright Freezers: Pros and Cons When looking to see if an upright freezer is suited to your needs, the following points should be considered. Upright freezers are typically more compact in terms of floor space, making them a practical option for homes where space is at a premium. They are also easier to organise, as they often contain shelves and drawers. This allows foods to be quickly sorted and accessed. However, because of these fixed compartments, storing larger items can be more difficult compared to a chest freezer. Upright freezers can also be more expensive than some chest freezer options, depending on the size, brand and features. Essentially, if space is limited in your household and you want easier access to your frozen food, an upright freezer is a great option as they take up significantly less floor space than chest freezers. Functions and Features to Consider When Buying a Freezer When looking to purchase either a chest or upright freezer, the functions and features are important to take into consideration. Different functions may suit different households, so it is essential to understand what your household needs in a freezer before purchasing one. During the shopping process, it is important to keep the following functions in mind: Fast freeze or quick cooling functions Frost-free operation or manual defrosting requirements Temperature control, either digital or dial Interior light Energy star rating Door or temperature alarm Getting the Most Out of Your Freezer: Frequently Asked QuestionsBelow are five frequently asked questions you should know before buying a freezer. What is the difference between an upright freezer and a chest freezer? A chest freezer is a box-shaped, horizontal freezer with a lid on top. An upright freezer is a vertical freezer that looks and opens in a similar way to a fridge. Which freezer is more energy efficient? Energy efficiency depends on the individual model, size and energy rating. Chest freezers can be efficient at holding their temperature, while some upright freezers may include more modern features. Always compare the energy rating labels of similar models before choosing. What temperature should my freezer be? -18 degrees Celsius is generally the recommended temperature for a freezer. It can take several hours for the freezer to reach this temperature when it is first turned on or when a large volume of food is placed inside. Freezer temperature should be checked regularly. How long will my food stay frozen if I lose electricity? It is important to keep freezer doors or lids closed as much as possible during a power outage. A full freezer can usually hold its temperature longer than a partly filled one. The safety of your food will still need to be checked once the power is back on. Is it common to have frost build-up? Some frost build-up can be normal in manual defrost freezers. Excessive frost build-up can be caused by a faulty door seal, frequent opening or poor air circulation around the appliance. Make sure the door closes properly and the freezer has enough space around it for ventilation, following the manufacturer’s spacing recommendations. Another issue may be that the freezer is too close to the wall, meaning hot air from the compressor does not have enough room to circulate. Try moving the freezer away from the wall to allow extra room for air circulation, following the manufacturer’s spacing recommendations. A separate freezer can make everyday food storage easier, whether you prefer the flexible space of a chest freezer or the easy organisation of an upright freezer. By considering your available space, storage habits, energy rating and preferred features, you can find an option that suits your household needs. Need more freezer space at home? Explore Betta’s range of freezers online or in store, and find a chest or upright freezer that suits your household, space and storage needs.
