How to Choose a Freestanding Freezer

Freestanding freezers are ideal to store food specials and homemade sauces. If you are replacing a refrigerator freezer that is integrated be sure that it is a good fit in your space. This may mean you need to add an additional bridging cabinet if your freestanding unit is shorter than the cabinet housing it.

Features

Freezers are a set-it-and-forget-it appliance however, there are a few essential features that make freezers user-friendly and help you keep frozen food items in good condition. Look for an on-off indicator light, a thermometer and a foot or wheels that can be adjusted to level the freezer if it is set on a floor that is uneven.

The variety of storage options is a crucial factor, particularly in the case of small items such as packaged meals and other produce. Most upright freezers come with shelves, drawers or racks to store smaller food items. This lets you keep a variety of things in one place instead of stacking them up and not being able to see what's inside.

Chest freezers are more spacious than upright freezers. They're ideal for large families or hunting or anyone who needs the space to store food in large quantities or for long-term storage. They also keep their cold temperatures efficiently and use the least energy. Certain models are designed to stand up to extreme temperatures, which makes them a great option for garages as well as other areas of the home that could experience significant temperature fluctuations.

Consider an ENERGY STAR The Most Efficient Freezer if your goal is to lower your energy bills even further. This kind of freezer is 10 percent more efficient than standard models and will reduce your electricity usage by up to 441 kWh annually.

A ENERGY STAR refrigerator is not just energy efficient, but also is in compliance with strict environmental standards. It comes with a five-year warranty. It's also a good option for RVs since it can be used in winter and is connected to the generator.

If you're planning to put in an additional freezer in a kitchen where one is already in place, determine if the appliance is built-in or freestanding. Integrated fridge-walk-in freezers are more costly than freestanding models because they require a taller end panels as well as the bridging cabinet to install. Some models can be installed close to the cabinets on either side to make them appear like they're integrated. This can also make them more aesthetically pleasing to your style.

Design

A freestanding freezer is an ideal option for those who have constructed their kitchen and wish to expand their storage space. It can also be used as a basement rec room or garage, or in a commercial kitchen. If you opt for stainless steel the walls of the appliance will be coated in the same color as the front door so it will look sleek and elegant regardless of where you put it.

The main difference between an integrated fridge freezer and a freestanding one is that a stand-alone doesn't need to fit inside a housing cabinet and so can stand up on its own. This means that it's generally less expensive than a integrated version. If you're required to build an enclosure (as when replacing an integrated model) and the price will increase. You may need taller end panels and a bridging cupboard.

If you're looking to store smaller items that require to be easily accessible, an upright freezer could be ideal for you as they often have shelving, drawers, racks and door compartments to help keep everything organized. This allows you to quickly locate what you're looking for without having to search through a plethora of food items.

There are models that come equipped with LED lighting that is efficient in energy consumption to help you locate the items you need in the dark. If you like keeping things organised but aren't too worried about getting slouching, consider an upright freezer instead. These models offer more floor space and usually have bigger capacities than upright models however they may not be as easily accessible.

If you're looking to buy an upright or chest French door freezer, the Siemens range of refrigerators and freezers will meet your preferences and style. Each model has a chic design and the most recent cooling technology, such as noFrost or hyperFresh to keep your groceries fresher longer. With Home Connect, you can control Siemens frost-free freezers from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. This means you don't need to worry about your chilled drinks or food going bad.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficient freezers are less impactful on the environment than less efficient models in their entire life. These freezers also use less energy than older models, saving you money on your electric bill. You should look for ENERGY STAR-certified freezers that meet the energy consumption criteria that are set by the EPA. These freezers are generally better insulated and have better temperature control. They are able to preserve food better.

You can cut down on your energy consumption by altering your way of life. Let food cool to room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator before placing it in your freezer. The appliance will consume more electricity to freeze hot food since it is working harder to do so. Also, keep the condenser coils clean, as a build up of thick dust can lower the efficiency of a freezer by as much as 25%.

If you're thinking of investing in an open-air freezer, make sure you check the label for its energy efficiency rating and then compare it with other similar models available. The ENERGY STAR will tell you the average number of kilowatts the freezer consumes every month.

Modern freezers are more energy efficient than those made only a decade ago, so you'll likely get a reduction in your electric bill when you upgrade. However, the best way to get the most bang for your buck is to shop for an Energy STAR certified freezer. This can consume up to 40% less power than the standard model, and will save you money in the long run.

There are many energy-efficient refrigerators that are available in brick-and-mortar shops like Walmart and Best Buy. Online retailers such as Amazon and eBay also offer these appliances. Certain local utility companies offer rebates and incentives to encourage the purchase of these appliances. To find a refrigerator that has ENERGY STAR certification, go to the EPA's Energy Star website and look for the ENERGY STAR logo or look for a specific brand name. Learn how to select the ideal freezer to fit your budget and requirements to find the perfect model.

Warranty

Many households find a freezer that is freestanding useful. You can save money by stocking up on specials at the supermarket or storing leftover harvests in your garden. The freezer can also allow to cook your meals in advance and enjoy the convenience of having fresh food available at all times. Consider purchasing a warranty to protect your freezer investment and avoid the stress that comes with the cost of repairs in the event that your appliance malfunctions. An Upsie extended warranty on your freezer will guarantee your freezer against breakdowns and repairs without charge for deductibles or service fees.

Can I use a freestanding fridge-freezer as an integrated model?

You can't put a freestanding fridge freezer into your kitchen cabinets as an integrated model. They do not have finished fronts like integrated models. They're also not designed to be placed behind or front of kitchen cabinet door (which could cause the handles to not align). You can add the bridging cabinet above an open-air fridge freezer to create this look, provided that the cabinets underneath aren't too close however this could require cutting through and removing the plinth beneath that, which could leave cut (exposed) edges that could be damaged if wet.

You can place your freestanding freezer anyplace you have space in the kitchen, and can even move it should you decide to change the layout of your home or move your appliances. The flexibility to put your freezer wherever you want makes it a great choice for those who have to move frequently due to their job. They can carry it with them and not have to worry about finding an installer to set it up in their new home.

Freestanding freezers are also an ideal option for those who like the modern, clean lines of a stainless steel fridge-freezer, as these models have the smooth and cool look that a lot of people find appealing. These fridge-freezers don't look boxy or bulky, and will be a stylish complement to any kitchen design.