Best Freezers

What are the best types of freezers?

There are five types of freezers on the market: refrigerator, chest, mini, walk-in, and drawer.

1. A refrigerator freezer is a freezer attached to a refrigerator. Many households have a refrigerator-freezer combination. Refrigerator freezers – also called upright freezers – provide height and less floor space than other types like the chest freezer. The vertical design makes these freezers suitable for home use, especially for a small kitchen, as it allows easy access at eye level.
2. A chest freezer is a freezer that opens like a chest. Chest freezers are shaped like a rectangle or cube, making it easy to store large items. Chest freezers – also called reach-in freezers – are often found in commercial spaces like restaurants, hotels, and groceries. They are ideal for storing large or high amounts of meat, frozen and microwave meals, and ice cream tubs. They are designed like a box with lids on top, which open upwards.

1. A mini freezer is a smaller version of a standard freezer, usually about 3.5-cubic feet in size. Mini-freezers store smaller items, like beverages or vegetables. Mini-freezers have a smaller storage capacity compared to chest and refrigerator-freezers. They are portable and designed to store up to 210–315 pounds (95–143 kilograms), accommodating four to six people. Mini freezers are ideal for small offices, dormitory rooms, and a double bedroom as they do not occupy as much space as a chest freezer does. 
2. A Walk-in freezer is an ample, insulated space used by commercial businesses to store frozen food. Walk-in freezers are typically used in the foodservice industry as they offer bulk storage capacity. They are similar to a chest freezer, except that walk-in freezers provide better access because users can walk into the freezer and store weeks’ worth of frozen ingredients delivered in one go.   
3. The drawer freezer is a pull-out freezer that sits below a refrigerator for each access. Drawer freezers are designed to meet both residential and catering needs. Thanks to multiple stacks and drawers, they offer flexibility in accessing and arranging items. Children and the disabled can access food stored in drawer freezers easily. These freezers sit in the higher range of the budget and are typically more expensive than all the other types of freezers.

What are the best refrigerator freezers?

The best refrigerator freezers are the Galanz 11-cu ft. Convertible Freezer/Fridge and the EdgeStar 3.1-cu. Ft. Dorm Sized Energy Star Compact Fridge/Freezer. They both offer large capacity without taking up too much space in the room.

What are the best chest freezers?

The best chest freezers are the Arctic King 5-cu ft and 7-cu ft Chest Freezer, Midea 7-cu ft chest freezer, and the RCA 5.1 Cubic Foot Chest Freezer. They offer a large capacity and are flexible to suit any room layout.

What are the best mini freezers?

The best mini freezers are the Euhomy Mini Freezer and the ADT 2.1-cu. ft. Mini Freezer. They are more affordable than other types, are compact, and can be used in any room or even while traveling.

What are the best walk-in freezers?

The best walk-in freezers are the Williams LRMR3T Ruby 3 Solid Door Freezer 1100L and American Panel 8X10F-I Pre-Fab Walk-In Freezer. They are both great for commercial use, for bulk food items, or weeks’ worth of frozen ingredients delivered in one go.   

What are the best drawer freezers?

The best drawer freezers are the Frigidaire Upright Freezer with 15.5 cu. ft. and the Midea 3-cu ft Upright Freezer. They suit any room layout and offer various options for organizing food items.

What functionality should you expect from a freezer?

The functionalities you should expect from a freezer include freezing and preserving food products such as microwave meals, vegetables, meats, desserts, bread, fresh herbs, cold packs, and bananas.

What should you know before buying a freezer?

When buying a freezer, you need to consider things and pick the best one based on its size, cost, energy efficiency, organization, extra features, brand, model, and price.

Size. When shopping for a freezer, consider how much storage capacity you need and if you have enough room for a small or full-sized freezer. Perhaps a mini freezer would suffice if you plan to buy one for you and your roommate. If you’re running a restaurant and expect bulk deliveries, you may opt for a chest, walk-in, or drawer freezer.

Cost. Consider your budget when shopping for a freezer. Look into the short-term cost and how much you will need to spend over time. Freezers run 24/7, so it is crucial to look into their long-term energy usage, which brings us to the next point.

Energy efficiency. How much energy does a type of freezer use? Does it have energy-saving features? Does it have a high energy rating, i.e., Energy Star? Pick a model that helps you save energy and the environment.

Organization. Upright, drawer and walk-in freezers may provide easier access than chest models. If you plan to regularly use your freezer to reach out for food and beverage items, you need to consider how the shelves, drawers, and stacks are organized. If you plan on storing and preserving ingredients without having to access them or view an inventory often, then a chest freezer would be suitable.

Extra features. Specific models have features that others don’t have, such as the following:

• freezer locks, which is ideal for keeping children from leaving the door and lid open
• soft freeze to keep ice cream fresh and not too rigid
• dial thermostat, which shows the temperature and makes it easy to control
• blackout features, indicating how long it can hold items inside frozen during blackouts or power outages

Brand and model. Some brands are recognized for their quality and high consumer ratings. Depending on the brand and type, freezers may come in various price points, from $150 to $5,000. Picking a suitable freezer may involve looking into how reliable brands are and their product range.

Price. Recognized brands are known for quality and reliability but are on the higher end of the price range. Consider your budget and whether you’ll use a freezer regularly or sparingly. Commercial freezers are also more expensive than the other types used at home because of their capacity and power.

What is the average price range for the best freezers?

The average price for a freezer ranges between $150-$5,000. Prices are based on size, brand, features, energy efficiency, and type of freezer.

Smaller and compact freezers on the counter are on the lower end of the range. Larger freezers, like standalone or those attached to a refrigerator, are on the higher end of the spectrum. 

Drawer freezers are the most expensive of all the types of freezers because of their large capacity, which can go all the way to 2,300 cubic feet.

What is the main difference between a freezer and a deep freezer?

The difference between a freezer and a deep freezer is the capacity of each type of appliance. A traditional freezer holds up to 150 liters, whereas a deep freezer holds anywhere between 100 and 510 liters.

Another difference between a freezer and a deep freezer is the design. A regular freezer is usually attached to a refrigerator, either side by side or above or below it. A deep freezer is a standalone freezer that doesn’t come with shelves or drawers.

What freezer type is considered superior?

The freezer type that is considered superior is the drawer freezer. Drawer freezers are designed to meet both residential and catering needs. Thanks to multiple stacks and drawers, they offer flexibility in accessing and arranging items. Children and the disabled can access food stored in drawer freezers easily. These freezers sit in the higher range of the budget and are typically more expensive than all the other types of freezers.

What are the common mistakes in using a freezer?

Here are some of the common mistakes for using a freezer:

• Defrosting meat then putting it back into the freezer. This back–and–forth in temperature will contaminate the meat and cause bacteria to grow.
• Forgetting to check the freezer’s temperature settings. Make sure that your freezer is at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less so it can preserve food effectively.
• Freezer burn from not using airtight storage containers. Freezer burn occurs when food gets damaged and experiences discoloration because of oxidation and dehydration. Plastic airtight containers or Ziploc bags with a sealable top are perfect for avoiding freezer burn because they can seal meat off entirely from contact with outside elements like moisture.
• Putting non-freezable foods and beverages in the freezer. Avoid putting dairy products like milk, yogurt, cream, and cheese in the freezer because their texture and taste will change once defrosted. Same with water-heavy produce items like lettuce, potatoes, oranges, and soft herbs as they will end up becoming ice.
• Placing hot food immediately into the freezer. Besides the possibility of hot food defrosting nearby items in the freezer, putting hot food straight away will only make your unit work harder and affect the quality and texture of the items inside. Always wait for food to reach room temperature before putting them inside the freezer.

Knowing how to use a freezer carefully and adequately will ensure durability and make it last longer for your household. 

What criteria define the best freezer?

Here are eight criteria of a good freezer:

• Storage: One of the primary purposes of a freezer is to store foods. You want to choose a freezer with a storage capacity that fits your needs.
• Lighting: Good lighting in a freezer can help you quickly find ingredients.
• Efficiency: An energy-efficient freezer can reduce your operating costs.
• Temperature control: A freezer with a built-in temperature control lets you adjust it.
• Noise level: Some freezers are louder than others. You want to choose a freezer that isn’t too loud.
• Design: Freezers come in many different formats, including square or rectangle. You can also choose freezers in different colors or materials.
• Ice features: Some freezers have built-in ice chutes that allow you to have fast access to ice.
• Smart capabilities: Many freezers today come with built-in smartphone capabilities that allow you to control them remotely.

What type of reviews do the best freezers have?

Reviews on the best freezers range from positive to negative. Some people are satisfied with the features, durability, and spacious designs of freezers. Others are frustrated with faulty parts and durability issues. 

Here are some of the typical reviews about each type of freezer:

Refrigerator: Many customers are happy about the spacious design of refrigerator freezers without them taking up too much space in the room. However, some didn’t like that their units were loud and too bulky for their small rooms.

Chest: Customers left positive reviews about their chest freezers’ functionality and large capacity. Many are unhappy that their units arrived damaged.

Mini: Most customers are satisfied with their mini freezers, especially since it’s a quiet, little unit that does the job. There are rare occasions that the unit arrived with minimal damage.

Walk-in: Restaurant and foodservice establishments are satisfied with walk-in freezers, especially for storing bulk food items or weeks’ worth of frozen ingredients. Some negative comments revolve around the high price tag it comes with.

Drawer:  Customers are happy about how drawer freezers suit any room layout and provide flexibility in organizing food items. Many did not like that they were expensive or deemed overpriced.

What are the best freezer brands?

The best freezer brands include Frigidaire, Midea, EdgeStar, RCA, and Arctic King.

Frigidaire was created by Frederick Cullen Allen created the company to produce self-contained refrigerators. The company was named after the cold temperature of freezers. It was used during World War II as military equipment for the Army and Navy, including refrigerators that could be used in trains to transport the food across long distances. Today, Frigidaire is owned by Electrolux and makes a full line of home appliances, from washing machines to dishwashers to microwaves. However, many people still think of them as primarily a maker of freezers for decades.

Midea is a Chinese company founded in 1968. It began to produce refrigerators in 1980. It has expanded into other appliances such as freezers, air conditioners, washing machines, and microwave ovens. 

EdgeStar is a manufacturer of a wide variety of appliances. Some of these items include wine cellars, home bars, compact refrigerators (which include the world’s smallest refrigerator), and freezers. They are well known in their industry for high-quality products at affordable prices.

RCA is a well-known brand of freezers owned by Whirlpool, typically designed for household use. RCA was introduced in the 1920s as an abbreviation of “Radio Corporation of America,” where they built radios for homes and commercial buildings. Today, much like how GE describes any standard light bulb without specifying its manufacturer, RCA can refer to any basic household freezer made by Whirlpool. The classic design for most RCA freezers involves vertical, white metal panels on the front with a thick strip of aluminum surrounding them. The freezer is either chest-type or upright. However, smaller versions may include small ice compartments in the door.

Arctic King is a brand of freezers that offers upscale features not typically found in lower-priced brands, such as reversible door hinges and digital thermostat control. The company started in 2010 with an innovative “no-frost” freezer which lowered utility costs by eliminating the need for regular defrosting. Arctic King also has other freezers available, including upright freezers, chest freezers, and compact freezers. The company manufactures its products in China but advertises testing extensively before being shipped into the United States.

How long do the top freezers last?

The average lifespan of the top freezers is 12-20 years. 

A freezer’s length depends on the frequency of use, maintenance and repairs, routine upkeep, initial quality, brand and model, and the type of freezer.   

Where to buy a freezer?

Nowadays, freezers are widely available both online and in stores. 

You can purchase them directly from manufacturers, but online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and even eBay sell various freezers. 

Amazon is one of the biggest names in online retail and is considered reliable. You can get next-day delivery and discounts with a premium membership.

Walmart offers free shipping when you buy for a certain amount onwards, and you can return units for free.

Best Buy sells a wide range of electronics, digital goods, and appliances. You can either pick up or have your freezer delivered for free.

Home Depot is the go-to place for items needed for your home. You can get free delivery and return a freezer free of charge.

eBay is another big name in online retail. It is similar to Amazon, except that it allows you to bid for freezers, hence getting the unit for cheaper than other retailers in some cases.

Lowe’s is an American chain that sells home improvement goods. They also provide services like installations and repairs. 

What are the other best kitchen appliances?

Other best kitchen appliances that you can use alongside the freezer in the kitchen are as follows:

• Blender
• Food processor
• Juicers 
• Microwave
• Mixers
• Refrigerator