Energy Star–rated freezers operate at least 10 percent more efficiently than the minimum federal standard. Plus, upright frost-free freezers ensure that food quality is unaffected. During the defrost cycle, the temperature change in the food storage area raises minimally, about 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Upright frost-free freezers automatically run a defrost cycle about once a day. Choosing a self-defrosting upright freezer helps avoid adding another household chore. Proper and consistent defrosting eliminates ice buildup and keeps the unit operating efficiently. Upright freezers can either be self-defrosting, also called frost-free, or manual defrost. If purchasing an upright freezer with an eye toward extended storage, colder is usually better. The optimal storage temperature range for long-term freshness is -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that frozen foods be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Some new upright deep freezer models feature an average temperature range of 10 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with some models offering colder settings. Some freezers offer temperature zone control that allows for a range of storage capabilities. Colder temperatures may be more appropriate for long-term storage, while warmer temperatures are better for keeping ice cream scoopable. The temperature control is preset at the factory for dependable performance, but a manual temperature controller inside the unit allows for customized adjustments. For a 20-cubic-foot freezer, 72 inches of height clearance and floor space that’s 33 inches wide and 29 inches deep is usually needed. A midsize 14-cubic-foot model fills a space 64 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 32 inches from front to back. On the smaller end, a 6-cubic-foot upright freezer is usually about 57 inches tall and has a footprint of 22 inches wide and 23 inches deep. Also, it is helpful to size up the location where it will reside, including the footprint and the freezer door swing clearance, before making a purchase. With the exception of garage freezers, make sure that the freezer will fit through the door of the home before buying. DimensionsĮxterior dimensions of a freezer can be important. However, keep in mind that empty freezer space wastes energy. It’s OK to buy a freezer that’s a bit larger than what is expected for regular use. A side of beef requires about 8 cubic feet of freezer space. Those who buy in bulk may want to keep in mind that 1 cubic foot of space can hold about 35 pounds of food. As consumption varies among people, also factor in food-purchasing habits. A good starting point to determine the right home freezer capacity is to multiply the number of people in the household by 2.5 cubic feet. Think about how much frozen food the household consumes within that time frame. Individually wrapped butcher cuts can last up to a year. Most foods hold up well in a freezer for about 6 weeks before quality begins to deteriorate and freezer burn sets in. Some of the smallest models have the advantage of fitting either above or below counter height. They are proportionally tall and narrow, and their footprint doesn’t increase that much with added capacity. Upright freezers can be categorized as compact (up to 5 cubic feet), small (5 to 9 cubic feet), medium (9 to 18 cubic feet), and large (more than 18 cubic feet). How much food can it hold? How easy will it be to find things in the freezer? Are there any special maintenance concerns? Read on to learn more about these factors, plus capacity, energy efficiency, and other features that differentiate upright freezers. As such, the main shopping concerns beyond appearance are performance and convenience. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Upright FreezerĪn upright freezer is usually a functional purchase.
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