How to Choose a Freestanding Freezer
Freestanding freezers allow you to store food items purchased from the supermarket and home-made sauces to be used later. Before buying one, make sure that it can physically fit in your space if replacing an integrated fridge freezer; this may require installing a bridge cabinet if the freestanding model is less than the cabinets that surround it.
Features
Freezers are set-and- forget appliances, but they also have certain features that make them more user-friendly. They also aid in helping you keep frozen food items in the best condition. Look for a power-on indicator light, a temperature alarm and adjustable feet or wheels to help level the freezer on uneven floors.
Another important feature is the number of storage options inside particularly if you are freezing small items such as packaged meals or fruits. Upright freezers generally come with drawers, baskets, shelves or racks that can be used to store smaller food items as well as other items. This allows you store multiple items in one place instead of stacking them and not being able to keep the track of their contents.
Chest freezers usually have more space than upright freezers and are ideal for large families, hunters or anyone who needs a freezer for large-scale buying or for long-term food storage. They also hold their cold temperatures extremely well and use the least amount of energy to operate. Some models are made to stand up to extreme cold, which is why they're great for garages and other areas of the home where there are temperature fluctuations.
Think about the ENERGY Star Most Efficient Freezer if your goal is to reduce your energy costs even further. This freezer is 10% more energy efficient than standard models and can reduce your power consumption by as much as 441kWh per year.
In addition to helping you save on energy costs, an ENERGY STAR freezer is backed by a five-year limited warranty and is compliant with the strictest environmental standards. It's also a good choice for RVs, as it can be used even in winter and is connected to a generator.
If you plan to install your new freezer in an existing kitchen, you need to determine if it's built in or freestanding. The fridge freezers that are integrated are more expensive than freestanding ones because they require tall end panels and a bridging cabinet for installation. Some models can be attached closely to the cabinets on either side, making them appear integrated. This will also help them blend in with your design scheme.
Design
A freestanding freezer is a great option for those who have already constructed their kitchen and wish to expand their storage space. It can also be placed for a basement recreation room or garage, or in a commercial kitchen. If you opt for a stainless steel model, the side walls of the appliance are painted the same color as the door's front, so it looks elegant and sleek regardless of where it's located.
The primary difference between a fridge freezer integrated and a stand-alone one is that a stand-alone doesn't need to fit inside a housing cabinet and so can stand on its own. It's generally cheaper than an integrated model. If you're required to build an exterior surround (as if you were replacing an integrated model) and the price will increase. It could be necessary to have a tall end panel and a bridging cupboard.
You can use an upright freezer to store smaller items that you need easy access to. These models are often equipped with drawers, shelves racks, shelves, and door compartments that make it easier to keep everything in order. This allows you to quickly find what you're searching for without having to sort through a plethora of food items.
You can even get models with energy-efficient LED lighting to help you find what you're seeking in the dark. If you prefer to keep things organized but aren't worried about getting slouching, you should consider a chest freezer instead. These models offer more space for floor space and are generally bigger than upright options. However, they might not be as easily accessible.
If you're looking for an upright, chest or French door freezer, the Siemens range of refrigerators and freezers can meet your preferences and design. They all boast a stylish exterior and the most recent cooling technologies such as noFrost and hyperFresh, which means you can keep your groceries fresher for longer. Plus, with Home Connect you can control your Siemens freezer using a smartphone or tablet, no matter where you are. This means you don't need to worry about your chilled food or drinks going bad.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient freezers are less polluting to the environment than less efficient models over their lifetime. They also consume less electricity than their predecessors, so they'll save you money on your electric bill. You should look for ENERGY STAR-certified freezers that comply with the energy consumption guidelines established by the EPA. These freezers are typically better insulated and have better temperature controls. They preserve food more efficiently.
Apart from selecting a freezer that consumes most electricity You can also cut down on your energy usage by making some lifestyle adjustments. For instance, let food cool down to the temperature of room or in the fridge prior to putting it in your freezer. The appliance will require more energy to freeze hot food since it needs to work harder to do this. Also, keep the condenser coils clean, as the accumulation of dust can reduce the efficiency of a freezer by as much as 25 percent.
If you're thinking of investing in a freestanding freezer, look at the label for its energy efficiency rating and then compare it to other models on the market. The Energy STAR rating will reveal how much energy a freezer consumes in kilowatts every month on average.
Modern freezers are significantly more energy efficient than models manufactured 10 years ago. You'll see a decrease in your electric bill when you upgrade your freezer. The best way to save money is to purchase an energy-star-certified freezer. These models consume up to 40 percent less energy than standard models and will save you a significant amount of money over time.
There is a wide range of energy-efficient freezers at traditional brick-and mortar stores, such as Walmart and Best Buy, online retailers like Amazon and eBay and a few local utility companies might offer incentives or rebates for buying these appliances. You can find an approved freezer by going to the EPA Energy Star website. Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol or look up a brand name. You can also refer to our guide to choosing the best freezer for your budget and needs to find the right model for you.
Warranty
Freestanding freezers are a useful appliance for households of all sizes. You can save money by stocking up on specials at the supermarket or storing leftover harvests in your garden. You can also cook ahead and have fresh food on hand throughout the day thanks to the freezer. Consider purchasing a guarantee to safeguard your investment in your freezer and avoid the stress that comes with paying for repairs in the event that your appliance malfunctions. Upsie's extended freezer warranty protects your freezer from malfunctions and repairs, without a cost-sharing.
Can I use a fridge-freezer that is freestanding as an integrated model?
It's not possible to fit a fridge freezer that is freestanding into your kitchen cabinets as an integrated one. They don't come with finished door fronts like integrated models, and they're not designed to sit behind or directly in front of kitchen cabinet doors (which would cause the handles to be out of alignment). You could add a bridging cabinet above an open-air fridge freezer to achieve this look if the cabinets underneath aren't crowded together however this could mean cutting into and removing some of your plinth underneath and leaving cut (exposed) edges that could be damaged if they are wet.
Freestanding freezers can be put anywhere in the kitchen. You can even move them if you need to arrange your home or relocate your appliances. The flexibility of putting your fridges freezer wherever you like makes it a great choice for people who are frequently moving due to their job. They can bring it with them and not worry about finding an installer to install it at their new residence.
Freestanding freezers are an ideal option for those who prefer the contemporary clean lines of a stainless-steel fridge-freezer, as these models have the sleek and stylish appearance that a lot of people find appealing. These fridge freezers aren't heavy or boxy and will look fantastic in any kitchen.