Chest vs. Upright
This depends on your personal preference and needs. Chest freezers offer more storage for bulk items, while upright freezers don’t have quite as much space, they offer you easier organization and access. Like Shirley Hood said, “Chest freezers are great for long-term storage because they have consistent internal temperatures and are an excellent choice for those who prefer to store large cuts of meat, sheet cakes, bulk items, fresh to frozen meal prep. Upright freezers are best for short-term storage though long-term storage is possible the cycling on and off of the compressor can cause the foods inside to defrost slightly and then refreeze again. For this reason, upright freezers are best for bulk meats that have been condensed into smaller portions. It’s also ideal for storing pints of ice cream, frozen vegetables, fruits, or anything you plan on consuming more frequently.”
Defrost Method
The biggest difference in auto-defrost and manual, is auto uses technology that senses when there is too much frost build-up. “Auto-defrost models automatically heat the interior refrigerator coils at regular intervals to prevent frost from forming on the walls and contents inside the freezer,” Hood explained.
However, some users don’t like auto-defrost because there is a risk of it getting too warm to the point that it melts the products inside. Whereas a manual defrost allows the buyer to decide when they want to defrost their freezer. They just have to go through the process of defrosting, draining, and any cleanup. We find most people prefer manual defrost.
Size and Storage
The size you want in a freezer also depends on the space you have for one. It’s important to measure out the exact space you have for a freezer and ensure that it will be on a flat, non-carpet surface. Next, how much you want to store inside of it depends on the size you should get. Most average mini freezers are going to store anywhere from 3 cubic feet, up to 9 cubic feet.
Additionally, Hood says to never overpack your freezer, as it can cause issues with the products inside, and the appliance itself. “Don’t overload your freezer. Doing so can cause poor air circulation which in turn can cause icing, foods to not freeze properly, and an overworked compressor.”
Energy-Star Certification
Energy-Star is a certification that confirms a product is more energy efficient and won’t cause high electric bills. Certified products undergo a process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet EPA requirements. It basically promises to use less energy, saving you more money in the long run.
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