Freezer for home: types and features, how to choose

For a large family, sometimes the freezer compartment in the refrigerator is not enough, then purchase separate freezers. They can keep food from several months to a year, depending on the degree of cooling. Freezers differ in size: mini freezer, standard and large. There are differences in the method and class of freezing: drip freezing, dry freezing, no freezing, the type of loading and other characteristics.

Type of freezing

There are two types of freezing:

• Drip freezing occurs through condensation. There are no additional fans in the system, so the freezer is quieter. The disadvantage is that defrosting is required every six months.
• Dry freezing or no frost is different in that no ice is formed, the products are not covered with a crust of frozen water, but only with a thin layer of frost. There is no need to defrost the equipment. No frost freezers are noisier than drip systems because the fans work.

No-frost freezers are more expensive than drip freezers. However, delicate foods are better preserved in them. Berries do not soften.

Freezing class

This is the index of the minimum temperature to which the freezer cools. It is indicated as the letter «A» with asterisks:

• A* (-6°C) - food is stored for several days.
• A** (-12°C) - one month guarantee of preserving the contents of the freezer compartment.
• A*** (-18°C) - food is stored for up to three months.
• А**** (-24°С) - food stays fresh for a year. Models with a high class of freezing are economical in terms of energy consumption.

Type of loading

Freezers can be of two types of loading:

• Horizontal loading occurs as in a conventional refrigerator with shelves. This equipment comes in single-compartment or double-compartment versions with separate compressors.
• Vertical loading means that freezers consist of a horizontal rectangle-shaped body. They have one large compartment with lattice baskets. These freezers are better for the same type of food, such as meat or fish, because there is no insulation and smells mix.

Type of placement

Freezers come in two types of installation:

• Built-in furniture equipment. Such freezers are compact, vertical type of loading, placed behind the cabinet door or flush with the garnish. Such models are more expensive than conventional freezers.
• Freestanding freezers are refrigerating equipment of a standard size. It is located in the room where it is convenient. If the area allows, this technique can also be built into the furniture.

Energy Consumption

The energy efficiency of the equipment is marked on a sticker, where the model rating on a scale from A to G is marked. A or A+ and A++ are the high class, the least economical is G, and the average is B.

Dimensions of the freezer

The length of horizontal freezers is different, and the height is standard - 85 cm. The volume ranges from 100 to 500 liters. Vertical models are standard in width: 55 and 70 cm, depth - 60 cm. The height of the equipment and the division of the shelves is different:

• Up to 85 cm - usually the chamber consists of 3 compartments. The shelves have hinged lids.
• Up to 1 m - three drawers and a shelf.
• Up to 150 cm - 6 self-contained compartments.
• Up to 180 cm - 8 compartments.

How to choose a freezer

The equipment is chosen according to the needs in dimensions and the production of cold. Pay attention to whether there are necessary useful functions, for example:

• Autostorage of cold. In case of power outage, the chamber will maintain a temperature of up to -10 for 2 days.
• Extra freezing is needed when you want to put unrefrigerated food in the chamber.
• The door lock option comes in handy if there are children or animals at home who know how to open the refrigerator.

Vertical freezers for home most often choose vertical, as they are more convenient to use and you can divide similar products into compartments. Horizontal models are used in stores.