A very simple way to determine which size is right for you is to multiply the number of people in your home by 2.5 cu. ft. For example, a household of one to two people would likely benefit from a compact size, while families of six or more should opt for a large capacity freezer.
Chest freezers are more efficient than upright models because they typically have more insulation and cold air does not sink out of them when they are opened. Some utilities offer rebates or other incentives for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified products.
To help determine the best freezer size for your family, you could allow for 2.5 cubic feet of freezer space for each household member. For a family of four, a freezer with around 10 to 16 cubic feet of capacity could be ideal, depending on your storage needs.
Consider the freezer size and capacity you'll need as you choose between a deep freezer or refrigerator freezer combination. Also be sure to take various configurations, feature sets, styles and energy efficiency ratings into account.
A very simple way to determine which size is right for you is to multiply the number of people in your home by 2.5 cu. ft. For example, a household of one to two people would likely benefit from a compact size, while families of six or more should opt for a large capacity freezer.
1-2 people: we suggest 100-200 litre appliance that can hold around 5-10 bags of shopping. 3-4 people: we recommend a 200-300 litre appliance that can store 10-15 bags of shopping. 5-6 people: we propose a 300+ litre appliance that can hold over 15 bags of shopping.
Before you stock up, you'll want to decide whether a chest freezer or an upright model would best meet your needs—and your available floor space. Next, consider size, capacity, and energy use. To help you, we've subdivided our freezer ratings by size (small, medium, large) and type (chest, upright).
Size/Capacity
Your choice should depend on available space and family needs. Usually, 1 litre of freezer capacity can store 500gms or 0.5KG of food; and food storage requirement for one person is usually 70 litres of storage space. So on average, a family of 2 can have a Freezer capacity of 140 Litres.
Whether a fridge freezer is right for your needs depends largely on the size of your household. A fridge freezer that can hold 200 litres can fit approximately 11 bags of food shopping inside, making it perfect for a smaller household. For medium sized families, look for models with a capacity of around 400 litres.
For storing large cuts of meat and bulk groceries over the long term, a chest freezer could be the better choice, as it tends to be more efficient and heat up less when the door is opened — cold air sinks to the bottom and stays there.
For example, if there are five people in your household, you will need at least a medium size freezer (5 people x 2.5 cubic feet = 12.5 cubic feet or approximately 437 pounds of capacity). Medium freezers, 10 to 15.9 cubic feet. Large freezers, 16 to 19.9 cubic feet. Extra-large freezers, 20 to 24.9 cubic feet.
A standard fridge freezer width sits between 2 to 3 feet (60-90cm). The width of a fridge freezer can increase depending on the model and door style. Single-door fridge freezers naturally have a slimmer width, while double-door or American-style models are wider.
Chest freezers: Typically range from 80 to 200 watts. They are more energy-efficient due to better insulation and design that keeps the cold air in more effectively. Upright freezers: Usually consume between 100 to 250 watts.
Bottom Freezer refrigerators generally offer more storage and organization options compared to Top Mount models. The pull-out drawer design of Bottom Freezers makes it easier to see and access stored items without having to reach over or dig through a single shelf.
Disadvantages of an Upright Freezer
They have less storage space overall because of the way their shelves are arranged. Upright freezers use more electricity than deep freezers. They lose more chilly air every time you open them, so they can be more expensive to operate.
It's therefore important to choose a size that works for your household's needs. A small household (1-2 people) will typically need a freezer with a net capacity between 100-200L. This is about 3-6 reusable bags of shopping.
Width (in cm) x Depth (in cm) x Height (in cm) divided by 1,000 will give you the capacity in liters.
Freezer Temperatures
The temperature of a freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit so everything stays very cold. A freezer should be cold enough to keep food frozen and preserve it until they are ready to be cooked or reheated.
Upright freezers provide you with tall storage space and chest freezers are great for extra large items or deep freezer storage. Chest freezers, also known as deep freezers, are less likely to have door storage since the door opens up rather than to the side.
Freezers typically last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. Along with gas and electric ranges, freezers tend to be the longest-lasting kitchen appliances. But that's not a guarantee! Many factors influence how long freezers last, including maintenance and environmental factors.
To calculate the cubic feet dimensions of your refrigerator, multiply the length x width x depth. Next, divide that total by 1,728 to determine size in cubic feet. There are 1,728 inches in one cubic foot. Measure on the inside of the freezer or refrigerator to get these dimensions.
To help determine what size freezer you'll need for your family, we suggest multiplying the number of people in your family by 2.5 cubic feet.
Capacity of different fridge types
Next on the size scale is the traditional freestanding fridge freezer, with an average capacity of between 200 & 300 Litres.