An easy way to estimate the freezer size you will need is to multiply the number of people in your family by 2.5 cubic feet. For example, for a small family of three, a freezer with eight cubic feet of storage should be plenty big enough. A larger family of 6 will need a freezer with 15 cubic feet of storage.
Other Points to Consider
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.
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.
I just picked up the 5.0 Cu. Ft. model freezer in a 4-door Jeep Wrangler and it fit on it's side no problem. Just remember to let it sit upright and unplugged for a few hours to let the coolant settle if you have to haul it this way.
A small, seven cubic foot freezer can typically hold around 245 pounds of food and accommodate a three-person household.
When moving the freezer, do not tilt it more than a 45-degree angle, whenever possible. Possible damage to the sealed system could occur. Transport the freezer in an upright position.
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.
Since an upright freezer is tall and not as deep, you can spot your food items more quickly, with no rummaging around in a three-foot deep freezer. There's also less food waste because you are less likely to lose items in an upright freezer.
Consider the internal capacity for your fridge freezer, based on an estimated number of shopping bags that could fit inside the appliance. As a general guideline, use the following: 1-2 People: We recommend a capacity of 100-200 litres, big enough to fit approximately 5 to 10 full shopping bags.
If your household size is 3 to 4 people, a 14 to 24 cu. ft. fridge is best. A variety of fridge types come in this size: bottom-freezer, top-freezer, French door and side-by-side refrigerators.
A side by side refrigerator features more freezer capacity and lets you store both fresh and frozen items at eye level. Both types of refrigerators are available in standard- or counter-depths, as well as freestanding or built-in installation styles. They both tend to offer the most overall capacity vs.
Fridge capacity is measured in litres: 100 - 150 litres – Suits a household of 1-2 people. 150 - 250 litres – Works well for 3-4 people. 250+ litres – Ideal for bigger households of 5 or more.
Garage ready freezers are built to handle both extreme heat and cold. Some freezers are built with specialized compressors, thick insulation and a triple sealed gasket to help maintain internal temperatures.
A deep freezer is best for storing and organizing a large amount of food for use within a few months or up to a year. It can accommodate meal prep routines with space to store pre-made dinners including soups and stews.
The Gladiator 17.8-cubic-foot, frost-free model is our Test Kitchen's top pick for the best upright freezer overall. It combines high-quality materials, attention-getting good looks and a handful of useful extras. These features help it adapt to almost any application.
Upright and chest freezers must be properly grounded. The power cord is equipped with a three-prong (grounding) plug which plugs into a standard three-prong wall outlet. This minimizes the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.
According to Maytag.com, “allow for 2.5 cubic feet of freezer space for each household member.” Other sites recommend the following guidelines: 1.5 cubic feet per person in the household for moderate food storage needs.
Once the unit is in the house you should: Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it.
When can I put food in my new fridge freezer? You can put food in your new fridge freezer after letting it settle for 4 hours if it was transported on its side or 1 hour if it was transported upright. After this amount of time you're absolutely fine and safe to put your food in your new fridge freezer.
If you've ever moved a fridge freezer, or even bought one brand new, you'll know that you are meant to give them time to settle once they've been put back down again. Waiting 24 hours before plugging in your fridge prevents compressor damage and ensures proper oil circulation.