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An extra Freezer can help keep your refrigerator's freezer clear from clutter. Before purchasing your new freezer familiarize yourself with the capacity and configurations of the different freezers available. Be sure you choose a freezer that meets your family's needs.
Figure the capacity you need.
That will depend on the size of your family and their fondness for frozen foods. Freezers are available in four general sizes: compact (5 cubic feet), small (6 to 9 cubic feet), medium (12 to 18 cubic feet), and large (more than 18 cubic feet). Except for hanging baskets, chest freezers are wide open so that almost all of the claimed space is usable. Upright freezers have shelves and pullout bins. Those make it easier to organize and reach contents but reduce usable space by up to 20 percent.
Manual vs. Self-Defrost (Frost-Free).
Manual-defrost freezers, whether chest or upright, are generally quieter and more energy efficient than self-defrosting models of the same type. But manually defrosting a freezer is a lot of work and can take up to 24 hours. On a Upright freezer when you figure in the energy required to bring a manually defrosted model back down to the proper temp as well as how much harder the compressor has to work when the freezer has significant ice buildup prior to defrosting, the energy cost between frost free and manual is negligible. Chest freezers do not typically show ice buildup and can go longer periods without needing to defrost.
Controls & Interior Lighting
Easy-to-reach controls make adjusting the temperature simple. Electronic controls that allow you to set a specific temperature rather than a "coldness" setting take the guesswork out of how cold it is inside the freezer. Some models offer audible alarms to alert you if the temperature is too warm, the door isn't closed, or power is lost to the freezer. An interior light makes it easier to find foods, especially if the freezer is in a dimly lighted area. A power-on light on the outside of the freezer lets you see at a glance that the freezer is on. That way you don't have to open the unit to check, letting cold air out.
Available Types
Chest Freezer
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