Freezers are trusted workhorse appliances in your kitchen or garage. They keep food frozen solid, prevent spoilage, and extend the life of your groceries. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right freezer can be overwhelming. This month, we're talking with Jake Perry, a Judd & Black Appliance Expert, to learn how to pick the perfect freezer for your needs to maximize extra storage capacity at home.
Where do I start when shopping for a new freezer?
Jake: The two main freezer choices are chest freezers and upright freezers. Each has strengths and weaknesses, so let's look at a few specifics now.
- Upright Freezers: Picture a refrigerator-like appliance that is dedicated to freezing. Uprights are great for organization because they have shelves and drawers that make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for with minimal digging through to find things. They have convenient auto-defrost, eliminating the chore of manually chipping away ice build-up. However, uprights tend to be less energy-efficient and might not maintain rock-bottom temperatures as well as their chest-style counterparts.
- Chest Freezers: These horizontal powerhouses offer unbeatable storage capacity for your buck. They're perfect for bulk buyers and those who love to stock up on frozen goodies. Chest freezers maintain a consistent temperature, making them ideal for long-term food storage. Think frozen pizzas for movie marathons or keeping those berries fresh for smoothies all year round. Organization in a chest freezer can be challenging because things can get shuffled around during searches and then "get lost" at the bottom. Defrosting chest freezers requires manual intervention (usually with an ice scraper to remove build-up). They're also generally quieter than uprights because the motor doesn't kick on as frequently.
How do I determine how much space I need?
Jake: Now that you know the basic differences between the types, let's talk about size or capacity. Here are some factors to consider:
Family Size - Larger families require more freezer space, which is measured in cubic feet. A growing family, that has teenagers with bottomless appetites, will need a larger capacity freezer than a couple will. According to Maytag, you should allow 2.5 cubic feet of capacity per family member.
Shopping Habits - Weekly shoppers or bargain shoppers who buy in bulk at Costco will need a larger capacity than those who prefer fresh produce.
Storage Duration - Foods that are stored for extended periods of time benefit from the consistent coolness of a chest freezer. Plan on stocking up on frozen meats from the local butcher or for year-end holidays? A chest freezer might be the right call.
What features do customers ask for or find helpful when choosing a freezer?
Jake: Several convenient features are important to customers, including organization options, a door alarm, a digital display, and wheels. Look for configurations that will hold the items you plan to store. Upright freezers with adjustable shelves can accommodate everything from frozen pizzas to ice cream tubs, while chest freezers might benefit from labeled baskets to help sort the contents. Did someone forget to close the freezer door? A door alarm can remind you to keep it closed and save the contents from thawing disasters. You can easily monitor temperatures to know your food is stored at the correct temperature. No more guessing whether your ice cream will stay rock-solid. A freezer full of food can be difficult to move for cleaning or rearranging the garage, so ask about wheels if you find that feature necessary.
Do you have any care tips to help extend the lifespan?
Jake: With proper care, freezers can last 8-12 years. Here are some tips to get the most out of your purchase.
Seal Check - Regularly inspect the door seal for rips or tears. A damaged seal can allow warm air to enter the freezer, causing frost build-up, reducing efficiency, and you run the risk of your food spoiling.
Keep it Level - An uneven freezer might not close properly, wasting energy and potentially leading to inconsistent temperatures.
Extended Warranty - Consider an extended warranty for added protection. Especially for larger-capacity freezers, an extended warranty can provide valuable coverage in case of unexpected repairs.
Are there any current promotions or rebates available on freezers at Judd & Black?
Jake: There sure are! We are currently running our Summer of Savings 4th of July Sale. This is a great time to buy before you need the space for crab, fish, or even popsicles for the kids!
At Judd & Black, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect freezer. Our friendly Appliance Experts can guide you through the selection process, considering your needs and budget. We can answer questions about features, size, and efficiency, ensuring you get the best freezer for your situation. Additionally, we offer convenient delivery and haul-away services for your old freezer, making the upgrade process seamless. Visit Judd & Black today; we're glad to help you!