Stand-alone freezer features
Here’s what to consider when you’re choosing a stand-alone freezer.
Appliances
Product overview
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Freezers
Need a stand-alone freezer?
Our test results will show you the top-performing models. Plus, we’ve covered the features you should consider when buying a freezer.
From our test
Fisher & Paykel
E308
Snapshot: The Fisher & Paykel E308 is an upright freezer with a volume of 304L. But how well does it perform?
Fisher & Paykel
E388L WW
Snapshot: The Fisher & Paykel E388L WW is an upright freezer with a volume of 389L. But how well does it perform?
Haier
HCF143
Snapshot: The Haier HCF143 is an chest freezer with a volume of 143L. But how well does it perform?
Haier
HVF260WH2
Snapshot: The Haier HVF260WH2 is an upright freezer with a volume of 260L. But how well does it perform?
Westinghouse
WCM3200WC
Snapshot: The Westinghouse WCM3200WC is an chest freezer with a volume of 320L. But how well does it perform?
Westinghouse
WFM1810WC
Snapshot: The Westinghouse WFM1810WC is an upright freezer with a volume of 175L. But how well does it perform?
Westinghouse
WFM3600WB
Snapshot: The Westinghouse WFM3600WB is an upright freezer with a volume of 360L. But how well does it perform?
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Efficiency
Factors in newer freezer designs, such as insulation thickness and size and type of compressor, can have an impact on efficiency.
When you’re comparing freezers, it’s worth comparing the energy use figures on the labels, the annual running costs from our test or checking the Energy Rating website which has a 10-year running cost calculator.
Reliability
Our 2017 appliance reliability survey found that overall, 96% of freezers had never needed repair.
- Below-average: Haier
- Total number surveyed: 1000
Aspira came out on top for reliability, with 99% never needing repair. However, it only scored 61% for excellent satisfaction and only 67% of members rated it as “excellent value for money”.
Noise
The fridge is one of the few household appliances that is always running. This means a loud one can become a major annoyance.
We trawled through our test data and analysed noise readings for household appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. Fridges were the quietest, with an average running noise of 33dBA. That’s almost as quiet as a cat purring.
Our noise test is conducted while the fridge’s compressor is on and off, but not while it’s defrosting. Measurements are taken a metre away and up from the floor. While our noise measurements are objective (31dBA is 31dBA), how people perceive noise is subjective. This is why we don’t consider noise when scoring fridges.
Our members often ask why our noise readings don’t match those stated by the manufacturer. The answer is they were measured in different conditions. When we test noise, we want our results to be directly comparable. This means all models are tested in the same lab and under the same conditions. This won’t be the same as how a manufacturer measures noise. Only compare noise readings of models we have tested.
White noise
The decibel scale is logarithmic, not linear so a sound difference of 10dBA will sound like double the sound. This means a 30dBA fridge will sound twice as loud as a 20dBA model, while a 40dBA fridge will sound four times louder. Most people will only notice a difference of 5dBA or greater, so two fridges with noise readings 3dBA apart will sound about the same.
- 30dBA – Fridges (equivalent to a whisper)
- 40dBA – Dishwashers (equivalent to running water)
- 50dBA – Clothes dryers and dehumidifiers (equivalent to moderate rainfall)
- 60dBA – Washing machines (equivalent to normal conversation/TV)
- 70dBA – Vacuum cleaners (equivalent to a dull roar)
The design and layout of your home also affects how noisy you’ll find a fridge. Sound waves are dispersed by objects, which will muffle the sound. This means open-plan areas do little to minimise a fridge’s noise. A fridge with walls or cabinetry at its back and sides will also be quieter as these help deflect the sound.
Safe food storage
Buying second-hand
New fridges and freezers are more energy efficient – so if you’re buying second hand, newer is better.
- Stick to well-known brands under 5 years old, as newer models are much more energy efficient. They’re also easier to get parts for if anything needs fixing.
- Check the lid or door seal is intact, in good condition and the door or lid shuts properly.
- Make sure the door is hinged on the correct side for your kitchen (or is reversible).
- Make sure the interior is in good nick and free from funny smells. Only buy if it looks tidy and well cared for.
- If you buy a fridge from a second-hand dealer and then discover it’s faulty, you're covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act. If you buy privately, you're not.
- Under the Electricity Act, all electrical appliances for sale must be safe – whether they're new or second-hand, bought privately or from a dealer.
Fridge Top Brands
The Top Brand award recognises brands that perform consistently well across product testing, reliability and customer satisfaction.
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