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
All fridges and freezers can be quite noisy during start up and defrost periods, and make cracking or gurgling noises. But at 36 or 37 decibels, a 400L vertical fridge is not noticeably noisy for most of the time. From 45dBA it could get a little irritating in an open-plan kitchen/living area.
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.
Freezer & fridge-freezer Top Brands
The Top Brand award recognises brands that perform consistently well across product testing, reliability and customer satisfaction.
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More Appliances reports
Check out more of our tests, articles, news and surveys in our Appliances section.
