Our test results will show you the top-performing models. Plus, we’ve covered the features you should consider when buying a freezer.
Snapshot: The Fisher & Paykel E308 is an upright freezer with a volume of 304L. But how well does it perform?
Snapshot: The Fisher & Paykel E388L WW is an upright freezer with a volume of 389L. But how well does it perform?
Snapshot: The Haier HCF143 is an chest freezer with a volume of 143L. But how well does it perform?
Snapshot: The Haier HVF260WH2 is an upright freezer with a volume of 260L. But how well does it perform?
Snapshot: The Westinghouse WCM7000WD is a chest freezer with a volume of 700L. But how well does it perform?
Snapshot: The Westinghouse WFM1810WC is an upright freezer with a volume of 175L. But how well does it perform?
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Here’s what to consider when you’re choosing a stand-alone freezer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Check out more of our tests, articles, news and surveys in our Appliances section.