FREEZER Buying Guide

Chest Freezers Features

Want to have a good poke around inside? A spring-loaded lid will stay open without you having to prop it up with one hand. You’ll give thanks for a freezer with rollers on its base when you want to move it, clean it or install it. Removable baskets will boost your storage space (a party saviour) or impose order on your frozen assets. Power-off protection will keep your perishables safe longer during blackouts. Internal lighting will help you find that tub of cookie dough ice-cream buried at the bottom faster. Chest freezers require manual defrosting, so a front drain design will make that chore less of a bore.

Upright Freezer Features

Partial to an icy OJ with brekkie, or a scotch on the rocks sundowner? Go for a model with a plumbed ice maker for ice cubes on demand. Transparent drawers will help you remember that leftover curry you slung into the freezer last weekend. Versatile adjustable shelving and baskets will assist in maintaining law and order. Touch controls and digital display mean you’ll always know what’s going on inside your freezer. Auto fast freeze (or quick freeze) will snap freeze your freshly cooked meals to seal in their goodness.

Fridge Freezer Features

The number one feature that people look for when upgrading their fridge or freezer is an ice dispenser. Some models can make you cubed and crushed ice – even ice balls – at the flick of a button. Having a dispenser on the outside of the fridge also means you don’t have to open the door, so the cold air stays inside.

Along with auto fast freeze, the smartest fridges can now split temperature controls across various compartments so you can boost your fridge or freezer space to cater more easily for family needs or forthcoming festivities.

Energy Effecient Freezers

Fridges and freezers are on 24/7, so it’s no surprise they’re one of the biggest energy zappers in your home. And if you have an old model, with outdated cooling technology, it could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year to run. Factor energy savings into your budget when weighing up the price of a new freezer by comparing the energy-efficiency rating of each appliance. More stars equals more ongoing savings.

Freezer Colours And Finishes

Why should fridges have all the fun? Some freezer models now come with fashionable matte black finishes, too. However, most standalone freezers are either classic white (it won’t show fingerprints), or the chef’s favourite: slick stainless steel. Fridge freezers are another story. Shake up your kitchen energy with anything from matte or gloss black, to stainless steel and vintage-inspired gelato shades – even a racy red.

Installation Tips & Tricks

Don’t skimp on your pre-shop measurements. It’s essential to allow enough clearance space around your new freezer for it to regulate its temperature and function to its full potential (failure to do this could even invalidate some warranties). The amount of space needed will vary from model to model but aim generally for an extra 50mm at the top, back and sides. Factor in your freezer doors as well. They’ll need some wiggle room to swing fully open without encountering the surrounding walls.

The Good Guys Home Services can take the stress out of installation by organising a licensed professional to do it for you, and also take away your old freezer and all the bulky packaging.

How Much You’ll Pay For A New Freezer

An entry-level standalone freezer will get you a chest freezer with a capacity of about 145 litres, temperature control, adjustable wire rack, hover door (spring-lid) design, water drain for convenient defrosting and a four-star energy rating.

A top of the line model comes with a 300 litre-plus capacity, upright single door design with transparent drawers, frost-free technology (no defrosting needed), quick freeze function and a 3.5 star energy rating (5 stars when switched to fridge mode).

Looking for extra freezer storage? Visit us in-store or online to browse the biggest range at the best prices from quality brands, such as Westinghouse, Hisense and ChiQ.