Freezer Guide: Things You Should Know Before You Buy
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Freezer Guide: Things You Should Know Before You Buy

Published on July 02, 2021 • 12 minutes read
Best Freezer Guide

 

Buying a new freezer may be daunting for many homeowners and entrepreneurs because they want to get the best refrigerator in the market and make the most out of their money. If you have a similar dilemma, don’t fret. We have prepared the ultimate guide in buying a refrigerator, freezer, or chiller to make your purchasing journey easy and hassle-free!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of freezers available in the Philippines and the factors to consider when buying one. Aside from an easy-to-follow buying guide, Condura also shares refrigerator hacks to get the most from your freezer, as well as some essential freezer maintenance tips! Read on to know more.

Contents:

  • Types of Freezers
  • Factors to Look For When Buying the Best Freezer
  • How to Get the Most Out of Your Freezer
  • How to Maintain Your Freezer
  • List of the Best Freezers in the Philippines

Types of Freezers

Upright Freezers

Upright freezers are the most popular for small businesses and households because they don’t cover a lot of floor space. It is generally used for ice making business since it has several shelves that could conveniently store and organize ice bags. Since their design is vertical, they allow easy access to items inside, and most of these items are at eye level.

Many people are also familiar with the design as it is similar to most upright refrigerators at home. There’s no need to bend down just to dig through piles of frozen items, as with other types of freezers. Items can be organized more easily and items can be stacked for easier access.

However, since it opens similar to a home refrigerator, it may also be tempting to spend a long time browsing through shelves. This means that the door may be left open for longer periods, leading to higher energy consumption.

Worrying about energy consumption? Fret no more for Condura Negosyo Upright Freezer Inverter Pro has an Inverter Compressor which could help you save up to 60%. It is also the only inverter freezer in the market available in 8 and 10 cubic feet sizes.

Chest Freezers

Also called “reach-in freezers,” chest freezers are cheaper in initial market price than upright freezers, which is why it remains a good choice for both big households as well as businesses. It derives its name from how the door opens. It opens upward, much similar to a chest with a hinged lid. They are best for storing bulky items that won’t fit in the freezer section of a fridge. This is what makes them popular for homeowners with their own negosyo at home.

Because of the lid, chest freezers require a lot of headroom to ensure that the lid won’t bang onto the ceiling or a piece of furniture. These models also take up more floor space than upright freezers.

However, there are various chest freezers sizes available in the Philippine market, so you’ll definitely have options to choose from. One of which is the Negosyo Chest Freezer Inverter Pro from Condura. This chest freezer features Fast Freezing Mode and Inverter Technology which could help you save up to 40%—perfect for small business owners.

In the Philippines, compact models can be as small as 3.5 cubic feet, while commercial sizes can take up to 18 cubic feet of space. Because of their sizes, homeowners usually place chest freezers in the garage, dirty kitchen, or any other separate area.

There are many efficiency tips to maximize chest freezer’s usability. Since warmer air rises and cooler air sinks, meat and other large perishable items must be placed in the lower parts of the chest freezer, to ensure that they can stay preserved even for months.

To make the most out of a chest freezer, baskets can be used so that space can be organized and well-divided. Smaller items can be stored inside plastic bags and placed on top of the bulkier ones.

Drawer Freezers

Drawer freezers are usually found in restaurant kitchens, catering venues, or even in the kitchens of very large homes. These models provide the most convenience for those preparing large meals, such as cooks who need to have items at hand while preparing food.

The biggest advantage of having a drawer freezer is that items can be kept highly organized. There is also very easy access to the food items. Even elders can easily access items from a drawer freezer.

However, drawer freezers also come with hefty price tags. They also cannot substitute for a full-sized freezer.

Drawer freezers often have very stylish and elegant designs. They can come in a variety of finishes, such as stainless steel, or they may be custom ordered to blend in with the interior design. Most models are also the right height for most kitchen cabinets, making for seamless installation. Others have a finished top to give the illusion of extending the countertop surface.

Portable Freezers

Portable freezers are compact enough to fit small offices or bedrooms. They can also be used to store a limited number of items during travel, or if there are frozen food items that need to be transferred. However, the downside is that portable freezes have a limited storage capacity.

Display Freezers

A display freezer is a commercial refrigerator freezer that has a glass lid and is often used by businesses. It can be an upright or chest-type model. Display types are mostly used in shops and supermarkets so that people can have a clear look at all the items. They are available in various sizes as different types of businesses prefer different sizes.

Factors to Look For When Buying the Best Freezer

Before buying a freezer, you first have to be aware of the factors that you need to look for, as well as the options you may have. Here is a checklist of the eight of the most important things that you must consider before buying a freezer:

1. Size

The size of the freezer is the first thing that you need to consider. How much storage capacity do you need? Before you start browsing your options, you should first have a clear idea of the types of items you intend to place in your freezer so you can buy a model with the right capacity to suit your needs.

You also have to be aware of how much space the freezer will take up. Where do you plan to put it? Is there enough space available? Also, consider the other appliances that you have in your area. An upright freezer will be easier to fit into a kitchen, but a chest freezer provides more storage capacity. However, chest freezers not only take up more floor space but also need more headroom for the lid.

2. Freezer Price

Set a budget before you buy a freezer. You should also check for the most affordable freezer in the Philippines. However, be aware that you shouldn’t just look at the initial market price, long-term expenses should also be considered.

For example, an energy-efficient model may initially cost more but will allow you to save on electricity bills in the long run.

Also check for the freezer’s features, as these may also affect the initial price. A model with automatic defrost is more expensive but provides the convenience of not needing to deal with manual defrosting.

The last thing to keep in mind is shipping costs. Where do you intend to buy your freezer model? There may be additional shipping costs as a freezer is quite large and heavy. Look for shops or vendors that offer free shipping.

3. Energy Efficiency

Keep in mind that freezers need to keep running constantly and will need to be plugged in 24/7. Choosing an energy-efficient freezer will not only allow you to save on electricity costs but will also lessen your carbon footprint. If you want to save more money while getting the same amount of efficiency, you might want to get a freezer with an inverter compressor such as Negosyo Chest Freezer Inverter Pro and Negosyo Upright Freezer Inverter Pro.

4. Amount of Use

You should also determine how much the freezer will be used. If you plan on using it for your home, how large is your family? Examine the typical habits of your household as this will directly affect how much your freezer gets used. Also, check how much food you usually store.

If you plan to use it for your business, also see how much you’ll be using the unit, what types of items you plan to store, and how many times you’ll need to open the freezer door. These are all important factors to consider as the point of purchasing a standalone freezer is to have extra space for food items that can’t fit in your refrigerator’s built-in freezer. You need to find the size and type that will suit all your needs. Otherwise, you may end up buying one that falls short of expectations.

5. Shelves and Compartments

You should also consider how much organization options matter to you. For example, upright freezers come with shelves that provide easier access. Chest freezers, on the other hand, usually come instead with hanging baskets, but you may still end up stacking food items on top of one another and having to remove items before you can get to the one you want.

Some models also allow users to see items more easily. Others, on the other hand, may need some digging through just to find items.

6. Extra Features

You should also check if you would want to opt for a freezer model with extra features. For example, some models have freezer locks. This safety precaution is good for households with small children and negosyo owners.

Certain types of freezer models also have a thermostat that helps you know how cold your freezer is and will let you control the temperature more easily. Other models have a combined refrigerator-freezer setting, which will let you switch between temperature settings and use the freezer as a fridge, temporarily.

Other freezer models such as Negosyo Chest Freezer Inverter Pro, has Fast Freezing Mode which transforms the liquids in the food into micro-crystals which do not damage the tissues of the food. The natural flavor and texture of the food is retained, even after thawing. 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Freezer

Your freezer is one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home. This is because it runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not to mention, it also costs a lot of energy to cool warm air.

To save money on your energy bills, you need to make the most of your freezer. Here are some tips to improve your freezer’s efficiency while saving electricity!

1. Keep the Freezer Half-Full

Many people are unaware that a freezer performs better when there are objects inside. This is because when you open the freezer warm air enters while cold air exits. Your freezer uses more energy to cool the heated air that enters it, and your energy expenses rise.

When the freezer is at least half-full, there is less room for warm air to circulate. The cold materials within also help cool the warm air that manages to enter. During a power outage, the cold things are also extremely useful. They allow the freezer to stay cold even when there is no power.

If you can't always fit food items inside the freezer, you can fill the interior with ice cubes or cold packs to fill in the spaces. Aside from that, you can stock the fridge with jugs of water, small styrofoam balls, ziplock bags filled with water, crumpled newspaper sheets, and plastic containers filled with water.

2. Keep the Door Closed

To save on your energy consumption, remember this quick rule: Peek, grab, and close.

Make sure you always know what items to get and which part of the freezer you’ll get them from, even before opening the freezer door. This will allow you to open and close the door again as quickly as possible.

Whenever a freezer’s door is left open, more cold air will exit and more warm air will enter. This makes your appliance work harder, resulting in increased energy expenses.

3. Always Check the Temperature

Check your freezer's temperature regularly. The temperature in most freezers should be set at around -18 degrees Celsius.

If the temperature is too cold, you are wasting electricity. If the temperature is too high, your food will spoil more quickly. Also, keep in mind that your freezer may have to work harder during the summer. It will also work harder when it is under direct sunlight or near appliances that emit heat.

4. Don’t Let Frost and Ice Build Up

Always keep an eye out for frost and ice buildup. If your freezer requires manual defrosting, then make sure you defrost regularly. Your freezer will use more electricity when it has frost buildup, as the air won’t be able to circulate well. You should defrost the freezer if the ice is already more than 1cm thick.

How to Maintain Your Freezer

Freezer maintenance should always be considered so that your appliance will always function optimally. This also lets you save on future repair costs.

However, many Filipinos think that they can just buy a freezer, and then just “set it and forget it.” This isn’t always the case. You can't just set the thermostat and expect your freezer to forever function properly. You must keep it in good working condition, at all times, to ensure efficiency.

You can keep your freezer in good repair by following these maintenance guidelines:

1. Keep the Freezer Clean

Before you begin cleaning the freezer's interior, make sure there is no frost buildup.

Dishwashing liquid and a clean damp rag are all you'll need. Make sure the inside, exterior, and all seals are clean. If there are stubborn spills and stains, use a spray cleaner to remove any leftover scents before applying a deodorizer.

If you have a chest freezer, you may need to eliminate odors caused by decomposition. Because some residue may have accumulated at the bottom or in the corners, this is the case. Place a bowl of baking soda inside the chest freezer after cleaning it with a damp rag and dishwashing solutions. Allow the baking soda to settle for a couple of hours. Place a small dish of activated charcoal in the room to get rid of even more noxious odors. Allow the chest freezer to run for a couple of hours after closing the lid.

Clean the condenser coils at least once a year, in addition to the interior. The freezer will not function well if the coils are covered in dust or other types of residues. Dust and residue also force the unit to work harder and consume more electricity.

2. Defrost Regularly

Some freezers have an automatic defrost or no-frost system. However, a manual defrost is required for manual or semi-automatic models. When you defrost your freezer, make sure to remove all of the items, first. Unplug the unit and turn off the thermostat. Unplug the drain if your freezer has one. Wait for the ice to thaw completely. You can speed up the process by using an electric fan but never scrape the ice away. You can wipe the freezer with a piece of cloth once the frost has melted. When the unit is completely dry, plug it in.

3. Check Your Freezer’s Location

Only keep your freezer in an environment with a stable temperature. Extreme temperature fluctuations will make your appliance work harder. Keep your freezer away from heat-producing items like stoves and dryers. Make sure the freezer is out of direct sunlight as well. This does not, however, imply that freezers should be put in areas where temperatures are exceedingly low. Your freezer’s condenser coils emit heat, and therefore may not work properly in extremely cold environments.

Make sure there is enough space between the freezer and the wall for air to flow. When heated air cannot flow out, the coils may be destroyed by heat build-up. A decent rule of thumb is to keep a freezer three inches away from the wall.

List of the Best Freezers in the Philippines

Here is a list of the best freezers to guide you:

Best Freezers for Negosyo Owners

Condura Negosyo Upright Freezer Inverter Pro

An inverter freezer has compressors that can operate at different speeds depending on the need. For example, if you accidentally leave the freezer door open for a long period, the compressor will raise its speed and work harder to maintain its temperature effectively. This is a great advantage especially for fast-paced businesses such as fast food or carinderia.

Condura Negosyo Chest Freezer Inverter Pro

This model is perfect for businesses as it provides large storage space. It also features an inverter system, making it suitable for various types of negosyo. Whether you have a large business or a side hustle at home, the chest freezer will surely be of great help.

When looking for top-quality appliances, go for Condura! There’s no more need to check out various refrigerator brands in the Philippines or refrigerator manufacturers. Condura provides great attention to detail to deliver appliances with the best quality and cost-effectivity in the market. If buying appliances for your business, then you should look for the Condura Real Negosyo Warranty. For a hassle-free buying experience, you can buy from our online partner stores such as Abenson, SM Appliance, Anson’s, and Western Appliances.

Condura offers not only durable refrigerator, freezer, and chiller, but also service with malasakit. Partner with us because we know how to take care of the Filipino’s unique needs!