Capacity
It is the total working capacity of the freezer. A larger capacity allows you to accommodate more products but affects the dimensions and cost of the unit. Therefore, when choosing according to this parameter, you should not chase after the maximum capacity but the capacity you really need. For example, the average required capacity is 50 litres per person. And when choosing a display chest freezer (see "Product type"), you need to take into account the number of products offered for sale.
It is also worth considering that the freezer is often divided into several compartments (see below) - which means that a large capacity does not guarantee that large pieces of food can fit in the device.
Minimum temperature
The lowest temperature that the freezer can maintain in normal operation. First of all, the duration of food storage in the freezer depends on this parameter: it is believed that a temperature of -12 ° C is enough to preserve food for a month, -18 ° C – 3 months, -24 ° C – up to a year. At the same time, it must be taken into account that not only temperature affects the shelf life but also the type of product and its quality before freezing.
Freeze capacity
One of the main indicators of freezer performance is the approximate amount of fresh food that the freezer can completely freeze from room temperature to the minimum operating temperature in 24 hours. For domestic use, a power of 10-15 kg/day is considered quite sufficient. More performant models may be required if you have to freeze a lot of food at a time or for industrial purposes.
Fast freeze
It is the forced freezing mode, in which the temperature inside the freezer is briefly reduced to -24 °C. This mode is intended for the case when you need to freeze numerous products at the same time — without a sharp decrease in temperature, the heat from numerous non-frozen products could lead to its critical increase.
Usually, the fast freeze mode must be turned on in advance — 5 to 6 hours before loading the products. Thus the freezer has time to decrease the temperature in the chamber. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the increased load on the compressor — it is impossible to turn on fast freeze for a long time. In some models, automatic shutdown of the fast freeze mode is provided. In some, it must be done manually.
Reversible door
It is a feature that allows the user to choose which way the freezer door will open. It allows you to optimize the space in the room where the device is installed, which is especially important in cramped conditions.
Energy class
The energy class shows how economical the freezer is in terms of electricity consumption. Initially, the classes were designated in Latin letters from A (most economical) to G (high power consumption). Recently, improved classes A+, A++ and A+++ appeared (the more pluses - the more economical the device).
It should be borne in mind that this indicator represents not the actual energy consumption but the efficiency of the unit compared to similar models. Therefore, a small class A freezer may have a lower power consumption than a large class A++ model. And other things being equal, a more economical device, as a rule, costs more, but this difference can quickly pay off during the operation.
Energy consumption per year
It is the average amount of energy consumed by the freezer in a year of operation. Of course, these figures are not absolutely accurate. The actual power consumption may vary depending on the specific operating conditions. However, this parameter makes it possible to evaluate the consumption of the device and compare different models with each other. At the same time, it often turns out to be more convenient and visual than the energy consumption class (see above) because, in this paragraph, we are talking about a specific figure (from which you can also calculate the cost of electricity consumed).
Climate class
The climate class to which the freezer corresponds.
As the name implies, this parameter describes the environmental conditions for which the unit is designed. The warmer it is around, the more powerful the freezer should be and the better thermal insulation it should have. Specific classes are indicated by letters. Here are the most popular options:
— SN (subnormal). Models for a cool temperate climate have an operating range from +10 °C to + 32 °C. Such a unit can be useful in a poorly heated room where the temperature can drop below +16 °C — for example, on the veranda of a private house, in a garage, etc.
— N (normal). Freezer for a temperate climate, with an operating temperature range of +16...+32 °C. Such a unit is suitable for most residential apartments and houses in mid-latitudes.
— ST (subtropical). Models for subtropical and humid tropical climates. Normally they work at the range of external temperatures +18...+38 °C.
— T (tropical). Refrigerators for dry tropical climates. Designed for temperature range +18 °C to +43 °C.
Also, note that there are many models on the market with an extended temperature range covering several classes. For example, a unit labelled N-ST will have a temperature range of +16...+38 °C. These freezers are indispensable in climates, conditions which are not covered by one standard class — for example, in cold winters and hot summers.
Country of origin
It is the country in which, according to the manufacturer, this or that model is manufactured. Even though most of the capacities are concentrated in China, European factories for the production of household appliances have not disappeared. And some models can be produced there. In general, such a division into a Chinese or European factory should not particularly affect the quality of products, but the stereotype of a reliable European assembly is present. However, it is possible that the model may have a country of manufacture, for example, Poland, and in the store under the same article, you will meet China.
