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.
Big drawer
The presence of an oversized drawer in the freezer. Such large containers allow you to store a whole turkey and other bulky products. It is worth noting that each manufacturer has a different concept of a large drawer. And in some models, it is quite possible that the large drawer will be commensurate with the classic drawer of another model.
Door shelves
The shelves inside the freezer door will serve as a haven for small products in the manner of a pack of butter or ice cream. They also facilitate quick access to the above-mentioned content. Note that the number of shelves can be different, and depending on the manufacturer of the freezer equipment and the internal arrangement of the unit, they can be different in width. In any case,
door shelves in the amount of several pieces are much more convenient for the distribution of small products.
Max. temperature
The highest temperature maintained by the freezer during normal operation. This parameter is not as important as the minimum freezing temperature, however, it allows to evaluate the optimal conditions for storing certain categories of products that do not need deep freezing. And in some cases, it shows that the freezer can
work as a refrigerator.
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.
Power failure autonomy
The amount of time the freezer keeps food cold enough when the refrigeration system is turned off, for example, due to a breakdown or power outage. Technically, the power failure autonomy for each model is calculated differently; For example, for a freezer with an operating temperature of -18 ° C, this is the period during which the products in the chamber heat up from -18 ° C to -9 ° C. To sum up, the time is indicated during which the frozen products are guaranteed not to heat up to a temperature at which they could lose their properties.
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.
Ice maker
It is a separate device for producing edible ice in the freezer. One of the advantages of such freezers is that the ice is produced and stored separately from other products and thus does not absorb foreign odours.
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.
