When it comes to keeping our food fresh and organized, reliable vertical freezers are an essential appliance for any household. If you have limited space or simply prefer a more organized approach to storing frozen goods, a vertical freezer is the perfect solution.
With its tall design and multiple compartments, a vertical freezer provides ample storage space while keeping items easily accessible. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the top choices and features to consider when selecting the best vertical freezer for your home. From energy efficiency and storage capacity to temperature control and additional features, get ready to find the perfect freezer that will preserve your food effectively and efficiently.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Vertical Freezer for You
A vertical freezer, with its upright design and user-friendly features, is a popular choice among many. However, with the myriad of options available in today’s market, selecting the right one can be a challenge. Here’s a detailed guide on how to choose the best vertical freezer tailored to your needs.
Determine the Appropriate Size:
Dimensions: Before embarking on your search, measure the space where the freezer will be placed. Ensure you have ample space around for ventilation. Vertical freezers can range from under 50cm to over 70cm in width.
Capacity: Vertical freezers’ capacities range from around 150 to over 350 liters. A general guideline: for a household of two, 150 liters is adequate. For every additional person, add approximately 50-70 liters.
Evaluate Energy Efficiency:
Energy Rating: Look for the Energy Star rating on freezers. The higher the star rating, the more energy-efficient the freezer will be. For example, in NZ, the Energy Star label indicates the appliance is energy efficient. The higher the rating, the lower the running costs.
Yearly Consumption: Most manufacturers will indicate the unit’s kWh/year, a measure of how much energy it’ll consume in a year. The lower the number, the better.
Functional Features:
Frost-Free Technology: This prevents ice build-up, eliminating the need for manual defrosting.
Adjustable Shelves: Offer flexibility to accommodate larger items or irregularly shaped packages.
Quick-Freeze Compartments: For rapidly cooling fresh items to lock in freshness.
Reversible Doors: Allows you the flexibility to open the door from the left or the right based on your kitchen’s layout.
Digital Temperature Controls: Provide precision in temperature adjustments, ensuring optimal conditions for different food types.
Door Alarms: Alerts you if the door is left open, saving energy and preventing food spoilage.
Aesthetic Appeal: While functionality is vital, the design and look of the freezer can also be a deciding factor, especially if it’s placed in a visible area in your home.
READ NEXT: Best Chest Freezers
The Best Vertical Freezers NZ
1. Kogan Upright Freezer
The Kogan Upright Freezer offers two capacities, 162L, and 84L, catering to various storage needs. Its sleek white exterior paired with transparent drawers makes it easy to both complement kitchen aesthetics and locate items inside.
The large 162L gross volume ensures ample space for stocking up. Electronic temperature control provides precise cooling management, and the adjustable legs and reversible door add versatility to placement, ensuring it can fit seamlessly into different kitchen layouts. Whether you have a big family or like to batch-cook, this freezer provides the flexibility you need.
2. Upright Freezer 150L
The Upright Freezer offers a compact design with a 150L capacity, making it an ideal fit for garage spaces where storage efficiency is key. With 5 drawers, organizing your frozen goods becomes a hassle-free task. The manual temperature control and defrost features provide a hands-on approach, ensuring you can adjust settings to your preference. Though it has a 2.5-star MEPS energy rating, it offers decent energy efficiency. The adjustable feet are a thoughtful addition, accommodating uneven surfaces and ensuring stability.
3. Haier 258L White Vertical Freezer
This Haier Vertical Freezer offers modern conveniences like touch LED temperature control ensuring your frozen goods are kept at the ideal temperature. Additionally, its frost-free feature means less maintenance and hassle over time. With the interior LED light, locating items becomes straightforward, even in dim settings.
Safety and user-friendliness are highlighted by the inclusion of a child lock. The reversible door provides flexibility in placement options within your kitchen. The freezer’s Super Freeze technology promises quicker freezing, and with six plastic drawers, organizing your frozen items is a breeze. No more digging around to find that frozen pizza or ice cream tub.
4. Fisher & Paykel 363L Vertical Freezer
The Fisher & Paykel 363L Vertical Freezer stands out with its smart design, featuring a brushed stainless steel handle and a left-hand hinge, ensuring compatibility when paired with a right-hinge freestanding fridge. Functionality is at its core with spill-safe secure glass shelves, ensuring those occasional liquid mishaps are contained and easy to clean. The added storage bins provide efficient organization, making it easier to locate and access your frozen items. A harmonious blend of style and practicality.
5. Westinghouse 280L Vertical Freezer
The Westinghouse 280L Vertical Freezer comes equipped with practical pole handles, making it easy to access your frozen goods. With its six full-width freezer baskets, organization is a breeze, ensuring your items remain easily accessible and neatly stored.
Functionality is front and center with the inclusion of a twist-and-serve icemaker—perfect for those warm days when you need ice on demand. Additionally, the quick freeze function is a lifesaver when you need to freeze items rapidly. With a 3-star energy rating, it’s both efficient and environmentally conscious. A solid choice for those looking to maximize their freezing capabilities.
6. Beko 250L Vertical Freezer
The Beko 250L Vertical Freezer stands out with its ability to adapt to temperature fluctuations rapidly, ensuring your food remains fresh for extended periods. Additionally, its quieter operation guarantees minimal disturbance, which can be a boon for households.
Its Reversible Door feature is an added convenience, offering flexibility in placement. The high-durability glass shelves promise strength and longevity, while the Twist & Serve Ice Cube functionality brings a touch of ease to your chilling endeavors.
7. Robinhood 332L Vertical Fridge or Freezer
This Robinhood appliance stands out with its innovative feature of switching between fridge or freezer modes at the simple touch of a button. Accompanied by a digital temperature control and clear LED display, it offers a seamless experience for temperature monitoring. The three adjustable glass shelves add a customizable touch, ensuring that storage is tailored to your needs.
The reversible door offers adaptability, fitting seamlessly into varied kitchen designs. Meanwhile, its 45dB decibel rating ensures a relatively quiet operation, which is a subtle yet significant feature for those who cherish a peaceful kitchen environment.
FAQs
Is a chest freezer better than an upright freezer NZ?
Chest freezers typically offer more storage space and retain cold better during power outages. However, upright freezers are more space-efficient and provide easier access to items. Consider your space and usage requirements.
What is the best brand fridge freezer NZ?
The best fridge freezer brand in NZ can vary based on individual preferences and needs. However, Fisher & Paykel, Haier & Westinghouse a New Zealand-based company, was highly regarded for its quality and innovative fridge freezers in the local market.
What size freezer is best for a family of 4?
For a family of 4, a medium to large freezer, ranging from 14 to 20 cubic feet, is typically sufficient to store regular groceries, batch-cooked meals, and additional items. Consider individual family needs and shopping habits when making a final choice.