Buying a Freezer

Buy from dealers who service what they sell.

Upright freezers are a good choice for the kitchen, a limited space, short people, and if you want an icemaker and frostless convenience. Chest freezers are a good choice for heavy, bulky items, tall people, spacious areas and extra features aren't a consideration.

Are you dreaming of fresh strawberries in December, of having a supply of meats and vegetables and other prepared foods the year round?

These dreams can come true when you have a freezer in your home. The following suggestions are made to help you choose your freezer.

• The Cabinet should be one-piece, wrap-around construction and borderized for rust resistance. The exterior will most likely be finished with acrylic enamel.
• Insulation is generally plastic foam. It requires relatively little space and does a splendid job of insulating. Glass fiber is also used.
• The Compressor should be hermetically sealed, requiring no attention from you.
• Leveling the feet on the freezer cabinet allows the freezer to be perfectly level, eliminating wobbling, vibration and noise.
• Controls should be easy to reach but out of the reach of children.
• The door should be cross-braced for strength. Some freezer doors have a stop position which prevents damage to the door or wall.
• The door of a chest freezer is a lid. It too should be cross-braced for strength. It should be counterbalanced so the lid stays open and will not close on your head or hand.
• The door seal is generally magnetic. Be sure it is secure on all edges.

Capacity is very important to many prospective buyers. Because of new developments, particularly in insulation, manufacturers have been able to increase capacity without increasing the cabinet size proportionately.

A freezer runs more efficiently when it is filled close to capacity. Don't buy one that is too big for your needs. Choose an adequately sized model.

Upright freezers are available in sizes ranging from about 12 cu. ft. to 30 cu. ft. and chests from 5 cu. ft. to 28 cu. ft. Not all sizes are available from all manufacturers. Compact models of about 5 cu: ft. are also available.

A sliding basket or drawer is good for bulky items. Be sure it slides easily. If it is stubborn when empty, it will be impossible when filled.

An icemaker is standard in some models and available as an accessory in others.

Frostless models eliminate defrosting, a chore for most homemakers. Frost does not accumulate because small heaters melt it periodically. Heaters may operate by clock time or compressor running time. Because of the heat, it is important that food be properly packaged so it won't dry out. Frostless models cost about 50 percent more to operate than standard freezers. Knowing that it costs more to buy and operate a frostless model, do you think it will be worth it to you?

Whatever you choice: buy a well-known brand, buy from a dealer who services what he sells, send in the warranty card to the manufacturer, read the instruction book and keep it handy and refer to it often.

For more information on buying a freezer contact you local county Extension office.