Freezers buying guide
- — 24 August, 2010 14:50
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Jargon Busters — Freezers
Auto fast-freeze:
Automatically adjusts a freezer’s temperature to freeze food as quickly as possible.
Chest freezer:
A model of freezer in which the door is located on top, like a lid. Chest freezers generally offer more storage space and use energy more efficiently.
Defrost drain system:
Provides a path for condensation to escape the freezer via an evaporator tray. This is a feature common to most modern freezers and helps to reduce the build-up of ice.
Defrost technology:
Some top of the line freezers use adaptive or usage technology to monitor the usage patterns of your freezer to monitor and adjust the energy consumption based on your daily usage.
Energy Star rating:
An energy labelling guide used to regulate minimum efficiency standards. The more stars a freezer receives, the more energy efficient the model is.
Frost-free:
Frost-free freezers prevent ice from building up, eliminating the occasional need to defrost. The lack of ice build-up also makes temperatures within the freezer more evenly spread, which improves food quality and the energy efficiency of the appliance.
Multi-flow:
A cooling system that circulates cold air more efficiently around the fridge, helping to prevent hotspots.
Side-by-side:
A model of fridge/freezer in which the freezer is located beside the fridge compartment. Side-by-side models can come with narrow doors that are useful in areas of limited space.
Thermostat:
A device that is used to determine and regulate temperatures in the freezer. The thermostat usually comes in the form of a dial, slide or digital controls.
Upright freezer:
A model of freezer in which the door is located on the front, like a traditional fridge. Upright freezers make it easier to access your food.
Ventilation gap / Minimum air clearance:
The minimum amount of empty space that must be left at the top, back and sides of the freezer. This allows the hot air that is produced on the outside of the freezer to properly disperse. Check your freezer’s user manual for the recommended ventilation space.
Water drain outlet:
A drain for manual defrost freezers — assists in removing melted frost. This is achieved with a drain hose and drain outlet, which is usually located at the rear of the freezer.
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Comments
Joan Correll
1
Excellent description with great information - thanks