1. Choose between a 2-compartment or 1-compartment freezer
Freezers may seem simple as long as they help you preserve frozen food. However, when you start buying a freezer, you'll quickly realize that the criteria for choosing a freezer can be more complex than you think. Freezers come in various types and sizes, with different capacities, and you'll find a range of features, standards, and warranty policies. Identifying the right freezer is a challenging task before making a purchase decision.
There are 2 types of freezer compartments you can choose from:
- 2-compartment freezers include:
- Refrigerated compartment with a temperature range of 0°C to 10°C suitable for preserving water, vegetables, beer, etc.
- Frozen compartment with a temperature below -18°C suitable for preserving frozen foods like meat, fish, sausages, and storing ice cream.
- 1-compartment freezers have only one frozen compartment.
Therefore, depending on your usage needs, you can choose a freezer with 2 compartments or 1 compartment or a single-door freezer to fit and avoid wasting unused space.


2. Horizontal Chest Freezers
Upright freezers typically consume less energy due to their unique design:
- Suitcase-style lids minimize the escape of cold air when opened
- The cabinet is often made of ABS plastic, allowing food to remain frozen longer in case of power loss or damage.
- However, accessing items inside requires bending over and reaching into the depths of the freezer, making it unsuitable for those with back pain or mobility issues
- In a fully-packed freezer, it can sometimes be challenging to see items beneath the top layer
Advantages:
- Affordable price
- Large capacity
- Energy-efficient
- Preserves frozen food longer during power outages
Disadvantages:
- More challenging to retrieve items from the bottom compartment
- Often requires manual defrosting
- Takes up more space than upright freezers


3. Distinguishing Upright Freezers
Upright Freezer:
- You'll have easier access to the contents inside.
- It can perfectly fit into your kitchen as it's less bulky.
- You'll find all your food easily accessible for cooking.
Advantages:
- Doesn't take up too much space.
- Upright Freezer is easy to organize food.
- Makes it easy to retrieve different types of your food.
- Can be easily moved around.
Disadvantages:
- Upright Freezers have a relatively high cost.
- Relatively small capacity.


4. Cost of Purchasing a Freezer
Freezers are technological products that receive special attention from consumers. This is because freezers serve many purposes in preserving human life's food.
Currently, freezer products have prices ranging from 5 to 10 million VND, and some high-end models have prices above 15 million VND. However, if your usage needs are basic, a freezer with a price range of under 7 million VND is sufficient to meet your needs.
Additionally, you need to consider operating costs over time:
- Upright freezers usually have higher prices than chest freezers, and they have higher Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), meaning they consume more energy
- Useful features like automatic defrost will increase your electricity costs
- A large chest freezer may incur higher transportation costs


5. Optimal Size for Usage Needs
Size and capacity become the most crucial considerations for many freezer buyers. You should know how much food you want your freezer to hold to choose a unit with the appropriate capacity for your needs.
Where will you keep your freezer, and how much space do you have there? The freezer must be placed where the room's airflow converges to the machine's cooling coils from all sides. A space too small and restricting airflow or placing it next to a heat source makes it work harder. Always measure your available space before choosing the size of the freezer you want.
If space is limited, choose an upright freezer, and conversely, you can opt for a chest freezer if you have more room.


6. Energy-Saving Technology of Freezers
Freezers need to run continuously (at least whenever there is food inside) to perform their job. This means they will use a considerable amount of energy 24/7. Therefore, choosing an energy-efficient freezer can make a significant difference in your electricity bill.
Here are some criteria to consider when buying a freezer:
- Compare energy costs by checking the energy label on the device; this label will give you an estimated operating cost.
- Look for products that meet Energy Efficiency Standards or bear the Energy Star label (Founder: John S. Hoffman. U.S. EPA), regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Inverter Technology: Products equipped with inverter technology help save electricity significantly.


7. Choosing Material: Aluminum or Copper Evaporator
Regarding cooling efficiency: The cooling time of both types of freezers is the same, but a copper evaporator freezer may achieve a deeper level of cooling than an aluminum evaporator freezer.
Concerning power source: It will not affect the evaporator whether it is made of copper or aluminum. Only the Inverter freezer with a copper evaporator, equipped with inverter technology, might be affected if the power supply is insufficient, impacting the machine's lifespan.
Copper has a higher heat absorption and conduction capacity than aluminum. This is why most electrical wires nowadays have a copper core. Copper is also more durable than aluminum, so a freezer with a copper evaporator will operate more efficiently than one with an aluminum evaporator. If you have the means and want a product that cools quickly and is durable, you can consider a model with a copper evaporator. However, if your needs only involve storing food without the necessity for rapid cooling and a more budget-friendly option, then an aluminum evaporator is a suitable choice.


8. Opting for a Freezer with Additional Features
Choose a freezer with wheels for easy mobility, allowing you to adapt its position to various spaces effortlessly.
Opt for a design with an external temperature control panel, enabling you to easily adjust the temperature to suit different types and quantities of food with a simple turn of the knob. The interior baskets facilitate convenient food categorization without wasting time.
Additionally, select a model with drainage holes to allow excess water to flow out of the freezer, preventing accumulation inside. This design also simplifies the cleaning process by efficiently removing dirty water. Features like interior lighting are invaluable for locating items quickly, while a working indicator light eliminates the need to open the door to check. High-temperature warnings alert you if the internal temperature begins to rise.


9. Noise Level of Freezer
Each freezer generates noise at varying levels, mainly caused by the compressor fan. To assess whether a freezer is unusually loud or noisy, check user reviews of the specific model you are considering.
Some insights:
- Manually defrosting freezers are generally quieter than self-defrosting ones.
- Used freezers may produce louder noise compared to new ones.
- Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), specifically referring to the continuous sound of the compressor fan.
- The typical decibel range for refrigerators and freezers is 32 - 47 dB, according to the standards set by organizations like 'Quiet Mark' and the 'Noise Abatement Society.'
Now, you have an additional criterion to consider when choosing a new freezer, ensuring an improved working environment for you.


10. Reputable Brands, Trusted by Many
Safety is always a top priority when choosing a freezer, so you need to select a freezer product with multiple protection mechanisms from reputable brands for peace of mind. Produced to strict standards and equipped with advanced technology, the cost may be higher, but it comes with excellent quality. Premium freezer brands such as Sanaky, Kangaroo, SUNHOUSE, LG, Darling, Alaska, Funiki... are well-known and trusted by many users.
Here are the top 5 freezer brands most trusted in the current market:
- Sanaky Freezer: Sanaky freezers are reputable, originated from Japan, known for top-notch quality and durability in the market. They offer a diverse range of freezers in terms of capacity, design, and user-friendly features. Sanaky freezers are highly rated for being reliable, durable, and stable in operation. Consumers appreciate them, and the price is relatively high compared to other freezer brands.
- Kangaroo Freezer: Kangaroo, a Vietnamese brand, is favored by users for its effective cooling, diverse models, large capacity, suitable for storing food in stores and restaurants.
- SUNHOUSE Freezer: SUNHOUSE, a leading kitchen appliances brand in Vietnam, always equips its products with the latest advanced technologies and ensures meticulous quality control before officially distributing them to the market.
- LG Freezer: LG freezers integrate various technologies, are energy-efficient, have unique and diverse designs, and are chosen and trusted by many customers.
- Alaska Freezer: The Alaska freezer series, manufactured in China under the quality standards of the Alaska brand in Vietnam, is well-received by consumers for its good quality, although it is not an imported or internationally renowned brand.


11. Duration of Cooling Retention during Power Loss
A refrigerator saves a considerable amount of time when it comes to grocery shopping. However, during a power outage, a regular refrigerator lacks the ability to preserve food. To address this, it's crucial to choose a good freezer to ensure proper freezing even during power loss.
Power outage is always a top concern for any household using a refrigerator to store food and chill beverages. When the power is out, the food in the refrigerator remains unchilled, leading to bacterial growth and food spoilage. Horizontal freezers often optimize this situation with a thick ABS plastic layer. The freezing retention time can last up to 8-12 hours, depending on the product.
Consider this when you're storing perishable items!


12. Warranty Policy
For electronic products, manufacturing line defects are inevitable as even a slight deviation in a few micrometers can pose a risk of malfunction. Manufacturers find it challenging to detect and recall these defects until they reach the hands of consumers, where the flaws become more apparent.
To provide customers with peace of mind, most major freezer brands worldwide such as Sanaky, Kangaroo, SUNHOUSE, LG, Darling, Alaska, Funiki, etc., offer excellent warranty policies. Products with immediate defects are promptly recalled and replaced with quality ones. Depending on the price and type, freezer products typically come with a warranty period ranging from 6 months to 3 years.
When purchasing any electronic product, the warranty policy enhances your confidence during usage. Therefore, choose to buy freezers from reputable stores with well-known brands. Consider the warranty duration, product quality standards, and the genuine warranty procedures for cases of potential defects. All of these factors are crucial when selecting a new freezer for your family.
When buying a freezer, opt for genuine products with a warranty period of at least 12 months from reliable appliance centers to ensure quality, safety, and machine longevity.


13. Choosing a Reliable Purchase Address
To ensure quality during usage, opt for reputable brands in the market such as Sanaky, Kangaroo, SUNHOUSE, LG, Darling, Alaska, Funiki, etc. Price comparison is crucial. Surveying freezer prices will help you find the best hot and cold water dispenser at the most reasonable price.
Furthermore, selecting a trustworthy seller with comprehensive warranty and after-sales service is essential. Purchasing products from authorized dealers provides added confidence in quality. Nowadays, prices do not vary significantly. When buying genuine products, you are assured that the product is authentic, easy to use, and manufactured by the brand you choose. Users, especially, benefit from extensive support regarding the manufacturer's policies and other rights.
By using genuine products, users can recognize the excellent quality of the product, bearing both the brand's mark and the buyer's stylistic imprint.


14. Equipped with a Safety Lock
Nowadays, many people prefer freezers with anti-theft locks. This type of lock can help us manage when your kids decide to open the freezer door on their own. Not only that, the lock is also very safe in preventing accidents for children, such as spills from inside that could fall on them or get their hands stuck.
Using a freezer lock also helps protect the door if there are issues with the lock. If the freezer door doesn't close tightly, it may remain slightly open, wasting electricity. Using an anti-theft freezer lock can help us address that issue.
In large restaurants or public areas, freezer locks with keys also help us secure items inside. Moreover, we can make the most of the freezer lock to secure other types of locks, providing the most effective anti-theft solution possible.

