The purpose of both refrigerators and freezers is to keep food items cold, fresh for extended periods of time. A refrigerator is for items that you want to keep cool and fresh so that the food stays edible for long. Therefore, refrigerators operate between temperatures 35F and 40F. The basic idea behind refrigeration is to slow down the activity of bacteria and prevent food spoilage. A freezer is where you place items that you want to remain frozen. Freezer temperatures are usually set to below 0F.

Difference between refrigerators and freezers

• Temperature

The primary difference is the operational temperature of refrigerators and freezers. Refrigerators are designed to store food between 35F and 40F, whereas freezers are designed to hold the food below 0F.

• Storage

The fridge has storage areas for different types of food, while the freezer has a uniform low temperature, making it feasible only for frozen foods.

• Cost

Refrigerators in general cost more to run because of the high usage. Moreover, because of its structure, when the door of a refrigerator is opened, the cold air being denser, falls out onto the floor. Therefore, a refrigerator has to run longer to make up for the loss. On the other hand, due to the structure and limited use, you do not face this problem with a freezer.

• Usage

Larger families generally use a chest-type deep freeze because of the larger storage area, making buying in bulk easy.

These are the primary differences between refrigerators and freezers. Both are used for distinctively different purposes and have their respective advantages, limits, and application. However, timely service and maintenance can help you prolong the shelf life of both and even reduce power usage.

Top benefits of refrigerators and freezers

Continue reading to know some common benefits of refrigerators.

• Refrigerators normally have a freezer section, which can be used to store perishables such as meat and other frozen foods. Besides, the rest of the refrigerator can be used to store other perishable food items that do not require such low cooling. This makes refrigerators more of a dual-purpose appliance over a freezer.
• A variety of models and designs of refrigerators are available these days. You can pick one as per the size of your family and the required storage. With the availability of stylish refrigerators, you can now choose one that adds to the aesthetics of your kitchen.
• When it comes to the price range of refrigerators, you can across various models and brands, to suit your budget. You can take advantage of many leading brands offering deals and discounts from time to time.

Now, when it comes to a freezer, the initial cost may be high, but this is justified as it is mostly used for industrial purposes. However, it is important that you conduct timely service of freezers so that they work efficiently and offer value for your money.

Read to know some of the prominent advantages of owning a freezer

• Freezing is a simple and effective way of preserving food, especially in a frozen state for a long period of time. There is very little effect on the flavor, color, appearance, and nutritive value of stored foods.
• Whole meals, snacks, and parts of meals can be stored in a freezer for longer durations than refrigerators.
• It is usually cheaper to buy foods such as meat in bulk and store them in the freezer for long-term use.
• Home-grown or ‘pick-your-own’ produce can be frozen at home, if you have a freezer, this saves you money.
• If you have a freezer, then you can store season foods and eat them out of season.
• Large amounts of food can be stored for parties and other special occasions.
• Freezers are inexpensive to run, and if used wisely, on an average, they use one unit of electricity per 15 liters per week.
• Various sizes and types of freezers are available in the market to cater to varying needs and family sizes.
• Time spent on shopping can be saved if food is bought in bulk and stored in the freezer.
• Leftover foods and items such as stock or fruit juice can be frozen for later use, to avoid wastage.

Tips to choose refrigerators and freezers

Here are some handy tips you can use when choosing the right refrigerator or freezer.

When looking for a refrigerator, consider the following

• Side-by-side, bottom-freezer or top-freezer models

Refrigerators with bottom-freezers feature the most used compartment at the eye level. French-door and four-door versions of refrigerators save space with narrow door swings for the upper fridge, and with four-door models, you get two separate freezer doors below. Side-by-side models of refrigerators also come with narrow door swings but require you to reach and bend more. Top-freezer refrigerators cost the least but are also the least stylish. Built-in refrigerators are perfect for cabinets, but they cost the most and hold the least.

• Check the features

Adjustable shelves can make room for tall items, and temperature-controlled drawers offer cooler temperatures for fish and other delicate fares.

• Check the dimensions 

Width is usually the most critical one because most refrigerators need to fit a certain niche in your kitchen. Also, be sure that a new refrigerator will fit your halls and doorways en route to your kitchen.

• Choose a finish

Stainless steel tops the chart because of its neutral, unifying look. Some versions are fingerprint-proof too. Black or white appliances can also complement many kitchens. Built-in models usually offer panels that can blend in with your cabinets.

• Factor in noise

This is a big deal in open-plan kitchens. So, go for brands that stand out for quietness such as Jenn-Air.

When looking for freezers, you have two options, chest freezers, and upright freezers. Here are some tips to consider.

• Space

Chest freezers are wide open, except for their removable hanging baskets, or dividers, so they offer more usable space than upright freezers. On the other hand, upright freezers take up less floor space than chest freezers.

• Organization

Despite their hanging baskets, chest freezers can be harder to organize than upright models, and retrieving items buried near the bottom of the chest can be a task. Upright freezers are also easier to organize. As with a fridge, shelves, and bins inside and against the door can make it easy to find things.

• Defrost

Chest freezers do not self-defrost like uprights, and so, the temperature stays consistently low. They are also a better choice if the area where you live is prone to blackouts or power failures. They tend to keep food frozen longer when the power is off. But, in chest freezers, manual defrost is the only option. Upright freezers have the option of self-defrost or manual defrost.

• Energy saving

Chest freezers tend to be slightly more energy-efficient and are less likely to cause freezer burn on foods.

• Quietness

Chest freezers tend to be quieter than self-defrosting uprights.

Best brands for refrigerators and freezers

Here are some of the best brands in refrigerators and freezers:

Just like any other extensively used appliance in a home, the quality of your refrigerator matters. The latest models have many features such as automatic wine dispensers and smart home connectivity.

Best brands that offer high tech, durable, and attractive refrigerators are:

• Whirlpool

It is a dependable brand that promises you ample space and feature-laden refrigerators. Jenn-Air, owned by Whirlpool, is one of the most preferred appliance brands, based on solid service history and a wide variety of products. The Jenn-Air luxury freestanding cabinet depth French door refrigerator offers a sleek built-in structure, giving it a more integrated look.

• LG

Some of the favorite fridge models in the country come from LG. It focuses on high-tech features and solid designs. If you like stylish fridges that have impressive Wi-Fi smart screens that also double-up as windows, then LG offers some of the most incredible models. The brand is known for its durability and service.

• Samsung

Samsung produces high-tech fridges known for sleek stainless steel structures and Wi-Fi capabilities. If you want a refrigerator that really goes the extra mile with technology, refrigerators from Samsung won’t disappoint you. One of the prime examples is the Samsung Family Hub, a massive refrigerator with a large touch screen, replete with high-tech features.

• GE Appliances

The second-most reliable brand after Whirlpool, GE refrigerators do not need repairs for a long period of time after purchase. GE has been making appliances for a long time, and in recent years, the company has recommitted itself to producing American-made products. GE Profile series refrigerators are modern, minimal, and streamlined products with hearty construction.

• KitchenAid

KitchenAid is one of the best brands if you are interested in elaborate refrigerators with room for everything. The brand offers 5-door models, dual-cooling systems for targeted temperature control, specialized herb storage, and a host of other features that dedicated chefs will love.

• Sub-Zero

Sub-zero has been in the appliance business since 1945, and this American company takes pride in its history of innovative engineering of home refrigerators. As a made in USA appliance brand, Sub-Zero takes sustainability very seriously. If you are looking for a well-made product that will stand the test of time, Sub-Zero is a great place to start.

• Viking

Viking, manufactured in the USA, is best known for its stovetop but has been in the refrigeration business for a long time too. In the last few years, the company has dedicated massive efforts to improve the quality of their products as well as their customer service.

• Bosch

Bosch is another great refrigerator brand. Though it is an international company, it manufactures many of its refrigerators in the country and is ahead of the competition, when it comes to sustainability, technology, and construction.

Freezers are evaluated based on price points, sizes, and capacities. Also, useful features like automatic defrost, flash-freeze, power on, open-door indicators, storage options, and energy efficiency should be considered.

Here are some of the best freezer brands and their features in the market.

Frigidaire – Best Upright Freezer – Frigidaire FFFU13F2VW Upright Freezer

• Power outage assurance and keeps the food frozen for two days
• EvenTemp cooling system prevents warm spots and unwanted freezing
• Door jamb alarm alerts if the door is left open

Whirlpool – Best Chest Freezer – Whirlpool WZC3115DW Chest Freezer

• Key Lock – Keeps your frozen foods safe and secure
• Storage Bin – Storage bins provide convenient storage options for better organization
• Defrost Drain with Hose Adapter- Defrosts your freezer with ease. Attach the included hose adapter to the defrost drain, to easily remove water when preparing to defrost and clean the chest freezer
• Interior Lighting

Kenmore – Best Large Capacity Freezer – Kenmore 22202 Upright Convertible Freezer

• The capacity conveniently handles storage of both large and small frozen items
• 2 see-through storage bins with pull out option for easy access
• Electronic temperature control lets you utilize the unit as a refrigerator or freezer
• Automatic defrost function prevents ice buildup
• LED lighting illuminates the interior so you can find the items you want faster
• Alarm prevents users from accidentally leaving the door open

GE – Most Energy Efficient Freezer – GE Garage Ready FCM11PHWW

• Garage ready freezer that is tested and approved
• Locks with keys allow you to protect valuable food items
• Upfront controls and lift-out sliding baskets

Now that you have an in-depth idea about refrigerators and freezers, you are in a position to make an informed choice. Consider the differences between these two appliances, your needs, your budget, and the models available, before making your decision.