Considering a home freezer

A home freezer can be a good bargain over the long term, but buying a freezer also can be a major expense.

Here are some things to consider in deciding whether having a freezer is the right move for you.

Determine how much capacity you’ll need. Rule of thumb is to multiply the number of family members by 1.5 cubic feet, adding more to the calculation if you’ll be adding large quantities of meat from hunting or bulk buys, or if you’ll be freezing vegetables from a large garden.

Read the EnergyStar rating labels for the amount of energy the freezer will use, and multiply by the kilowatt hour cost (you’ll find that on your electric bill) to determine your costs to run the freezer.

Consider the styles — upright and chest — and the pros and cons for both.

Upright freezers are shaped like a refrigerator and therefore take up less floor space. Since they open from the front, it’s easier to find what you want, but bulky items can be hard to store. Uprights usually cost a bit more than the chest style, but most are self-defrosting. When you open the door of an upright freezer, your cold air spills out onto the floor, which adds to your energy cost.

Chest freezers are more energy efficient because the cold air doesn’t escape when you open the top. Most are manual defrost, which saves energy, but can be an unwanted chore. It can be difficult to find items that are at the bottom.

Options you’ll want to consider:

• A lock with key for safety around children

• Self-defrost

• Magnetic door seal

• Interior light

• A defrost drain for manual defrost

• Adjustable temperature control

• Warranty and on-site service

Don’t buy more freezer than you need, due to the operating costs. Freezers work best if filled most of the way. With a too-big freezer, you’ll pay extra for the freezer and then again every month when your electric bill comes due.

A freezer can be a money saver if it means fewer trips to the store — less gas, less impulse buying — or that you won’t eat out as often. But consider your actual usage to determine if it will be worth your while to own one.