Energy-Efficient Freezers

Patrick Gallagher

In this article

Your freezer is one of the few appliances you have plugged in and switched on all the time, so it’s constantly using electricity.

All freezers sold in Britain are required by law to carry an energy label, which rates a model’s efficiency and gives you an indication about which ones cost less to run, as they will reduce your electricity bills.

When we review freezers, we test the energy efficiency of each model. Our tests have found that even models that carry the same energy label can cost varying amounts to run each year.

Find out which models are rated best for performance and energy use in our guide to the best freezers.

Top energy-saving freezers

All of the freezers we review are tested and rated for their true energy efficiency. But the best freezers are also able to freeze quickly, keep your food fresher for longer, are quiet to run and easy to use. Below, we reveal freezers we’ve tested that are cheap to run but also came out top in our tough performance tests.

Which? members can log in to reveal our recommendations. Not a Which? member? Join Which? for instant access to these and all our other reviews.

Best tall freestanding freezer

87%

£559.26

Reviewed Jul 2017

Quite simply, this freezer is one of the best we’ve ever seen. It’s lightning-quick to cool and it never fails to stick to a safe and steady temperature, regardless of whether the room temperature rises or falls. It’s also very spacious and extremely efficient for its size, so it won’t cost the earth to run. The only slight flaw is that it’s a bit of a chore to clean.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

Best tall integrated freezer

81%

£1719.00

Reviewed Jul 2017

It may be among the most expensive freezers we've tested, but it's also one of the most efficient, so you'll be doing your bit for the environment if you invest in it. You'll also be getting an exceptional freezer that didn't do poorly in a single one of our tough tests and will help to preserve your food in great condition.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

Best under-counter integrated freezer

87%

£865.00

Reviewed Dec 2017

This is the best small integrated freezer we've seen. It's not the cheapest model you can buy, but it is the highest scoring. It didn't do poorly in any of our tough tests and it particularly impressed in our energy efficiency and temperature stability tests.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

Best chest freezer

75%

£254.99

Reviewed Aug 2016

This chest freezer does what you need it to do: it keeps food consistently frozen, until you're ready to defrost it. It's also cheap to run and keeps food shielded from the thawing effects of a power cut for ages.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

Freezer energy label changes

From 1 March 2021 a new energy label comes into force, which replaces the confusing A+, A++ and A+++ ratings and resets the scale back to A to G. This is designed to reinvigorate the sustainability race for manufacturers by completely emptying the top A-rating to leave room for improvement. At first it will affect washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, lighting and TVs, with other appliances including tumble dryers and ovens remaining the same for now.

The new label for refrigeration (above) states the capacity of chilled and/or frozen compartments in litres and there is also a new measure for noise emissions.

The new ratings will go from A to G and is a clearer reflection of how efficient your appliance is by modern standards. Each label features a QR-code for more product information which links to the product on the manufacturer’s website. Energy consumption is presented either as kWh per year, kWh per 1,000 hours or kWh per 100 cycles, depending on the product group. This is a change from the old label, which was often based on an estimated usage over a year.