Capacity
The total working volume of the freezer compartment. A larger volume allows for more products to be stored, but it affects the size and cost of the unit; therefore, when choosing based on this parameter, it's important not to chase maximum capacity but to consider what volume you actually need. For example, for household use, the average necessary volume is 50 liters per person; and when choosing a display freezer (see "Type"), you need to consider the number of products to be sold. More detailed recommendations for selecting the optimal volume can be found in specialized sources.
It is also worth considering that the freezer is often divided into several compartments (see below) — which means that a large volume does not necessarily guarantee that large pieces of products can fit into the device.
Power failure autonomy
The amount of time the freezer keeps food cold enough when the refrigeration system is turned off, for example, due to a breakdown or power outage. Technically, the power failure autonomy for each model is calculated differently; For example, for a freezer with an operating temperature of -18 ° C, this is the period during which the products in the chamber heat up from -18 ° C to -9 ° C. To sum up, the time is indicated during which the frozen products are guaranteed not to heat up to a temperature at which they could lose their properties.
Door alarm
It is a system that monitors the closing of the freezer door. If the door is not closed for a long time or is not closed tightly enough, an audible or light (depending on the model) signal is given. It helps to avoid a critical increase in temperature in the working chamber and preserves the quality of the products.
Energy class (new)
This parameter shows the efficiency of electricity consumption by the freezer. Classes are designated in Latin letters from A to G, in ascending order of energy consumption. It was originally conceived until more energy-efficient models pulled up to class A, which eventually received the marking A+, A++, and A+++. Further development of technology has made it possible to go even further and, in order not to produce pluses in energy efficiency labelling, in March 2021, manufacturers returned to the previous indices from G to A, where A is the most energy-efficient freezer. Accordingly, the 2021 models will have modern markings, while older models will be marked the old way.
Energy consumption per year
It is the average amount of energy consumed by the freezer in a year of operation. Of course, these figures are not absolutely accurate. The actual power consumption may vary depending on the specific operating conditions. However, this parameter makes it possible to evaluate the consumption of the device and compare different models with each other. At the same time, it often turns out to be more convenient and visual than the energy consumption class (see above) because, in this paragraph, we are talking about a specific figure (from which you can also calculate the cost of electricity consumed).
Noise class
This parameter allows one to decipher the noise level in decibels. It is marked, like other classes, in Latin letters, where A is the quietest class of wine cabinets.