Freezers Energy savings are not a sure thing

Most freezers aren't about style. They look similar to models we tested decades ago, but they use less energy. And Energy Star models must be even more efficient.

But our latest tests of 21 freezers found an Energy Star model, the Haier HUF138EA, that used much more energy than any other freezer. We believe it exceeds the Department of Energy's allowable energy use and should not qualify for Energy Star. Further, neither of the two samples we tested reached 0° F in our energy test. That's why we've called that model a Don't Buy.

We test energy use with the center of the freezer at 0° F, the optimum temperature for storing frozen food. Manufacturers are required to calculate energy use at 0 F, based on test results that can be above and below 0° F. We fill the freezers to capacity. In the DOE test, the freezers are 75 percent full. Our tests and the DOE's tests use 90° F room temperatures. In our tests, freezers, on average, used 17 percent more energy compared with their yellow EnergyGuide labels. But the Haier used 70 percent more energy, when it was full as well as empty.

The DOE relies on manufacturers' test data. Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, continues to believe that the DOE should require independent verification of test results.

Here's what else our tests found:

Conveniences add cost
Most of the tested models delivered impressive temperature performance. Manual-defrost uprights were the exception. Without fans to circulate cold air, temperatures of on-door shelves were between 9 and 19 degrees higher than in the rest of the freezer.

Most self-defrosting uprights excelled in temperature performance. Their shelves and bins make it easier to organize and find food, but they reduce usable space. Some models, such as the A1 and A2 Whirlpool, have an alarm that beeps if the freezer gets too warm. A1 is a two-door model with a large pull-out bin and a faux-stainless look. Though the A4 Kenmore is noisy, it has a soft-freeze section.

Manual-defrost freezers are generally more energy efficient and quieter than self-defrosting models. But defrosting can take hours. Chests provide more space for the money and usually stay cold longer in power outages, which is useful if your area has blackouts. They're also less likely to produce freezer burn in foods. The C1 Amana and C2 Kenmore offer excellent energy efficiency and impressive performance. The C2 is slightly larger and has a power-on light. If you want a small freezer, consider the C3 Kenmore and C4 Frigidaire.