Best energy efficient freezers for 2024

Your freezer is one of the few appliances you have plugged in and switched on all the time, so it’s constantly using electricity. That's why it's worth buying an energy efficient model to keep running costs down.

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 on which ones cost less to run.

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 different amounts to run each year.

We've shortlisted these energy efficient freezers, which are both economical to run and performed impressively in our tough lab tests, so you can store your frozen food without worrying about running up a huge bill. 

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

Best energy efficient freezers

Here, we reveal some of the most energy efficient freezers we’ve tested. They are cheap to run but also came out top in our tough performance tests.

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How much energy does a freezer use?

As with fridges, the amount of energy that a freezer uses can vary depending on its size and type.

On average, we estimate that an under-counter freezer will use around 132kWh of energy per year, while a tall model uses around 212kWh on average.

Chest freezers can store a large amount of food, and we calculate that they use around 178kWh per year on average. 

How much do freezers cost to run?

Some freezers we've tested are exceptionally efficient with energy and allow you to store a large amount of frozen food without costing a fortune. This isn't the case for all freezers, though, and while some of the most economical models cost around £35 a year to run, some inefficient models we've tested will add £80 or more to your annual bills. 

The average tall freezer will cost around £70 a year to run, while under-counter models cost around £44 a year.

If you need to store a lot of food, then you may be looking at buying a chest freezer. On average, we've calculated these cost around £59 a year to run.

Visit our reviews to see the annual running costs for every freezer we've tested.

Search our freezer reviews for the model you're interested in.

Freezer energy label changes

From 1 March 2021, a new energy label came into force, which replaced the confusing A+, A++ and A+++ ratings and reset the scale from A to G.

The change was designed to reinvigorate the sustainability race for manufacturers by completely emptying the top A-rating to encourage development of even more efficient appliances.

The new label for refrigeration (pictured above) states the capacity of chilled and/or frozen compartments in litres. There's also a new measure for noise emissions, as well as a QR code for more product information, which links to the product on the manufacturer’s website.

Head to our guide to the best energy efficient fridge freezers to read more about energy labels.

Eco Buy freezers

If you want to make the most sustainable choice when you next buy a freezer, an Eco Buy is for you. Eco Buy freezers will have a lower impact on the environment over their lifetimes than other freezers.

We calculate this in two ways: how reliable – and therefore long-lasting – it's likely to be, so you don't have to repair or replace it as often; and how energy efficient it is.

To become an Eco Buy, a freezer must have:

• a total test score of at least 75%
• five stars for energy efficiency
• four stars and above for cooling power
• must not come from a brand that gets a poor longevity rating in our annual consumer surveys

Only between 5% and 10% of freezers are sustainable enough to be Eco Buys.

To see which freezers qualify, head to our freezer reviews and use the Eco Buy filter.

 Freezer energy efficiency tips

Running your fridge freezer as efficiently as possible will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

• If you don't have a frost-free freezer, make sure you defrost it as soon as you notice any ice building up. Head to our guide on how to defrost your freezer for some useful tips. 
• Don't leave the door open for longer than necessary. This fills the freezer with warm air, which it then has to work to cool down. 
• Let food cool to room temperature or in your fridge before putting it in your freezer. The warmer the food you add to your freezer, the more the appliance needs to work to freeze it. 
• Keep the condenser coils at the back of your appliance clean. A build up of thick dust can reduce a freezer's efficiency by up to 25%. 
• Ensure the seal around your freezer door is tight, as this will prevent warm air from getting inside the freezer.