What's the build quality of a freezer?

When judging the build quality of a freezer, we consider the following specifications:

• Covered condenser: the grid stays dust-free, so the freezer will last longer.
• Door material and casing: stainless steel looks good for longer than plastic, because it doesn't scratch as fast.
• Compressible door seal: you can easily change out the door seal when it doesn't close well anymore due to wear.
• Inverter compressor: has less friction points, so it doesn't wear as fast as a conventional compressor.
• Suitable for sheds or garages: a freezer that can handle cold temperatures lasts longer.
• Storage time in case of power failure: a large storage time indicates the freezer is insulated well.
• Anti-ice buildup: No Frost and Low Frost prevent the compressor from working too hard due to ice buildup.
• Interior lighting: with interior lighting, you can easily see what's inside your freezer.
• Display: you can set up the freezer according to your wishes with this.
• Soft-closing door (only for chest freezers): these types of doors last longer, because they don't slam shut.

We call a freezer high-end if it has at least 70% of the most important specifications for a long lifespan. Thanks to the use of high-quality materials and technologies, a freezer with a high-end build quality will last a long time. All high-end freezers have an inverter compressor. This compressor has fewer friction points and is more silent and more energy-efficient than its predecessor: the conventional compressor. A high-end freezer usually has No Frost and an anti-vacuum door handle.

A freezer with a mid-range build quality has more than half of the relevant specifications for build quality. For example, a mid-range freezer almost always has a form of anti-ice buildup: No Frost or Low Frost. Anti-ice buildup is extra important for a mid-range freezer, because it freezes with a conventional compressor. This more traditional compressor wears faster than the inverter compressor which high-end freezers have. To prevent extra wear, it's important that the freezer is free of ice.

Does a freezer have less than 50% of the above build quality specifications? We consider this a basic freezer. When you choose a basic freezer, you usually sacrifice quality for a lower price. For example, most basic models don't have No Frost. To enjoy the freezer for as long as possible, defrost the freezer compartment 5 to 6 times a year. Without ice on the walls, it takes less energy for the motor to freeze.