Freezer minimum temperature

[Djs63]

Looking to replace freezer with better energy usage but:

They’ve changed the energy classification so that old A++ is now F, I think!, confusing.

And most seem to warn against siting in out buildings ‘cos they need a ambient temperature greater than 10C. In my simple mind, if it is colder outside the freezer surely it has less work to do?

[Oliver90owner]

It is all to do with how the thermostat works. They have a minimum temperature specified for proper operation.

[Marcus]

There was a issue with some fridge-freezers which used a single compressor and thermostat (in the fridge) to control the temp of both parts: if they are placed in an ambient temp below fridge temp then they don't turn on and the freezer defrosts.

Fridges and freezers are nominally designed for a particilar climate- if you look on the back they will have a climate category: N, SN, T, ST - normal, subnormal, tropical, subtropical. Some freezers will show just one category,
some list all. Theoretically if you run a freezer in a temperature below that it is designed for the refrigerant and lubricant could run too cold and not do their jobs properly, reducing efficiency or damaging the freezer.

In practice they're normally fine in an outbuilding, but if in doubt you could contact the helpline of the manufacturer of the freezer you're considering and ask them directly. I did this the last time i bought a freezer as it arrived with a ST climate designation (in Wales! ) they said it woukd be fine in an outbuilding and, so far, it has been (3yrs).

[Djs63]

Thank you, Marcus, I will try to find out more from the sales pitches. David

[CrofterMannie]

Some manufacturers specifically rate their freezers for use in outbuildings (so are rated to use to -15C).
From memory we bought Beko ones for that reason