YONKERS, NY — Consumer Reports’ latest tests of 21 freezers in the September issue revealed that the Haier HUF138EA, $750, used much more energy than any other freezer in the publication’s energy tests. In these tests, CR’s engineers expect freezers, on average, to use 17 percent more energy compared with their yellow EnergyGuide labels. The Haier used 70 percent more both when it was full and empty.

Based on the two samples tested, CR’s engineers believe the Haier should not qualify for Energy Star, the voluntary federal labeling program that identifies energy-efficient products. CR also believes it exceeds  the Department of Energy’s  allowed energy use for that type of freezer. The Haier also didn’t reach 0 degrees F in CR’s energy test. Therefore, Consumer Reports rated the model a “Don’t Buy: Performance Problem.”

Consumer Reports’ own tests of energy use have the center of the freezer at 0 degrees F, the optimum temperature for storing frozen food. Manufacturers are allowed to report energy use at 0 degrees F, based on test results that can be above and below 0 degrees F. In CR’s tests, the freezers were filled to capacity. In the Department of Energy test, freezers are 75 percent full. CR’s tests and the DOE’s tests use 90 degrees F room temperatures.

The DOE relies on manufacturers’ test data. Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, believes the DOE should require independent verification of test results.

“If you’re looking to purchase a freezer, Consumer Reports found several models—both upright and chests—that offer fine temperature performance and good energy efficiency,” said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor, Consumer Reports.

The Whirlpool EV209NBT[N], upright, self-defrosting freezer, $800, topped CR’s ratings. Among self-defrosting upright freezers, the Whirlpool EV161NZR[Q], $600 was a CR Best Buy. Among manual defrost chest freezers, the Kenmore 1654, $400, was a CR Best Buy, and the Frigidaire FFC0723D[W], $250,  was a Recommended model.

The full ratings of freezers appear in the September issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale August 4. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports Freezer Buying Tips

• Conveniences add costs. 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. Those uprights tend to cost more to buy and run. The temperature performance on manual-defrost uprights wasn’t as impressive. 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.
• 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.  This is useful if your area has blackouts. They’re also less likely to produce freezer burn in foods.