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Media Room
Release date 08/03/2009
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
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.