For years, I struggled with a tiny freezer compartment in my main fridge, constantly playing Tetris with frozen goods. Meal prepping was a dream, and bulk buying was an impossibility. It became clear that a dedicated freezer was no longer a luxury but a necessity to reclaim kitchen sanity and reduce food waste. Without enough freezer space, I was missing out on savings from bulk purchases and constantly having to make inconvenient trips to the shops. That’s where the idea of adding a reliable upright tall freezer into my home really started to take shape.
Essential Considerations Before Investing in a Freezer
When contemplating the purchase of a new freezer, one is typically looking to solve a pervasive problem: insufficient storage for frozen foods. Whether it’s accommodating batch-cooked meals, preserving garden produce, or simply making the most of supermarket deals, a dedicated freezer offers invaluable convenience and economic benefits. It helps prevent food waste and gives you more flexibility in your shopping habits.
The ideal customer for an upright freezer like the English Electric EEF170H is someone who needs significant extra storage capacity but might have limited floor space for a wider chest freezer. This includes families who cook in bulk, individuals looking to reduce food waste and save money by buying frozen goods in larger quantities, or those with a utility room or garage that can accommodate an appliance designed for such environments. If you live in a tiny flat with no extra space whatsoever, or only need a minuscule amount of additional freezing capacity, a smaller under-counter model or even a larger fridge-freezer might be a more suitable choice. Conversely, if you operate a small catering business or frequently freeze entire hunted animals, a commercial-grade chest freezer would be more appropriate than a domestic upright unit.
Before making a purchase, several factors warrant consideration: the freezer’s capacity (measured in litres and reflected in the number of drawers), its energy efficiency rating (which impacts running costs), the physical dimensions to ensure it fits your designated space, the door’s hinge configurability (reversible doors offer greater flexibility), and the warranty and customer support available. Furthermore, consider its suitability for various environments, especially if you plan to place it in an unheated garage or outbuilding.
Introducing the English Electric EEF170H: What You Need to Know
The English Electric EEF170H is a freestanding upright tall freezer designed to significantly expand your frozen storage options. It promises reliable, long-term preservation of your food, neatly packed into a space-efficient vertical design. Upon purchase, you receive the freezer unit itself, complete with its five large freezer drawers, adjustable front legs, and rear roller wheels for easy manoeuvring. Compared to market leaders, the EEF170H positions itself as a robust, no-frills option that prioritises capacity and fundamental performance over smart features, often at a more accessible price point. It builds upon English Electric’s reputation for dependable, British-backed appliances, focusing on core functionality.
This specific product is ideal for growing families, avid meal preppers, or anyone who consistently finds their main fridge’s freezer bursting at the seams. Its garage-friendly design also makes it perfect for those needing overflow capacity outside the main kitchen. It might not be for those seeking integrated smart features, a sleek designer look, or the absolute smallest possible footprint, as its “tall” nature suggests a certain height requirement.
Here’s a quick overview of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Generous 168-litre capacity with 5 large drawers, accommodating up to 10 bags of shopping.
* Versatile placement options, including garages and outbuildings.
* Reversible door hinge for flexible installation.
* 4-Star freezer rating ensures safe long-term food storage at -18°C.
* 2-Year manufacturer’s parts and labour guarantee with British telephone support, and a full metal back for durability.
Cons:
* Energy efficiency is rated E (equivalent to old A+), which is reasonable but not the very best on the market.
* Some reports of cosmetic damage upon delivery (e.g., dents, cracked drawers), indicating a need for careful inspection upon arrival.
* Customer service, while British-based, can sometimes be challenging to connect with for specific part replacements.
Deep Dive into Features and Their Practical Benefits
Having lived with the English Electric EEF170H for a considerable period, I can attest to how its features translate into tangible benefits in daily life. This isn’t just a simple box; it’s a well-thought-out appliance designed to alleviate common household storage woes.
Generous Capacity and Smart Storage Organisation
The first thing that strikes you about the English Electric freezer is its sheer capacity. At 168 litres, spread across five large freezer drawers, it truly feels like a bottomless pit for your frozen goods. The manufacturer claims it can hold up to 10 bags of shopping, and my experience confirms this. I can comfortably store everything from family-sized ready meals and bulk packs of chicken to multiple loaves of bread and various frozen fruits and vegetables without feeling cramped.
The benefit of this goes beyond just having more space; it’s about better organisation. The five individual drawers allow for logical separation of different food types. I keep meat in one drawer, vegetables in another, baked goods and bread in a third, and then a dedicated drawer for ice cream and treats. This system means no more rummaging through a chaotic pile of frozen items, trying to find that one specific bag of peas. Everything is visible and easily accessible, which saves time, reduces food waste (because you know what you have), and makes meal planning infinitely simpler. It turns what was once a storage challenge into a seamless part of my kitchen routine.
Flexible Design and Placement
One of the standout design elements of the EEF170H model is its remarkable flexibility in terms of placement. Measuring 55cm wide, 57cm deep, and 143cm high, its relatively slender profile makes it suitable for a variety of spots. But it’s the attention to detail in its setup that truly impresses. The reversible door hinge is a game-changer; whether you need it to open from the left or the right, adapting it to your kitchen or utility room layout is straightforward. This seemingly minor feature can make a huge difference in tight spaces, ensuring the freezer integrates seamlessly into your home.
Furthermore, the inclusion of two front adjustable legs for stability and rear roller wheels for easy manoeuvring is incredibly practical. When it arrived, I was able to slide it into its designated spot with minimal effort, and fine-tuning its level was simple. This thoughtful design means you’re not wrestling with a heavy appliance, potentially scratching floors, during installation or when you need to clean behind it. The fact that it can be used in garages and outbuildings is also a massive bonus, offering an excellent solution for homes with limited indoor space, providing reliable freezing even in unheated environments. This adaptability truly broadens its appeal and usability.
Reliable Freezing Performance and Food Preservation
At the core of any freezer’s value is its ability to reliably preserve food, and the English Electric EEF170H excels here. Boasting a 4-Star Freezer rating, it’s designed to consistently maintain a temperature of -18℃, which is the gold standard for safe, long-term storage of frozen goods. This consistent temperature ensures that food quality is maintained, preventing freezer burn and preserving flavour, texture, and nutritional value over extended periods.
For me, this translates directly into peace of mind. I can confidently freeze large batches of homemade soups, stews, and casseroles, knowing they’ll be just as delicious months down the line. It also means I can stock up on perishable items when they’re on sale, like meat or fish, without worrying about spoilage. The reliable performance of this upright tall freezer has not only reduced my food waste but also allowed me to plan meals more effectively and save money by leveraging bulk purchases. It truly lives up to its promise of being a dependable workhorse for food preservation.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
In today’s climate of rising energy costs, the energy efficiency of any appliance is a significant factor. The EEF170H is rated Energy Class E under the new labelling system, which is equivalent to an A+ rating under the old system. While not the absolute top tier of energy efficiency available on the market (some premium models might boast an A or B rating), an E-class freezer is still very respectable for an appliance of this size and capacity.
The benefit here is clear: lower running costs. While it won’t be entirely invisible on your electricity bill, it’s designed to operate efficiently, minimising its environmental footprint and keeping your household expenses in check. For a long-term appliance like a freezer, even small energy savings compound over time, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. It strikes a good balance between powerful freezing capability and reasonable energy consumption, ensuring that you don’t break the bank keeping your food perfectly preserved.
Peace of Mind: Warranty and Support
One often-overlooked aspect when buying appliances is the after-sales support and warranty. The English Electric EEF170H comes with a reassuring 2-year manufacturer’s parts and labour guarantee, backed by British telephone support. This provides significant peace of mind. Knowing that if anything goes wrong within the first two years, you have direct access to support and covered repairs, is a huge plus.
Furthermore, the product description highlights a “full metal back,” which, while perhaps not an obvious feature to many, is an important safety and durability aspect. Many budget freezers might have a flammable plastic backing, but a metal back offers enhanced fire safety and greater robustness. This attention to build quality, combined with accessible British customer service, reinforces the idea that this is a product built to last and supported by a reputable brand. It underscores the long-term reliability that I’ve come to appreciate in my daily use of this appliance.
What Other Users Are Saying: Community Feedback
I’ve scoured various online forums and retailer sites, and the overall sentiment towards the English Electric EEF170H seems to be quite positive, with many users praising its generous capacity and straightforward functionality. Most appreciate its ability to fit into smaller spaces while offering ample storage for family needs. However, it’s also clear that a handful of users have encountered issues primarily related to delivery and transit, such as cosmetic damage like dents or cracked drawers upon arrival. While these instances are frustrating for those affected, the core freezing performance and functionality generally receive strong commendations. Users often highlight the convenience of the adjustable legs and reversible door as practical benefits, and the 2-year warranty is frequently cited as a valuable reassurance.
The Final Verdict: Is the EEF170H Right for You?
If you, like I once did, find yourself in a constant battle for freezer space, grappling with wasted food, and missing out on the economic benefits of bulk buying, then solving this problem is not just about convenience – it’s about efficiency and savings. The lack of adequate freezing capacity leads to unnecessary trips to the shop, higher grocery bills, and the frustration of a disorganised kitchen.
The English Electric EEF170H stands out as an excellent fit to address these challenges. Firstly, its substantial 168-litre capacity with five drawers means you’ll have ample, organised space for all your frozen goods. Secondly, its flexible design, including a reversible door and garage-friendly construction, allows it to seamlessly integrate into almost any home or utility setup. Finally, the reliable 4-star freezing performance, backed by a 2-year British warranty, offers genuine peace of mind that your investment is sound and your food is safely stored. For a dependable, spacious, and versatile freezer that delivers on its promises, this model is certainly worth considering. Click here to find out more and check it out for yourself!