Latest news with #mealprep
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
The Cook founders: ‘£5 for a home-cooked meal is better value than your average coffee'
You might think you've never tried a Cook meal – but can you be absolutely sure? The frozen food experts at their Sittingbourne HQ often receive panicked Monday morning emails from customers begging for the recipe to a particular dish. Try passing one off as your own and you may be caught out – your guest could well ask for the details. 'It doesn't just happen occasionally, it happens weekly,' says co-founder and co-CEO Ed Perry, still amazed. 'I do always think, 'Are you not secure enough in your friendship to tell them the truth?'' After all, there's no more respectable frozen meal than one from Cook. Mum friends will casually announce we're having a Cook lasagne when I come round – a time- and sanity-saving solution. I relay this to Ed, 54, his sister and co-CEO Rosie Brown, 49, and their brother James, 52, who is Cook's co-chair. They're pleased to hear it – but not remotely complacent. Twenty-eight years into their business, with £150 million in projected sales this year, 109 shops, 2,000 employees, three savoury kitchens in Sittingbourne and a Willy Wonka-esque dessert kitchen in Ilton, Somerset, they still take nothing for granted. The freezer that started it all Thanks to what they describe as a 'tightly ingrained freedom gene' they all share, it's been a long slog to reach this point. They've never taken venture capital, aren't stocked in the big four supermarkets, and run the business with a mission to nourish both people and planet. We're gathered around the kitchen table at Ed's home in Kent, ostensibly to discuss Cook: Serve Up Joy, the recipe book they're finally publishing – which should go some way to answering those Chicken Alexander recipe queries. It also marks a celebration of the way Cook has brought people together over food for nearly 30 years. The inspiration for the business stretches back further, to the siblings' childhood in 1980s Kent. Their parents, Anne and Andrew, ran two small coffee shops in the county, as well as a bakery. Anne worked full-time while still putting homecooked meals on the table for her four children (their youngest brother, Alex, isn't involved in the business). 'She was a really good cook, but the sort that doesn't follow recipes. She had a distinctive flare for how to make food taste good,' says Ed. Once a week, she'd make a big batch of casserole or chilli con carne. The leftovers went into square ice cream tubs and into the chest freezer at home. 'Come midweek, a tub would be pulled out and microwaved and that was supper. And it was always delicious. So we grew up knowing that frozen food can taste great,' explains Ed. 'Having the idea is one thing – executing it is another' In his early twenties, Ed began working for the family business, but in 1997 he decided to strike out on his own. 'I had this idea in the back of my head that if we could make savoury food that tastes just as good as my parents' cakes, it could work on the high street.' He had got to know a local chef, Dale Penfold, and the pair teamed up to make it happen. They borrowed £12,000 each from NatWest and Midland Bank, and £6,000 from Ed's parents. Dale set up a kitchen in Rainham for £18,000, while Ed opened their first shop – Cakes and Casseroles – in Farnham for £10,000. 'Even 28 years on, it seems a crazy small amount of money,' reflects Ed. Very quickly, he realised that having the idea was one thing – executing it was another. Ed still laughs at how naive he was. 'Dale was supposed to be instantly producing this food like my mother produced and we'd have 20 dishes in two weeks. But it wasn't like that. 'It was horribly complicated. We learnt it is really difficult to make it look and taste home-made, and deliver that consistently.' With hindsight, not knowing the tricks of the trade to manufacture at scale was a blessing. It meant they took no shortcuts – but the learning curve was steep. Take a simple meal like macaroni cheese. 'If you make a brilliant one, freeze and reheat it, it will come out like a brick,' says Ed. The perfect frozen macaroni cheese, he explains, involves dipping the pasta in boiling water for 15 seconds, then adding a béchamel that has the consistency of milk, but is packed with flavour. Freeze it, then take it out to sprinkle cheese on top. Freeze again. 'And when you reheat, it's perfect,' says Ed. Getting to that point took countless iterations – but enough customers were coming into the shop to convince Ed he was on the right track. 'The meeting lasted two minutes. We were in the s--t' Three years in, with a second shop in Tunbridge Wells, problems were on the horizon. Ed had failed to keep any accounts. 'Partly because I didn't know how. And partly because I knew how awful they would look if I had,' he grimaces. When he went to apply for a loan to build a new kitchen, the bank manager asked, 'Can I see your accounts?' 'I said: 'You can see a menu'. The meeting lasted two minutes. We were in the s--t.' Luckily, the following week his brother James came to visit. After five years at Cadbury, having joined the graduate scheme and lived at Bournville, he had agreed to take over the family baking business from their parents, Andrew and Anne, who were ready to retire. But it was what Ed was doing – however haphazardly – that excited him. 'I could see the potential of the retail business. The bakery was quite boring by comparison.' So in January 2000, Cakes and Casseroles merged with the family bakery. The name Cook was Ed's wife Sophie's idea – the product of a late-night drinking session down the pub in Oxted. Around the same time, Rosie, who had been working at Morgan Stanley and not enjoying it, came on board. 'They called and said, 'Come help us. We're trying to build a business.' I was like, 'I know absolutely nothing,' and they said, 'Neither do we.' And that's still slightly where we are – trying to figure it out.' Classics that never go out of style The decision not to sell through the big four supermarkets – although Cook products are available in Co-op and Booths – was down to James. 'There was a clear moment in time around 2005 when we'd just started supplying a few farm shops and we were always struggling financially. I asked, 'Shouldn't we try to supply supermarkets?'' recalls Ed. 'And I remember very clearly James saying, 'Look I spent five years at Cadbury having the s--t-kicked out of me by the big supermarkets, what chance do we have?' I still remember that conversation vividly. It made total sense and it was a red line.' Had they gone down the supermarket route, they suspect their offering would be closer to 20 dishes rather than the 150 they make currently. Their bestsellers remain mostly unchanged: beef bourguignon, chicken, ham and leek pie, lasagne, fish pie, chilli con carne. Three best-selling Cook recipes to try at home The veggie market has grown significantly in the past five years. Previously their veggie lasagne wouldn't have made the top 20; now it's top five. They've also introduced Indian ranges and, this year, Pan-Asian dishes. Ed groans when asked for a favourite: 'It's like asking me to choose my favourite child.' He is a crusader for their turkey laab, a Laotian dish made from minced turkey. 'The customer just isn't getting it. But it's absolutely amazing. I'm on a campaign to save it.' Family get-togethers are a big affair, and of course Cook features regularly – even at Christmas. 'I almost feel it's a duty,' says Rosie. 'If I'm not going to feed it to my own family, then why would anyone else?' Ed has three freezers at home. Not everything inside is from Cook. He frequently tries out competitors' offerings. 'It's always a weird moment when you have a bad meal from a rival, but you're also quite happy,' he jokes. A friendly rivalry with Charlie Bigham They don't think there's a shortage of room in the frozen ready meal market. Six months ago, Ed had lunch with Charlie Bigham. 'How was that?' I ask, eagerly. 'We stalked each other around the table, eyeing each other up,' he jokes. 'No, it's really good. We're not daggers drawn. His trajectory has been similar to ours, growing over a period of time.' Today, you tend to know if you live in a desirable area based on the availability of Cook meals – either a standalone shop or a freezer in the village shop. How do they feel about being seen as a middle-class symbol? 'The honest answer is that I feel a little bit uncomfortable,' admits Ed. 'Because the way we think about business is super inclusive. I think people would be completely surprised by the broad spectrum of people who shop with us. 'We don't want people to feel intimidated walking into a Cook shop because it's a middle-class zone.' Rosie agrees: 'At the end of the day we're selling a lasagne for £5, which is within reach of anyone who's buying a cappuccino for £3.50; £5 for a really good home cooked meal is really good value.' Still, it has always been a tricky balance, finding a price point that customers will pay, while aligning with their values on animal welfare, the planet, and supporting British farmers. Most of their ingredients are British, except for some New Zealand lamb, as they can't source enough in the UK. 'We could save ourselves £1.5 million a year tomorrow if we went to the same welfare standard of other big brands,' says Ed. Right now they are tackling the inflationary storm of the past two years. Energy, wage and ingredient inflation have seen costs spiral. 'And we can only move prices up so much,' says Ed. They would like to see national food strategy moving up the government's agenda. 'It's still seen as bottom of the list and I think actually food is pretty fundamental to a healthy society,' states Rosie. 'And we do have a farming industry that is needing attention.' Building a business that values people over profits Their business has weathered other tough times. In 2008, they nearly went bust. Then in 2021, they faced a cyber attack. 'We were early adopters on that score,' jokes James. It struck just before Christmas, their busiest period. Luckily, the Eastern European gang behind it didn't access customer data, but it did disrupt stock movements. Their plan remains to open 8-10 shops annually; Macclesfield was their latest. They now have 1,080 live concessions, with 130 more planned this year across independent and cooperative retailers. When asked what they're most proud of, it's not selling millions of meals but the workplace culture they've built. In 2013, James introduced the B-Corp concept to the UK, meaning Cook meets strict social and environmental standards. Over 2,400 UK businesses are certified. The siblings believe business should contribute to a fairer society. In 2015, just before paying their first dividend, Rosie pointed out in a board meeting they weren't yet paying the Living Wage Foundation rate. 'I spoil everyone's fun,' she laughs. With families of their own, a dividend would have been welcome. But Rosie's calculations showed the Living Wage cost would match the dividend amount. 'We all looked at each other and said, 'Yeah, we have to do that',' recalls Ed. 'We made that decision and I'm so glad we did.' Dale, 14 years Ed's senior, retired six years ago but remains a close friend. The Cook recipe book is dedicated to him and Liz Dove, who started the Ilton kitchen. The business is passionate about people. Like Timpson, they employ prison leavers and those facing mental health barriers. Rosie is the first woman to chair the Prison Employment Advisory Board. They credit their Christian upbringing for this outlook. 'Across the four siblings our range of faith goes from not much at all, to quite a lot, but the values set that we all share from how we were brought up informs everything,' says Ed. Their parents are proud but 'would not have been in any way impressed if we'd become a £100 million company running the company in a way that was egregious,' says Ed. 'The belief [is] that the role of business is a lot more than maximising financial returns for whoever owns the capital. Those values continue to be a huge influence on what Cook is today.'
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Is frozen rice a smarter, healthier option?
The key difference between frozen and freshly cooked rice lies in its glycaemic index, which measures how quickly food raises blood sugar levels. (Envato Elements pic) KUALA LUMPUR : After discovering frozen rice, Nurhanisah Johari revamped her kitchen routine to cook the staple in batches large enough to last for five days. The online entrepreneur said freezing rice has not only saved time and reduced consumption at mealtimes; it has also helped streamline her family's meal planning. 'I usually cook two pots of brown rice for my husband and two pots of white rice for myself. Once cooled, I portion them into five containers each and store them in the freezer. Each day, we simply take out one container for lunch,' the 31-year-old shared. She noted that the rice must be fully cooled before being frozen in airtight containers, and these should be stored separately from side dishes or raw ingredients to prevent cross-contamination. She reheats the rice in a microwave, adding a tablespoon of hot water on medium-high heat, before serving it to her family. 'The texture of the rice after reheating is still good, like freshly cooked rice. So far, we've not encountered any problems,' she added. Speaking with Bernama, dietician Jazlina Syahrul said the rising trend of consuming frozen rice – particularly among urban dwellers and working individuals – could also prove beneficial for diabetes patients. She explained that the main difference between frozen and freshly cooked rice lies in the glycaemic index (GI) – which indicates how quickly food raises blood sugar levels – and the starch content. Jazlina Syahrul. 'Freshly cooked white rice has a moderately high GI. But studies have shown that when rice is cooled – for instance, stored overnight in the fridge – and then reheated, some of its starch transforms into resistant starch,' she said. 'Resistant starch is a type of fibre that is not digested by the small intestine and instead passes into the large intestine, where it undergoes fermentation. 'In simple terms, rice with more resistant starch causes a slower, more controlled increase in blood sugar levels.' Owing to this, frozen rice can help control blood sugar, making it a suitable option for diabetes patients as a substitute for regular white rice. Jazlina noted, however, that frozen rice is not a 'magical low-calorie food'. She added: 'If calorie control is the goal, the focus should remain on managing portions and selecting healthier side dishes. 'Still, frozen rice can be a simple way to boost fibre intake and promote satiety.' Food safety must also be prioritised to prevent food poisoning. According to food policy expert Siti Nurhayati Khairatun, improperly reheated frozen rice poses a risk of food poisoning due to potentially active bacteria. The primary risk is the growth of 'Bacillus cereus', a bacterium commonly associated with starchy foods. Its spores naturally exist in raw rice and can survive the cooking process. Siti Nurhayati Khairatun. 'If cooked rice is left at room temperature for more than two hours, these spores can develop into active bacteria, which can then produce toxins that lead to food poisoning,' Siti Nurhayati cautioned. Freezing, she stressed, does not kill the bacteria or stop the production of toxins once they've been formed. According to her, several preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of food poisoning from frozen rice. 'After cooking, rice should be cooled immediately, divided into small portions to speed up the cooling process. Once cooled, it should at once be stored in airtight containers and frozen to prevent bacterial growth. 'The defrosting process should be done in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. When reheating the rice, it should be stirred to ensure even heating, and the reheated rice should be consumed immediately and not stored or reheated again,' she concluded.
CNA
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Ready to eat? Groceries and meal preps at your fingertip
CNA938 Rewind Latest Episodes CNA938 Rewind - Ready to eat? Groceries and meal preps at your fingertip How can meal-prep or grocery shopping be made more convenient for you? RedMart says they can take away that decision dilemma with their wholesome meals, easy hosting essentials, and fresh ingredients. Cheryl Goh talks to Martin Daney, Senior Vice President, Head of RedMart, Lazada Singapore, for more. 18 mins CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: Far'ain Jaafar nurtures children to embrace a world of diversity and shared values Far'ain Jaafar is an author, educator, and advocate for the wellbeing of children and parents. She's written six children's books, several of which address the value of diversity and inclusivity in Singapore's multicultural society. Much of Far'ains dedication to the healthy development of children stems from her own upbringing and her current role as a parent — of a neurodivergent son, and neurotypical daughter, and a foster daughter. Far'ain shares what this journey has taught her about staying true to her heart and finding the space to centre herself. 37 mins CNA938 Rewind - Celebrating 'Swedish Midsummer' with the Ambassador of Sweden to Singapore In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro learns about where Singaporeans can go to celebrate and learn more about Swedish Midsummer (Midsommar,) a summer solstice celebration that's very much anticipated and enjoyed by the people of Sweden. His Excellency Anders Sjöberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Singapore will talk more about Swedish Midsummer 2025, happening on Saturday 24 May at the Family Zone Lawn, Gardens by the Bay: 3-8 pm. He'll reveal how this free public event is a day filled with music, dance, and community bonding - bringing together Swedes and Singaporeans alike in a vibrant cultural exchange. 18 mins CNA938 Rewind - Actor Julie Wee on playing the ruthless Lady Macbeth in SRT's Shakespeare in the Park In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with actor Julie Wee, now acting as Lady Macbeth in of Singapore Repertory Theatre's staging of Macbeth in their 'Shakespeare in the Park' at Fort Canning. Wee discusses her role as one of William Shakespeare's most iconic and enigmatic women—a character often remembered for her ambition, her ruthlessness, and descent into madness. Wee will also talk about what it's like working with the other cast members, the eye-catching stage design and what it's like doing her 7th Shakespeare in the Park gig. 18 mins
The Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
I make weeks worth of sandwiches for 30p – it means I'm organised, people think it's revolting but it saves money
A MUM has revealed how she manages to make a week's worth of sandwiches for just 30p. Jo, who is in her 40s and has three teenagers, explained that she manages her sandwiches by putting them into the freezer. 4 Taking to her TikTok page ' thismumcooks,' Jo revealed that when she buys yellow sticker food, she uses this trick every time. Jo explained that she managed to pick up a loaf of bread for just 6p and two packets of chicken slices for just 83p. Although she realised that she could have frozen the chicken slices and the bread separately, she noted that she would have had to split the chicken into individual slices so that she could 'get out one at a time.' Instead, Jo decided to butter up the loaf of bread and pre-make some sandwiches. She said: 'I sliced up a little bit of cheese that I already had in the fridge and then I set about making a loaf of sandwiches. 'In the end this took me less than five minutes to do an entire loaf of sandwiches and it means that absolutely nothing is going to go to waste. 'I had three slices of chicken that I had left over so that's been frozen separately and this entire loaf of sandwiches cost me less than £2 to make. 'That's less than buying one pre-made sandwich in the supermarket.' Jo put all the sandwiches back into the sandwich bag before tying it up and placing it into the freezer. She added: 'You can just get a sandwich out at a time as you need, and there will be no need for an ice block in your packed lunch.' My kid's obsessed with Heinz ketchup but can't tell difference with £1 version Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Jo said: 'I only do this when I pick up yellow sticker sandwich meat from the supermarkets, because this saves the sandwich meat from going out of date and stops food waste. 'Generally the sandwiches will only last a week or so in the freezer because the kids will eat them and they defrost in a couple of hours in their packed lunch. 'They also keep the lunch box cool when they are at school in the morning.' Although she has received comments on her TikTok video claiming that the sandwiches will become 'soggy,' Jo wants to set the record straight. Soggy She said: 'The sandwiches do not become soggy by doing this and it can save you both time and money.' Jo also revealed how she discovered this hack. She said: 'My Director of Finance used to do this. 'He would make his sandwiches on a Sunday evening and bring in his frozen sandwiches every day.' Jo's video received over 501k views and 1,304 comments after just one day of sharing the video. Many people had mixed opinions on her prepping hack. One wrote: 'When that defrost that's gonna be soggy that's gonna need toasting.' Whilst a second said: 'Revolting.' And someone else added: 'I wouldn't do that if I was serving 30 years in jail. Where's the flavour?' But Jo doesn't let the bad comments get to her. She said: 'Because of how social media works, the negative comments work really well. "They push the post out and mean that more people, the people who I want to see the post, may get a chance to. 4 4 'Often the negative comments come from people that do not understand and that is OK. However, some people do take the hate too far! 'It is a shame though that people feel the need to judge the food items being used in the post. 'These sandwiches will fill up a child at lunchtime. 'For some families, this may be all (or even more) than they can afford. 'Parents are doing their best for their families, their children, and by saving money in this way, they may then afford to eat fresh fruit or vegetables to go alongside a sandwich in their lunch. 'Unfortunately, there are families out there struggling to buy food and their children are not even entitled to free school meals.' Fridge or cupboard? The essential food storage guide Foods must be stored correctly to keep them fresh and prevent the spread of bacteria. Nutrition expert Birgit Brendel said bread will last longer when stored in the fridge or freezer. However, this can compromise the flavour. Storing in ceramic or pottery containers is an alternative that allows for air to flow easily and slow the growth of mould. Robert Morris, managing director of food safety consultants, Complete Food Safety, revealed the best place to store fresh fruit and vegetables. He said salad foods should be stored in the fridge drawer, but away from anything grown in the soil such as carrots, parsnips and beetroot. Tomatoes are an exception to the rule as fridges can alter the natural ripening process and diminish their taste. He also advised against putting avocados and bananas in the fridge as this will cause them to blacken quicker.
CTV News
21-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Our Guide To The Best Freezers In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them)
There are tons of reasons why your fridge's freezer might be in overflow mode. Do you do a lot of meal prep or ingredient prep? Do you like to shop in bulk to save time? Do you love frozen snacks? Whether you live alone or with a large family, your fridge freezer might not be cutting it. If it isn't, we have the perfect solution. Standalone freezers are the ultimate way to keep frozen goods at their best. They come in two different styles (chest and upright), and most offer adjustable thermostats to make sure you can keep your food at the right temperature. Many of them help keep you organized, too, with sliding baskets in chest freezers and shelves and door bins in upright freezers. If a freestanding freezer sounds like something that would benefit your household, but you're not really sure what you're looking for, we're here to help. Freezers will vary in price, style, overall size, capacity, organization, and more. If you want to find your perfect fit, you'll need to think about every feature. This comprehensive guide will investigate the best freezers in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let's dive right into our top five products. The Best Freezers Right Now Our Small Chest Freezer Pick Insignia NS-CZ35WH3 3.5 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer Review What We Think of the Insignia NS-CZ35WH3 3.5 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer The Insignia NS-CZ35WH3 3.5 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Chest Freezer is a well-rounded option that will be a great companion for your fridge's freezer. The capacity is perfect for small families, and since the freezer itself is quite compact, it'll fit well into almost any garage or basement, and maybe even your kitchen! We also appreciate that this freezer offers a couple of features to help you stay organized. The bottom is staggered in height so things don't get lost as easily, and a wire basket at the top helps keep small items separate and accessible. The power-on indicator light is another great addition for peace of mind—you won't ever have to wonder if the freezer is working or not. One of the only reasons you might not love this freezer is if you need a lot of storage space for frozen goods. Of course, as a small freezer, it can't offer the same interior capacity as larger options. Luckily, there are lots of other options in this guide if you need more space. Otherwise, the lack of precision temperature control might be the only shortcoming that concerns you. All in all, the Insignia NS-CZ35WH3 3.5 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer is the perfect choice for people who don't need too much extra freezer space and are looking for something affordable. You won't ever lose anything in it, either. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Insignia NS-CZ35WH3 3.5 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer Reviewers have a lot of positive things to say about the Insignia NS-CZ35WH3 3.5 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer. Its small size makes it perfect for busy garages or keeping in the kitchen, and it's easy to find things even when they're near the bottom. The basket helps them keep their most-used items up top, which they appreciate. The price was right for everyone, too. Insignia NS-CZ35WH3 3.5 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer Pros and Cons Buy If… You need a compact freezer You're a little paranoid about your freezer shutting off unexpectedly An affordable price tag would be nice You want to be able to keep small items accessible and easy to find Don't Buy If… You want to keep a lot of frozen food on hand Precision temperature control is something you want Insignia NS-CZ35WH3 3.5 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer Specifications Dimensions: 22' x 33.1' x 21.9' Weight: 48.5 lbs Colour: White Style: Chest Capacity: 3.5 cu. ft Adjustable Temperature: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Medium Chest Freezer Pick Insignia NS-CZ14WH2-C 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer Review What We Think of the Insignia NS-CZ14WH2-C 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer The Insignia NS-CZ14WH2-C 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer has lots of great features working in its favour. One of the things we appreciate most is the power-on indicator. At a glance, you'll be able to know that the freezer is on and running as it should be. How's that for peace of mind? The large capacity makes it perfect for families, too. Or solo livers who like to buy in bulk! There is a temperature control dial that lets you set the temperature to seven different settings depending on what you're keeping in the freezer, so it's super adaptable to different uses. It won't give you any trouble when it's time to defrost either. Once all the ice buildup has melted, the drain plug makes it easy to empty and start fresh. One of the first downsides you'll notice with this one is the high price. If you're shopping on a budget, this one might be out of reach. Also, for a large freezer, this one doesn't offer many features for organization (only one basket), so you might struggle a bit to find certain items if you generally keep the freezer at capacity. All in all, the Insignia NS-CZ14WH2-C 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer is an easy one to love. It doesn't offer the best organizational features, but otherwise, it has everything you need for a great freezer experience. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 3/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Insignia NS-CZ14WH2-C 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer Reviewers have a good opinion of the Insignia NS-CZ14WH2-C 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer. The power-on indicator light gives them peace of mind that the freezer is always running, and the mechanical temperature control is super easy to figure out. The capacity is great for families, too. It can be a bit tricky to find things in the depths of the freezer, though. Insignia NS-CZ14WH2-C 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer Pros and Cons Buy If… You like to know that the freezer is working at a glance You need quite a bit of freezer space You'll want to adjust the freezer temp occasionally Easy defrosting would be nice Don't Buy If… You need something affordable You like to stay really organized Insignia NS-CZ14WH2-C 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer Specifications Dimensions: 54.6' x 32.5' x 28.2' Weight: 110.2 lbs Colour: White Style: Chest Capacity: 13.8 cu. ft Adjustable Temperature: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Large Chest Freezer Pick Frigidaire FFCL2542AW 24.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer Review What We Think of the Frigidaire FFCL2542AW 24.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer The Frigidaire FFCL2542AW 24.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer is a fantastic option for people who like or need to keep a ton of food on hand. Its massive capacity means you'll be hard-pressed to ever run out of space, but the two removable sliding baskets ensure you won't lose any of the small or frequently used food items that do best in freezing temperatures. We also love that you're able to set a precise temperature and make adjustments without opening the freezer. Isn't that convenient? A fast freeze feature also makes sure any new additions will be brought down to freezing very quickly—preservation at its finest! This freezer will also make a great addition to public/work spaces since it has a lock. We have two main concerns to mention before we wrap this up, but have no fear, they're easy to look past. The first thing that might be an issue for you is the size of this freezer—it'll require a lot of floor space, so if you don't have much to give, it might not be a good fit for your home. Literally. The high price tag is the only other potential dealbreaker. All in all, the Frigidaire FFCL2542AW 24.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer has everything you'll need to keep your favourite frozen foods fresh and accessible. You won't regret choosing this one as long as you won't miss the floor space this thing will call home. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 2/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Frigidaire FFCL2542AW 24.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer Reviewers are very happy with the Frigidaire FFCL2542AW 24.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer. The two sliding baskets make it really easy to access small items and the things they use most often, but there's still plenty of space underneath for all of the bigger foods they need to freeze. They really love the freeze boost feature, too. They'd all choose this freezer again. Frigidaire FFCL2542AW 24.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer Pros and Cons Buy If… Easy access to small or frequently used items would be nice You like to keep a lot of food on hand Precision temperature setting appeals to you A lockable freezer is something you'd appreciate Don't Buy If… You're shopping on any kind of budget You don't have a lot of floor space available Frigidaire FFCL2542AW 24.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer Specifications Dimensions: 83.1' x 31.75' x 31.5' Weight: 198 lbs Colour: White Style: Chest Capacity: 24.8 cu. ft Adjustable Temperature: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Small Upright Freezer Pick Insignia NS-UZ70WH4-C 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Upright Convertible Freezer Review What We Think of the Insignia NS-UZ70WH4-C 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Upright Convertible Freezer We really like the Insignia NS-UZ70WH4-C 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Upright Convertible Freezer for people who don't need a ton of extra freezer space and like to stay organized. Since it's an upright freezer, you'll get to take advantage of extra organization and accessibility with the four shelves, and it also demands very little floor space. It should fit well in any area of your home. It's also a great fit for homes with uneven floors because it has adjustable feet—a few minutes of levelling will give you a perfectly stable freezer in any space. Brilliant. Similarly, the reversible door guarantees you won't have any awkward encounters with your freezer opening the wrong way. Thank goodness for that. Despite the small size of this upright freezer, the price is still fairly high. If you're shopping on a budget, you might have to look at even smaller uprights or consider a chest freezer instead. Aside from that, the only potential issue is for large families or bulk shoppers who need a ton of freezer space. While 7 cu. ft is much better than relying on your fridge's freezer, it still might not be enough. All in all, the Insignia NS-UZ70WH4-C 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Upright Convertible Freezer is an easy solution to your freezer problems. It's small enough to fit pretty much anywhere, offers great organization opportunities, and it's easy to defrost and drain. How does it get better? Performance: 5/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 3.5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Insignia NS-UZ70WH4-C 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Upright Convertible Freezer Reviewers have a high opinion of the Insignia NS-UZ70WH4-C 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Upright Convertible Freezer. The reversible door means it fits well into everyone's space, and with four shelves, all of their items can be easily seen and taken out. It's easy to defrost when needed, and they've had no issues with inconsistent temperatures in different areas of the freezer. Insignia NS-UZ70WH4-C 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Upright Convertible Freezer Pros and Cons Buy If… You like all of your frozen items to be easily accessible A reversible door is ideal for your space Your storage space is uneven You want to keep as much floor space open as possible Don't Buy If… You're shopping on a budget You keep a lot of frozen food on hand Insignia NS-UZ70WH4-C 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Upright Convertible Freezer Specifications Dimensions: 22.8' x 59.2' x 24.1' Weight: 94.8 lbs Colour: White or silver Style: Upright Capacity: 7 cu. ft Adjustable Temperature: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Medium Upright Freezer Pick Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW 15.5 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer Review What We Think of the Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW 15.5 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer The Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW 15.5 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer has a lot to offer. One of our favourite things about it is how well it lets you organize. With four spacious shelves, a large sliding basket, and five door shelves, every food item can have its own place. Plus, since this freezer is frost-free, your food will be protected from freezer burn, and you won't ever have to manually defrost and drain. Isn't that spectacular? The EvenTemp cooling system is another thing we love. It automatically adjusts airflow in the freezer to make sure a uniform temp is guaranteed. This freezer is also an amazing addition to homes that occasionally experience power outages (so, all of them). The airtight seal will keep all of your items frozen for up to two full days without power. You can't beat that level of protection. The only thing about this freezer that might push you in a different direction is the price. It's a pretty hefty investment and just won't work for every budget. If you're willing and able to invest in this one, though, you won't regret it. It works flawlessly and will hold everything you need it to. Overall, the Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW 15.5 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer is an exceptional freezer that will do well with any family size. It has the capacity for bulk storage, doesn't demand a ton of floor space, and requires no maintenance. Perfect, right? Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 2.5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW 15.5 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer Reviewers have great things to say about the Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW 15.5 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer. They love that they don't ever need to defrost the freezer by hand, and they haven't run into any issues with uneven freezing or freezer-burned foods. The shelves and door storage make it really easy to organize, too. They highly recommend this freezer for others. Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW 15.5 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer Pros and Cons Buy If… You don't want to worry about frost buildup You'd appreciate a freezer with door storage A uniform temperature is what you're after You don't want to stress in the event of a power outage Don't Buy If… Affordability is a priority Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW 15.5 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer Specifications Dimensions: 27.75' x 67.75' x 29' Weight: 149 lbs Colour: White or silver Style: Upright Capacity: 15.5 cu. ft Adjustable Temperature: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Large Upright Freezer Pick GE FUF21DLRWW 21.3 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer Review What We Think of the GE FUF21DLRWW 21.3 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer The GE FUF21DLRWW 21.3 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer has so much to offer beyond its extra-large capacity, although that's definitely a strong selling point. Another great feature is the lock—if you need to keep your freezer in a public space or just want to keep little kids safe in the house, this freezer is a perfect choice. That's also the case if your freezer's living space is poorly lit. An interior light will illuminate everything inside the freezer, so you'll always be able to find what you need right away. All of the shelves and baskets will help you stay ultra-organized, too. Freezer runs don't have to take all night. The frost-free design also eliminates any maintenance needs. How's that for user-friendly? There are only two things that might make this freezer a no-go for you. First, it's over six feet tall, so if you're looking for a freezer that can fit anywhere (such as under garage shelves), the height of this one might be a dealbreaker. The price tag is also incredibly high, so if you're shopping on any kind of budget, this one will probably have to go in the 'pass' pile. All in all, the GE FUF21DLRWW 21.3 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer is a spectacular option for people who love to shop in bulk (Costco, anyone) or prep a ton of meals in advance for easier weekdays. It sure is expensive, but it's also so, so worth it. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 1/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the GE FUF21DLRWW 21.3 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer Reviewers have a very high opinion of the GE FUF21DLRWW 21.3 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer. They absolutely love that it's completely maintenance-free, and even the people with extra-large families haven't run out of space in this freezer. The interior light is a big hit, and they appreciate being able to organize their food items so well. They would all choose this one again in a heartbeat. GE FUF21DLRWW 21.3 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd appreciate the option to lock your freezer A frost-free design is ideal Keeping food organized and accessible is important to you Your freezer will be kept in a darker space Don't Buy If… You're not prepared to spend a lot Your freezer storage space isn't very tall GE FUF21DLRWW 21.3 Cu. Ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer Specifications Dimensions: 32.9' x 76.6' x 31.25' Weight: 216.1 lbs Colour: White Style: Upright Capacity: 21.3 cu. ft Adjustable Temperature: Yes Warranty: 1 year Why Trust Shopping Trends? At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we're recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison. Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it's a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you'd use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every 'top pick' featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship. How to Properly Choose Your Freezer Price Some freezers cost around $200-$300, others can cost as much as $1,300 or more. Generally, more expensive freezers will have a larger capacity, will be an upright style versus a chest style, will offer more precise temperature control, and will have extras like locks or interior lights. Capacity The capacity of a freezer can range pretty widely between 3 cubic feet and 25 cubic feet. A larger freezer will be more expensive and have greater power demands, so it's up to you to decide what your ideal balance looks like. Style Freezers are available in two styles, chest freezers and upright freezers. Chest freezers are less expensive than comparably sized upright models, but they're also harder to organize and need manual defrosting and draining occasionally. Upright freezers offer better organization and accessibility to your food items, but they're also more expensive. Adjustable Temperature Almost every freezer currently available will offer an adjustable temperature, but the precision of the thermostat can vary. If you're set on achieving a specific temperature, you'll have to pay more for a freezer with a more precise thermostat. Overall Size Of course, the overall size of a freezer will come into play when you're looking for your best match, since it needs to fit in its intended location. Upright freezers require more clearance height-wise but have a smaller footprint, and chest freezers are the opposite. Plus, the capacity of the freezer will affect its overall size, too. Make sure you factor in both style and capacity when deciding how big your freezer can be. Manual Defrost Drain Most chest freezers and some upright freezers will have a manual defrost drain so you can empty the water easily and in a controlled way. However, some upright freezers have frost-free systems that make this maintenance task irrelevant. If you choose to go with a model that isn't frost-free, make sure it has a manual defrost drain. Organization The organizational potential of a freezer is another thing to pay attention to. Upright freezers are easier to organize since they have multiple shelves, usually a bottom basket, and often also door bins. Chest freezers usually only have one or two sliding baskets, so it won't be as easy to find items. Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
