With ever growing technology and innovation, the options for home appliances is seemingly unlimited, encouraging consumers to festoon their homes with a huge collection of these appliances, particularly kitchen needs. Probably a person who makes best use of these appliances would be able to appreciate it better along with making a smart choice of the same. Managing domestic needs demands a pragmatic approach. One needs to think smart when it comes to storing food, calculating the needs and requirements in terms of the duration and length of storage. Talking about home appliances, the first and foremost thing that definitely hits the mind is fridge freezers, without which life seems to come to a complete standstill these days. Well, the options plainly boil down to just two – chest freezers and upright freezers. The advantages of a chest freezer are relatively distinct in terms of storage and energy consumption as against upright ones. And one such energy efficient freezer is the Miele GT316ES Chest Freezer, which we will be discussing in detail in terms of its durability and features in the review below. Let us see what makes this freezer procure an A++ rating along with a positive consumer rating.

Design:

Measuring 91.7 x 128.8 x 76.6 cm, the Miele GT316ES Chest Freezer takes a rectangular shape and is available in a classic white finish. This sturdy freestanding freezer is designed to store a remarkable net capacity of 291 liters with an energy rating of A++, so you may rest assured about the energy consumption being kept to a minimum. Looks can indeed be deceiving – this is very much true in case of the GT316ES as its plain boxy appearance is truly deceiving as opposed to what this star performer is capable of. The electronic controls ensure an easy, yet precise use of the appliance with a noise level of 39 dBA, which you would barely notice with the appliance being On. The electronic controls are suitably located on the handle along with a display that exhibits the internal temperature. A Soft Close Door feature prevents the appliance’s door from slamming shut. Also with the weight of the lid being specially balanced, delve as much as you want without worrying about the lid coming bang on your head. The GT316ES can accommodate up to 4 freezer baskets and can freeze around 31kilos in 24 hours. These baskets prove to be extremely handy when you want to have a glimpse of what is stored. Additionally, the freezer trays are extremely useful to store small items such as herbs or berries separately, thus avoiding cluttering. Better still, these freezer trays prove to be extremely useful in collecting water from the integral defrost spout. In a nutshell, the Miele GT316ES proves to a wise investment particularly with it acing in the energy ratings with the only downside being its insulation, which some people may not be too happy about. But then isn’t it this insulation that makes it an extremely efficient appliance?

External Controls:

The freezer’s electronic aides in maintaining precise temperature settings in the freezer and is suitably located on the handle along with a temperature display that keeps you updated of the temperature inside the appliance. It is equipped with On/Off LED indicator lights along with interior lighting inside the lid that helps with locating stuff easily. A freezer calendar beneath the lid helps with judging the longevity of the foods in terms of safe storage. It also comes fitted with a lock by default.

Capacity:

The GT316ES can store as much as 291 liters/Cu. Ft. and freezes around 31 kg in 24 hours. The capacious internal storage allows for easy access of the 4 freezer baskets that can either be hung or stacked, such that you can arrange and store stuff to suit your needs. Moreover, the baskets sit well such that filling and organizing is a literal cakewalk. Also handy enough are the 2 freezer trays that act as a dividing wall.  Well, these freezer trays can also be used to create a separate zone in the freezer and this zone can be utilized to freeze fresh food separately away from the already frozen ones. Stacking these trays one above the other in the space provided creates a separate zone or if you wish to use them normally, slide them beneath one of the baskets.

Ease of use:

Thanks to the safety features with Miele GT316ES, the consumer has a hazard-free appliance at home. Well to name a few – The Safety Lock ensures that the freezer does not get switched off inadvertently. Likewise The Child Resistant Touch Buttons aids with childproofing the appliance protecting against tampering and misuse. Again, The Integrated Damper ensures to soften the door closing action with the lid closing with a satisfying “thunk” sealing it fairly tight and may require considerable effort to reopen it.

Performance Features:

Stop Frost System: The GT316ES comes equipped with The Stop Frost feature which includes a smart vent designed to ensure any humidity entering the freezer, upon opening the lid, is expelled out rapidly with the lid being shut. This significantly brings down the frost build-up inside the freezer, thus reduces the need for frequent defrosting.

Super Freeze System: This feature takes care of bringing down the freezer’s temperature to the lowest extent possible, thereby maintaining constant and adequate cold temperatures. The freezer can be set to a coldest level possible for a short span of time by pressing the Super Freeze button. This specifically comes in handy when there is a need for freezing large quantities instantly. This kind of immediate freezing, helps to maintain the texture and consistency of the food when defrosting. Then again, refrain from using this feature in the following instances:

  • when putting in already frozen food
  • when you freeze less than 2 kg of fresh food daily.

Internal Lighting: Miele’s Chest Freezers come with internal lighting on the lid to help locate stuff easily, especially with the freezer being in areas like a garage or the basement with poor lighting conditions.

Ice Cube Maker: This feature is extremely helpful for those of you throwing frequent parties or if you are keen on sipping a bone-chilling glass of red/white wine along with your dinner. The Miele GT316ES treats you with an approximately 100 to120 impeccably formed ice cubes that is ready in less than 24 hours. And once it is done, the cubes get dispensed mechanically into a half-sized freezer drawer, storing the same until needed.

Digital Display: The GT316ES comes with a comprehensive and well-written manual providing fairly elaborate instructions on the digital controls and the likes. The digital display takes care of constant monitoring of the actual temperature when you simply set the freezer to the temperature of your choice, within its range.

Defrost Drain: Defrosting cannot get any easier with the central drain making the defrosting process stress-free. A central drain directs to an outlet located at the front, so all that needs to be done is for a container to be placed beneath the appliance for the water to be collected. Thus this avoids a lot of mess in terms of struggling to reach below the appliance or to sponge the excess water out.

Alarm: There GT316ES is equipped with two integrated alarms namely the Temperature Alarm and the Lid Alarm. While the former indicates (both with a sound and flashing the temperature display) with any rising temperatures inside the freezer or with it getting too warm inside the freezer, the latter beeps out with the lid being left open for more than 60 seconds.

Soft Close Door Feature: The integrated damper ensures softening the door closing action thus avoiding door slamming. The surrounding metal frame ensures that the lid closes with a convincing “thump” such that you may rest assured even with children around.

Energy Rating: The Miele GT316ES Chest Freezer comes with an A++ energy rating that sure does take care of low running costs, approximately 183 kWh, with a rated load of 115 W placing it in the category of energy efficient cooling equipment. Additionally, the warning system in the freezer ensures that the temperature does not rise inadvertently thus avoiding any energy being wasted. The A++ rating does not just make the appliance pocket friendly, but eco friendly too.

Star Rating: The Miele freezer comes with a 4 star rating with a 4.8/5 rating given by customers in terms of capacity, quietness, features, attractiveness, build quality and performance, which speaks for itself, not to mention it being the Which? Award Winner 2010.

Cool Pack: The Cool Pack precludes any rapid temperature rises in the freezer in case of power shutdowns. To ensure rapid freezing through the Cool Pack, it would be ideal to place it on the floor of the freezer, ideally against two sidewalls in a corner. It proves to be most effective after being placed in for around 24 hours. It can also be placed on the freezer tray once it freezes, if you wish to save space. In the event of power failure, it can be placed directly on top of a frozen food, such that it retains its temperature for the longest time span possible; similarly, placing it in a cool bag helps keeping beverages and food cold for a short period of time.

Safety Lock Feature: This feature prevents inadvertent switching off of the appliance. The Super Freeze Button acts as a toggle key in activating and deactivating this feature by press holding the Super Freeze Button for an approximate 3 seconds.

Safety Features:

CFC/HFC Free: The Miele GT316ES runs on the coolant Isobutane (R600a) an environment friendly natural gas. Neither does it pose a hazard to the ozone layer nor does it contribute to the greenhouse effect. In fact, the entire range of Miele Freezers is CFC/HFC free and has taken to pentane for insulation and isobutene for circulation system and is safety regulation compliant.

Worth the Buy:

The Miele GT316ES is available for a price range of £519.00 to £544.00, depending on your choice of retailer. Though it might sound a bit too pricey, it sure does promise sizeable returns in the long run. Especially with its high scores on energy consumption, there is every chance that the appliance could save you couple of bucks when it comes to electricity consumption and make it worth the investment.

Repair and Service:

With the appliance under guarantee, the manufacturer advises that repairs be undertaken exclusively by service technicians authorised by the manufacturer, failing which the guarantee gets nullified.

Warranty Details:

The Miele GT316ES comes with full parts and Labour warranty for 2 years from the initial date of purchase. Registering the product with Miele is mandatory in order to activate the second year. The registration form can be downloaded from the official website.

Verdict:

With its decent design, curved edges, and reassuring temperature display, the Miele GT316ES Chest Freezer does not fail to impress quite a few. It might be looked upon as a costly capital investment, but this gets well compensated by the few extra bucks that it brings in, in the long run. And for those of you, who look at it as a space consuming appliance owing to the thick insulation, guess that is the price you pay to get an energy- efficient freezer.

Miele GT316ES Chest Freezer White – Product Specification Details

Manufacturer Miele
Model Name GT316ES White Chest Freezer
Type Freestanding
Colour White
Dimensions (H x W x D) 91.7 x 128.8 x 76.6 cm
Weight 65 kg (Net) 76 kg (Gross)
Total Gross capacity 10.6 Cu. Ft.
Net Freezer capacity 291 litres/10.2 Cu. ft.
Freezing Capacity 24 hours/31kg
Freezer Star Rating 4
Safe storage in event of
power failure		 64 Hours
Recommended Room Temperature 10 to 43°C
Stop Frost Reduction System Yes
Number of Baskets 4
Freezer Trays, Cool Pack 2
External Controls Yes
Child Resistant Controls Yes
Interior Light No
Frost Free Freezer No
Super Fast Freezing Yes
Fast Freeze Warning Signal Yes
Energy Rating A++
Temperature Controls Electronic
Digital Temperature Display No
Reversible Door No
Number of Compartments 5
Fast Freeze Compartment Yes
Temperature Warning Light Yes
Clear Drawer Fronts Yes
Defrost Drain Yes
Lock Fitted as Standard Yes
Open Door Alert Yes
Soft Close Door System Yes
Ice Cube Tray No
Noise Level 39Dba
Refrigerant Gas R600a
Energy Recommended Yes
Annual Energy Consumption 183 kWh
Highlight features Energy Efficient with A++ rating
CFC/HFC Free
Super Fast Freezing
Fast Freezing
Guarantee 2 years Warranty on Parts and Labour

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