under counter freezer next to oven...

[ojbsmum]

We have a tiny, badly designed kitchen. We can't replace it so having to make the best of it for now. We have a free standing fridge freezer and an empty space under the worktop between the oven and the wall.
We're thinking of getting a small under counter freezer to go in the space.
Is this a really bad idea?
Would both appliances still work ok?
I've heard the freezer would need to work harder and will cause our electricty bills to increase but is this all and the only reason not to do it?
I'd love to be able to buy meat, bread etc in bulk, cook in bulk and freeze meals etc and think it would save us money and time but would this be cancelled out by any issues?
Any thoughts/advice?

[mrsfuzzy]

yes, the freezer would work harder, while you may gain benefit from saving on the food bill some of that could be markedly wiped out by higher freezer costs, personally i wouldn't do it, perhaps you could use the empty storage space for something that won't be affected by the oven?

[betterwhenthesunshines]

How much freezer space does your current fridge freezer have? Is it perhaps better to replace that with a properly full height one that has more freezer space? (Ours has 3 freezer drawers which I find enough) 2 freezers just tend to get filled with stuff and forgotten IME. If you only have limited space you are forced to keep on top of what's there and plan properly.

Frozen bread is never great I think. Maybe better to buy those bake-at home loaves? They tend to keep for a long time and could be kept in a regular cupboard. Or bread machine?

Also if I freeze raw meat I often forget it's there ie if I go to the freezer it's because I need a quick meal, not to have to defrost and then cook. Cooking in bulk and freezing is good though - bolognese, stews, soups etc.

[PigletJohn]

It will lead to the freezer getting too warm as well as using more electricity. If you can shuffle units around enough to make a 6inch ventilated gap, you can use it for a towel hanger, trays or something, and heat can escape. Better still to swap things around so the freezer is somewhere else.

I agree that a taller freezer will be easier to use as you will not be crouching so much, as well as holding more.

[PigletJohn]

P.s.

Have you got a dishwasher?