Best Freezers for Your Home

Freezers are useful and long-lasting home appliances. Common types include upright, chest, garage and portable freezers. Before buying, measure the space you have, determine the freezer capacity you need and figure out your budget.

Measure accurately:

• Using a tape measure, record height, width and depth of the space for your new freezer. Add at least one inch to the depth to account for plugs or coils.
• Check to see which way the freezer door opens, so it has room to clear.
• Measure the delivery route for your new appliance such as any doorways, stairwells and hallways.

Determining the best storage capacity:

• Plan for 2.5 to 3 cubic feet of space per person, which means a family of four requires a 12-cubic-foot model.
• Add extra capacity if you freeze food for emergencies or store large quantities of meat, such as a side of beef.
• If you’re a gardener, factor in the additional space for freezing your fresh fruits and vegetables.

Consider your budget:

• Energy Star-rated models use about 10 percent less electricity to freeze the same amount of space.
• For the best results, place your freezer in a cool, dry location away from heat sources.
• Look for features like LED lighting to further boost energy savings.

Chest freezers have a lid rather than a door. This lid seals tightly so food stays frozen for longer, especially during power outages.

• They hold more food per cubic foot of interior space than uprights and are ideal for storing bulky items.
• They are budget-friendly, but they can take up more floor space.
• They have removable baskets and bins that can be used to organize foods.
• Most use manual defrosting so they’re better at preventing freezer burn.
• Since less cold air escapes when you open them, they’re more energy efficient.

Upright freezers take up less floor space than chest freezers. An upright freezer looks and opens like a basic refrigerator. Most have adjustable shelves, pull-out bins and baskets and storage drawers. These features make it easy to see your foods, organize them and rotate them. They are less efficient than chest freezers. Every time you open the door, you let out more cold air. This makes the freezer use more energy to replace it.

Most uprights have an auto-defrost (frost-free). Auto-defrost units offer more convenience but can consume more energy. They typically require a higher upfront investment than other types of freezers.

Many people use a chest freezer in a garage that can accommodate its larger footprint. However, a freezer kept in an unheated garage may not cool properly. The compressor may not be prompted to come on often enough, or to come on at all.

If the temperature in the freezer eventually becomes the same as the temperature in the unheated garage, some of the items stored inside may not stay frozen. For example, the recommended temperature inside a freezer is zero degrees Fahrenheit. If the outside temperature is above zero and the garage freezer temperature is also above zero, foods like ice cream will not stay frozen. Harmful bacteria can also grow on some foods.

If the air in the unheated garage is too cold, frost can form on the outside of the freezer and the insulation layer. When the ice freezes and thaws, it can cause damage, making the freezer work harder.

If you want to keep a freezer in an unheated garage, look for one labeled “garage ready” or one that the manufacturer has designed to operate safely in garage conditions.

Portable freezers may have wheels, or they can be small enough to carry from one place to another. These freezers are useful for businesses or households that need to store relatively small amounts of frozen foods. They are true freezers, not ice chests.

They're good for small spaces, recreational use and car trips. Some small, compact or portable freezers can be used outdoors when you’re camping, fishing, hunting or entertaining around a pool.

Portable freezers can run on AC or DC power. Models with rechargeable batteries require a charging source.

Commercial freezers are available with storage capacities of 72 cubic feet and more. They come in upright or chest styles. Some have multiple doors and/or see-through doors or lids, so you can easily take stock of what's inside. They may be manual or auto defrost models.

Commercial freezers have a lot of storage space. They can store large amounts of food and big packages. However, buyers should be aware that commercial freezers are often noisier and lack the aesthetic finish of residential models. They usually require more upfront investment and use more energy than residential models.

Different freezers have different types of features.

• Freezers with two side-by-side doors, or double doors, are attractive and functional. Two doors allow you to access one side of the freezer at a time. This cuts down on the loss of cold air and saves energy. Two narrow doors can also save space if you need to place your freezer in a small area.
• Drawers that slide out on racks, removable baskets, bins, adjustable shelving and other storage options make it easy to organize and see your frozen foods.
• Smart appliances let you monitor the internal temperature and receive open-door alerts directly on your smartphone. This prevents food in your freezer from accidently spoiling and more.
• Auto defrost or frost-free technology prevent ice and frost from building up inside your freezer. These types of freezers do this by using internal coils that periodically heat and cool. Auto defrost freezers are particularly beneficial in humid climates where frost builds up faster.
• Manual defrost freezers are more budget friendly than auto defrost models. With manual defrost freezers, you have to remove and temporarily store any frozen food in the freezer to remove the accumulated ice build-up at least once a year.

Tip: If your freezer gets a lot of use, auto frost is a better choice. Manual defrost appliances are less likely to cause freezer burn and work best for long-term storage.

• When you purchase a new appliance from us without professional installation, a 4-prong cord is sent by default. If your home is equipped with a 3-prong outlet, you will need to purchase a 3-prong cord or connector adapter separately.
• Three-prong plugs are used for homes built before the year 2000. Four-prong plugs are used for homes built after 2000. When you add professional installation to your new appliance purchase from us, a compatible cord is required. The delivery agent carries both types of cords to make sure your home is covered.
• Maintain your unit regularly and set it to the recommended temperature of 0°F (-18°C).
• Rotate frozen items periodically, so you can use older foods before newer ones.
• Avoid putting a freezer too close to a heat source, such as near an oven, clothes dryer or window with direct sunlight. These will make it work harder to keep the temperature constant.
• Consider putting a chest freezer near your garage door, so you can easily unload frozen foods when you drive in.
• Keep your freezer at least two-thirds full to maintain stable temperatures. This reduces strain on the compressor. Use bags of ice or plastic jugs filled with water to take up space when needed.
• Consider swapping out older freezers with refrigerants made from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) for a new one that uses R-600a (Isobutane). According to the EPA, it’s a better climate choice and more environmentally friendly.

How Long Do Freezers Last?

Most can last 10 to 14 years but average about 12. Replacing your freezer with a newer model will save energy and cut down on the need for repairs as it ages.

What is a Good Size Freezer?

Freezers come in small or compact, medium and large sizes. Estimate the size you need by multiplying the number of people in your household by 2.5 to 3 cubic feet per person.

Are Frost-Free Freezers Better?

Frost-free freezers save you the hassle of manual defrosting and cleaning, but they come with a higher upfront investment and increased energy use. For most, the convenience outweighs the added expense.

What is the Difference Between a Freezer and a Deep Freezer?

A deep freezer is a general term for any appliance that provides long-term, ultra-cold storage. This includes both upright freezers and chest freezers.

Which is Better, a Chest or an Upright Freezer?

Chest freezers are budget friendly and energy-efficient, while upright freezers offer better storage organization and fit into smaller spaces. Choose based on your budget and storage needs.