Best Freezers

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 6, 2023
Is your refrigerator’s freezer compartment too small to hold the food you need to freeze? Maybe it’s time to consider ...Read more
PROS
The lock will allow you to block access of your children. The flush back design allows for convenient freezer installation.
CONS
The defrosting is needed at least once every 2-3 months.
OUR VERDICT

This compact froster will become an ideal solution for those users who live in small premises or those who keep away from bulky items.

detailed parameters
TYPE
Upright freezer
CAPACITY
1.1 cu. ft. Also available: 2.1 cu. ft. 3.0 cu. ft.
TEMPERATURE RANGE
From 0° to 32°F
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
270 kWh/year
CONTROL
Mechanical thermostat
DIMENSIONS
19.5" (H) x 18.5" (W) x 17.8" (D)
WEIGHT
43 lbs
DEFROST
Manual
SHELVES
1 x Removable Wire Shelf
EXTRAS
Lock with key, Reversible stainless steel door, Energy Star Certified
PROS

The adjustable front feet help install the model on a sloped surface. The shelves are made of metal to ensure durability and rust-resistance.

CONS
The thermostat is located on the back, so the temperature adjustment is unhandy.
OUR VERDICT

This freezer will be an outstanding alternative to the froster of your fridge, offering more space for food storage.

detailed parameters
TYPE
Upright freezer
CAPACITY
2.8 cu.ft
TEMPERATURE RANGE
6 thermostat settings
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
201 kWh/year
CONTROL
Mechanical thermostat
DIMENSIONS
33.25" (H) x 19.25" (W) x 33.25" (D)
WEIGHT
49 lbs
DEFROST
Manual
SHELVES
3 x Fixed metal shelves
EXTRAS
Reversible door (left or right swing), Recessed integrated door handle
PROS
The corrosion-proof coating of the interior and front-mounted defrost drain provide easy defrosting and removal of dirty water.
CONS
No handle, so you should grab the door to open the freezer.
OUR VERDICT

This chest froster is available in different capacities and door positions, so you can easily pick the right one according to your needs and interior.

detailed parameters
TYPE
Chest freezer (upright models are available)
CAPACITY
3.8 cu. ft. Also available: 3.2 cu. ft. 4.3 cu. ft. 5.5 cu. ft. 7.2 cu. ft. 8.5 cu. ft.
TEMPERATURE RANGE
From -11.2 to 10.4 °F
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
197 kWh/year
CONTROL
Mechanical thermostat
DIMENSIONS
33.06" (H) x 24.94" (W) x 22.19" (D)
WEIGHT
70 lbs
DEFROST
Manual defrost
SHELVES
1 x Adjustable wire basket
EXTRAS
Easy-hookup front drain
PROS
The hinged door provides good equilibrium. This freezer is the most energy-efficient, so you will save your money on electricity bills.
CONS
To reach the food at the bottom, you'll need to free the upper shelves first.
OUR VERDICT
Midea chest freezer will be a cool thing both for drivers who travel in trailers and for residents of small apartments.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Chest freezer
CAPACITY
7.0 cu. ft. Also available: 2.1 cu. ft 3.5 cu. ft 5.0 cu. ft.
TEMPERATURE RANGE
From -5° to 2 °F
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
250 kWh/year
CONTROL
Mechanical thermostat
DIMENSIONS
20.6" (H) x 37.2" (W) x 33.5" (D)
WEIGHT
72.8 lbs
DEFROST
Manual
SHELVES
1 x Removable storage basket
EXTRAS
Recessed handle
PROS
The freezer walls are made under ArcticLock™technology, so the food can stay frozen for a few days even when the power is off. The SpaceWise® Adjustable Baskets will help you arrange your food by date or any other way you like.
CONS

The unit needs quite a lot of space due to its bulky size.

OUR VERDICT

This deep froster features a precise temperature setting and excellent capacity, so it can be an indispensable addition to a small restaurant or cafe.

detailed parameters
TYPE
Upright freezer
CAPACITY
20.5 cu.ft
TEMPERATURE RANGE
From -10 to 10 °F
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
484 kWh/year
CONTROL
Digital
DIMENSIONS
72.4" (H) x 34" (W) x 27.5" (D)
WEIGHT
175 lbs
DEFROST
Frost-Free (automatic)
SHELVES
4 x Full-width adjustable glass shelves 2 x Door shelves 3 x Adjustable door bins 1 x Pizza basket 2 x Full-width baskets
EXTRAS
LED lighting, Control lock, Thermal alarm, Front digital display

Type

The SPT UF-150SS is a compact upright freezer that can offer you some additional space to store away food. Thanks to the small dimensions of the freezer and its flush backside, you're not limited to the location where it can be installed. Be it your study, dormitory room or domestic kitchen, it will fit perfectly well, taking up very little space. 

Efficiency

Since the freezer is compact, its capacity is self-explanatory. The usable volume is 1.1 cu ft, and this model is offered with 2.1 or 3.0 cu ft capacity. The energy consumption of the model is 270 kWh per year. The freezing temperature can be set from 0 to 32 °F. Such a temperature range allows you to store your eatings up to 3 months, then the unit should be defrosted.

Usability

Since the freezer maintains a medium cooling temperature, it requires more often defrosting. Unfortunately, it is not a self-defrosting freeze and you'll need to defrost it manually. The model features 3 removable baskets that can be easily removed and even swapped for a convenient arrangement of the contents. Being small, the dimensions of the freezer are only 19.5" high, 18.5" wide, and 17.75" deep.

Extras

The freezer door is equipped with a key lock that blocks the access to the food. This feature will be particularly useful for families with naughty children. The model's body is iron-gray and the door is made of stainless steel, so the construction is highly durable and reliable. The handle is recessed in the door, so the freezer looks graceful and will easily blend with the interior of your home. What is more, SPT UF-150SS is available in two colors, white and iron-gray.

Last updated price $424.89
Stock In stock
ASIN B005HFRZKQ

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4)

When you unplug, the freezer loses about 4-5 degrees an hour, so you can travel five or six hours before having to plug in again to prevent thawing.

Size & Weight(4.8)

In such a confined space it works well as an end table or laptop desk too. Great purchase.

Features(4.1)

The freezer keeps it's temperature and runs very quietly.

Power(5)

Excellent also as energy saver - my electric bill has pretty much not gone up since I started using this freezer.

Control(4)

We purchased this small freezer to augment the very small freezer section in our RV refrigerator and it has been perfect for our needs. It is so well insulated that even after an 8 hour drive with no power to the freezer, the contents were still frozen solid.

Type

This freezer's door opens horizontally, so it is classified as an upright model. This model contains the wisely spaced metal shelves for convenient storage of various edible items. Avanti VF306 is great for freezing of small amount of fruit or vegetables, as well as dairy items or meat for a family consisting of several persons. The space-saving design of the Avanti makes it great for 1 or 2-room apartments and small country houses.

Efficiency

The high efficiency of this model is evidenced by ridiculously low energy consumption amounting to 201 kWh per year. Hence, you will save a considerable amount of money for a year paying for electricity. The capacity is another showing of the efficiency, and it is 2.8 cu ft. This number is relatively low, however, it will be enough for young families. The temperature adjustment is performed with a mechanical thermostat located on the unit's back.

Usability

The freezer should be defrosted manually, and this should be done at least once a year according to customer feedback. The food is handy to stack thanks to 3 stationary metal shelves that are highly reliable and last much longer when compared with plastic analogs. The freezer is fairly small, so you can place it in any room of your apartment or house, as well a touring trailer to take a long trip.

Extras

Avanti VF306 is compact, so it may be subject to frequent relocation or moving. Accordingly, it is equipped with the reversible door that allows you to open it towards both left and right side. The handle is located in the top of the door and is recessed inside for convenient grip. If you have to place the unit on a sloped floor, don't worry of swinging. The front legs of the freezer can be adjusted to match the floor surface, so your device will stand steadfastly.

Last updated price $199.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00GHU6LPK

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4)

The freezer is light to move, works great and so quiet I can't hear it running so at first I kept checking to see if things were really frozen.

Size & Weight(0)

I love the size. It is perfect for a small apartment.

Features(0)

So far so good, is everything it said it was and does a good job.

Control(0)

Not very happy that you cannot get parts for this freezer. Freezer works good but soon I'm afraid the door will no longer stay on the freezer.

Power(0)

quiet, uses minimal electricity

Type

The Danby DCF038A1WDB1 is categorized as a chest freezer. It is designed so as to accommodate a large number of eatables and provide easy access to them. This froster comes with a lid that opens to a user and requires no space around. In such a way, this model can be placed conveniently in narrow areas and between the furniture. Chest freezers like this Dandy model are often located in sheds, small kitchens and garages where there's no option to place a conventional fridge. 

Efficiency

The chamber and lid of Danby DCF038A1WDB1 are filled with the energy-efficient foam that insulates the interior from the outside heat. This insulation significantly boosts the freezer performance and reduces its energy consumption up to 197 kWh per year. So you can save money on monthly electricity bills. The freezer capacity is 3.8 cu ft, hence it offers a considerable space for placement of your food for a long-term frozen storage.

Usability

This chest freezer is peculiar due to the absence of shelves; you should just put your food on the freezer bottom. The model comes with an adjustable wire basket located beneath the lid for quick access to frequently used eatables. If you need the accessory with an upright door, Dandi offers the models with different capacities, therefore you have an opportunity to choose the one that suits your preference.

Extras

Danby DCF038A1WDB1 features the advanced manual defrosting system. The freezer interior is covered with corrosion-proof material to protect the body from damages and allow for easy cleaning after defrosting. What is more, the freezer contains the drain opening on the front of its bottom for easy and quick drainage of water. Hence, you can release the meltwater very conveniently.

Last updated price $384.04
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00O2N4GRE

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4)

I ordered the 3.8 cubic ft. This is large enough for my wife and I to store plenty of food..meat, various frozen goods..its nice when you see items on sale now we don't wonder "do we have space in the freezer for this?"

Features(0)

I leveled the unit with a 'level' and waited about 12 hours before plugging it in. It got very cold quite quickly. So far, so good. Only time will tell how well it's made. But at present, I really do like it.

Size & Weight(4.5)

Perfect for my 1 bedroom apartment, Its in my living room, looks very nice, makes no noise and freezes real cold yet has a real great adjustable temperature gauge if you don't like real super frozen, the basket inside is nice and slides from one side to the other very effortlessly.

Control(4.3)

The inside volume of 7.1 cubic feet is the perfect size for two adults and two teenagers

Power(0)

It's a great investment! Exceptional freezing power... Freezes meat in less than an hour!

Type

Midea WHS-258C1 is a freezer with long body and a cover opened upwards, so it refers to chest freezers. Despite the small size, this model's capacity is rather high. Therefore, you will be able to freeze a lot of food and save the space in your kitchen at the same time. If you have a motorhome and travel with your family, you can also use this froster to refrigerate food during long and hot journeys.

Efficiency

The chest freezers are notable for a high capacity and wise layout, and Midea WHS-258C1 is not an exception. The freezer capacity is 7.0 cu ft. Beside the excellent organization of inner volume, this freezer can boost a low energy consumption that is just 250 kWh per year. What is more, the wide temperature range allows you to set the optimum temperature and keep your eatables fresh for up to 6 months.

Usability

This freezer is small in size being 20.6" high, 37,2 wide, and 33.5" deep. The weight is 72.8 pounds, so you can move the unit across your house easily. As for defrosting, you should do it yourself, having disconnected the froster from the power supply and taken all the food out. Midea WHS-258C1 is distinguished by the absence of shelves, yet, the wire basket is available to hold the fruit or vegetables.

Extras

The door of Midea WHS-258C1 comes with the recessed handle for convenient grip and pleasing look of the freezer. The capacity of this horizontal freezer is 7.0 cu ft. In case if this capacity is not suitable, you may consider models available with 2.1 , 3.5, and 5.0 cu ft storage capability. Hence, you can pick the model of the desired capacity to ice your food and enjoy its freshness in the hottest days.

Last updated price $549.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00MVVITCC

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.1)

I purchased this to store breast milk and it works great!! Fits 4 bags across and 4 bags tall to give you an idea of the size. I can easily store 2500 ounces in this freezer.

Size & Weight(4.2)

Arrived very quickly and easy to move around. Not heavy at all and easy to use. Very compact for 7.0 cubic feet.

Control(4)

Minimal frost buildup on interior after about one month of use.

Features(4)

Its bigger than I expected and I was able to fit all the food i had for it and more.

Power(4)

Product was delivered without a cover plate for the lower rear machinery/power access port. Without a cover it makes the freezer machinery vulnerable to mice/rats etc. I'm sure a lot of people keep their freezer in the garage which is open a lot of the time.

Type

Frigidaire FFFH21F6QW is an upright freezer of an impressive capacity. Hence, it will become an excellent alternative for owners of small restaurants or cafes dealing with food freezing or farmsteads engaged in the butchery. The freezer walls are made under special ArcticLock™ technology that allows them to keep your food frozen for 2 days in the absence of power supply. Therefore, you may not worry about your food when you are out.

Efficiency

Speaking about the efficiency of this freezer, we should note that it has the highest capacity among the reviewed models; it is 20.5 cu ft. Henceforth, you will be able to store a good many items inside. This model will bring you fresh food with all the vitamins kept in natural form. The froster consumes 484 kWh/year that is pretty low considering its high capacity. What is more, you can set the temperature in the range from - 10° to 10 °F and provide the optimum conditions for your eatables.

Usability

This functional freezer features the frost-free operation, so you won't have to wait for hours to melt the ice. 2 full-width baskets are colored, so you can assign them to specific food items. Except for baskets, the froster contains retractable shelves and a special shelf for pizza. The model's door features 2 stationary shelves and 3 removable shelves that you can rearrange depending on the size of food.

Extras

The freezer extras include the backlight that allows you to see the place of the food items. The big digital display will let you set the needed temperature and monitor it throughout the freezing, so the functions of freezer are enhanced. The lock with pop-out key will help you to protect your children or curious guests from cold injury or prohibit access to food when you are on vacation or business trip.
Last updated price $893.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00PI7W5QM

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(4.5)

Incredible and massive. Will for sure need more trays in the door

Features(4.4)

This unit is perfect, but he shipping took a long time to receive.

Control(5)

The exterior temperature control is nice and it is mounted on the door. The controls are easy to follow.

Key Specs(4.4)

So far so good the question is how will in be in a few years

Power(4)

The power outage warning is a little too soft to be heard from a distance especially if the freezer is located in the basement (as mine is) or in a room off of the kitchen.

Infographics


What is a Freezer

A fridge is one of the must-have home appliances for every family. As we know, each fridge has a freezer compartment to chill the heat-sensitive food. Yet, the freezer capacity is often too low, and we need more space for extra food stuff. This is where buying a separate freezer would become an ideal solution. A freezer is a device similar to the fridge, designed for freezing meat, fish, dairy products, vegetables, fruit, ice cream, etc. The freezers can store food and keep it frozen for up to 12 months. That's actually one of the reasons why owners of farmsteads and private houses are so keen on having one to store their food for a longer time.

If neither of the reviewed models suits your needs, we advise you to read our reviews on chest freezers and upright freezers, learning all options available.

What Features to Compare

Type

Type is the first point we will explore in our review. All freezers are divided into chest and upright models. The upright freezers (also known as freezing cabinets) largely resemble conventional fridges, yet unlike fridges, they feature retractable baskets. A number of shelves and baskets may vary depending on the model size. The chest models have oblong bodies and top covers opening upwards. The chest frosters are considered to be more effective than upright models thanks to a more rational arrangement of usable space and higher capacity. The chest frosters are commonly placed on balconies or loggias, though you can place you model in a cellar.

Efficiency

Let’s proceed to the efficiency of a freezer. This parameter depends on the model capacity that shows how much food you can store inside. If you are going to freeze a dab of fruit and vegetables, look for a freezer with a capacity up to 5 cu. ft. Contrarily, those consumers who need to freeze a lot should look for the models from 6 to 9 cu. ft. All in all, if your family is large, check for the freezers over 18 cu. ft. Since any froster is plugged in all the time, the energy consumption also matters for efficiency. The energy consumption is the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed for 1 year, and the less this figure is, the less money you will spend on electricity bills. The storage period of the frozen food depends on the temperature range of the freezer, and the lower temperature is kept, the longer the food can be stored.

Usability

The usability is quite an important aspect of a freezer. The defrosting system is the very first indicator of a froster usability. If you have a model with manual defrosting, you will have to unplug and free it from food to melt icing and wash the interior once or twice a year. If you don’t want to tinker with washing, consider the models with automatic defrost. A freezer with automatic defrost features constant circulation of the cold air, so the food is kept chilled with no ice and frost. Nevertheless, such frosters ought to be also defrosted and washed at least once a year.

The usability of a freezer depends on the number of shelves and bins. The shelves may be retractable or stationary. For maximum convenience, opt for a froster with removable shelves to arrange the space for your needs and store bigger items. You should also consider dimensions to know how much space you would need to have you froster installed in your place.

Extras

After you’ve decided on the key characteristics, make sure to check on little extras that make up for a convenience of use. They may include LED lighting, reversible doors with right or left swing, a door lock to block access off children and strangers, temperature range, controls and many more. You don’t buy freezers every year, so be sensible to get a decent one right away.

Sources:

1. How to Choose the Best Standalone Freezer, Consumer Reports. May 18, 2015.

2. Freezer Buying Guide, Lowe's.

3. Mariette Mifflin Freezers - Chest vs Upright: Which Freezer Style is Better, About Home. March 23, 2016.

4. Freezers Buying Guide, John Lewis.

5. Jeff Flowers 4 Different Types of Freezers and Their Best Uses, Compact Appliance.

6. Megan McArdle Cold, Hard Facts About Freezers, BloombergView. May 30, 2014.

7. Best Freezer Buying Guide, Consumer Reports.

8. Auto Defrost, Wikipedia. July 5, 2015.

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