7 Best Chest Freezers Of 2023 | Reviews + Guide
A chest freezer can be an excellent investment for those who need extra storage space for frozen foods. Whether you’re a large family or someone who likes to stock up on bulk items, a chest freezer can provide you with the added space you need. In this article, I’ll look at the best chest freezers […]
A chest freezer can be an excellent investment for those who need extra storage space for frozen foods.
Whether you’re a large family or someone who likes to stock up on bulk items, a chest freezer can provide you with the added space you need.
In this article, I’ll look at the best chest freezers on the market, their features, and what to consider when choosing one.
I’ll discuss different sizes, energy efficiency, temperature control, and capacity to help you make an informed decision.
This Frigidaire chest freezer is a large 14.8 cubic foot chest freezer, making it easy for people to store many frozen goods.
It is also one of the larger chest freezers on our list since it has a large capacity for more usable space, making it suitable for storing many foods and items as it has two storage baskets that can be used to store more goods.
The LED illumination improves internal visibility, while the bulk storage baskets help organize and give quick access to essential items. It also has a power-on indicator light.
Although, there are things I did not like about this freezer. One of them is that it doesn’t have a built-in lock, which may concern some users who want to keep their items secure.
Based on my firsthand experience, the safety lock, the defrost water drain, and the optional casters to make the Frigidaire chest freezer move more easily are a few more standout features of this chest freezer.
This large chest freezer is relatively affordable compared to other freezers with similar features.
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This 7-cubic-foot model from Midea might be worth considering if you’re searching for an affordable chest freezer for small spaces.
The chest freezer includes a removable wire storage basket to help keep frozen foods organized and handy. Sadly, the limited number of bulk storage baskets limits the number of frozen goods you can place in this compact freezer.
Additionally, the chest freezer offers an external dial temperature control, allowing users to change the temperature without opening the freezer and letting cold air escape.
However, you must manually defrost this chest freezer, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
In addition, this Midea Chest Freezer has no interior light, making it difficult to see what’s inside in low lighting.
When I trialed this product, I noticed the freezer also contains hinges that can hold the door open at 45 and 75-degree angles, allowing easy access to the contents without holding the door open.
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The 5-cubic-foot model from hOmeLabs is a good option for people looking for the best compact chest freezer.
Customers can increase storage using the wire basket despite the unit’s small size. The basket also glides across the freezer’s breadth to simplify adding or removing products.
To help with proper upkeep and cleaning, this model incorporates external temperature controls and a drain outlet.
The hOmeLabs chest freezer has an adjustable thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature easily.
In addition, after putting it to the test, this little freezer has a noise level of about 42 decibels, making it the best small chest freezer in a house or workplace.
However, one downside to this freezer is that the hOmeLabs chest freezer does not have a safety lock, which may concern some users who want to secure their frozen foods.
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For individuals who need to transfer frozen goods or keep them frozen while they are away from home, the ICECO portable refrigerator freezer offers the perfect answer.
The ICECO is a portable freezer. Its sturdy handle and wheels allow you to move it around easily, making it one of the best portable freezers.
Despite being a portable refrigerator, the ICECO JP40 has a large capacity of 40 liters, enough to hold up to 60 cans of soda or beer.
With a weight of 38.8 pounds, the ICECO JP40 Portable Freezer is lighter than some other portable refrigerators, which may make it more convenient to transport.
The ICECO is an energy-efficient, high-performance compressor that can run on a 12/24V DC power source. It also has an Eco mode that can help save power.
This device has an adjustable temperature range between -7 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit for frozen and chilled goods. But this is not just your typical refrigerator.
After conducting experiments with it, I found the following:
Are you trying to find the best chest freezer for a garage? Think about the 15.7 cubic foot Garage Ready chest freezer from GE.
The GE Garage Ready Freezer can be used to store and arrange frozen meats, ice cream, and other items inside the 15.7 cubic-foot capacity and four sliding storage baskets.
It comes equipped with multiple sliding bulk storage baskets for easy access to frozen items.
My findings showed that users could use a second-level rail to position one to two removable wire baskets at various heights. The power-on indicator light allows users to know if the freezer is running.
Moreover, it includes GE’s Power Outage Guarantee, which ensures that the inside temperature will remain below freezing for at least 48 hours during a power outage.
This could be a hassle for some, but it is worth noting that it doesn’t have an automatic defrost feature, so you’ll need to defrost the deep freezer periodically.
By alerting users if the freezer’s temperature starts to rise, the temperature alarm can help prevent food waste. Also, the safety lock and key feature enable users to secure their food.
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With this Northair 3.5 cubic foot chest freezer, you may save your utility bills. This small device helps users save money by using as little as 0.45 kWh of energy every 24 hours.
The Northair Chest Freezer – 3.5 Cu Ft is Energy Star rated. This translates to lower energy bills and a more environmentally friendly appliance.
Additionally, as per my expertise, the soft-close lid mechanism and silent compressor technology maintain a low noise so users won’t disturb the rest of the house.
Other freezer features include the external adjustable front temperature controls and auto-hold hinges. However, unlike most chest freezers, this freezer has no alarm to alert you if the temperature rises above a certain level.
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The KoolMore chest freezer is nice if money is no object. It’s a powerful machine with the features you wish more home appliances had.
The freezer features a sleek, modern design with a stainless steel exterior that looks great in any kitchen.
This freezer has two sliding clear glass doors rather than a hinged top. When combined with bright LED lighting, you’ll always be able to see inside without opening the doors.
Based on my observations, I can easily move this big, strong unit when cleaning the floors because it has optional casters. It is also simple to drain extra water when defrosting.
Being an expensive freezer, the KoolMore 16-Cubic-Foot Chest Freezer is a high-end appliance with a luxury price tag, making it less accessible than many chest freezers.
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What Are the 7 Best Chest Freezers You Can Buy?
A chest freezer is designed to provide additional frozen food storage space or keep food cold. Here are my top picks for the best chest freezers on the market right now!1. Best Overall: Frigidaire Chest Freezer
Frigidaire FFCL1542AW 56" Freestanding Chest Freezer with...
- Width: 55.75" x Height: 32.5" x Depth: 29.5625"
- Type: Freestanding - Style: Chest
What I like
- Large capacity
- Two sliding storage baskets
- Affordable price
What I don’t like
- No built-in lock
- Bulky
Size: 34 by 56 by 32 inches | Capacity: 14.8 Cubic Feet | Temperature Range: -10 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit | Annual Energy Consumption: 296 kilowatt hours | Product Weight: 137 pounds
2. Best Budget: Midea Chest Freezer
Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer, 7.0 Cubic Feet, White
- Mechanical Control with Adjustable Thermostat from -12 to...
- Contains 1 Hanging Wire Storage Basket
What I like
- Energy efficiency
- Compact design
- Affordable price
- Easy access to temperature change
What I don’t like
- Manual defrost
- Only comes with one wire basket
- No interior light
Size: 32.1 by 21.7 by 33.5 inches | Capacity: 7 Cubic Feet | Temperature Range: -11.2 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit | Annual Energy Consumption: 250 kilowatt hours | Product Weight: 66.2 pounds
3. Best for Compact Spaces: hOmeLabs Chest Freezer
hOmeLabs 5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer - Top Door Deep Freezer...
- Store 6 frozen turkeys inside this 5 cu ft chest freezer...
- Easily change the internal temperature from 10.4 °F to -...
What I like
- Space-saving design
- Digital temperature control
- Affordable price
What I don’t like
- Limited storage space
- No interior light
- No lock
Size: 25 by 21.85 by 33.5 inches | Capacity: 5 Cubic Feet | Temperature Range: 10.4 to 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit | Annual Energy Consumption: 218 kilowatt hours | Product Weight: 57.5 pounds
4. Best Portable: ICECO Portable Refrigerator
Sale
ICECO JP40 Portable Refrigerator Fridge Freezer, 12V Cooler...
- ※ 【FREE PARTS】- Insulated Protective Cover & 12...
- ※ 【MAX & ECO MODE】- Eco mode is the function which can...
What I like
- Portability
- Large Capacity
- Energy-efficient
What I don’t like
- Expensive
- Requires power source
- If you select the ECO mode, the compressor will use less energy and won’t turn on until the interior temperature has climbed by 6 to 9 degrees from the set point.
- If you select MAX, the device will cool down more quickly. Each model comes with 12/24 DC and 110- to 240-volt AC cables, enabling use in homes and cars.
Size: 23 by 14 by 18 inches | Capacity: 40 liters | Temperature Range: -7 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit | Annual Energy Consumption: N/A | Product Weight: 38.8 pounds
5. Best for Garages: GE Garage Ready Chest Freezer
GE FCM16DLWW 65 Inch Freezer with 15.7 cu. ft. Capacity,...
- LED Interior Lighting, Automatically illuminates when door...
- Audible Temperature Alarm, Alerts you if the temperature...
What I like
- Perfect for the garage
- Storage Basket
- Easy Maintenance
What I don’t like
- Bulky
- Noisy
- Manual Defrost
Size: 33 by 65 by 28.5 inches | Capacity: 15.7 Cubic Feet | Temperature Range: -10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit | Annual Energy Consumption: N/A | Product Weight: 190 pounds
6. Best for Efficiency: Northair Chest Freezer
Sale
Northair Chest Freezer - 3.5 Cu Ft with 2 Removable Baskets...
- PERFECTLY QUIET - Unlike other chest freezers, the Northair...
- OPTIMAL STORAGE - At 3.5 Cubic Feet, the Northair Chest...
What I like
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to use
- Compact design
What I don’t like
- Manual defrost
- No temperature indicator
- Limited warranty
Size: 21 by 22 by 31 inches | Capacity: 3.5 Cubic Feet | Temperature Range: -4 to 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit | Annual Energy Consumption: 165 kilowatt hours | Product Weight: 50.7 pounds
7. Best Splurge: KoolMore Chest Freezer
KoolMore SCF-16C Chest Freezer, 16 cu. ft, White
- All-Purpose Deep Freezer Chest – Ideal for storing meats,...
- Consistent Cabinet Temperatures – Utilizing a 1/5 hp...
What I like
- Large capacity
- Stainless steel construction
- Digital thermostat
What I don’t like
- Expensive
- Heavy and bulky
Size: 61 by 30 by 33 inches | Capacity: 16 Cubic Feet | Temperature Range: -8 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit | Annual Energy Consumption: 692 kilowatt hours | Product Weight: 165 pounds
Quick Comparison Of Top Chest Freezer
| Top Chest Freezers | Size | Capacity | Temperature Range | Annual Energy Consumption | Product Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire Chest Freezer | 34 by 56 by 32 inches | 14.8 Cubic Feet | -10 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit | 296 kilowatt hours | 137 pounds |
| Midea Chest Freezer | 32.1 by 21.7 by 33.5 inches | 7 Cubic Feet | -11.2 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit | 250 kilowatt hours | 66.2 pounds |
| hOmeLabs Chest Freezer | 25 by 21.85 by 33.5 inches | 5 Cubic Feet | 10.4 to 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit | 218 kilowatt hours | 57.5 pounds |
| ICECO Portable Refrigerator | 23 by 14 by 18 inches | 40 liters | -7 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit | N/A | 38.8 pounds |
| GE Garage Ready Chest Freezer | 33 by 65 by 28.5 inches | 15.7 Cubic Feet | -10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit | N/A | 190 pounds |
| Northair Chest Freezer | 21 by 22 by 31 inches | 3.5 Cubic Feet | -4 to 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit | 165 kilowatt hours | 50.7 pounds |
| KoolMore Chest Freezer | 61 by 30 by 33 inches | 16 Cubic Feet | -8 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit | 692 kilowatt hours | 165 pounds |
What Should You Look For in Chest Freezers?
When shopping for a chest freezer, there are a few key factors to consider:- First, you should think about the size of the freezer you need. Choosing a size that will fit the available space and meet your storage needs is important.
- Second, you should consider efficiency. Look for models with an Energy Star rating, which indicates that they are energy efficient, even during a power outage
Chest Freezer vs Upright Freezer
Chest freezers and upright freezers are both standalone appliances designed for long-term storage of frozen food, but they have some key differences:- Storage size: Chest freezers tend to have a larger storage size than upright freezers. This is because they are designed with an open storage area.
- Footprint: Chest freezers have a smaller footprint than upright freezers with the same storage capacity. This means that they take up less floor space.
- Organization: Upright freezers come with shelving and compartments that make them easy to organize. Chest freezers require more effort to organize and access items.
- Cooling: Chest freezers are better at cooling goods as they are deep freezers. Cold air sinks to the bottom, keeping food cooler than an upright freezer.
Chest Freezer FAQs
Need to know more about buying a chest freezer? Here are the most frequently asked questions.
What Is the Difference Between Mini Freezers, Upright Freezers, and Refrigerators?
The main difference between a mini freezer, an upright freezer, and a refrigerator is their size and purpose.
A mini freezer is a compact unit designed to fit on a countertop or in a small space and is typically used to store a small number of frozen foods.
An upright freezer is larger than a mini freezer and is designed to stand upright, with shelves and compartments for easy organization of frozen foods.
On the other hand, a refrigerator is designed primarily for storing perishable food items such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products at a temperature above freezing.
Check out the Best Mini Freezers, Best Upright Freezers, and Best Refrigerators for more reference!
How to Deal With Frost in Your Freezer?
To deal with frost in your freezer, you should first unplug the freezer and remove all of the food. Then, use a plastic scraper to remove the frost from the walls and shelves carefully.
Once you have removed as much of the frost as possible, use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the freezer’s interior. Be sure to dry the interior completely before plugging it back in.
For an in-depth guide, check out this guide on dealing with Frost in Your Freezer.
Is a Chest Freezer Worth Buying?
Yes, a chest freezer can be worth buying if you need additional freezer storage space or want to save money by buying bulk and freezing food.
Chest freezers can also be more energy efficient than upright freezers, and they can keep food frozen for longer periods in the event of a power outage.
However, it’s important to consider the cost of the freezer and any additional energy costs before making a purchase and whether you have the space to accommodate it.
Summary
Here’s a summary of my top picks when choosing a chest freezer.- Best Overall: Frigidaire Chest Freezer
- Best Budget: Midea Chest Freezer
- Best Splurge: KoolMore Chest Freezer
- Best Compact: hOmeLabs Chest Freezer
- Most Efficient: Northair Chest Freezer
- Best for Garage: GE Garage Ready Chest Freezer
- Best Portable: ICECO Portable Refrigerator
