By Mark Wolfe | Updated Jan 10, 2024 1:35 PM
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For those looking to control the household food budget or simply wanting to limit trips to the grocery store, stand-alone freezers can be an excellent investment. They offer long-term storage space for perishable foods while helping owners take advantage of grocery store sales. These large-capacity freezers also can be essential for those who garden, fish, or hunt.
The best upright freezers allow for better organization of stored foods and utilize less floor space than chest freezers. Upright freezers are available in different capacities and finishes that match other appliances in the home. This buyer’s guide includes important factors that will help shoppers narrow down the options for the best upright freezer and provides a list of some of the top-performing models on the market.
We researched the most sought-after freezers in their respective categories and discovered that the best upright freezer models are determined by their size, capacity, temperature range, and other special features included by select brands.
While searching for the best upright freezers available, we found that the most popular units among users had temperature ranges of 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit; were compact enough to fit in closets, garages, and even apartment spaces; and had capacities ranging from 2.1 to 21.3 cubic feet of storage space. Plus, some of these picks were even large enough to hold hundreds of pounds of food products.
We also looked for freezers with adjustable shelving, deep storage baskets or bins, audible door-open and temperature alerts, wheels, and leveling feet. Plus, select models are UL certified and Energy Star certified for their energy-efficient features.
Whether a shopper is looking for the best upright freezer for a garage space, basement, or another spot in a home, selecting the right upright freezer can be challenging. In addition to the type of freezer or the size and energy efficiency, there are several other optional features to compare. To help shoppers as they consider their options, below are some of the best upright freezers organized by category.
GE’s 17.3-cubic-foot frost-free model has plenty of extra freezer space to load up with meat, ice cream, and frozen veggies. The interior is well organized to help keep track of inventory, with two adjustable shelves in the midsection, a fixed shelf at the top with a shallow drawer beneath, another fixed shelf in the lower section with two deep drawers beneath, and four bins attached to the door.
Other convenient features include interior LED lights, a lockable door for safety and security, an exterior electronic temperature control, and a high-gloss handle that looks great and cleans easily. This stand-alone freezer is Energy Star certified for efficiency and is rated for use in ambient temperatures between 0 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Get the GE 17.3 cu. ft. upright freezer at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.
This 16-cubic-foot upright freezer from Frigidaire is perfect for a large household without a lot of floor space to spare. It offers a variety of ways to organize the interior on four adjustable shelves, a deep bottom bin, and five bins on the interior of the reversible door.
Frigidaire’s unique cooling system constantly circulates cold air throughout the freezer with smart-sensing technology that adjusts airflow to maintain a uniform temperature. It also features bright interior LED lights, a door-ajar alarm that audibly alerts if the door is left open or the temperature rises, a floor-projected power-on indicator, and an internal dial temperature control.
Get the Frigidaire 16 cu. ft. upright freezer at The Home Depot.
The Gladiator upright garage freezer features plenty of frozen storage space for large households or the hunting camp. Flexible organizing options include three adjustable shelves and two interior drawers, plus two full-width bins and two half-width bins on the door interior.
One of the features that’s great for garage spaces is the step-to-open door that makes it easy to open up when arms are full. Even in extreme temperatures between 0 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit, this garage freezer operates efficiently. Heavy-duty casters allow for easy movement when needed.
Get the Gladiator upright freezer at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.
Small spaces such as home bars, dorm rooms, and man caves can benefit from the compact and reliable Whynter upright freezer. This stainless steel mini freezer is sized to fit into small spaces while having a 2.1-cubic-foot capacity. It has a recessed handle, a reversible swing door to accommodate the space it is placed in, and the adjustable thermostat allows the user to set the interior temperature between -10 and 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, there are two removable wire shelves for organizing ice, frozen foods, glassware, and more.
This small but mighty 75-watt unit also comes equipped with a cylinder lock with two keys, a UL certification, an Energy Star rating, and it runs at a 45-decibel noise level, which should not disturb anyone in the immediate vicinity. The only downside to this option is that it must be manually defrosted.
Get the Whynter upright freezer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
If a household has been relying on a refrigerator’s top or bottom freezer compartment for all frozen storage needs, this mini stand-up freezer from Magic Chef can double the available space. It is 34 inches high by 20.3 inches wide by 22.2 inches deep and includes two wire shelves to help organize the space. This is a good choice for small spaces, apartments, condos, or offices.
The reversible door has a recessed handle that saves space and works conveniently in any location. A magnetic gasket seal improves energy efficiency, and adjustable leveling feet take the wobble out of any uneven base. The cabinet is finished in black, and the door features a stainless finish. A front interior temperature controller allows for easy adjustment of the setting. Manual defrosting is required as needed.
Get the Magic Chef upright freezer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
The GE 14.1-cubic-foot frost-free upright freezer offers plenty of freezer space to feed five with energy-saving operation. It is 62 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 32 inches deep. Organizing features include four wire shelves and two clear slide-out bulk bins. The digital thermometer and temperature control panel are conveniently located on the exterior of the door. This garage-ready freezer is tested to perform in temperatures between 0 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
The included key lock helps to keep kids out of this midsize freezer, and it provides a measure of security when the freezer is in a shared space. Interior LED lighting allows for finding things quickly, and turbo Freeze boosts the cold to restore the storage temperature quickly after the door is closed. An alarm alerts if the storage temperature rises or if the door is left open. This frost-free freezer eliminates the need for manually defrosting.
Get the GE 14.1 cu. ft. upright freezer at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
The GE 21.3-cubic-foot frost-free upright freezer is the largest-capacity residential upright freezer available. There are plenty of ways to organize the space as well. This unit features four adjustable shelves, dual bottom bins, and four full-width inner door-mounted bins to organize meat, produce, and frozen treats.
This unit is rated for use between 0 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit and is an excellent choice for an unheated garage or basement. It features an audible temperature alarm, LED interior lights, a locking door with a key for safety and security, and exterior electronic temperature control. Turbo Freeze provides an extra boost of cold air to restore the interior temperature after loading.
Get the GE 21.3 cu. ft. upright freezer at The Home Depot or Walmart.
This Whirlpool upright freezer provides plenty of room to store bulk meat purchases or to preserve the harvest from a backyard garden with its 17.7 cubic feet of space. The reversible door allows customizing the direction it opens to fit the location, and users can organize everything on four adjustable shelves, a deep bottom drawer, and six door-mounted bins.
This unit also features LED interior lighting and electronic temperature controls, including a Fast Freeze mode to quickly drop the freezer temperature. Frost-free means that the freezer may never need to be emptied to thaw ice buildup.
Get the Whirlpool upright freezer at Lowe’s.
Most Organized9 Frigidaire 20 cu. ft. Upright Freezer Photo: homedepot.com SEE IT Product SpecsSize: 71.75 inches high by 32.625 inches wide by 28.25 inches deepCapacity: 20 cubic feetTemperature range: 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit ProsErgonomic construction; made with a wide opening and a shallow depth so users can easily reach all corners of the interiorMade with 4 adjustable wire shelves, 5 door shelves, and a wire bulk binVariable speed compressor and smart sensor consistently keep a uniform temperatureDoor has a tight seal, auto-close feature, and a door-ajar alarm; food and drink can stay cold for 2 days during a power outage ConsPrice point is higher than comparable options on the market For those looking for the best upright freezer for garage spaces, the Frigidaire 20- cubic-foot upright freezer offers ways to use space efficiently, starting with its space-saving design. At 71.75 inches high by 32.625 inches wide by 28.25 inches deep, it fits in the same space as an average 17-cubic-foot model. A wider opening and shallower depth make it easier to access all the contents, even in the very back. The interior space is organized with four adjustable wire shelves, a wire bulk bin, and five door shelves. This garage freezer is designed to work in temperatures from 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling system’s variable speed compressor constantly circulates cold air through the freezer, and it has a smart sensor that adjusts airflow for a uniform temperature throughout. A tight seal ensures that food will stay frozen for 2 days in a power outage. The auto-close door, tight seal, and door-ajar alarm help eliminate spoiled food. The convenient frost-free design eliminates ice buildup and the need for manual defrosting. Get the Frigidaire 20 cu. ft. upright freezer at The Home Depot.
For those looking for the best upright freezer for garage spaces, the Frigidaire 20- cubic-foot upright freezer offers ways to use space efficiently, starting with its space-saving design. At 71.75 inches high by 32.625 inches wide by 28.25 inches deep, it fits in the same space as an average 17-cubic-foot model. A wider opening and shallower depth make it easier to access all the contents, even in the very back. The interior space is organized with four adjustable wire shelves, a wire bulk bin, and five door shelves.
This garage freezer is designed to work in temperatures from 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling system’s variable speed compressor constantly circulates cold air through the freezer, and it has a smart sensor that adjusts airflow for a uniform temperature throughout. A tight seal ensures that food will stay frozen for 2 days in a power outage. The auto-close door, tight seal, and door-ajar alarm help eliminate spoiled food. The convenient frost-free design eliminates ice buildup and the need for manual defrosting.
Get the Frigidaire 20 cu. ft. upright freezer at The Home Depot.
An upright freezer is usually a functional purchase. As such, the main shopping concerns beyond appearance are performance and convenience. How much food can it hold? How easy will it be to find things in the freezer? Are there any special maintenance concerns? Read on to learn more about these factors, plus the capacity, energy efficiency, and other features that differentiate upright freezers.
Upright freezers can be categorized as compact (up to 5 cubic feet), small (5 to 9 cubic feet), medium (9 to 18 cubic feet), and large (more than 18 cubic feet). They are proportionally tall and narrow, and their footprint doesn’t increase that much with added capacity. Some of the smallest models have the advantage of fitting either above or below counter height.
Most foods hold up well in a freezer for about 6 weeks before quality begins to deteriorate and freezer burn sets in. Individually wrapped butcher cuts can last up to a year. Think about how much frozen food the household consumes within that time frame. A good starting point to determine the right home freezer capacity is to multiply the number of people in the household by 2.5 cubic feet of storage space. As consumption varies among people, also factor in food-purchasing habits.
Those who buy in bulk may want to keep in mind that 1 cubic foot of space can hold about 35 pounds of food. A side of beef requires about 8 cubic feet of space. It’s OK to buy a freezer that’s a bit larger than what is expected for regular use. However, keep in mind that empty freezer space wastes energy.
Exterior dimensions of a freezer can be important. With the exception of garage freezers, make sure that the freezer will fit through the door of the home before buying. Also, it is helpful to size up the location where it will reside, including the footprint and the freezer door swing clearance, before making a purchase.
On the smaller end, a 6-cubic-foot upright freezer is usually about 57 inches tall and has a footprint of 22 inches wide and 23 inches deep. A midsize 14-cubic-foot model fills a space 64 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 32 inches from front to back. For a 20-cubic-foot freezer, 72 inches of height clearance and floor space that’s 33 inches wide and 29 inches deep is usually needed.
The temperature control is preset at the factory for dependable performance, but a manual temperature controller inside the unit allows for customized adjustments. Colder temperatures may be more appropriate for long-term storage, while warmer temperatures are better for keeping ice cream scoopable. Some freezers offer temperature zone control that allows for a range of storage capabilities.
Some new upright deep freezer models feature an average temperature range of 10 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with some models offering colder settings. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that frozen foods be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. The optimal storage temperature range for long-term freshness is -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. If purchasing an upright freezer with an eye toward extended storage, colder is usually better.
Upright freezers can either be self-defrosting, also called frost-free, or manual defrost. Proper and consistent defrosting eliminates ice buildup and keeps the unit operating efficiently. Choosing a self-defrosting upright freezer helps avoid adding another household chore.
Upright frost-free freezers automatically run a defrost cycle about once a day. During the defrost cycle, the temperature change in the food storage area raises minimally, about 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, upright frost-free freezers ensure that food quality is unaffected.
Look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star–rated freezers operate at least 10 percent more efficiently than the minimum federal standard. These models use about 395 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and cost less than $50 per year to operate. Energy-efficient upright freezers use advanced technology, high performance features, and better design and insulation compared to standard equipment.
One energy-efficient design feature is the magnetic seal. Rather than using a simple rubber-gasket seal, efficient freezers often incorporate a magnetic strip inside the seal to form an airtight connection. Not only does the magnet eliminate airflow through gaps to the outside, but it also pulls the door completely shut if it has been carelessly closed.
Another energy-efficient feature to look for is an air temperature monitor. This feature will warn the owner if the internal temperature rises to a potentially unsafe level for proper food storage.
Owning an upright freezer allows users to stock up on food for up to 6 months at a time or more, reducing trips to the grocery store and butcher shop. Plus, the added storage space helps save money because it can accommodate extra food when there is a sale. Gardeners, hunters, and fishermen often need space to preserve foods that come in large quantities all at once. Upright freezers take up less floor space than chest-style deep freezers with similar storage capacity, making them a great choice where floor space is limited.
Whether you’ve made your selection or you are still shopping around for a new upright freezer, it’s not uncommon for numerous questions to arise. Read on to learn the answers to some frequently asked questions.
General Electric (GE) and Frigidaire upright freezers have been among the top sellers for decades. They consistently receive high praise for product innovation as well as lasting durability. If you’re looking for an established brand, these two would be a great place to start.
Many tend to shop for functionality first, then consider aesthetics. Start by narrowing down the field with size. Measure the available space and estimate the volume of food to be stored. Next, think about budget. When everything else is equal, consider the value of Energy Star. Energy efficiency costs more up front but saves money in the long run, so spending 10 to 15 percent more could become a bargain over time.
An upright freezer should run about 80 to 90 percent of the time, with the compressor cycling on at approximately 30-minute intervals. A freezer’s compressor should never be running consistently for long periods of time.
Frost-free upright freezers never need to be defrosted. Manual defrost freezers should be emptied and the built-up ice melted on a regular basis. Simply let the ice melt on its own. Place a fan near the freezer to expedite the process.
After powering up a new freezer, wait a minimum of 4 hours before turning it on and stocking it with food. Some manufacturers even recommend waiting overnight before adding food or drink.
Upright freezers have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. To maintain the life of an upright freezer, ensure that all parts are operating properly with special attention being paid to the unit’s compressor.
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