![]() Stand-alone freezers used to be all about utility, with no-frills designs and an open-box interior that made it a challenge to keep foods organized. Prices: Usually higher than chest models, from $300 to $2,000. And in all uprights, shelves and bins take up more space (up to 20 percent) than in chest types. In our power failure simulation, all uprights allowed a relatively large temperature uptick after only 9 hours. They also allow more air to circulate around food, making food more likely to get freezer burn. Self-defrost uprights tend to be noisy and may cost more to run. The shelves in these models also can’t be adjusted to improve storage. And, unlike chest freezers, uprights are available in a variety of finishes, such as slate and stainless steel.Ĭons: In our tests, manual-defrost uprights had a hard time keeping their door shelves as cool as the rest of the interior. ![]() But self-defrost freezers allow temperatures to rise temporarily, which might compromise performance. Note that manual defrost takes hours and you have to empty the freezer. You have the option of manual or self-defrost. As with a fridge, shelves and bins inside and on the door make it easy to find things. Pros: Uprights take up less floor space than chest freezers-2 ½ square feet for 22 cubic feet of storage compared with a chest’s typical 2 x 6 feet. Manual defrost (which can be time-consuming) is the only option. the 2 ½ x 2 ½-foot area of a same-sized upright. Their footprint is also larger than equivalent upright models-a 22 cubic foot chest freezer takes up a 2 x 6-foot area vs. We find that they’re typically quieter than self-defrosting uprights.Ĭons: Despite their hanging baskets, they can be harder to organize than upright models, and retrieving items buried near the bottom of the chest can be a reach. They’re also the better choice if the area where you live is prone to brownouts or power failures-they tend to keep food frozen longer when the power is off. Because they don’t self-defrost like uprights, the temperature stays consistently lower. These models also tend to be slightly more energy efficient and are less likely to cause freezer burn on food. Pros: Chest freezers are wide open, except for their removable hanging baskets or, sometimes, dividers, so they offer more usable space than uprights. For detailed test results, see our full freezer ratings and recommendations. Here are the types of freezers you’ll find on the market and the pros and cons of each. Fortunately, some manufacturers are adding smart storage features-tiered bins and adjustable drawers and shelves-that make it easier to find what you’re looking for. One thing to keep in mind as you shop is that freezers are basically big empty boxes and can be hard to organize. And a number of them make our best freezers of the year list. We found some impressive freezers for $600 or less. The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot to get a good freezer. Next, consider size, capacity, and energy use. There’s no longer a shortage, so if you missed out early on and still crave the extra freezer space, now is a good time to take another look.īefore you shop, you’ll want to decide whether a chest freezer or an upright model would best meet your needs-and your available floor space. If so, you were more prepared than most for the lifestyle adjustments many of us made during the pandemic-shopping less often and buying more food per trip.Īs a result of those changes, there was a run on freezers in early 2020 and many retailers ran out of stock. Maybe you’ve always been one of those people who plans ahead-making an extra pan of lasagna and sticking it in the freezer or stocking up on groceries at the warehouse club.
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