Long story short, im looking for a very large freezer to supplement our home fridge/freezer, mainly to store meat and other things.

• We curently still have half a bull elk from two years ago in our freezer. I dont remember how much meat it was exactly, but it filled a 7 cu ft chest freezer to the brim when we first got it back from the butcher.

• I have another bull elk tag for this fall and am very optimistic I will fill it, so i plan on another 7cu ft of meat by the end of the year

• I want to buy a half beef split with others in my family in the next year, probably another 200-250lbs of finished meat from that

• we are starting lots of homestead-y things, and plan on producing a freezing lots of various items to sustain us throughout the year so that we can cut our food costs as much as possible.

I have been looking into 30+ cu ft commercial freezers but it seems that the lack of warranty, inefficiencies and the fact that they are designed to freeze fast and be opened often (both of which isnt necessarily valuable to me) makes them not the best option.

Im wondering what best brands are out there for large upright(no chest) freezers that are focused on reliability, longevity, and reparability. I am an extremely handy guy who fixes everything i own myself, so I know I can handle in depth maintenance on something like this. I might keep an eye out for used stuff, or a resutrant closing down and auctioning off stuff, etc. but wondering what the best use of my money is if I were to buy a new massive freezer that will last as long as possible.

(for those that may ask why so much meat? whats the point? etc: yeah its a lot, my family solely eats what we produce on our own and nothing more, and we like to be prepared. We will certainly consume it all, and have plenty of backup measures for this stuff in the event of power outages in the form of backup generators, off grid solar etc)

I'm searching for a small chest freezer (5 or 7 cu. Ft.) that is reliable and won't die after a year. There are a ton on the market and all have mixed reviews. Is there a specific brand that anyone has had good experience with? Thank you!

I’m looking to get a smallish chest freezer for two people. Mainly to hold extra meats, hunted game, and meal preps.

What brand do y’all like?

shopping around for a 7 cubic foot chest freezer. would love a ge, but not sure i want to spent $350+ right now... buying for apartment, and would most likely sell for a larger one in a few years... obviously not a bifl purchase - moreso wondering what brands are reliable these days.

A freezer is more than just a place to stash ice cream. Whether you shop in bulk, meal prep, or store homegrown produce, having a dedicated freezer can free up space in your refrigerator and help you save money by buying in larger quantities. With food prices rising and seasonal produce only available for a short time, a standalone freezer is a practical investment for many households.

Below is the comparison chart of top freezer models for 2025, so you can quickly scan capacity, energy use, features, and price before reading the deeper breakdowns that follow.

Freezer Model	Price	Type	Capacity (cu. ft.)	Dimensions (D x W x H)	Weight (lbs)	Temperature Range (°F)	Energy Consumption (kWh/day)	Noise (dB)	Organizational Features	Notable Pros	Notable Cons
Kismile BD97	$209.99	Chest	3.5	21.26" x 21.65" x 30.91"	43.72	6.8 to -7.6	0.68	<40	2 removable baskets	Compact, low noise, adjustable legs	Small basket, no interior light, manual defrost
Northair Low Temperature	$319.99	Chest	3.5	21.8" x 21.2" x 30.9"	Not specified	14 to -40	0.45	38	2 removable baskets	Deep freeze capability, quiet	Manual defrost, possible shipping dents
EUHOMY MCF-35H	$199.99	Chest	3.5	21.6" x 21.2" x 30.9"	44.1	10 to -7.6	0.53	38	1 removable basket	Energy efficient, garage ready	Manual defrost, no interior light
Electactic EL-D5888B	$209.99	Upright	3.0	20.28" x 20.87" x 31.5"	46.31	6.8 to -7.6	0.74	<40	3 fixed shelves	Reversible door, easy access	Manual defrost, no interior light
Whynter CUF-301SS	$194.75	Upright	3.0	21" x 19.5" x 33.5"	35.27	-11 to 10.4	Not listed (Energy Star)	39	1 removable shelf, ice tray	Lockable door, Energy Star	Manual defrost, no interior light
GE FUF17DLRWW	$949.00	Upright	17.3	3.3" x 34.8" x 67.5"	194.89	-6 to 6	Not listed (Energy Star)	Not listed	4 glass shelves, 2 adjustable, 3 baskets	Frost-free, LED lighting, lock	Large footprint, less energy efficient
Midea MERC04C4BAWW	$197.99	Chest	3.5	17.6" x 21.5" x 33.5"	47.8	33.8 to 50.0 (fridge mode)	Not listed	Not listed	1 removable basket	Garage ready, fridge mode	Manual defrost, limited organization
FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK	$352.00	Chest	7.0	26" x 37" x 33"	70	Not listed	0.68 (250 kWh/year)	Not listed	1 removable basket	Good capacity, easy defrost drain	Manual defrost, requires organization
Midea WHS-109FW1	$157.55	Upright	3.0	21.3" x 19.7" x 33.9"	48	-11.2 to 10.4	0.66 (240 kWh/year)	Not listed	2 fixed shelves, 1 removable drawer	Energy Star, reversible door	Rear temperature control, manual defrost
Bodacious Ultra Quiet	$199.99	Chest	5.0	20.27" x 21.06" x 29.13"	42	Not listed	0.36	38	1 removable basket	Very quiet, low energy use	Limited capacity, no dividers
WANAI 5.0 Cu. Ft.	$199.95	Chest	5.0	17.5" x 26.2" x 30.3"	45	32 to -11.2	Not listed	Not listed	1 removable basket	Good capacity, strong insulation	Single basket, manual defrost
BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft.	$176.08	Chest	2.0	17.3" x 20.9" x 27.6"	41.3	Not listed	Not listed	Not listed	1 removable basket	Compact, low energy use	Limited capacity, manual defrost
BANGSON 1.1 Cu. Ft.	$149.99	Upright	1.1	18.5" x 18" x 19.1"	28	-8 to 7	0.56	39	1 removable shelf	Very compact, light weight	Limited capacity, inconsistent deep freeze
HOMCOM 1.1 Cu.Ft	$133.99	Upright	1.1	17.5" x 18.5" x 19.25"	28.6	6.8 to -11.2	Not listed	41	1 removable shelf	Compact, low noise	Limited capacity, compressor click noise

Why Invest in a Deep Freezer?

Deep freezers, a term encompassing both chest and upright models, are designed to provide supplemental storage beyond the limited freezer compartment in your refrigerator. The term "deep freezer" refers to their ability to store large quantities of food, not necessarily their freezing temperatures (though some models can reach as low as -40°F). Here’s why a deep freezer might be worth the investment:

• Bulk Shopping: If you shop at warehouse clubs or take advantage of sales, a deep freezer allows you to store large quantities of meat, frozen meals, or produce without overcrowding your fridge.
• Large Households: Families with multiple members often need extra freezer space for meal planning or stocking up on essentials.
• Remote Living: For those far from grocery stores, a deep freezer ensures you can store food for weeks or months, reducing shopping trips.
• Preserving Home-Grown Food: Gardeners or hunters can freeze produce or game to enjoy year-round.
• Power Outage Preparedness: In areas prone to blackouts, chest freezers, in particular, can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours if unopened.

To help you decide, we’ll explore the two main types of freezers—chest and upright—and compare their benefits, features, and trade-offs. We’ll also analyze a selection of popular models to highlight their strengths and limitations.

Types of Deep Freezers: Chest vs. Upright

Deep freezers come in two primary configurations: chest and upright. Each has distinct advantages and drawbacks, depending on your storage needs, space constraints, and lifestyle.

Chest Freezers

Chest freezers have a horizontal design with a top-opening lid, resembling a large box. They are ideal for bulk storage and long-term freezing.Benefits of Chest Freezers:

• Higher Storage Capacity: Without fixed shelves, chest freezers maximize usable space, accommodating bulky items like whole turkeys or large cuts of meat.
• Energy Efficiency: Their design traps cold air at the bottom, reducing energy loss when opened. Models like the Bodacious Ultra Quiet Deep Freezer (0.36 kWh/day) and Northair Low Temperature Chest Freezer (0.45 kWh/day) exemplify this efficiency.
• Longer Power Outage Protection: The tight lid seal and insulation keep food frozen longer during outages, some models, like the Midea MERC04C4BAWW, claim up to 48 hours of protection.
• Versatility: Some models, such as the Midea MERC04C4BAWW, can convert to refrigerator mode for flexible storage.
• Cost-Effective: Chest freezers are often more affordable for their capacity, with options like the BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Compact Chest Freezer priced at $176.08.

Drawbacks:

• Organization Challenges: With limited baskets (e.g., one in the Midea MERC04C4BAWW or two in the Kismile BD97), items at the bottom can be hard to reach, requiring digging or additional bins.
• Manual Defrosting: Most chest freezers, like the FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK, require periodic manual defrosting, which can be time-consuming.
• Larger Footprint: Models like the FRIGIDAIRE (26" x 37") take up more floor space than uprights of similar capacity.

Best For: Bulk shoppers, hunters, or those with garage or basement space who prioritize capacity and energy efficiency.

Upright Freezers

Upright freezers have a vertical design, similar to a refrigerator, with shelves and door bins for organization. They’re ideal for frequent access and smaller spaces.

Benefits of Upright Freezers:

• Ease of Access: Shelves and bins, as seen in the GE FUF17DLRWW (4 glass shelves, 3 baskets), make it easy to find and retrieve items without bending.
• Smaller Footprint: Uprights like the Midea WHS-109FW1 (21.3" x 19.7") require less floor space than chest models of similar capacity.
• Frost-Free Options: Models like the GE FUF17DLRWW eliminate the need for manual defrosting, saving time.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Available in finishes like stainless steel (e.g., Whynter CUF-301SS), uprights blend better with kitchen appliances.
• Organization: Multiple shelves and drawers, as in the Electactic EL-D5888B (3 fixed shelves), keep food neatly arranged.

Drawbacks:

• Higher Energy Use: Uprights are generally less efficient due to air circulation when opened. For example, the Electactic EL-D5888B uses 0.74 kWh/day, higher than most chest models.
• Freezer Burn Risk: Air circulation in frost-free models can lead to freezer burn over time.
• Temperature Inconsistency: Manual-defrost uprights, like the Midea WHS-109FW1, may have warmer door shelves (9°F–19°F higher in tests).
• Higher Cost: Larger uprights, like the GE FUF17DLRWW ($949.00), are pricier than comparable chest models.

Best For: Small households, frequent freezer users, or those with limited floor space who value organization and convenience.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Deep Freezer

Selecting the right freezer requires aligning its features with your household’s needs. Here are the critical factors to evaluate, along with insights from top models.

Intended Use

Your freezer’s purpose will guide your choice of type and capacity:

• Bulk Buying: Chest freezers like the FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK (7 cu. ft.) or WANAI 5.0 Cu. Ft. are ideal for storing large quantities of meat or frozen goods.
• Meal Prepping: Upright freezers like the Electactic EL-D5888B or Midea WHS-109FW1, with their shelves and drawers, simplify organizing meal containers.
• Freezing Home-Grown Produce: Both types work well, but chest models like the Northair (-40°F) offer deeper freezing for long-term preservation.
• Power Outage Preparedness: Chest freezers, such as the Midea MERC04C4BAWW, excel due to their insulation and tight seals.

Available Space

Measure your space carefully, accounting for 1–3 inches of clearance for air circulation. Consider doorways for delivery:

• Small Spaces: Compact uprights like the BANGSON (18.5" x 18" x 19.1") or HOMCOM (17.5" x 18.5" x 19.25") are perfect for dorms or apartments.
• Garages: Ensure the freezer is “garage-ready” to handle temperature fluctuations. The Midea MERC04C4BAWW and EUHOMY MCF-35H are explicitly designed for this.
• Footprint: Uprights like the Whynter CUF-301SS (21" x 19.5") save floor space compared to chest models like the FRIGIDAIRE (26" x 37").

Capacity

Freezer capacity is measured in cubic feet, with four size categories:

• Compact (≤5 cu. ft.): Suitable for 1–2 people (e.g., BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft., BANGSON 1.1 Cu. Ft.).
• Small (6–9 cu. ft.): Ideal for small families (e.g., FRIGIDAIRE 7.0 Cu. Ft.).
• Medium (12–18 cu. ft.): Fits larger households or bulk shoppers.
• Large (>18 cu. ft.): Best for big families or hunters (e.g., GE FUF17DLRWW at 17.3 cu. ft.).

A rule of thumb is 2.5 cu. ft. per person, but adjust based on your storage habits. For example, the EUHOMY MCF-35H (3.5 cu. ft.) holds 33–48 pounds of meat, sufficient for a small household.

Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption impacts long-term costs. Look for ENERGY STAR certification or low daily kWh ratings:

• Most Efficient: Bodacious Ultra Quiet (0.36 kWh/day), Northair (0.45 kWh/day), EUHOMY MCF-35H (0.53 kWh/day).
• Moderate: Midea WHS-109FW1 (0.66 kWh/year), Kismile BD97 (0.68 kWh/day), FRIGIDAIRE (0.68 kWh/day).
• Less Efficient: Electactic EL-D5888B (0.74 kWh/day).
• ENERGY STAR Models: GE FUF17DLRWW and Whynter CUF-301SS, though specific kWh data is unavailable.

Placing your freezer in a cool location, like a basement, can further reduce energy use.

Features

Modern freezers offer features that enhance convenience and performance:

• Automatic Defrost: Found in uprights like the GE FUF17DLRWW, eliminating manual defrosting but potentially increasing energy use.
• Manual Defrost: Common in chest freezers (e.g., Kismile BD97, Northair) and some uprights (e.g., Midea WHS-109FW1), more energy-efficient but requires periodic maintenance.
• Interior Lighting: The GE FUF17DLRWW’s LED lighting improves visibility, absent in most compact models.
• Temperature Alarms: The GE FUF17DLRWW alerts you to temperature spikes, ideal for outage-prone areas.
• Locking Doors/Lids: Found in the Whynter CUF-301SS and GE FUF17DLRWW, useful for shared spaces or securing expensive items.
• Fast Freeze: Models like the Bodacious Ultra Quiet offer rapid cooling for fresh items.
• Organization: Uprights (e.g., Electactic’s 3 shelves, GE’s 4 glass shelves) excel here, while chest models rely on baskets (e.g., Northair’s 2 baskets, Midea’s 1 basket).
• Reversible Doors: Uprights like the Electactic EL-D5888B and Midea WHS-109FW1 offer flexible placement.
• Garage-Ready: The Midea MERC04C4BAWW and EUHOMY MCF-35H perform reliably in non-climate-controlled environments.

Noise Levels

Noise is a concern for freezers placed in living areas:

• Quietest: Bodacious and EUHOMY (38 dB), suitable for bedrooms or kitchens.
• Moderate: BANGSON (39 dB), Kismile and Electactic (<40 dB).
• Slightly Louder: HOMCOM (41 dB), with a noticeable compressor click.

7. Price and Budget

Prices range from $133.99 (HOMCOM) to $949.00 (GE FUF17DLRWW). Budget-friendly options include:

• Under $200: HOMCOM ($133.99), BANGSON ($149.99), Midea WHS-109FW1 ($157.55), BLACK+DECKER ($176.08), Midea MERC04C4BAWW ($197.99), Bodacious ($199.99), EUHOMY ($199.99).
• Mid-Range: Kismile ($209.99), Electactic ($209.99), Northair ($319.99), FRIGIDAIRE ($352.00).
• Premium: GE FUF17DLRWW ($949.00) for large capacity and advanced features.

Comparing Top Freezer Models

Here’s a detailed look at the freezers mentioned, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses based on specifications and real-world considerations.

Chest Freezers

• Kismile BD97 3.5 Cu. Ft. ($209.99)
  • Specs: 3.5 cu. ft., 21.26" x 21.65" x 30.91", 43.72 lbs, 0.68 kWh/day, <40 dB, 6.8°F to -7.6°F, 2 baskets.
  • Pros: Compact, low noise, adjustable legs, budget-friendly.
  • Cons: Small baskets, no interior light, manual defrost.
  • Best For: Small households or apartments needing moderate storage.
• Northair Low Temperature 3.5 Cu. Ft. ($319.99)
  • Specs: 3.5 cu. ft., 21.8" x 21.2" x 30.9", 0.45 kWh/day, 38 dB, 14°F to -40°F, 2 baskets.
  • Pros: Deep freeze capability, energy-efficient, quiet.
  • Cons: Manual defrost, potential shipping dents.
  • Best For: Long-term storage of sensitive items like meat or seafood.
• EUHOMY MCF-35H 3.5 Cu. Ft. ($199.99)
  • Specs: 3.5 cu. ft., 21.6" x 21.2" x 30.9", 44.1 lbs, 0.53 kWh/day, 38 dB, 10°F to -7.6°F, 1 basket.
  • Pros: Energy-efficient, garage-ready, affordable.
  • Cons: Only one basket, manual defrost, no light.
  • Best For: Small households with garage space.
• Midea MERC04C4BAWW 3.5 Cu. Ft. ($197.99)
  • Specs: 3.5 cu. ft., 17.6" x 21.5" x 33.5", 47.8 lbs, 33.8°F to 50°F (fridge mode), 1 basket.
  • Pros: Garage-ready, fridge mode, power outage protection.
  • Cons: Manual defrost, limited organization.
  • Best For: Versatile storage in varied climates.
• FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK 7.0 Cu. Ft. ($352.00)
  • Specs: 7 cu. ft., 26" x 37" x 33", 70 lbs, 0.68 kWh/day, 1 basket.
  • Pros: Large capacity, easy defrost drain, good for bulk storage.
  • Cons: Manual defrost, requires organization.
  • Best For: Medium households or bulk shoppers.
• WANAI 5.0 Cu. Ft.
  • Specs: 5 cu. ft., 17.5" x 26.2" x 30.3", 45 lbs, 32°F to -11.2°F, 1 basket.
  • Pros: Good capacity, strong insulation, affordable.
  • Cons: Single basket, manual defrost.
  • Best For: Small to medium households needing extra space.
• BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. ($176.08)
  • Specs: 2 cu. ft., 17.3" x 20.9" x 27.6", 41.3 lbs, 7 temperature settings, 1 basket.
  • Pros: Compact, low energy use, affordable.
  • Cons: Limited capacity, manual defrost.
  • Best For: Single-person households or small apartments.
• Bodacious Ultra Quiet Deep Freezer ($199.99)
  • Specs: ~3.5 cu. ft., 20.27" x 21.06" x 29.13", 42 lbs, 0.36 kWh/day, 38 dB, 1 basket.
  • Pros: Very quiet, energy-efficient, fast-freeze feature.
  • Cons: Limited capacity, no dividers.
  • Best For: Small spaces with noise sensitivity.

Upright Freezers

• Electactic EL-D5888B 3.0 Cu. Ft. ($209.99)
  • Specs: 3 cu. ft., 20.28" x 20.87" x 31.5", 46.31 lbs, 0.74 kWh/day, <40 dB, 6.8°F to -7.6°F, 3 shelves.
  • Pros: Reversible door, easy access, compact.
  • Cons: Manual defrost, no light, higher energy use.
  • Best For: Small households needing organized storage.
• Whynter CUF-301SS 3.0 Cu. Ft.
  • Specs: 3 cu. ft., 21" x 19.5" x 33.5", 35.27 lbs, -11°F to 10.4°F, 1 shelf, ice tray.
  • Pros: Lockable door, Energy Star, lightweight.
  • Cons: Manual defrost, no light.
  • Best For: Shared spaces or offices.
• GE FUF17DLRWW 17.3 Cu. Ft. ($949.00)
  • Specs: 17.3 cu. ft., 3.3" x 34.8" x 67.5", 194.89 lbs, -6°F to 6°F, 4 glass shelves, 3 baskets.
  • Pros: Frost-free, LED lighting, temperature alarm, lock.
  • Cons: Large footprint, expensive, less energy-efficient.
  • Best For: Large families or bulk shoppers.
• Midea WHS-109FW1 3.0 Cu. Ft. ($157.55)
  • Specs: 3 cu. ft., 21.3" x 19.7" x 33.9", 48 lbs, 0.66 kWh/day, -11.2°F to 10.4°F, 2 shelves, 1 drawer.
  • Pros: Energy Star, reversible door, affordable.
  • Cons: Rear temperature control, manual defrost.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious small households.
• BANGSON 1.1 Cu. Ft. ($149.99)
  • Specs: 1.1 cu. ft., 18.5" x 18" x 19.1", 28 lbs, 0.56 kWh/day, 39 dB, -8°F to 7°F, 1 shelf.
  • Pros: Compact, lightweight, affordable.
  • Cons: Limited capacity, inconsistent deep freeze.
  • Best For: Dorm rooms or light use.
• HOMCOM 1.1 Cu. Ft. ($133.99)
  • Specs: 1.1 cu. ft., 17.5" x 18.5" x 19.25", 28.6 lbs, 41 dB, 6.8°F to -11.2°F, 1 shelf.
  • Pros: Very affordable, compact, low noise.
  • Cons: Limited capacity, compressor click noise.
  • Best For: RVs or small apartments.

Expert Tips for Freezer Maintenance and Efficiency

To maximize your freezer’s performance and longevity, follow these tips:

• Setup: Let the freezer sit upright for 24 hours before plugging it in to allow compressor oil to settle, as recommended for models like the Kismile BD97 and HOMCOM.
• Minimize Frost: Limit lid/door openings and use airtight packaging to reduce frost buildup. Label food to avoid unnecessary searching.
• Defrosting: For manual-defrost models, schedule defrosting every 6–12 months or when frost exceeds ¼ inch. Use the drain port (e.g., FRIGIDAIRE, EUHOMY) to simplify the process.
• Temperature Settings: Set to 0°F for optimal food safety. Models like the Northair allow precise adjustments for deeper freezing.
• Organization: Use bins or dividers in chest freezers to avoid “lost” items. Uprights benefit from labeled shelves.
• Energy Saving: Place in a cool, shaded area (e.g., basement) and keep it 2/3 full to maintain efficiency.
• Power Outage Prep: Keep the door/lid closed during outages. Chest freezers like the Midea MERC04C4BAWW are particularly resilient.
• Food Storage: Wrap food in multiple layers of plastic wrap or use vacuum-sealed bags to prevent freezer burn. Follow USDA guidelines: ground beef (4 months), whole chicken (12 months), hot dogs (1–2 months).

Which Freezer Is Right for You?

• Best for Small Spaces: BANGSON or HOMCOM (1.1 cu. ft., compact, under $150).
• Best for Deep Freezing: Northair (reaches -40°F, ideal for long-term storage).
• Best for Large Households: GE FUF17DLRWW (17.3 cu. ft., frost-free, organized).
• Best Budget Option: HOMCOM ($133.99) or Midea WHS-109FW1 ($157.55).
• Best for Energy Efficiency: Bodacious (0.36 kWh/day) or Northair (0.45 kWh/day).
• Best for Versatility: Midea MERC04C4BAWW (fridge mode, garage-ready).

I could use some extra freezer space for meal preps and was wondering if investing in a chest freezer is a good idea. One issue is that my husband and I live in an apartment, so we have limited kitchen space and no garage. Anybody here has experience with chest freezers? Are they worth it? Also, which ones are good and affordable?

Right now I just got the standard mini fridge from Walmart but I’m kinda wanting something more chest like. Any good recommendations for a good size chest fridge/freezer combo.

Any brands to look for/avoid?

Got the Midea chest freezer and it’s been awesome for extra storage. Big enough for bulk meat, frozen meals, or random Costco hauls. The fridge/freezer switch is super handy, and it’s been fine in my unheated garage through big temp swings.

Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Midea-MERC04C4BAWW-Cubic-Chest-Freezer/dp/B0CQT1JGQQ/

We had a power outage for almost two days and everything stayed frozen. Adjustable legs made leveling easy, and the removable basket keeps small stuff from getting buried. The outside temp controls are nice so you’re not letting all the cold air out just to change settings.

Price is good, it feels solid and works exactly how I need it to. Less grocery store trips, more room for ice cream.