Are you tired of constantly rearranging your overstuffed freezer to find space for that new bag of frozen veggies? Or are you frequently throwing away expired food because it got lost in the depths of your deep-freeze? If so, then this blog post is for you. As Americans, we often lead busy lives and rely on the convenience and affordability of frozen foods. That’s why having a standalone deep freezer makes a lot of sense. Keep reading to discover why a new freezer might just be what your home needs.
Types of Freezers Available
Sears offers the latest deep freezers, which can be of different types – chest, upright, drawer and portable. The first two are the most popular ones, which is why we’ve compared the 2 in this blog. The features of chest freezers and upright freezers often overlap. But the key differences between them will help you make the decision about what to finally buy. We’ve discussed the unique aspects one by one to give you all the facts.
Here’s a table to help you understand the major differences between chest freezers and upright freezers.
| Features | Chest Freezer | Upright Freezer |
| Capacity | 3 – 30cu.ft. | 3 – 25cu.ft. |
| Door Design | Lift-up hinged or sliding, horizontal | Front opening hinged, vertical |
| Space Occupied | Larger | Smaller |
| Energy Efficiency | More efficient | Less efficient |
| Maintenance | Could be labor intensive with heavy frost, usually in manual defrost models | Less maintenance, but repair in self-defrost system could be complex |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Lifespan | Up to 14 years | Up to 14 years |
| Noise | Less noisy | Noisier |
Which freezer is right for my home?
Large families or people who buy in bulk could make good use of a chest freezer, which has a roomy design. You’ll need a bigger open floor space than that needed for an upright freezer, making the chest freezer ideal for a basement or garage. You can slip the appliance below radiator pipes or low shelves, spots where it’s not practical to fit anything else. Chest freezers will usually get wider rather than taller or deeper as you search for bigger capacities. In comparison, an upright freezer has a smaller footprint. Upright freezers commonly come in compact, small, medium and large size variants. As you increase the cubic footage, you’ll find that freezer options increase in height rather than width.
Pro Tip: Getting the very long length of a chest freezer through several doorways and staircases could potentially damage the walls and fixtures of your home. Therefore, an upright freezer is better for finished spaces like a rec room or basement with narrow passages for entry. If you still prefer a chest freezer but don’t have a lot of extra room, you can find small deep freezers to help minimize the footprint.
Do chest and upright freezers need a lot of maintenance?
When it comes to maintenance, a chest freezer may need more attention owing to manual defrost, while most upright freezers are self-defrosting. Conversely, manual defrost implies fewer components inside, meaning maintenance tasks won’t be complicated. Self-defrost, on the other hand, involves a more complicated mechanism, which may need some intensive maintenance from time to time.
Can I organize items easily in a deep freezer?
Built-in, vertical shelving and door storage makes it easy to organize food in upright freezers. Locating or accessing items is quick thanks to clear glass, plastic or wire racks and lids. Very tall bottles or large containers may not fit readily, but can be accommodated with adjustable shelving.
By contrast, the wide open cavity of chest freezers can hold stacks and piles of products without any trouble. Small bins included in chest freezers can be utilized for smaller items, while the divider and minimal shelves help keep things organized. The large capacity is useful for storing items of odd shapes and sizes as you prepare for a holiday meal, unexpected events or when you stock up at the grocery store.
Which freezer type is energy efficient?
Typically, the door seal of chest freezers are tighter. Also, these appliances have a deep cavity. These 2 features help maintain a consistent temperature. Chest freezers also lack a self-defrost system, which needs more power to work. This is why chest freezers are more energy efficient. Upright options lose chilly air every time you open the freezer door. Look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances to understand the efficiency and make a well-researched purchase.
Are chest and upright freezers equally noisy?
The noise level of deep freezers depends on the defrost system and compressor. Chest chillers with manual defrost are quieter than upright options. However, this may be offset if the appliance has a high-speed compressor. The normal contraction and expansion of the liner may also be audible. You may find that a self-defrosting upright refrigerant is noisier than a manual defrost chest chiller because the system consistently cycles on and off. Whooshing and whining sounds several times a day can be expected. With these considerations in mind, you can decide the right spot for your deep freezer.
Advantages of Chest Freezers
- Store More – Chest freezers are great for produce bought in bulk because they are available in huge capacities, often larger than 20 cu. ft., that upright freezers can’t match. They have the most usable open space inside, perfect to store large boxes, cartons, and packages. Plus, they can keep food frozen longer during power outages due to better insulation. Garages or basements with plenty of room are the best spots to place them.
- Energy Efficiency – The cooling mechanism of chest freezers is simpler and requires less energy to function. Owing to the tight door seal, food can be stored at the same temperature for up to 3 days without power supply. Sensitive produce such as fish and other meat requires consistent below-freezing temperature. In self-defrosting systems, the freezer temperatures can sometimes fluctuate, especially when the fridge is intentionally off. This could give bacteria an opportunity to multiply, which isn’t the case with manual defrost chest freezers.
- Less Noise – Since there’s no ebb and flow of current in a chest freezer cycle, noise is limited to the low hum of the compressor fan, which is around 40dB. Sleeping babies, senior citizens and kids studying in their room can all stay undisturbed.
Advantages of Upright Freezers
- Space Saving – Chest freezers occupy more horizontal space than vertical with their short and wide design. Comparatively, upright freezers need very little floor space and can often match up to the storage capacity of mid-size and small chest freezers. Look for an upright freezer with a reversible door for the flexibility of opening it from the right or the left, perfect for those awkward corners that allow limited movement.
- Easy Maintenance – With a frost-free upright freezer, you’ll love opening door and not seeing a pile of frost like in a chest freezer. Stainless steel upright freezers are easy to wipe clean in case of exterior stains and spills.
- Organizing Options – The built-in and door storage and plenty of shelves and drawers make it easy to access your frozen items in upright freezers. You don’t have to sort through things while the freezer door is open, causing a loss of chilled air. Plus, it’s tiring to remove most of your food on top just to find something on the bottom in a chest freezer. Upright freezers let you view and separate food items without having to bend and stretch. Fit all your whole beef, pork and chicken inside and reach for them comfortably, as often as needed.
The Verdict
Apart from a reduction in food waste and household expenditure, both chest and upright freezers offer solutions to many common woes in any home. The choice between a compact upright freezer or a deep chest freezer for large-scale storage is entirely up to you. Look for freezers with ice makers, door locks and other useful features to increase functionality and help you decide. Now that you’re aware of the different aspects of deep freezers, you’re better equipped to find the best freezer for your residential or commercial space. Come on over to Sears and browse affordable deep freezers that suit your preferences.
What to Consider Before Installing a Chest or Upright Freezer
How much do you want to spend on a deep freezer? Other than your budget, think of your eating habits and your family’s dietary needs. You also need to keep in mind the dimensions of all the doorways and indoor spaces to pivot the freezer from the entrance to the installation spot. This is more important for chest freezers, which are significantly larger than the upright models. In addition, the appliance requires a few inches in front, at the back and sideways, other than door swing space. Also, check which way the door swings and whether it is reversible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a garage-ready freezer?
A garage ready freezer is well insulated to handle temperature extremes in an enclosed garage. Hot or cold outdoor temperatures won’t affect it and the temperature inside remains optimal. A chest or upright freezer for garages can handle any temperature from 0°F to 110°F without malfunctioning. However, an enclosed garage is preferable so as to prevent snow, rain and high heat from affecting the appliance.
At what temperature does food spoil in the freezer?
A freezer temperature above 40° is probably going to make food unsafe, especially after being in this condition for 2 hours or longer. Fruits are an exception as they only ferment at high temperatures but are not unsafe to eat. The USDA recommends food to be frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below, so anything above this is not ideal. At 7°F and higher, the food inside the freezer cannot be consumed and may be at risk for bacterial growth, spoilage, and foodborne illness.
How often should I defrost my chest freezer?
Manual defrost chest freezers should be defrosted once or twice a year or when ice buildup exceeds a quarter-inch.