These Are The Best Chest Freezers To Store Extra Food, According to Reviews

Does your food often go bad due to inadequate cold storage? Then it’s the right time to consider investing in a freezer. Freezers come in handy when you want to stockpile your food to ensure that your family has enough to eat in the near future. Freezers come in two major types-upright and chest designs.

Before you opt to buy a freezer, there are few things you need to know. Read on to find out.

Review of the 5 Best Chest Freezers

With so many brands in the market, it is difficult to pick the best freezer chest for you. You will need to research the top models and compare their salient features before determining which one best suits your needs and budget. 

Luckily, we have done the hard work for you by scouring the internet and identified the top five chest freezer brands in the market. We went further and reviewed the five best chest freezers from these brands and highlighted their salient features. We hope that as you read this review, you will identify one product that suits you.

Whynter CUF-210SS 2.1-Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer w/ Lock

Google’s Rating: 4.5

Whynter stands out as a go-to brand for cooling, refrigeration, and lifestyle products such as cigar humidors. The company strives to manufacture highly functional and affordable products such as the Whynter CUF-210SS 2.1 cu ft Compact Freezer. This Whynter freezer features a stylish stainless steel finish with a shade of silver. This feature makes it match with a wide range of interior decor designs. It has two adjustable shelves that help you customize the 2.1 cu ft storage area. 

The Whynter CUF-210SS is ideal for freezing ice cream, breast milk, and frozen food. It is a great addition to a regular kitchen refrigerator for a small family that wants extra freezer space. Its compact design allows you to use it in the office, kitchen, RV, yacht, or garage.   

You don’t have to worry about installing this Whynter freezer because it is freestanding and lightweight. It weighs only 47 pounds. Two people can easily carry this freezer and set it up with ease. Also, if you want to install it in a tight space, its does is reversible. This way, you can decide how it opens and thus give you the freedom to use your space efficiently. 

This freezer is lockable. If you wish to store sensitive items in the fridge, you can lock it to limit access to authorized persons only. It is also Energy Star rated to guarantee you low power consumption throughout the year. Some users stated that this unit stayed for close to six hours without little change in its internal temperature. This feature allows you extra time to hook the freezer to an alternative power source during power outages or when your RV is in transit and has no electricity on board. 

Other features of this compact freezer include six temperature settings, a <45dB(A) noise level, and a manual defrost mechanism. It is also easy to operate and comes with a recessed handle to save you storage space. The Whynter CUF-210SS  costs about $340 and has a one-year warranty.

Hotpoint HCM4SMWW 3.6-Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer

Google’s Rating 4.6

Do you have family members with dietary restrictions? Then the GE HOTPOINT® 3.6 CU. FT Chest Freezer is what you need. This chest freezer allows you to pile stock various foods for grab-and-go meals and save you the precious time you would otherwise spend cooking for each family member. It comes with a large capacity of 3.6 cu ft that allows you to store extra food and minimize waste in your home, thus saving money.

This chest is designed to be easy to operate and tough enough to last for years. Most users love its removable basket that allows you to organize and compartmentalize the storage area. Cleaning this freezer is a breeze thanks to its easy-access defrost drain. Also, it has a manual defrost mechanism that is easy to use. Another great feature that adds to the ergonomics of this chest freezer is its hinged door that doest slam shut but fits into place softly. Its recessed handle makes this freezer a great fit for tight spaces.

The HOTPOINT® HCM4SMWW chest freezer comes with a “Power On” light, that stays lit as long as the unit is connected to the electricity. This way, you will always know when the power is off and make plans to save your food from going bad. Luckily, this freezer can keep your food frozen for 24 hours without a power supply as long as you do not allow warm air to enter. It costs only $249, making it highly affordable. 

Moreover, its power consumption is low, thus saving you high electricity bills. The company provides a one-year warranty and 24/7 customer support. If you are facing any challenge with your HOTPOINT® HCM4SMWW chest freezer, log your issue with the firm’s customer support and get GE technicians to fix the unit.

Black + Decker BUFK12W 1.2-Cu. Ft. Compact Upright Freezer

Google’s Rating: 4.3

Every time you step out of your office to grab a snack or a meal there is a likelihood of losing a big chunk of your work hours overtime, especially if you have to walk or drive several blocks from your workplace. If this is a big concern for you, it’s time you considered investing in the BLACK+DECKER 1.2 Cu. Ft Compact Upright Freezer. It comes in a compact and portable design that can fit in tight places such as corners or under a desk. This way you can install it in your office, garage, bedroom, and RV. 

This mini freezer is ideal for stocking pre-cooked meals and snacks. After buying it, you can say goodbye to junk food and take control of your diet by eating healthy food from home. Eventually, you will end up saving on working hours, expensive foods, and stay healthy. It comes with a removable wire shelf that allows you to customize the storage area and split it into two compartments.

Setting up this mini freezer is easy peasy. Firstly, it comes in a lightweight design of 40.8 pounds. One person can easily carry the freezer and install it. This is a big win, especially for outdoor lovers who often go on RV trips and still need to use the mini freezer in their homes. It comes with adjustable leg stands that come in handy, especially if the floor is uneven. It doe comes with a recessed door that doesn’t take up extra space. Moreover, its design mimics that of a traditional fridge so that it is easy to use under desks. 

This BLACK+DECKER freezer has a manual defrost mechanism. It is also UL and Energy Star certified for added user safety and energy efficiency, respectively. It costs about $200 and comes with a limited warranty of one year.

Igloo ICFMD50WH 5-Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer

Google’s Rating 4.3

Founded in 1947, Igloo is renowned for manufacturing innovative coolers that meet a wide range of consumer expectations, which allows them to enjoy life however they define it. They have a wide range of products and serve millions of consumers around the world. 

The Igloo ICFMD50WH is one of the best chest freezers in the market today. The unit comes with an innovative quick-freeze system which makes is to freeze its contents faster than any competitor freezer in its class. It also features a large capacity of 5.0 cu ft, which you can use to stockpile a wide range of frozen foods such as meats, pizza, vegetables, and ice cream. It comes with a removable basket that allows you to organize the storage space. This basket also makes small items within reach so that they do not get lost among other packages.

This freezer chest measures ‎21.65 x 24.88 x 33.46 inches and therefore can fit in many places, such as the kitchen, office, garage, and RV. Installing this freezer chest is easy as it is a freestanding model. It weighs only 66 pounds, making it easy for two people to carry it.

When it comes to ergonomics, the Igloo ICFMD50WH 5.0 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer comes with a hinged door design that opens at varied angles between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. You can let go of the door and work with both hands without the fear of it slamming shut while you access the freezer. The casket features a heavy-duty design that stays in place when shut to prevent cold air from leaving the unit. The freezer also comes with wheel casters that make it easy to move it from one point to another.  

You can adjust the internal temperature of the freezer depending on how cold you want it to be. Its adjustable thermostat accepts temperatures between -10⁰ Fand 10⁰F. The freezer’s water drain is conveniently located at the front to make the defrosting and cleaning processes hassle-free. This Igloo chest freezer costs about $700 and comes with a one-year warranty.

Danby DCF038A2WDB-3 3.8-Cu.Ft. Chest Freezer

Google’s Rating 4.6

The Danby brand has over 65 years of experience in manufacturing refrigeration and air cooling appliances in North America. Over the years, this brand has grown to become one of the most trusted names in the industry. Its energy-efficient coolers stand out among competitor products. For example, the Danby DCF038A2WDB-3 3.8 Cu.Ft. Garage Ready Chest Freezer design includes a foam insulated cabinet and an energy-efficient lid that prevents cold air from escaping the freezing chamber.

Therefore, it consumes only 197kWh of electricity per year, which costs about $24. This amount is $16 cheaper than the annual cost of running competitor models and goes a long way in saving your electricity bill in the long run. It comes with a 3.8 cu ft capacity, which makes it ideal for storing frozen foods and snacks. You don’t have to worry about organizing your chest freezer because it comes with an adjustable wire basket where you can store smaller packages. 

Cleaning this freezer chest is easy thanks to its design that incorporates a front defrost drain. This way, you will not need to move the unit when cleaning it. You don’t need to leave extra space between its backside and the wall when installing this freezer thanks to its smooth design. 

Other features that come with this freezer include a mechanical thermostat with a front dial that allows you to set the internal temperature between 0⁰F to 10⁰F as well as a manual defrost mechanism. It costs about $280 and comes with a five-year warranty. 

What is a Chest Freezer?

This type of freezer is designed to resemble a chest. Unlike the upright models that resemble refrigerators, chest freezers do not have shelves. They have one big storage space where you keep your frozen items. Most of the best brands include a removable wire tray that you can use to organize your freezer. Just like a chest, its hinged door opens upwards. 

Deep freezers are closely related to refrigerators. Most fridges have mini freezer boxes. The first freezers were designed in the 1940s, but mass production started after the Second World War. By the end of the 1980s, freezers were highly efficient and advanced than the initial models. 

Key Features of a Chest Freezer

• The best chest freezers have doors that can open at different angles without the need to be held. This feature allows you to work with both hands. A chest freezer is made of a metallic cabinet that is insulated with foam. The top lid is designed to fit tightly in the cabinet to prevent the cooled air inside from escaping.
• The circuitry of a chest freezer incorporates various parts, such as a condenser, evaporator coil, electric fans, expansion valve, and compressor. A coolant gas is used to transfer heat from the interior of the freezer. The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the circuitry until the desired temperature is achieved. 
•  A deep freezer also has an adjustable thermostat that controls the internal temperature of the unit. These temperature settings can range anywhere between 0⁰F to 10⁰F. It is common for manufacturers to attach the thermostat to an external knob to make it easy to control the temperature without opening the cabinet. 
• Ice builds up in these units and can eat up the storage space. To fix this problem, brands incorporate defrost mechanisms to help thaw the ice. A defrost drain tube provides an escape route for the water out of the freezer.  

Why You Need to Invest in a Chest Freezer

There are many advantages to investing in a quality chest freezer. For starters, chest freezers are 25% to 30% more efficient than upright models. Their design keeps the cold air from escaping. This is not the case with an upright freezer, which allows the cold air to escape easily when you open the door.

A deep freezer helps you stockpile enough food for your family, especially when you have excess produce from your garden. This way, you can enjoy your summer produce throughout the year. You also get the luxury to buy whole animals and keep the meat frozen for up to 12 months. This is good news for hunters. You will never have to throw away your food. 

A chest freezer can also save you time by storing ready meals. All you need to do is warm it up and eat it. The good news is that you can enjoy this comfort both at home or at the office by investing in the right chest freezer.

Chest Freezer Buying Guide

Before investing in a chest freezer, it is advisable to what to look for in the appliance. This way, you will know whether the freezer will suit your needs. Below are infallible tips for choosing the right chest freezer for you.

How to Choose the Right Chest Freezer For You

As state above before you pay for a chest freezer, you must make sure that it will meet the intended purpose. The key features you will need to look out for include:

Capacity

The capacity of a chest freezer determines how much food you can store in it. To determine the best capacity for you, estimate how much food you will need to keep frozen. For instance, if you need a chest freezer to use at home and you live with five other members, you are likely to go for a high-capacity freezer compared to someone shopping for a freezer for office use. 

Chest freezers come in varied sizes. To estimate the right capacity for your freezer, allocate each member of your family 2.5 cu ft. For instance, a family of three can go for a deep freezer of about 7 cu ft. capacity.  But if you are looking for a personal freezer to use at the office, then a 3.5 cu ft capacity is sufficient.

Energy Efficiency

The best brands manufacture energy-efficient dep freezers, thus their power consumption is low. Over time, such appliances give you huge savings on electricity bills. Therefore, before you buy a chest freezer, confirm its annual power consumption.

Ergonomics 

Always go for an appliance that is easy to use. This way, you will save yourself a lot of stress that you would otherwise suffer if you buy a unit that is not ergonomically designed. Some of the leading brands come with an interior light that allows you to access the freezer at night without the need for extra lighting.

Other features that make a chest freezer easy to use include a reversible door, recessed handle, and a removable basket. Caster wheels make it easy to move the unit. In addition, a model with an external thermostat knob allows you to regulate its internal temperature without opening it. Another feature you might want to look out for is a hinged door that supports itself without falling. This design comes in handy when you want to use both hands, especially when cleaning the cabinet.

Price

Consider the price of a chest freezer before paying for it. A quality deep freezer for personal use or small family ranges between $200 and $700. However, do not rely on price alone to make your decision to buy the freezer. Focus on getting a product that suits your needs and is within your budget.

Warranty and Customer Support

Most manufacturers offer one-year warranties on chest freezers. However, there are good brands that offer up to 5 years warranties. Consider buying from a company that provides excellent customer supports. This way, you will be sure of getting help when your freezer fails to work normally.

Chest Freezer Safety Tips

When you purchase a chest freezer, take time and read the manufacturer’s manual. Each brand incorporates safety tips for operating their products, especially they have any special features. In addition to these tips, avoid tilting the unit for more than 45 degrees when moving it. Doing so might make internal fluids such as refrigerants and oils flow in places where they shouldn’t. If you tilt the unit while transporting it, allow it to settle for about 24 hours or, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, before plugging it into the mains.

Check the power rating of the freezer and make sure you connect it to a power source with the correct voltage. Make sure you remove all packaging materials before connecting the unit to the mains. Avoid placing the cable beneath the unit to avoid damaging it. You will also need to keep your freezer in a cool environment to make it more efficient.

Do not open the freezer door now and then to prevent the cool air from escaping. Use removable baskets to organize your freezer. You may need to take inventory of the food items in your freezer to know how long you will need to free them. Unplug the freezer when cleaning it. You will need to defrost it first to remove any ice buildup. 

In case of a power outage, your chest freezer can remain cold for up to 24 hours if it is partially full. However, if the freezer is full, you can extend this time to 72 hours. It is, therefore, to your advantage to keep the freezer full. Add ice to the unit to keep it cool during power outages.

How to Use A Chest Freezer Properly

Deep freezers come with varied features depending on the brand and model. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the product before using it. Read the user’s manual and any other literature from the manufacturer before installing the unit. This way, you will know how to use the freezer controls such as the thermostat dial and defrost knob properly. 

Defrost your unit regularly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and clean the unit to remove any foul smell. You can use vinegar or baking soda to cleanse the interior. In case your freezer stops working, do not attempt to fix it. Instead, contact the manufacturer’s support team for assistance. Trying to fix the unit on your own might invalidate your warranty.

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