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Along with freeing up cubic feet in your refrigerator, investing in a chest freezer is a cost-effective way to maximize food storage. Chest freezers are typically priced lower than upright freezers and are designed to accommodate large or bulky items, plus they also do a better job of staving off freezer burn than their taller counterparts. Otherwise, they offer comparable capacity, and there are garage-ready models built to withstand extreme temperatures.
While there are benefits aplenty, there are also potential compromises to consider (less organizational space than upright models is one) so it’s a good idea to have a complete understanding of the product before you buy. That’s where we come in. Our buying guide breaks down all the need-to-know details and highlights the differences in models from major brands, so you can make an informed decision on the best chest freezer for your home.
The Best Chest Freezers
- Best Overall:Frigidaire 14.8-Cubic-Foot Chest Freezer
- Best Value: Midea Chest Freezer 5.0 Cubic Feet
- Most Capacity: GE 15.7-Cubic-Foot Chest Freezer
- Best With Temperature Alert: Whirlpool 16-Cubic-Foot Chest Freezer with Temperature Alert
- Best for Small Spaces: Midea Chest Freezer 3.5 Cubic Feet
What to Consider
Capacity and Size
Start off by figuring out the size you realistically need for your household. Small chest freezer models are 3.5- and 5-cubic-foot; mid-range models are typically 7 to 10 cubic feet; and anything above that, all the way up to 20 cubic feet or more, is considered large. Around 2.5 cubic feet of freezer space per person is a good way to estimate how much space you need.
The tradeoff of having a large chest freezer versus an upright freezer is that it occupies more square footage. While small and some mid-size freezer chests have comparable footprints, models that are 10 cubic feet and up can span five feet or more. Most are about 33 inches and slightly less deep. Though in theory it may sound nice to have ample storage in your chest freezer, it’s better to find a model that accommodates the space you have available.
Location
Most of our recommendations are intended for general use and are ideal for the basement or garage. We also included freezers that work well in kitchens and other living spaces, with ultra-quiet operation and color selection. If you’re planning to install your chest freezer in your garage or another unheated area, such as a shed or barn, it’s important to select a “garage-ready” model. This means that the appliance is able to handle wide fluctuations in ambient temperature.
Key Features
Chest freezers typically include at least two removable storage baskets to keep smaller items at the top and within easy reach, and some larger models have additional baskets below as a way to organize space. An interior LED light is a definite plus, as is a temperature control panel on the front of the freezer.It’s also helpful to have a power-on indicator light, and some models come with detachable wheels and have leveling legs. If there are young children in the house or if the chest freezer is in the garage, a safety lock is a must. Keep in mind that almost all chest freezers have manual defrost, though that’s one reason that chest freezers are more energy efficient than upright freezers.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-star certified appliances are designed to use less energy while maintaining performance, and this rating means they meet or exceed the standard set by the EPA. Appliances with a UL certification meet performance and sustainability standards. Besides keeping an eye out for these specific labels, you can take a look at the chest freezer’s energy consumption. This measurement is listed in kilowatt-hours per year, and lower kWH usually means a more energy-efficient appliance. Pro-tip: be sure to choose a chest freezer size that fits your needs appropriately to avoid overworking and using more energy.
Warranty and Support
It doesn’t hurt to have an appliance with a good warranty policy, so you can potentially be spared of additional costs if your freezer requires maintenance or replacement parts. Most chest freezers come with a one-year warranty for parts and labor. Many manufacturers also provide an extended warranty for parts, specifically the compressor. However, it’s important to check the fine print and policy details to get a full understanding of what is covered.
How We Selected
Our thorough research and selection process included looking at chest freezers made by reputable companies with a track record of producing high quality products, including GE, Frigidaire, and Midea. We also took our own experience into account with large appliances that we personally own from these brands. The chest freezers we write about span different sizes and price points, and we considered key features like interior lighting, storage baskets, power-on indicator lights, front-panel temperature control, and whether models are garage-ready, all weighed against cost.
Pros
Large capacity- Locking lid
- Interior LED light
Cons
- Wheels don’t come attached
If you want extra food storage space in your garage—or another unheated area of your home—this large garage-ready chest freezer is worth a look. It includes two hanging baskets to help organize your food, and they slide from side-to-side so items underneath aren’t out of reach.
The garage-ready freezer has several additional features, like an interior LED light and a lid that includes a safety lock. Plus, the key automatically pops out after use, so you’ll never forget it in the lock. The large freezer also has wheels, but they aren’t attached upon delivery—you’ll need to install them yourself, if desired.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 55.75 x 29.56 x 32.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 14.8 cu. ft. |
| Garage-Ready | Yes |
| Energy Use | 296 kWH |
2
Best Value
Midea 5.0-Cubic-Foot Chest Freezer
Pros
- Stay-open lid
- Removable storage basket
- Two-year compressor warranty
Cons
- Not garage-ready
Midea’s five-cubic-foot chest freezer offers solid value for the price. Along with a streamline design, it features a hinged lid that stays open in two positions and easy access front temperature control at the base.
Inside, there’s a removable storage basket to hold items that you reach for most. There’s also a manual drain at the back of the freezer, so you can easily defrost when needed.
We appreciate Midea’s two-year warranty on the compressor, which is more generous than other top brands, and a one-year warranty on other parts. It isn’t garage-ready, but that’s in line with other models of this size.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 24.9 x 33.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5 cu. ft |
| Garage-Ready | No |
| Energy Use | 218 kWH |
Pros
- Extra-large capacity
- Upgraded removable storage baskets on two rails
- Front controls and interior LED light
Cons
- No detachable wheels
- No levelers
GE’s 15.7-cubic-foot garage-ready chest freezer offers more capacity and storage flexibility than most large models.
It features four heavy-duty plastic baskets that slide on two rails set at different heights—a smart organizational system that allows you to customize space to accommodate items as needed.
The chest freezer is Energy Star-certified, and other highlights include an interior LED, front temperature controls, and a power-on indicator light, plus a safety lock. But unlike Frigidaire’s chest freezer models, GE’s don't come with levelers or detachable wheels.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 28.5 x 65 x 33.4 in |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 15.7 cu. ft. |
| Garage-Ready | Yes |
| Energy Use | 277 kWH |
4
Best With Temperature Alert
Whirlpool 16 cu. ft. Chest Freezer with Temperature Alert
Pros
- Large capacity
- Converts to a refrigerator
- Temperature alert
Cons
- Uses more energy per year than other models
It’s incredibly frustrating when you don’t realize your freezer isn’t working—not until all its contents are spoiled, that is. To prevent this from happening, choose a model with temperature alert, like this large garage-ready chest freezer. Basically, there’s a red light that illuminates when the freezer isn’t at its set temperature, letting you know that something might be wrong with its operation.
This unit also has a convertible design, so it converts to a refrigerator by simply flipping a switch. It also comes with two organization bins to keep your food within reach.
Keep in mind that because of its 16-cubic-foot capacity, it uses more energy than some of the other models on this list.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 55.3 x 36 x 27.4 in. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 16 cu. ft. |
| Garage-Ready | Yes |
| Energy Use | 313 kWH |
Pros
- Removable storage basket
- Two-year compressor warranty
Cons
- Not garage-ready
This Midea 3.5-cubic-foot freezer chest is a smaller version of our best value pick above. Along with an excellent price point, it comes with many of the same features, including a removable hanging storage basket, an auto-holding hinged door, plus a thermostat that dips to 28 below.
It doesn’t come with wheels, but there are adjustable legs on the bottom that raise or lower to your ideal height. There’s a two-year warranty on the compressor and a one-year warranty on other parts. The biggest drawback is that it isn’t garage-ready, though that’s common among deep freezer chests this size.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 19.5 x 21.5 x 33.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5 cu. ft. |
| Garage-Ready | No |
| Energy Use | 193 kWH |
Pros
- Small footprint
- Ultra-quiet noise rating
Cons
- No interior LED light
Basements and garages are common places for chest freezers. But if you’d prefer to have one in the kitchen or anywhere else in your living space, quiet operation is key.
This chest freezer has an ultra-quiet noise rating of 39 decibels, and there’s an adjustable thermostat on the front panel. Other top features include two removable wire storage baskets and a lid that stays open in two positions, so you can comfortably rummage around and find what you’re looking for.
It’s available in white, black, or red to coordinate with your other appliances, though no interior LED light is a drawback.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 21.18 x 21.77 x 30.94 in. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5 cu. ft. |
| Garage-Ready | No |
| Energy Use | 0.45 kWh per 24h |
Pros
- Professional build
- Digital thermostat and auto defrost
- Self-closing double doors
Cons
- Not Energy Star-certified
Saba’s stainless steel freezer looks and performs as well as you’d hope, considering its price tag. The under-counter deep chest freezer is designed for commercial use, with self-closing double doors and a top that doubles as a prep station. We recommend it for anyone looking for high-end features, most notably digital temperature control and auto defrost.
Other highlights include the locking casters and adjustable shelving, but this one may be costly to run compared to other chest freezers we cover as it isn’t Energy Star-certified. There is a one-year parts and labor warranty, and a generous additional four-year warranty for the compressor.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 48.9 x 29.5 x 34 in. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 cu. ft. |
| Garage-Ready | Not listed |
| Energy Use | Not specified |
Amber Joglar
Reviews Editor
Amber is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on home, appliances, tech, and gaming. She also occasionally contributes lifestyle content to Best Products, Runner's World, and Bicycling. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, watching bad reality TV shows, or cuddling with her two cats.
Rachel Klein
Deputy Editor
Rachel Klein is the Deputy Editor of Popular Mechanics.
