There are many practical reasons to purchase a new chest freezer. In an effort to save money, maybe you are considering buying in bulk from a warehouse club and need ample room for your frozen food items. During a fruitful hunting season, a chest freezer becomes a necessary purchase for properly storing a variety of meats. If you are on a new quest for health and wellness and are preparing nutritious meals in bulk once a week, your refrigerator may not have enough freezer space for your foods; you may need to invest in a small chest freezer for organizing your labeled and dated meals.
Top 8 Rated Chest Freezer
| Product | Energy usage (per year) | Weight | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea WHS-129C1 | 193 kWh | 59.5 | D 21.7 W 33.5 H 22.2 inches | check price |
| Midea WHS-185C1 | 218 kWh | 63.9 | D 28,7 W 20,6 H 33,5 inches | check price |
| 🌟 Danby DCF072A2WDB1 (Editor’s Choice) | 252 kWh | 94 | D 22.2 W 39.9 H 33.1 inches | check price |
| Haier HF50CM23NW | 216 kWh | 71.6 | D 22 W 28.5 H 33.2 inches | check price |
| Danby DCF055A1WDB1 | 224 kWh | 42 | D 22.2 W 32.4 H 33.1 inches | check price |
| Haier HF71CL53NW | 248 kWh | 90 | D 23 W 39.2 H 34,6 inches | check price |
| Midea WHS-258C1 | 250 kWh | 70,48 | D 20.6 W 37.2 H 33.5 inches | check price |
| Saba SCF-27 | -- | 102 | D 26.2 W 27.8 H 34.5 inches | check price |
In many smaller homes and spaces, a chest freezer is essential. Small apartments, condominiums and college dorms often lack space for a full-size refrigerator. A small chest freezer easily nestles into any corner without taking up too much room.
Depending on the desired features and size needed, chest freezers can be quite a monetary investment. Aside from the initial upfront cost, you want to choose a unit that is easy to afford from an operational and consumption standpoint. You also want to make sure you have taken precise measurements to ensure that the freezer can be positioned in a way that it does not compromise the compressor. It is important to leave at least an inch on each side of the freezer to allow for proper air flow and ventilation, and it is equally important to make sure there is ample space above the freezer to allow room for the lid to open and close.
Features like child safety locks, organizational baskets, and extended warranties are also important features to consider when making your purchase. The best and most efficient chest freezers will also display the Energy Star certification seal. Here are 8 of the top chest freezers available on the market today.
Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer: Best For Families With Small Children
| Dimensions | 📐 D 21.7 W 33.5 H 22.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 59.5 |
| Defrost | ❄️ Manual |
| Manufacturer | MIDEA |
| Features | ✅ Mechanical Control with Adjustable Thermostat from -12 to -28 Degrees (Great for Storing Frozen Food, Ice Cream, Ice, etc) ✅ Contains 1 Hanging Wire Storage Basket ✅ Hinge-Style Door Remains Open from 45 to 75 Degree Angles |
| Model number | WHS-129C1 |
The 3.5 Cubic Foot Midea WHS-129C1 freezer packs a lot of features in at an affordable price point. This particular Midea model appeals vastly to homes with small children and those who travel a lot in RVs because it is whisper quiet. It will hold approximately 123 pounds of frozen food in the 3.5 cubic foot size choice. There are three sizes available in this particular model, with the 3.5 cubic foot unit being the top seller.
At the halfway temperature setting, the Midea WHS-129C1 unit will completely freeze a gallon of water in approximately 5 hours. The Midea company’s core specialties are in air conditioning and cooling products, so they are one of the top industry leaders in freezers and are recommended as reliable and durable for long-term use.
✅ Customers love how whisper-quiet the motor is and how easy it is to set up and maneuver the unit into place.
✅ Customers are also very happy with the care taken in packaging; there are very few reports of the freezer arriving damaged or dented due to sub-par packaging during shipment.
✅ It is also noted that anyone 5’4″ or taller will not need to use a stool to reach the items in the very bottom of the freezer.
❌ There is very little vibration with the unit, but some customers have remarked that it occasionally does have a low hum.
Midea WHS-185C1 Single Door Chest Freezer, 5.0 Cubic Feet: Ideal For People Who Buy in Bulk
| Dimensions | 📐 D 28,7 W 20,6 H 33,5 inches |
| Item Weight | 63,9 |
| Defrost | ❄️ Manual |
| Manufacturer | MIDEA |
| Features | ✅ Hinge-Style Door Remains Open from 45 to 75 Degree Angles ✅ Mechanical Control with Adjustable Thermostat from -12 to -28 Degrees (Great for Storing Frozen Food, Ice Cream, Ice, etc) ✅ Contains 1 Hanging Wire Storage Basket ✅ Recessed handle |
| Model number | WHS-185C1 |
The Midea WH-185C1 model is very similar to the WHS-129C1 model, but the 5.0 model can hold up to a whopping 175 pounds of food. This unit also features the same adjustable thermostat settings and various angle settings that stay firmly in place when positioned.
This unit, along with the WHS-129C1 model, also features a manual and built-in defrost drain. This feature makes it very easy to clean out your freezer and tackle any unexpected messes or spills.
✅ This model is very easy to maneuver and put in place despite its size. Setting up this particular unit can easily be done by one person.
✅ Its large size accommodates large-volume warehouse purchases and bulk meat with ease.
❌ Some customers wish there was more than one hanging metal basket and more than two affixed shelves.
Danby DCF072A2WDB1 Chest Freezer, 7.2 Cubic Feet: Easiest To Clean And The Most Environmentally Friendly
| Dimensions | 📐 D 22.2 W 39.9 H 33.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 94 |
| Defrost | ❄️ Manual |
| Manufacturer | Danby |
| Features | ✅ Environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant ✅ 1 adjustable white wire basket ✅ Energy efficient foam insulated cabinet and lid ✅ Front mount mechanical thermostat ✅ Front mount defrost drain |
| Model number | DCF072A2WDB1 |
The Danby DCF072A2WDB1 model is among the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective models available on the market boasting R600a refrigerant. Additionally, this model also showcases an energy-efficient lid with a foam insulated cabinet. Eco-Conscious consumers gravitate towards this Danby DCF072A2WDB1 unit.
The interior features an adjustable wire basket for keeping frequently-used items within quick reach. There is also one compartment divider to keep like items together and aid in the organization within the freezer.
In addition to being energy efficient, there is also a front-mounted thermostat that is easy to install and access. The interior also has a manual defrost system and drain, and this particular model also features a unique liner that is specifically designed to make cleaning a cinch. The liner is an aluminum material that is designed to resist rust.
While it is large in overall size, it easily passes through most doorways and is easy to maneuver thanks to the rear castors. The two front mounting legs make leveling easy. The Danby DCF072A2WDB1 model weighs in at 80 pounds and can hold up to 204 liters of space.
✅ Customers appreciate that this unit is particularly environmentally friendly.
✅ This freezer is very easy to maneuver.
✅ It is one of the easiest units to clean.
❌ Some customers have remarked that the freezer can get a bit of snowy ice build up on the interior.
Haier HF50CM23NW Capacity Chest Freezer: 5.0 Cubic Feet: Most Affordable
| Dimensions | 📐 D 22 W 28.5 H 33.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 71.6 |
| Defrost | ❄️ Manual |
| Manufacturer | Haier |
| Features | ✅ Adjustable thermostat control ✅ Space-Saving Flat-Back Design ✅ Easy-Access Defrost Drain |
| Model number | HF50CM23NW |
If you are on a budget or are looking for a second freezer chest for your home, the Haier HF50CM23NW freezer gets rave reviews by consumers. This particular model does not scrimp on features simply because it is modestly priced.
The Haier HF50CM23NW can hold up to a whopping 175 pounds of food and also features a removable basket for quick access to essentials. There are no additional organizational shelves in the unit, but it still has an easy-access drain system and an adjustable thermostat control.
✅ This Haier is one of the most affordable chest freezers on the market.
✅ The smooth exterior front surface is easy to clean.
✅ It has a space-saving design.
❌ A few customers say it completely dies after a year or two.
❌ It does not offer much in the way of interior organization.
Midea WHS-258C1 Balanced Hinge Design Chest Freezer, 7 Cubic Feet: Easiest To Open And Close
| Dimensions | 📐 D 20.6 W 37.2 H 33.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 70,48 |
| Defrost | ❄️ Manual |
| Manufacturer | Midea |
| Features | ✅ Mechanical temperature control ✅ Adjustable thermostat ✅ Balanced hinge design ✅ Removable storage basket ✅ Recessed handle |
| Model number | WHS-258C1 |
The Midea WHS-258C1 chest freezer has a lot of the standard features you would expect to see in a chest freezer. The adjustable and manual thermostat is easy to access and adjust, and the interior features a removable organizer basket. This model also has the energy-saving R600a refrigerant.
✅ This freezer is easy to load and clean.
✅ The recessed handle saves space.
❌ There are not many customer reviews available for comparison shopping purposes.
❌ It can be hard to maneuver.
27″ Saba Air SCF-27 Curved Glass Chest Freezer: The Most Deluxe And Feature Packed/Easiest To Transport/Ideal For Commercial Use
| Dimensions | 📐 D 26.2 W 27.8 H 34.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 102 |
| Defrost | ❄️ Manual |
| Manufacturer | Saba |
| Features | ✅ Zinc-coated, stainless steel exterior is protected with a white, baked-on enamel for corrosion protection ✅ The smooth sliding glass doors provide wide viewing area of customers to browse your selection of frozen novelties ✅ The adjustable temperature controller allows you to use the unit as both refrigerator or freezer |
| Model number | SCF-27 |
Among the available choices of chest freezers on the market, the Saba Air SCF-27 is one of the most luxurious. Their extensive service and support network boasts over 350 specially-trained technicians. They offer a one-year warranty on parts and service and a unique five-year warranty for the compressor for both residential and commercial use.
The Saba Air SCF-27 freezer has multiple baskets for an interior organization, separation, and quick access. Unlike many other chest freezers, this unit has four casters for super-easy transporting; it glides very smoothly out of the way for quick access to spills or to sweep behind and around the unit. It also showcases a quick-access defrost drain and will maintain temperatures from -18 to 10 degrees.
Made from a unique combination of zinc, stainless steel, and baked-on enamel materials, the Saba Air SCF-27 is specifically designed to protect against damage from corrosion and rust. The unique curved glass doors provide a clear viewing area for customers and make inventory easy for store owners in a commercial setting. In a residential environment, the clear glass doors make it easy to spot items at a glance, so you do not spend a lot of wasted time rummaging through the freezer to locate foods. This unit also has one of the sleekest and upscale looks of any chest freezer on the market.
The Saba Air SCF-27 has one of the most powerful compressors available in a chest freezer. You will be able to count on this unit being durable, reliable and consistent for many years. This model also features lockable doors for added security and convenience for customers or if small children are present. The Saba Air SCF-27 is a top-recommended unit for both in-home and commercial use.
✅ It is very easy to maneuver and transport.
✅ This model has a classy and sleek design.
✅ There is an abundance of interior organization and compartments.
✅ It is easy to take inventory and see selections thanks to the clear viewing glass.
❌ It is on the higher price side of the retail market for a chest freezer.
❌ There are not many customer reviews available for comparison shopping purposes.
Commonly Asked Questions About Chest Freezers
Q: How Often Should I Defrost My Freezer?
A: Frost-free freezers do not need to be defrosted, and all other freezers should be defrosted once every six to nine months. If the frost inside the unit gets thicker than half an inch, the freezer should also be defrosted.
Q: How Do You Defrost A Freezer?
A: Before unplugging the unit, find an alternative freezer or very cold place to temporarily store the contents of the chest. Unplug the freezer and prop the lid open to allow the warmer air to melt off all the ice and frost. You should place a large container or pan directly under the defrost drain to catch the water as the interior frost or ice melt. Once the unit is completely defrosted, you can wipe it down or clean it out; then place the frozen food and beverage items back into the freezer.
Q: Can I Use Chemicals Or Household Cleaners To Clean Inside And Outside The Freezer?
A: It is best to avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning inside your unit. These chemicals can inadvertently seep into the items in your freezer. A safe and effective alternative to cleaning your freezer is to mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in for every quart of warm water. Clean the unit with the mixture, and then rinse the interior thoroughly with plain water. Pat the freezer dry with a towel.
The exterior of the chest freezer can be washed with warm water and mild dish soap or detergent. If your freezer has a stainless-steel exterior, it is best to use a cleaner specifically formulated for cleaning steel.
Q: How Do You Prevent Frost Build Up And Smells Inside The Freezer?
A: Prevention is the best way to reduce frost and smells. Always wrap or seal food items completely to prevent spills that may lead to odors. Place an open box of baking soda in the freezer to eliminate and neutralize most odors. Try to only open and close the freezer when absolutely necessary to keep frost to a minimum. If you have food in containers, make sure the exterior surfaces are completely dry and free of condensation or moisture before placing them into the freezer.
Q: How Do I Maximize The Efficiency Of A Chest Freezer To Save Energy And Money On Monthly Maintenance Costs?
A: The best placement for a chest freezer is in a cool corner of a room and away from other heat-producing appliances. Make sure to leave at least an inch of room around all sides of the unit for maximum efficiency and ventilation; this will prevent the compressor from having to overwork itself to keep the freezer cool. Also, keep the freezer set at zero to reduce energy costs. If you prepare a lot of hot dishes in advance to freeze for weekly meals, give the prepared dishes time to cool before placing them in the freezer.
Q: What Do I Do With My Freezer If I Lose Power?
A: It is very important to keep the freezer door closed during a power failure. If the door has a manual lock, be sure to lock it to keep an airtight seal. Foods will stay completely frozen for about a day if a freezer is kept closed and locked. For each additional day without power, you can add in about seven to nine pounds of ice daily to keep your foods frozen.
A more effective alternative is to add seven to nine pounds of dry ice to the freezer if you can find it in your area. Dry ice is far more effective at keeping foods frozen, but you need to make sure to wear gloves when handling it.
Q: How Do You Remove Rust From The Outside Of The Freezer?
A: Before attempting to remove all rust, test out a spot in an inconspicuous place on the unit with a non-abrasive kitchen cleaner. If the test cleaning does not work or the rust is excessive, you can safely grind down the rust with sandpaper and then apply touch-up appliance paint.
Related chest freezers
Danby DCF055A1WDB1
| Dimensions | 📐 D 22.2 W 32.4 H 33.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 42 |
| Defrost | ❄️ Manual |
| Manufacturer | Danby |
| Features | ✅ Energy efficient foam insulated cabinet and lid ✅ Environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant ✅ 1 compartment divider for easy organization ✅ 1 adjustable white wire basket |
| Model number | DCF055A1WDB1 |
Haier HF71CL53NW
| Dimensions | 📐 D 23 W 39.2 H 34,6 inches |
| Item Weight | 90 |
| Defrost | ❄️ Manual |
| Manufacturer | Haier |
| Features | ✅ Removable basket – easy to access ✅ Recessed handle – space saving ✅ Flat-back design – space saving ✅ RoHs compliant |
| Model number | HF71CL53NW |
There are many factors to consider when buying a chest freezer. You need to take your lifestyle and available space into careful consideration. You can then narrow your search results down by desired features. Energy efficiency in a freezer may be more important to some than a unit offering tons of organizational components. If you are a single person or have mobility issues, you may require a lightweight chest freezer or a unit with multiple rolling casters for easy transporting and setup.
If you live in an apartment or dorm room, a whisper-quiet chest freezer may be a necessity. You would not want to bother neighbors or keep your roommate awake with a noisy and distracting chest freezer. If you live in a climate or area that produces a lot of power failures due to weather or other factors, you will need a freezer with extended capabilities in keeping your food frozen for longer periods of time.
Once lifestyle and location considerations are made, you can then choose the ideal size for your needs. For maximum energy efficiency, you will want to make sure to keep your freezer stocked at a minimum of two-thirds full at all times. One common household hack you can implement if you find your freezer falling below the two-thirds-full line is to fill in the empty space with water bottles until you can replenish the space with more food.
A buyer’s guide, like this one, takes a lot of the guesswork out of purchasing a chest freezer. A lot of the research has been done for you, so you can ensure you are making an informed decision and investing in a freezer that suits your specific needs. You can compare specifications, price and energy efficiency with a buyer’s guide; you can also sift through customer reviews on each unit within the guide. This takes a lot of the time, hassle, and confusion out of searching for the perfect chest freezer for your home or business.