New Freezer Buying Guide: Helping You Choose the Right One for Your Needs

How will the freezer get used?

An upright freezer is a good supplement to a small freezer compartment in the fridge since you can easily see what’s in it. But if you want to buy large quantities in bulk and keep them fresh all year, you’ll want a bigger chest freezer instead.

You should also think about the features that you’ll get the most use out of. Safety locks are great if you have small kids who shouldn’t be getting into the freezer. Quick-freeze features are ideal for locking in the taste of fresh produce, while a soft-freeze zone keeps ice cream at the perfect consistency.

How much space do you need?

You’ll find standalone freezers in four sizes: compact, small, midsize, and large. Small freezers typically have about five cubic feet, while large ones can have twenty or more. Larger freezers cost more in terms of energy use, so you don’t want a freezer that’s bigger than you need.

Where will you put your new freezer?

The space you have, as well as the space you need, will dictate the size of freezer you can get. Measure the place where your freezer will go to see how much room you’re working with. Make sure there are a few free inches around it so air can properly circulate, and don’t forget to leave room for the door to open.

Double check the path to get the freezer to its final location, too. Are the hallways and doors big enough for it to fit? If not, you might need to opt for a smaller size.

If you’ll be keeping the freezer in a space without heat, like your garage, make sure it's designed to handle temperature fluctuations. Most freezers are designed to work in temperatures that don’t go below freezing.

Do you mind manually defrosting?

Manual-defrost freezers are quieter than auto-defrost models, which is great if you’ll be keeping it inside the house. Manual freezers don’t dry out food as fast, and they use less energy. However, if you don’t defrost them regularly enough, they lose their efficiency.

If you don’t love the idea of defrosting your freezer by hand twice a year, an auto-defrost freezer is the better choice.

Some features are more useful than others. The most popular freezer features include interior lights, power-on indicators, door locks, and an alarm for when the temperature inside gets too high.

You’ll get more use out of your freezer if it’s easy to keep organized. Look for adjustable shelves for upright models or hanging baskets for chest freezers to help you maximize the space.

A consistent temperature ensures your food will stay fresh, no matter what the temperature is outside the freezer.

Quiet operation is especially important if you’ll be keeping the freezer near living spaces like the dining room or kitchen.

If you buy a manual-defrost freezer, check that there’s a drainage port or hose that makes it easy to get the melted ice out.

The best new freezers are highly rated for reliability. You want a durable model that can keep food frozen for at least 24 hours if the power goes out.

Minimal energy use is important -- you'll save money and save the environment. The best freezers have been tested and highly rated for energy efficiency.

Buy from a reputable brand, so you’ll have great customer service if your freezer stops working. This makes the process of repairing or replacing it much less stressful.

This model comes with included storage bins so it’s easy to keep things organized. The key lock keeps your food safe, and the high-tech foam insulation makes this more efficient than many of its competitors.

The features make it even easier to use. There are interior lights, a simple temperature control knob, and a hose adaptor for when you need to defrost. The round corners are easy to clean. Some users have noted that the storage baskets sometimes fall down. This model has not been reviewed on Amazon, so it does not have a rating at this time.

This large model has the same features as the 15-foot Whirlpool freezer listed above, plus lots more space. Reviewers agree that this freezer is big enough to store everything you need and then some, but they warn that you’ll need a lot of space since this model is so big. It has not yet been rated on Amazon, but it is a reliable choice for major storage needs.

The reviews of this model are stellar. With more than 10 cubic feet of storage space, there’s plenty of room for most families to stock up on frozen food. The Energy Star certification ensures you’ll save money on your power bills, too.

It includes easy-to-use temperature controls, interior lights, and three organizational baskets. You can lock it when you need to, and check the power indicator to be sure that it’s working properly. Reviewers agree that the temperature is easy to set and that it’s a quiet, efficient model. The one-year warranty helps protect you if anything goes wrong, however, it has does not yet have an Amazon rating.

Five cubic feet may not sound like a lot of space, but it will still greatly extend how much food you can store -- up to 175 pounds can fit inside! Since this freezer is flat, it’s easy to push up against a wall, making this a great choice if you have limited space.

The removable basket lets you keep your favorite foods handy, and the defrost drain assists with manual defrost. Although some reviewers say there aren’t enough storage bins, it’s easy and inexpensive to buy a few more. 

Looking to save on an upright model instead? This freezer is about the same size as the fridge you’d find in a dorm room, so it’s a great space-saver. A wire basket and two shelves ensure you can organize the three cubic feet of storage space. It’s incredibly quiet, as well as compact. 

Since the door is reversible, it’s easy to make this freezer fit into tight spaces. Choose from three finishes to match your decor. 

There’s small, and then there’s compact. If you’re looking for the latter, you can’t go wrong with Whynter’s mini freezer.

Looking for a freezer that will fit in an office, dorm room, RV, or other small space? This efficient little model will do the trick. It’s Energy Star-rated so it won’t eat up power while keeping your frozen items handy.

Use the temperature dial to adjust the settings, and use the wire shelves to organize your favorite foods. You can reverse the door on this model, too. And it locks, making this a great choice for spaces that aren’t totally private.

This 3.5 cubic foot, two-drawer freezer can work as a standalone model or fit conveniently under your counter. It’s super easy to get food into and out of, so don’t worry about having to bend down to get inside it.

The fan-assisted cooling keeps temperatures even, and the basket and dividers help you stay organized. Since it’s auto-defrosting, maintenance is a breeze. Reviewers rave about this luxe option, proving that you get what you pay for. This freezer does not yet have an Amazon rating.