How to Buy an Upright Freezer: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best upright freezers

Overview

An upright freezer is a great way to keep extra food and beverages cold and conveniently stored in one place. As useful as they are, however, there are a few things to consider when purchasing an upright freezer. This buying guide will provide helpful information and advice on everything from features, energy efficiency, and size, to where to buy and what to expect in terms of costs. By following the guidelines outlined in this buying guide, you can make an informed decision when it comes time to choose an upright freezer that meets your needs.

Key features

  1. Size: Consider the size of the upright freezer and how much space it will take up in your kitchen or other area.
  2. Temperature Range: Check the temperature range of the freezer and make sure that it is capable of reaching temperatures low enough and quickly enough to safely store your food.
  3. Noise Level: Make sure the freezer is designed to run quietly as it will likely be located in a high traffic area.
  4. Cost and Features: Check both the cost of the freezer and the features it includes. For instance, some may have alarms if the temperature becomes too high or a door that can be opened without defrosting.
  5. Energy Efficiency: Look at the energy efficiency of the model you are considering and choose one that is Energy Star certified.
  6. Warranty: Make sure to read and understand the warranty of the model you are considering.

See the most popular upright freezers on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Size - Upright freezers typically take up less floor space than chest freezers, so they can be a great space-saving option for smaller kitchens.
  • Organization - Upright freezers usually come with shelves and bins, so you can easily organize your frozen items into separate compartments.
  • Accessibility - Since the shelves and bins are in a vertical design, it is easy to see and access all of your items without having to dig through a deep chest freezer.
  • Temperature Control - Upright freezers usually come with temperature control settings to adjust how cold the freezer will be.
  • Energy Efficiency - Upright freezers are often more energy efficient than chest freezers and can help you save money on your electricity bills.

Cons

  • Noise: Upright freezers can be quite noisy, depending on the model. Many of them are equipped with loud fans that can be disruptive.
  • Size: Upright freezers have a limited amount of space, so they may not be suitable if you need to store a large amount of food.
  • Energy Efficiency: Upright freezers may not be as energy efficient as chest freezers, as the larger size of a chest freezer allows for more efficient cooling.
  • Location: Upright freezers are designed to be used in relatively small spaces, so they may not be suitable for larger kitchens.

Best alternatives

  1. Chest Freezers - These freezers are typically larger than upright and require less energy to run.
  2. Deep Freezers - A deep freezer is a great way to store bulk items and long-term storage items.
  3. Mini Fridges - Mini fridges are a great way to store smaller items that don’t need to be kept as cold as a regular freezer.
  4. Commercial Freezers - A commercial freezer is designed for the food service industry and is more powerful than the average upright or chest freezer.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Ice Cube Trays – A set of trays to freeze and hold water or other liquids into cubes.
  • Bins, Baskets, and Containers – Specialized containers to organize and store items in the freezer.
  • Temperature Alarm – Alerts when the temperature in the freezer reaches a certain level.
  • Thermometer – For measuring the temperature inside the freezer.
  • Vacuum Sealer – A device for airtight sealing of food items.
  • Door Lock – Prevents the freezer from opening while not in use.
  • Defrost Timer – Automatically cycles between freezing and defrosting.

Common questions

  1. What are the key features to look for in an upright freezer? Look for features such as adjustable shelves, temperature control, interior lighting, and energy efficiency ratings. Additionally, consider the size of your freezer to make sure it is big enough to hold the items you want to store.
  2. Should I get a manual or frost-free freezer? Manual freezers require you to manually defrost the freezer periodically to remove frost build-up. Frost free freezers, on the other hand, are self-defrosting and have a cooling system which circulates air inside the freezer to prevent frost build-up.
  3. What should I look for to ensure the freezer is energy efficient? Look for a freezer with an Energy Star rating. Additionally, look for a freezer with features such as insulation and sealed doors that can help reduce energy consumption.
  4. Are there any other features I should consider? Consider features such as adjustable shelves, interior lighting, and noise levels. Additionally, consider the temperature range of the freezer to make sure it can maintain the temperatures you need.

Trivia

An interesting fact about upright freezers is that they can be used to store food for years without it spoiling. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, a properly functioning upright freezer can keep food at 0°F or lower and prevent bacteria from growing, allowing food to last for a long time. This means that an upright freezer is a great way to store food for long periods without worrying about it going bad. Sources: University of Minnesota Extension.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.