Johnathan Brewer, licensed general contractor and The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board member, notes that, when adding a chest freezer to your space, consider where your power outlets and lights are located. “If you’re remodeling or reorganizing your garage, it’s a great opportunity to incorporate a chest freezer into your design,” he also notes. Our top pick, the Frigidaire FFCL1542AW Chest Freezer, has a bundle of desirable extras, including a lid that stays up on its own, and external power and temperature indicators. Here are the best chest freezers on the market for extra storage of your frozen goods. Whether you like to prep your meals in advance, buy in bulk, or are a baker, you can’t go wrong with this model: the Frigidaire FFCL1542AW 14.8-cubic-foot White Chest Freezer. It’s our top pick because of its clever features and reliably chilly interior. It’s so easy to spot what you’re looking for in this extra-large Frigidaire unit, thanks to its bright interior LED lights, removable plastic baskets for organization, and a lid that stays up on its own. This type of lid makes it possible to root around with both hands. This freezer also has an exterior power indicator light and temperature dial, which you can set from -10 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (It’s generally recommended to set your freezer at 0 degrees.) It features a water drain for easy defrosting and comes with a safety lock and key. Whenever you need to move it around, make use of the casters and put it exactly where you need it. While all of these features are appreciated, it lacks any high-tech smart features, so you have to control the temperature and manually defrost. However, since you can control the temperature externally and drain the water while defrosting, we’re willing to overlook those inconveniences. Now, this model is not frost-free or self-defrosting. You’ll have to use the included drain to defrost the unit yourself. In addition, this piece isn’t quite as spacious as others on the market, but it makes the most of its 7.0 cubic feet of interior space. If you take it to a college dorm or vacation home, you’ll enjoy the recessed handle and how sleek and simple this appliance looks wherever it goes. Unlike the other models on our list, the SABA Commercial Chest Freezer has digital temperature control and auto defrost, which is really a luxury. It comes with a key to lock it whenever you’re not around, and it has wheels so you can move it easily. Plus, the black stainless steel finish is stylish and less of an eyesore in any room. These features come at a cost since this model is nearly three times as expensive as others on our list. You have to defrost this small freezer manually, but it does include a drain to make the process easier. It’s not listed as garage-friendly. Customers report that this little freezer works best when kept inside your home, as the manufacturer doesn’t recommend storing it in a location under 50 degrees or above 100 degrees. Danby appliances are known for their quiet operation, and this one comes with a 5-year limited warranty. Installation is also easier than larger models because this freezer comes with two rear wheels and two front leveling legs to move it from time to time. This freezer only comes with one interior basket, but you can purchase more baskets for an additional cost to optimize your freezer organization. In addition to those notable design features, this GE chest freezer also includes a temperature alarm and power indicator. The piece is Energy Star-certified, so you don’t have to stress about it racking up your energy bill, either. Just be aware: the temperature alarm can be a little touchy at times and can go off even when the piece is at the right temperature. At 52 pounds, this piece is certainly a bit heavy to carry. You’ll want to set it up at the beginning of your trip in a place that’s easy to reach, so you can grab a snack and manually defrost the appliance as needed. The appliance makes up for this weight by being compatible with a 12-Volt DC outlet. This type of outlet is standard on boats and RVs, where power sources are limited. Other benefits include two sliding storage baskets, an interior light to help you find what you’re looking for, and an exterior power light to feel very assured that it’s working. This model also promises to keep your food frozen for up to 48 hours in a power outage.
Organization Options
Unlike upright freezers, chest freezers don’t usually have shelving that helps keep your frozen goods organized. Instead, chest freezers have dividers and baskets, which you can use to separate dinners from meats, fruit, or baked goods. The average chest freezer has two or three storage baskets, while more spacious and high-end models may have up to five. Some of these baskets can be sliding, and others will be removable, which is ideal for a manually-defrosting model.
Manual vs. Automatic Defrosting
If your chest freezer manually defrosts, you will need to maintain it when ice and frost build up in the interior. Once the buildup becomes a quarter-inch thick, you’ll need to unplug your model, take everything out of it, and chip away at the ice and frost. After the ice and frost have been removed and have melted away, you can drain the unit and plug it back in. If your chest freezer automatically defrosts or is considered frost-free or self-defrosting, internal coils will occasionally heat up and keep frost at bay. This option is more expensive to operate and purchase upfront, but it is easier to use.
Standout Features
Safety Lock
If your chest freezer has a safety lock, you’re able to secure what you’re storing inside. This feature is particularly handy if you plan on leaving your freezer in a garage or frequently entertain. You can lock the appliance and feel comfortable knowing that there will be no unwanted entry. Typically, the safety lock is paired with a physical key or key fob, which you should store in a safe, accessible spot.
Garage-Ready Design
Any household that wants extra storage but doesn’t want to set up a bulky appliance in their kitchen should look for a chest freezer with a garage-ready design. This type of design ensures the appliance will run properly, whether the external temperature is very hot or very cold. In other words, your goods won’t go bad and will remain in a stable internal environment. Not all freezers are garage-ready, so it’s important to look for this feature.
Exterior Power Light
It can be hard to tell if your chest freezer is on and running. Even if it’s plugged in, without any sort of indicator, you may worry the appliance isn’t properly storing your food. An exterior power light creates a small glow on the ground near the appliance, so you know it’s working properly. It’s very suitable for households that aren’t quick to trust their appliances, and are planning to keep their chest freezer on at all times.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was edited and updated by Marisa Casciano, the senior commerce editor for appliances, cleaning, and organization for The Spruce. Throughout her career, she’s researched the ins and outs of air purifiers, dishwashers, cooktops, and more in the home and lifestyle space. As an avid cook, she understands the need for extra storage space and a model that can withstand different temperatures, locations, and uses. Erin Johnson also updated this article. Erin is a commerce editor at The Spruce with a focus on large appliances, organization, and cleaning. She has written about the best home products and appliances for Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, and Apartment Therapy. Her family uses the Danby 7.2-cubic-foot Chest Freezer in matte black. Erin loves that this freezer blends in with the garage while preserving food throughout hot Texas summers.
