GE FCM15PUWW

As a chest freezer, the GE FCM15PUWW has some disadvantages over upright freezers like the Frigidaire FFU21F5HW (*Est. $690) . It's harder to organize, you must bend to reach the bottom and it has to be manually defrosted. On the plus side, it is quieter and more efficient -- enough to earn an Energy Star rating -- and professional testers say its temperature control is very good. Features include an interior light, power-indicator light, a drain for defrosting and a keyed lock, which is an important safety feature if you have small children. It also has four storage baskets that can be either lifted out or slid sideways, a feature that users say adds greatly to convenience. Owners also find the freezer spacious and reasonably quiet, though tests show it is not as quiet as some chest freezers. The most common complaint is that the lid does not always seal well and, possibly as a result, frost tends to build up quickly. Still, most users consider this freezer a good value. If a smaller chest freezer will fit your needs, you can save some money with the 8.8-cubic-foot Kenmore 16922 (*Est. $340) .

The GE FCM15PUWW is one of 27 chest freezers currently evaluated by ConsumerReports.org, based on tests of temperature control, energy efficiency and noise level. It also receives more than 100 reviews from owners at HomeDepot.com, most of whom say they would recommend it. We also found a handful of additional reviews from other sources.