Chest freezers vs. upright freezers

ConsumerReports.org and Which? and Choice magazines report on the most energy-efficient freezers in comparison tests and buyer's guides. As you might expect, they say chest freezers are more efficient than uprights -- these smaller units use less energy since very little cold air escapes when you open their top-mounted doors. Still, the energy savings between the most and least efficient freezers isn't staggering. Because of that, most experts and reviews say you should base your choice on configuration, freezing capacity and price.

Chest freezers are best for consumers who often buy bulk foods and tend to store these items for long periods of time. Also, the wider shape of chest freezers makes them a solid choice for storing large or bulky items. While chest freezers take up more floor space than uprights, experts say they're 10 to 25 percent more efficient because they're better insulated (the design and weight of their doors helps to secure their seal). On the down side, chest freezers can be difficult to organize because they lack shelves. Due to their low height, owners have to bend down to get to them.

Upright freezers are best for consumers who frequently buy smaller quantities of food. Organizing their contents is easy, but bulky items can be harder to fit. Uprights take up less floor space than chest freezers, but their door placement and design make them less efficient because cold air escapes more easily. Upright freezers come in two types: manual-defrost and self-defrost. Manual-defrost freezers are slightly cheaper to buy and run, but self-defrost freezers can be more convenient. ConsumerReports.org recommends going with a self-defrosting freezer and says that manual-defrost upright freezers don't maintain uniform temperatures as well as self-defrosting units. The internal fan in self-defrosting units -- necessary to keep the freezer dry enough that it doesn't require manual defrosting -- also distributes cold air throughout the freezer and keeps the temperature uniform.

Additionally, although many people like to keep their freezer in their garage, manufacturers say this isn't a good idea if you live in an area with extreme heat. In very hot weather, a product's compressor has to work overtime to keep food frozen, making the freezer more prone to breakage. The Frigidaire FFU12F2HW user's manual states that freezers should be stored in a location where temperatures will not exceed 110-degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below freezing (32-degrees Fahrenheit) will not affect freezer operation. It's important to point out, that manufacturer specification may vary from one model to the next. You should refer to your user's manual before placing your freezer in the garage.

Whirlpool has designed a line of garage-friendly appliances able to withstand very high or low outdoor temperatures. The Gladiator Garageworks brand is designed specifically for a garage. Gladiator's 21-cubic-foot Freezerator Convertible Refrigerator/Freezer GAFZ21XXRK (*Est. $1,110) has 15 cubic feet of freezer space, with 6 cubic feet of space on top that can be used as either a refrigerator or freezer. It has built-in heaters for cold outdoor temperatures and a cooling system for hot weather. Even so, it is recommended that you don't use the Gladiator in temperatures below 0 degrees or above 110 degrees. User reports on this model are mixed. While it receives generally favorable ratings at ABT.com, Sears.com users report a multitude of problems. Several owners say the temperature in the freezer is too hot (or too cold when used as a refrigerator), while others report ice buildup and mechanical failures. The Freezerator isn't Energy Star-rated and includes a one-year warranty.

Other things to know before you buy a chest or upright freezer:

  • Opt for temperature control. This feature allows you to manually adjust the freezer's thermostat to bring it to the correct temperature (0 degrees Fahrenheit) if the default setting is too warm or too cold. Nearly all full-size freezers have a temperature-control knob.
  • Manual-defrost models should have a drain. If you're purchasing a manual-defrost freezer, buy a model that contains a drain to help with defrosting. This feature allows you to empty the water into a pan rather than sopping it up with towels. Most manual-defrost freezers include a drain.
  • Fill it up. Freezers run most efficiently when filled tightly. The more food you stock the less space there is for warm air to get in and the less energy is required to keep the air inside cold. Thanks to newer insulation materials, smaller units offer more capacity than freezers only a few years old.
  • Lock it up. Locks are an important safety feature in chest freezers since unlocked freezers can trap a small child inside. Most chest units come with a lock and key.
  • Lights can be lifesavers. Finding food in a jam-packed freezer can be tricky, so look for units that have an interior light. Additionally, freezers with a power-on light can be useful for making sure the power hasn't gone out. A few freezers also include a battery-operated temperature alarm that will alert you if the freezer fails, so you can remove foods before they thaw and spoil.

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