Chest vs Upright Freezers [Pros and Cons]

At a Glance:

Upright Freezers vs Chest Freezers [Comparison Table]

Upright Freezers Pros and Cons

Chest Freezers Pros and Cons

Best Upright Freezer

Best Chest Freezer

FAQ

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There are generous advantages to owning a freezer that is separate from your refrigerator. Whether you place it in your basement, garage, or mudroom, an upright or chest freezer can provide your family with enough storage space to keep wholesale groceries or stockpile foods fresher for longer.

When it comes to choosing between upright vs chest freezers, there are critical factors to consider beyond just the price tag. Right away, it’s not difficult to tell both freezers apart—an upright freezer, as its name implies, stands vertically, possessing a front-opening door and interior shelving for food storage, whereas a chest freezer typically sits lower to the ground, has a lift-up door, and contains baskets (not shelves) for food storage.

Read our blog to discover the pros and cons of upright freezers vs chest freezers—and more!

Find the Right Freezer at Spencer's

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Freezers

Upright vs Chest Freezers: An Overview

From initial costs to product dimensions, here is a side-by-side comparison of product attributes associated with the purchase of upright and chest freezers:

Product Attributes	Upright Freezers	Chest Freezers
Price Range (14 cu. ft.)	$600 to $800	$500 to $700
Capacity (cu. ft.)	3.0 to 25.0	5.0 to 25.0
Height (in.)	33 to 72	28 to 74
Width (in.)	19.5 to 33	32 to 36
Depth (in.)	20 to 29	21 to 33

Upright Freezers: Pros and Cons

As previously mentioned, the configuration of an upright freezer resembles that of a mini fridge with a front-opening door and interior shelving. In terms of installation, an upright freezer must have enough room for the door to swing open without obstruction. Overall, upright freezers are favored for their convenient configuration, as it enables easy access to your food inventory in addition to effortless cleanup and maintenance.

As far as usage goes, here are a few pros and cons associated with owning an upright freezer:

Pros

✅ Foods are easier to access

✅ More organization accessories

✅ Easier to clean

✅ Takes up less floor space

✅ Auto-defrost feature is available

Cons

❌ Larger items may be harder to organize

❌ Not as energy-efficient

❌ More expensive to purchase

❌ Shorter lifespan by five years

Delving into specifics, upright freezer vs chest freezer efficiency is not equivocal. Because upright freezers are prone to having slight gaps around the door frame, more energy is required to keep your foods frozen. That said, the storage capacity of an upright freezer is capped at a generous 25 cubic feet—the same as a chest freezer.

Most conveniently, however, upright freezers are typically stocked with an auto-defrost feature, which eliminates the need to manually chip away the frost buildup, making food packaging easier to see, while also reducing odors, improving temperature management, and preventing foods from sticking together.

➝ See More: Best Upright Freezer: Buying Guide

Chest Freezers: Pros and Cons

Not to be outdone, a chest freezer is seen as a refrigeration solution that maximizes storage space for all your frozen favorites. Compared to an upright freezer, a chest freezer stores more food along the width of the appliance—not the height. Because it has a lift-up door, you will need to consider headroom above the appliance. While this means it will occupy significant square footage in your room, this cost is outweighed by the fact that chest freezers can accommodate wider and more oddly shaped items. According to Consumer Reports, chest freezers have around 20 percent more usable space than upright freezers.

Here are other pros—and some cons—associated the ownership of a chest freezer:

Pros

✅ More storage capacity

✅ More energy-efficient

✅ Less expensive to purchase and maintain

✅ Keeps food fresh longer in a power outage

✅ Longer lifespan by 5 years

Cons

❌ Foods may be harder to access

❌ Fewer organization accessories

❌ Harder to clean

❌ Takes up more floor space

When it comes to upright freezer vs chest freezer energy usage, chest freezers use up less energy than upright freezers, providing some relief to both the planet and your wallet. This is largely because chest freezers have an airtight seal at the top to keep the food inside fresh. Ultimately, the airtight locking seal means that less energy is required to keep the container cool.

Product experts assess that chest freezers outlast upright freezers by about 5 years, which is probably owed to their construction, as they do not overheat or have leakage issues. Chest freezers are expected to last between 15 and 20 years while upright freezers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

➝ See More: The Best Chest Freezers | Top Rated Chest Freezers Reviewed

Best Upright Freezer: Frigidaire 15.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer

Never waste time chipping away ice in your freezer again with this Frigidaire upright freezer’s frost-free design that does the work for you. The Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW freezer model keeps food frozen for at least two days in the event of a power outage, thanks to its superior tight seal that locks in cold air. Meanwhile, the EvenTemp™ cooling system constantly circulates cold air throughout the freezer cavity with smart sensing technology that adjusts airflow to maintain a uniform temperature.

As far as organization features go, this freezer’s flexible system allows you to easily organize your family’s frozen favorites with four adjustable metallic wire shelves, one deep bottom basket, and five spacious door bins that let you make the most of every available square inch of your freezer. You can monitor the ideal environment for your frozen foods with the audible temperature alarm that alerts you when the door is left open or the freezer’s temperature rises. Most conveniently, you can know at a glance that your freezer is keeping your favorites safely frozen and fresh with a floor-projected indicator light.

Best Chest Freezer: Frigidaire® 7.0 Cu. Ft. White Chest Freezer

This Frigidaire chest freezer makes for wonderful supplemental refrigeration with features that optimize both space and temperature control. The Store-More™ removable basket is a convenient lift-out storage solution for your favorite foods, and the Power-On indicator light lets you know when the freezer is working. Plus, the easily adjustable temperature controls let you choose the right settings for your frozen items. What’s more, the Frigidaire FFCS0722AW freezer is over 22 percent more energy efficient than the brand’s 2013 models, making the case that innovation in Frigidaire’s line of chest freezers never stops.

Upright vs Chest Freezer FAQ

What size chest freezer is best for a family of 4?

For a family of 4, the best size chest freezer is usually around 14.8 to 21 cubic feet. Upright freezers are sometimes a better option for small families since they typically take up less space and can be easier to organize; however, chest freezers allow for more flexibility when storing larger items such as whole turkeys or side of beef. Ultimately, it depends on your space constraints and what you’ll be needing to store in the freezer.

How many years does a chest freezer last?

Chest freezers can last for many years if they're properly cared for, with some models lasting up to 20 years. Upright freezers generally last up to 16 years. To ensure that your freezer lasts as long as possible, make sure you defrost it when needed and keep the seals clean and in good condition. Be sure to check the manufacturer instructions for advice on how often and how best to care for your freezer.

What are the disadvantages of the upright freezer?

One of the main disadvantages of an upright freezer is that it typically takes up more space than a chest freezer. Additionally, they can be harder to organize since there are fewer compartments and shelves for items. Upright freezers also tend to have less insulation than chest freezers, making them not as energy efficient which can lead to higher power bills. Finally, if you need to store large items like whole turkeys or side beef in your freezer, upright models tend to offer less flexibility when it comes storing these larger items. Therefore, if you require a lot of storage space or need flexibility for storing larger items, then a chest freezer might be the better choice for your family.

How long will an upright freezer last without power?

An upright freezer can last for up to 2 days without power, while a chest freezer will typically last up to 4 days without power. To ensure that your food stays safe, it's best to store frozen foods in a fully stocked refrigerator or cooler with ice for backup when facing an extended power outage. Additionally, having generators on hand can be helpful in cases where the electricity goes out for longer periods of time.

The Final Verdict

As you may have guessed, your decision between an upright vs chest freezer will ultimately depend on personal specifications, including budget, accessibility, and storage needs. An upright freezer may be the more prudent purchase for individuals who require or prefer easier accessibility to their frozen items. This freezer type also takes up less square footage, which is especially ideal if you are looking to maximize a compact space.

On the other hand, a chest freezer is typically less expensive to purchase and maintain, is more energy-efficient, keeps foods fresher for longer in a power outage, has more storage capacity, and lasts longer than its upright counterpart.

➝ See More: Top 5 Best Freezers Every Buyer Should Consider

Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance? 

Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction have always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.

Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!

Shop Our Freezers at Spencer’s

As always, don’t forget to shop local! Be sure to scour our catalog of freezers and ice makers, and if you have other questions regarding differences between upright vs chest freezers don’t hesitate to call or visit your friends in the business at Spencer’s TV & Appliance. Proud to have served our customers since 1973, we have 10 locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Call or visit us today!

Learn More: Top Standalone Freezers for Arizona Garages [Buying Guide]

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