One of the first things most people have to decide is whether to buy an upright freezer or a chest freezer. If the only factor is cost, you're probably interested in a chest freezer: these models have cheaper up front prices and tend to be cheaper to operate, too (although you should compare Energy Guides to get a better idea of the energy usage). Chest freezers are also referred to as "deep freezers."

It can be tempting to pop your new freezer in your garage, especially if you have a small home. However, unless it says otherwise, most freezers are designed to operate within your home in ambient temperatures of around 50-80 °F. They can burn out quickly if placed in a non-temperature controlled space like a garage - running up your electrical bill and possibly spoiling your food in the process!

Most freezers try to keep your food at or around 0 °F. Even in winter, an "indoor" freezer can struggle in a garage: let's say the ambient temperature is in the 30s. The freezer compressor may stop running, causing the interior to thaw. Even if that doesn't happen, frost can form and thaw on the components of the freezer due to the cold ambient air, which can result in "fun" problems like damaged coils and leaking refrigerant.

What this boils down to: buy a garage ready freezer, and pay attention to the ambient temperature range listed by the manufacturer. Garage ready freezers have improved insulation and different internal components to help them manage wider ambient temperature ranges. GE's garage ready freezers, for example, are tested to perform from 0-110 °F. 

Choosing a garage ready model will save you money in terms of spoiled food, electricity, and repairs/total failures.

Energy Efficiency

Freezers with an Energy Star rating are at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard. Compare the Energy Guides between different models to get a better idea of their operating costs. Also, keep in mind that larger freezers use more energy, and that manual defrost freezers use half as much energy as automatic defrost models (but need to be defrosted periodically).

Self Defrost/Automatic Defrost

Frost free freezers have a heater that runs 2-3 times a day to defrost the evaporator. The moisture usually drains into a tray underneath the freezer. This does not impact the frozen goods inside the freezer as long as the freezer is mostly full. These freezers cost more to run, but the tradeoff can be worth it. In hot, humid conditions with frequent door openings, the automatic defrost cycle may not operate properly. 

Manual Defrost

Many chest freezers are manual defrost. This process needs to be done about once a year once there is ice buildup that is 1/4" thick, but could be more or less often depending on how often you open up the freezer. You have to take everything out of the freezer and unplug it so that all ice buildup can melt away. Using a hair dryer or other methods can speed up the process. Some models have front defrost drains to make it even easier.

Deep Freezer/Chest Freezer

These are interchangeable terms for long, low freezers that open from the top.

Convertible Freezers

Convertible fridge/freezers can change from refrigerators to freezers as needed. This seems like a more useful feature on smaller freezers. They could come in handy if you are planning a party or an event and need to boost your fresh food storage space.

Soft Freeze Section

Some upright freezers come with a "soft freeze" area that stays a little warmer than the rest of the freezer, making it an ideal storage space for ice cream. It's a covered bin. Frigidaire and GE are two brands that offer them.

Freezer Lock

Freezers with locks can be useful if you want to protect children in your home or make sure that the freezer door is firmly closed after each use.

Temperature Alarm

These freezers will use an audible alarm to alert you if the interior is too warm.

Interior Lights

This is a particularly useful feature with larger models where it's easier to lose track of what's inside!

Power Indicator Light

Located on the exterior of the freezer, these lights are an easy way to make sure your freezer is receiving power.

Interior Organization

Consider the shelving or bins/baskets available in the freezer. Upright freezers may offer glass or wire shelving, as well as door shelving. 

Temperature Controls

Temperature controls may be located on the inside or outside of the freezer, and can be digital controls or dial controls. Digital controls located on the outside of the freezer are a higher-end feature. 

Some freezer models from the mainstream brands we sell will go on sale throughout the year - these are typically small discounts from 10-20%, which could translate to anywhere from $50-200 off the retail price. Value brands don't go on sale as often, and the same goes for small mini freezers under 8 cubic feet. So if you're buying a small freezer from a value brand, you don't need to worry much about getting the best price as they are already close to "rock bottom."

"Clearance models" may pop up around January through May, as this is when some manufacturers tend to revamp their lineups so "old" discontinued models are discounted to make room for new models. 

1. Measurements of the installation spaces and doorways. If the model is going in your home, measure the width of the doorways it will have to fit through. You may also need to measure the available height, width, and depth of the area you would like to install it.

2. How much you want to spend. This will impact how big of a freezer you can get as well as what extra features come with it, if any.

3. The approximate capacity you need, based on the number of people in your household and your food storage habits.

4. Any extra features you are interested in, such as power indicator lights or door locks.

We hope that this guide helped you figure out the size and type of freezer you want. We carry brands like Frigidaire, GE, Hotpoint, Amana, Whirlpool, Maytag, and Danby. Keep in mind that freezers go on sale less often than other large appliances, and that most small and value-priced models don't go on sale except if they're on clearance. 

Now it's time to head into the store and shop with confidence!