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Refrigerators and freezersHelping You Find the Best
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Refrigerators and freezersHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Chest Freezers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Chest Freezers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Chest Freezers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Chest Freezers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Chest Freezers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Chest Freezers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Are you looking for more storage for frozen food? Whether you have a large family, like to buy in bulk, or are storing meat you've hunted yourself, then a chest freezer can give you all the space you need. They're energy-efficient compared to other freezers and can keep your food at consistently lower temperatures.


With so many chest freezers available, choosing the right one can be difficult. That's why we’ve done the research for you, and our favorite pick is the Chest Freezer by Arctic King. It's energy-efficient, has exterior temperature controls, and comes with a  storage basket. We’ve also put together a list of the 10 best chest freezers for you to consider and created a handy buying guide reviewed by a professional chefto help you make your choice!

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Chest Freezers

1

Arctic King

Chest FreezerHHEE-001
Chest Freezer

Best for Energy Efficiency

2

Koolatron

Garage Ready Manual Defrost Chest FreezerFCM5SKWW
Garage Ready Manual Defrost Chest Freezer

Best for Small Areas

3

GE

Large Chest Freezer
Large Chest Freezer

Best Freezer for Garages

4

Midea

Chest Freezer with Removable BasketMRC070S0AWW
Chest Freezer with Removable Basket

Best for Frost Reduction

5

Avanti

Manual Defrost Chest FreezerCF24Q0W
Manual Defrost Chest Freezer

Best Freezer for Portability

Jim Quast
Expert
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!

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Why Choose a Chest Freezer?

Why Choose a Chest Freezer?

If you’re looking to choose between an upright and chest freezer, you may be wondering what benefits a chest freezer has. One of the main advantages is that they are more cost-effective and energy-efficient in the long term.


Their temperatures generally stay consistently lower than other types of freezers, so they’re less likely to cause freezer burn to your food. They will also keep your food frozen for longer if the power is disconnected, making them a good choice for any areas that can suffer from occasional power failures.

How to Choose a Chest Freezer - Buying Guide

Before buying a chest freezer, there are a few points you should take into consideration such as capacity, size, and energy efficiency. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!

1

Get the Right Size and Capacity for Your Needs

When it comes to the size of a chest freezer, there are two size considerations you need to make. These are the measurements of the freezer and its capacity.

The Dimensions Should Fit Your Space

The Dimensions Should Fit Your Space

There are many places to put a chest freezer. It can be in your basement, house, or garage, but you need to make sure you have enough space for it. Chest freezers can vary greatly in size and shape, with some being very wide, but not very tall, and others being narrower, yet taller. Measure the area in which you wish to install your chest freezer before purchasing one. 


Their dimensions are measured in cubic feet or volume, referring to the space within the freezer. They are available in compact sizes, medium sizes, and large sizes. Compact freezers can be as small as 20 inches in width, 30 inches in height, and 20 inches deep. Some of the large freezers can be 33 inches in width, 76 inches in height, and 30 inches deep.


You will also need to take into account any space needed around the chest, such as room to open the lid. There should be space behind the chest freezer so that the heat it throws out can be expelled and dissipated. This will also make your freezer more efficient.

The Capacity Depends on Food Storage Needs

The Capacity Depends on Food Storage Needs

The capacities of chest freezers can vary greatly! Industrial-sized chest freezers can exceed 20 cubic feet, but unless you’re regularly freezing entire animal carcasses, it’s likely you won’t need a freezer of this size at home.


The most common chest freezers for the average household are compact and small with a capacity of up to five cubic feet for a compact freezer and up to nine cubic feet for small freezers. Mid-size freezers have capacities between 10 to 16 cubic feet, and large ones 17 cubic feet or more.


To decide what size you do need, there is a rough guideline you can keep in mind. One cubic foot of freezer space can store around 35 pounds of wrapped food. Cuts of meat with bones in them can take up more space since the bones are irregularly shaped and not as moldable as meat alone.  To decide what freezer you need, you can multiply the 35-pound average by the cubic feet of a chest freezer.

2

Consider an Energy-Efficient Chest Freezer

Consider an Energy-Efficient Chest Freezer

As a general rule, chest freezers are more energy-efficient than other freezers because they don’t automatically defrost and keep a lower standard temperature. However, some chest freezers are more energy-efficient than others. 


The most efficient freezers will be Energy Star certified, meaning that they are at least 20 percent more efficient than the standard they need to be. A chest freezer that earns this certification can cost less than 30 dollars a year to run! This works out to 215 kilowatts of energy each year, or 0.58 kilowatts per day.


Even if the chest freezer isn’t Energy Star certified, you can still look for energy-efficient models by looking at how many kilowatts they use per day. Many chest freezers will list this in their product descriptions. Look for models that are as close to the 0.58 kilowatts per day usage as possible. Remember, smaller chest freezers will be more energy-efficient than larger models, so keep that in mind when shopping.

3

Find Out if It’s Easy to Defrost

Find Out if It’s Easy to Defrost

Typically, chest freezers do not have an automatic defrost option. This means that you will have to manually defrost the freezer on occasion to prevent the build-up of ice within the unit.


One thing that increases the speed of frost build-up is opening the lid and leaving it open. This is a problem with chest freezers as their open design inside means that you’re often rummaging through just one, large, open compartment to find what you need.


You can reduce this by looking at chest freezers that include either dividers or wire baskets. These make it easier to divide your food to find what you need. We recommend trying to keep your freezer organized or making a list of what is where.


A front drain on the chest freezer will also make defrosting easier, too. A drain on the front will collect the water as it melts and it’s easier to empty once full.

4

Make Sure the Lid Is Counterbalanced and Secure

Make Sure the Lid Is Counterbalanced and Secure

This isn't such an important concern if the chest freezer will be located in your home, but is definitely something you should think of if the freezer is located outside in your garage.


A lockable lid will prevent anyone who shouldn’t access your freezer from getting inside. It’s a safety measure against kids falling inside and opportunistic thieves that want to steal your food.


Some models come with a safety lock and key. The key on these models can be a pop-out key, meaning it's ejected once you lock the freezer. This feature ensures that you don't accidentally leave your keys in the lock. Locks can also be purchased and installed separately if you choose a model without one. 


Due to the size and depth of many chest freezers, when it's time to get some food out, you may need to leave the lid open for some time while you locate what you’re looking for. This is why it’s essential that the lid is counterbalanced and will stay open of its own accord.


Many chest freezers come with lids that can stay open at multiple angles, most commonly 45 and 90 degrees. You don’t want to contend with a lid that keeps closing on you or needs to be propped open, so a counterbalanced lid is essential.

5

Think About Features That Add Functionality

There are also a few more features that you can find on chest freezers that may make your life a little easier!

Lights and Baskets Help You Find What You Need

Lights and Baskets Help You Find What You Need

Many chest freezers will have a light, usually on the lid near the hinges, that will light up when the lid is open. It’s the same principle as the light in your fridge and will help you find the food you need. Lights are especially useful in areas such as garages that may not have sufficient lighting in their own right.


Baskets and dividers are excellent organizational tools that will help you find things quickly since chest freezers don't have compartments to keep things neat. Many models have two baskets or dividers but some can have only one. More dividers and baskets can be purchased separately as well, provided that they fit your freezer. 

Adjustable Legs or Wheels Help With Placement

Adjustable Legs or Wheels Help With Placement

You can also find chest freezers that have wheels or casters on them. As chest freezers can become very heavy once loaded, a set of wheels can make it far easier to move the unit if you need to. The wheels should be strong enough to cope with a fully loaded freezer, so you won't have to worry about them breaking. 


If your freezer is going to be placed on uneven ground, like in a basement or garage, pick a model with adjustable feet or legs. This feature will keep your freezer stable no matter where you place it. 

Front-Mounted Thermostats for Easier Control

Front-Mounted Thermostats for Easier Control

Making sure that your chest freezer is at the appropriate level of cold is important, and a front-mounted thermostat makes this easier. You can adjust the temperature if you need to without having to open the lid


Some models have thermostats that read the temperature, while others will only have an external temperature control system with settings. You may want to invest in an internal thermometer for these models, so you can keep track of your freezer’s temperature. 

Power Lights and Temperature Alarms for Peace of Mind

Power Lights and Temperature  Alarms for Peace of Mind

Something else you can look for on the front of the chest freezer is a light that confirms it's plugged in and working. It’s easy to forget about a chest freezer, especially if it’s in a garage or basement, but being able to quickly see a light will put your mind at rest that the freezer is still freezing. Having a power-on light ensures that you won’t have to open the freezer to see if it’s on and working properly.


Another light you may see on the front of a chest freezer is a high-temperature alarm. This light, usually red in color, will illuminate if the freezer is running too hot and can indicate a problem with the unit.


It’s common for the light to come on when the freezer is first plugged in. However, once the unit achieves a low enough temperature the light should go off and never come on again.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Chest Freezers

Here are our 10 best picks for chest freezers. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available. *Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Jim Quast.
Popularity

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

1

Arctic King

Chest FreezerHHEE-001

Arctic King Chest Freezer 1

Best for Energy Efficiency

2

Koolatron

Garage Ready Manual Defrost Chest FreezerFCM5SKWW

Koolatron Garage Ready Manual Defrost Chest Freezer 1

Best for Small Areas

3

GE

Large Chest Freezer

GE Large Chest Freezer 1

Best Freezer for Garages

4

Midea

Chest Freezer with Removable BasketMRC070S0AWW

Midea Chest Freezer with Removable Basket 1

Best for Frost Reduction

5

Avanti

Manual Defrost Chest FreezerCF24Q0W

Avanti Manual Defrost Chest Freezer 1

Best Freezer for Portability

6

GE

Chest Freezer with Temperature AlarmFCM22DLWW

GE Chest Freezer with Temperature Alarm 1

Best Freezer for Large Quantities

7

Danby

Compact Top-Opening ChestDCF072A3WDB-6

Danby Compact Top-Opening Chest 1

Best for Basements and Uneven Surfaces

8

GE

Manual Defrost Chest Freezer

GE Manual Defrost Chest Freezer 1

Best for Overall Use

9

Whirlpool

Manual Defrost Chest FreezerWZC5216LW

Whirlpool Manual Defrost Chest Freezer 1

Best for Easy Access

10

Northair

Quiet Compact Freezer

Northair Quiet Compact Freezer 1

Best Freezer for Organization

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Arctic King
Chest FreezerHHEE-001

Chest Freezer 1
Source:walmart.com
Chest Freezer 2
Source:walmart.com
Reference price
$197.00
Low
Reference price
$197.00
Low

Best for Energy Efficiency

Pros:

  • Energy Star certified
  • Includes a removable basket
  • Recessed handle for sleek appearance
  • Has adjustable legs for uneven ground
  • The interior and gasket are easy to clean 
  • Exterior temperature controls

Cons:

  • No built-in lock and key

The stylish Arctic King Chest Freezer is incredibly energy efficient. This freezer uses an average of 218 kilowatts per hour (kWh) per year, only costing you an average of $26 a year. It includes a wire basket for storage and has an external thermostat to control the freezer's temperature. Like most models, there's a front drain to make defrosting easy. 


Some reviewers mention that the cord is hard to access since it's tucked behind a back panel, and it can be difficult finding the right temperature setting. But, the majority of reviewers report that the freezer is larger than they expected yet compact enough to fit in their space. They also say that it becomes cold very quickly after setup and they love its sleek, black exterior. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Koolatron
Garage Ready Manual Defrost Chest FreezerFCM5SKWW

Reference price
$292.49
Low Mid

Best for Small Areas

Pros:

  • The lid stays open at 45 and 90 degrees for easy access
  • Includes one storage basket
  • Has an adjustable, external thermostat
  • The flat-back design saves space by allowing flush wall placement
  • Energy Star certified

Cons:

  • Limited storage space
  • No built-in lock and key

This Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer has slim dimensions and a flat-back design that make it ideal for small areas. Unlike other freezers, the coil compressors are enclosed, so the back can be placed flush against the wall to save on space. The external thermostat is adjustable to keep your food at an optimal temperature. A removable storage basket is included for the organization. 


Some reviewers say that the freezer stops working after a few months and a few comment that it can be noisy. However, many other reviewers find this freezer to be fairly quiet, is an excellent size, and holds a lot of food for its size. Some reviewers say that it's barely noticeable in their apartments. 

No.3

GE
Large Chest Freezer

Reference price
$791.00
High Mid

Best Freezer for Garages

Pros:

  • Comes with two removable storage baskets
  • Huge 15.7 cubic feet capacity
  • Has high-temperature indicator
  • Has a lock with a key
  • Equipped with interior and exterior lighting for visibility

Cons:

  • Does not have wheels or adjustable legs or feet
  • Requires water hook-up

The Frigidaire Large Chest Freezer is built to withstand temperatures between 0 to 110 degrees, perfect for areas without climate control like a garage. The spacious 15.7 cubic foot capacity and two removable baskets can store food for a lot of people. This freezer has many extra features, including a lock with a key for safety and exterior and interior lights.


According to some reviewers, the lid doesn't seal properly and frost builds up quickly. On the other hand, most customers find this freezer to be spacious. They also say that it's quiet and keeps food cold, even in hot climates. 

No.4

Midea
Chest Freezer with Removable BasketMRC070S0AWW

Reference price
$399.00
Mid

Best for Frost Reduction

Pros:

  • Includes a removable storage basket
  • Adjustable thermostat for temperature control
  • Multi-angle hinge door opens up to 70 degrees
  • Can convert to a refrigerator
  • Has LED interior lighting
  • Energy Star certified

Cons:

  • Does not have a lock

The Midea Chest Freezer has a few features that reduce frost buildup. Unlike other models, the hinges are designed to stay open at 45, 60, and 70 degrees, reducing the amount of moist air that enters your freezer. Other models with auto hinge holders only open at 45 and 90 degrees, letting in a larger amount of air when opened. It's easy to clean and defrost with its front drain. 


Several reviewers wish it came with an external power light to ensure it's operating without having to open it. They also note that it started leaking a few months after purchasing it. Mostly, reviewers find this product to be very quiet, easy to use, and very lightweight. They report that they've had minimal issues with frost build-up, as well. 

No.5

Avanti
Manual Defrost Chest FreezerCF24Q0W

Manual Defrost Chest Freezer 1
Source:walmart.com
Manual Defrost Chest Freezer 2
Source:walmart.com
Reference price
$288.00
Low Mid
Reference price
$288.00
Low Mid

Best Freezer for Portability

Pros:

  • Removable storage basket
  • Energy Star certified
  • Has wheels for portability
  • Adjustable temperature control

Cons:

  • Wheels aren't height-adjustable
  • Does not have a lock

This compact Avanti Manual Defrost Chest Freezer provides extra storage and mobility. It only weighs 45 pounds and has sturdy wheels, making it easy to move if need be. It offers two-point-five cubic feet of storage with a removable basket. The slim verticle design makes it ideal for small living spaces like apartments.


Some reviewers comment that only the lower level actually freezes and it does not stay cold. However, many reviewers love that it holds a decent amount of food despite its small size. They feel it keeps food very cold. 

No.6

GE
Chest Freezer with Temperature AlarmFCM22DLWW

Reference price
$1,061.99
High

Best Freezer for Large Quantities

Pros:

  • Includes five sliding baskets for organization
  • Has a temperature alarm in case of overheating
  • Includes a child lock
  • Energy Star certified, consuming less energy despite its large size
  • Has an exterior power indicator light

Cons:

  • Requires a lot of space
  • Does not have wheels or adjustable legs

This Chest Freezer is ideal for those looking for a huge freezer with plenty of space. This 21.7 cubic foot freezer has five sliding storage baskets in different levels of the freeze. Interior LED lights can help you find things quickly. The temperature alarm warns you if it becomes too hot out and the lock comes with a key to protect your goods.


A few reviewers have issues with the lid opening and closing properly. They also mention that it fills with frost very quickly. But, most reviewers love the roominess, find it easy to reach things without falling in, and appreciate the number of storage baskets they were given. They love that they can fit meat from deer, beef, and pig in this freezer. 

No.7

Danby
Compact Top-Opening ChestDCF072A3WDB-6

Reference price
$398.99
Mid

Best for Basements and Uneven Surfaces

Pros:

  • Available in two colors
  • Adjustable legs to stabilize the freezer
  • Tested in extreme temperatures to become garage-ready
  • Includes two removable storage baskets
  • Energy Star certified

Cons:

  • Does not have a lock
  • Temperature controls are not labeled

Unlike most freezers, Danby's Chest Freezer features that make it ideal for basements. This model has adjustable legs to stabilize it no matter where you place it. Since many basements and garages have uneven floors, these freezers make an excellent addition. There are two removable baskets and a shelf for storage.  The temperature can be adjusted externally. 


Some reviewers find it to be noisy. However, many customers say this freezer is perfect inside basements and apartments, and some have even placed it outdoors in a covered space with success. They appreciate the five-year warranty and the compact yet roomy size of this freezer. 

No.8

GE
Manual Defrost Chest Freezer

Reference price
$373.74
Mid

Best for Overall Use

Pros:

  • Includes two sliding baskets
  • Has interior lights
  • Exterior adjustable temperature controls
  • Recessed handles for sleek design

Cons:

  • Does not have a lock

This GE Chest Freezer has the size and extra features that make it beneficial to most households. Its seven cubic foot capacity can hold a wide variety of food items with two storage baskets to hold your frequently used items. While it needs to be manually defrosted, it has a drain on the front to make the process quick and easy. 


A few reviewers say that the panel to the cord compartment is missing, leaving wires exposed. They also point out that the wire baskets prevent the lid from closing completely, causing more frost accumulation. Yet, most customers remark that this product is great for garages and small families. According to them, it's quiet, easy to operate, and it's not too big for spaces like kitchens. 

No.9

Whirlpool
Manual Defrost Chest FreezerWZC5216LW

Reference price
$881.99
High Mid

Best for Easy Access

Pros:

  • Can convert to a refrigerator for fresh groceries 
  • Has LED interior lighting
  • Includes two removable storage baskets
  • Has a shelf for easy reach
  • Has a built-in lock and key for safety

Cons:

  • Not Energy Star certified and may consume more energy
  • No temperature control

Whirlpool's Convertible Chest Freezer is built to be easily accessible despite its depth. It can be hard to reach the bottoms of freezers with high capacities, but this freezer has a tall shelf and two removable baskets that make accessing the contents much easier. It can also be converted into a refrigerator if you need more space to store fresh food.


A few customers mention that the lock was broken when they received their freezers. They also wish it includes more baskets. However, most customers report that this product is surprisingly light and easy to move for its size and that it gets cold quickly. They also like the wire baskets and that it's garage-ready. 

Best Freezer for Organization

Pros:

  • Includes four removable wire baskets
  • Auto holder hinges allow the door to stay open at a 45 and 90-degree angle
  • External adjustable temperature control with seven settings
  • Front drain outlet to remove water from the freezer when defrosting

Cons:

  • No interior LED lights
  • Does not have a lock


The Northair Chest Freezer offers more options for organization than the average freezer. Most freezers only have one or two storage baskets if they have any at all. Yet, this freezer comes with four baskets! The baskets are removable, so you don't have to use all four. There's an external thermostat with seven settings so you can set your freezer to your preferred temperature. 


Some reviewers report that the lid doesn't line up properly, causing frequent frost accumulation. On the other hand, many reviewers say this model is quiet, and they love that the thermostat can be adjusted from the outside. They also comment that it gets cold very quickly after being set up. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Along with reviewing our buying guide, JQ also answered a frequently asked question on the internet. Read below to see his insight!

What's the best way to organize a chest freezer?

Jim says, "One of the best ways I have found is to organize by type of food and date. I put all the meat in one section, vegetables in another, and any ready-to-eat meals in another. Then I make sure I write the date on the package with a permanent marker on the package. 


That way, I can make sure I am using up the oldest first; and when I do a deep 'freezer cleaning,' I know how old the item is when deciding to use, get rid of, or put back in freezer."

Top 5 Chest Freezers

No. 1: Arctic KingChest FreezerHHEE-001

No. 2: KoolatronGarage Ready Manual Defrost Chest FreezerFCM5SKWW

No. 3: GELarge Chest Freezer

No. 4: MideaChest Freezer with Removable BasketMRC070S0AWW

No. 5: AvantiManual Defrost Chest FreezerCF24Q0W

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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