Expanding your frozen food storage is a practical decision for any household, whether you’re a meal prepper, a bulk shopper, or simply need extra space for frozen goods. A dedicated chest freezer offers generous capacity and excellent energy efficiency, keeping your food preserved for longer periods. The right model can fit seamlessly into your garage, basement, or kitchen, providing organizational flexibility and peace of mind.
Choosing the best chest freezer depends on your specific needs, including available space, storage capacity, and desired features. From compact units for small apartments to larger freezers for big families, the market offers a variety of reliable options. This roundup highlights eight of the best chest freezers to help you find the perfect match for your home and lifestyle.
Our Top Picks for Home Chest Freezers
- Kismile 7.0 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer with 3 Removable Baskets
- Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer, 7.0 Cubic Feet, White
- Whynter FM-62DZ 62 Quart Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator and Freezer
- Whynter FM-45CAM 45 Quart Camouflage Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
- Midea WHD-113FB1 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer
- Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ 6.9 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer
- GE FCM7PHWW 7.0 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer
- Magic Chef HMCF7W2 7.0 Cubic Foot Chest Freezer
Kismile 7.0 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer with 3 Removable Baskets
The Kismile 7.0 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer is a space-saving solution that doesn’t compromise on capacity. Its compact design makes it suitable for various locations like the kitchen, garage, or office. You can store a wide array of items, from bulk meats and frozen vegetables to breast milk and cold drinks, all while keeping your floor space optimized.
This model offers excellent control with its seven-grade adjustable thermostat, allowing you to select the precise temperature for your needs. The unit includes three removable baskets, providing superior organization to keep different food categories separate and easily accessible. Additional thoughtful features include a quiet, hinge-style door that stays open at various angles and a green run light to confirm the freezer is operating correctly.
Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer, 7.0 Cubic Feet, White
For those seeking a straightforward and reliable freezer, the Midea 7.0 Cubic Feet model is a solid choice. Its mechanical control is simple to use, featuring an adjustable thermostat that can reach temperatures as low as -28 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for long-term storage of frozen food, ice cream, and ice.
The freezer comes with a handy hanging wire storage basket to help you organize smaller items and prevent them from getting lost at the bottom. The design includes a practical hinge-style door that can remain open at angles between 45 and 75 degrees, making loading and unloading more convenient. This unit combines essential functionality with a classic white finish that fits in any setting.
Whynter FM-62DZ 62 Quart Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator and Freezer
The Whynter FM-62DZ stands out with its incredible versatility, functioning as both a refrigerator and a deep freezer. This 62-quart portable unit is perfect for road trips, camping, RV adventures, or even as a supplementary unit in your home. It operates on both AC 110V and DC 12V power, giving you flexibility no matter your location.
A key feature is the dual-zone storage, which allows you to use the unit as a freezer on one side and a refrigerator on the other. It includes two removable wire baskets for better organization. The easy-to-read LED display and “Fast Freeze” function enable you to quickly bring the temperature down to -8°F, ensuring your items are frozen rapidly and efficiently.
Whynter FM-45CAM 45 Quart Camouflage Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
Designed for the outdoor enthusiast, the Whynter FM-45CAM combines functionality with a rugged camouflage aesthetic. This 45-quart portable unit is a real freezer and refrigerator, making it an excellent companion for hunting trips, camping, and tailgating. Its robust construction is built to handle the demands of outdoor use.
It offers an adjustable temperature range from -8°F to 50°F, controlled via a clear LED display. The “Fast Freeze” mode ensures your catch or groceries are frozen quickly. It comes with two removable wire baskets and features insulated walls and a lid for improved energy efficiency. With both AC and DC power cords included, it’s ready for any adventure.
Midea WHD-113FB1 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer
When space is at a premium, the Midea 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer provides a smart solution. This compact freezer is ideal for small apartments, dorm rooms, or as a dedicated freezer for specific items like breast milk or frozen desserts. Its smaller footprint allows it to tuck into tight corners without sacrificing utility.
Despite its size, it is designed to be energy-efficient, helping you save on electricity bills. The design likely includes a manual defrost system and a simple temperature control mechanism, making it a low-maintenance appliance. It’s a practical choice for anyone who needs extra freezing capacity without the bulk of a full-sized unit.
Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ 6.9 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer
Frigidaire is a trusted name in home appliances, and this 6.9 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer lives up to that reputation. It offers a generous capacity that is well-suited for families, making bulk shopping and meal prepping more feasible. The design focuses on durability and reliable performance over the long term.
This freezer typically includes features such as a counter-balanced lid that stays open for easy access and an interior light. It also often comes with Frigidaire’s proprietary SureTemp system, which helps maintain a consistent temperature to protect your food from spoilage. It’s a workhorse freezer designed for everyday family use.
GE FCM7PHWW 7.0 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer
The GE FCM7PHWW 7.0 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer offers a great balance of capacity and features from a leading appliance brand. This size is versatile enough for most households, providing ample space for frozen goods while remaining manageable in terms of footprint. Its clean, white finish ensures it will look appropriate in a garage, basement, or utility room.
You can expect user-friendly features such as a slide-out basket for organized storage and easy access to frequently used items. The design often includes a power-on indicator light and a convenient lock to help keep contents secure. GE’s focus on quality construction means this freezer is built for dependable service.
Magic Chef HMCF7W2 7.0 Cubic Foot Chest Freezer
The Magic Chef HMCF7W2 provides a generous 7.0 cubic feet of freezing space, making it a capable unit for family kitchens and storage areas. Known for offering value, Magic Chef freezers deliver essential freezing capabilities in a straightforward package. This model is designed to be a reliable and affordable addition to your home.
It includes practical elements like a removable storage basket to aid in organization and a manual defrost system. The exterior is clean and simple, with a front-mounted temperature control for easy adjustment. This freezer is an excellent option for those who need ample storage without complex features or a high price tag.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Chest Freezer for Your Home
I know that shopping for a chest freezer can feel a bit overwhelming with all the sizes and features available. Having gone through this process myself, I want to share what I learned to help you make a smart choice. The first and most important step is figuring out what size you actually need. Chest freezers are measured in cubic feet, and a good rule of thumb is about 1.5 cubic feet per person in your household. For a family of four, that puts you in the 5 to 7 cubic foot range for basic frozen goods. If you like to buy in bulk, hunt, or have a large garden, you might want to look at models that are 15 cubic feet or larger. Remember to measure your space, too, including the height of the door swing and the path it will take to get the freezer into its final spot.
Next, let’s talk about organization. This is the classic trade-off with a chest freezer. The deep bin is great for energy efficiency because cold air doesn’t spill out when you open it, but it can become a “freezer abyss” if you’re not careful. Look for features that help with this. Some models come with removable baskets that let you group similar items together. I find a basket perfect for frequently used things like frozen vegetables or ice cream. Other helpful features include interior LED lighting, which is a game-changer for seeing what’s in the bottom, and dividers that let you create custom sections. Don’t forget to check the lid liner; some have built-in pockets for storing smaller items, which is a clever use of space.
Energy efficiency is another big one. A freezer is going to be running 24/7, so its operating cost matters. Look for the yellow EnergyGuide label. It will give you an estimated yearly running cost, which makes it easy to compare models. In general, a freezer with a higher energy efficiency rating might cost a bit more upfront, but it will save you money on your electricity bills for years to come. Also, consider the warranty. A good manufacturer will stand behind their product with a solid warranty on the cabinet and the sealed refrigeration system. Finally, think about convenience features. A power-on light and an audible temperature alarm are simple additions that can save you from a major disaster if the power goes out or the door is left ajar. By thinking about your space, storage needs, and long-term costs, you can find one of the best chest freezers for home use that will serve you well for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a chest freezer raise my electric bill?
This is a common concern, and the answer depends on the size, age, and efficiency of the freezer, as well as your local electricity rates. Modern Energy Star-rated models are surprisingly efficient. A typical 7 cubic foot chest freezer might cost between $40 to $60 a year to run, while a larger 15-20 cubic foot model could be in the $60 to $100 range. You can get a precise estimate by looking at the yellow EnergyGuide sticker on the appliance, which provides an estimated yearly energy consumption cost.
Where is the best place to put a chest freezer?
You should place your chest freezer in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. A basement or a garage are popular choices, but you need to be cautious. If your garage gets extremely hot in the summer or very cold in the winter, it can affect the freezer’s performance and efficiency. Many modern freezers are rated for garage use in a wider range of temperatures, so check the manufacturer’s specifications. Always ensure there is enough clearance around the unit for proper airflow.
Do I need to defrost my chest freezer?
Most newer chest freezers are “frost-free” or “auto-defrost,” which is a huge convenience. These models have a heating element that periodically melts any frost buildup, so you never have to manually defrost it. However, many basic and highly efficient models are still “manual defrost.” These require you to turn off and empty the freezer about once a year to melt the ice that accumulates. They are often more energy-efficient because they don’t have the defrost heater, but they require that yearly maintenance.
What is the ideal temperature for a chest freezer?
The ideal temperature for any food freezer, including a chest freezer, is 0° Fahrenheit (-18° Celsius). This temperature keeps food safely preserved and maintains its quality. I recommend using a standalone freezer thermometer to verify the internal temperature, as the built-in dials are not always perfectly accurate.
Can I lay a chest freezer on its side to transport it?
You can, but you have to be very careful. If you transport it on its side, you must keep it upright for at least as long as it was on its side before you plug it in (24 hours is a safe bet). This waiting period allows the refrigerant and oil to settle back into the compressor. If you plug it in too soon, you can seriously damage the compressor. When moving it, always try to keep it as upright as possible. When selecting from the 8 best chest freezers for home use, also consider the door swing direction and handles to make moving and placement easier.