CHEST VS. UPRIGHT FREEZER: WHICH IS BEST?

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UPRIGHT FREEZERS VS. CHEST FREEZERS?

Upright and chest freezers, like these models from Maytag brand, differ in orientation, organization styles and storage use cases. Which one is right for you depends on your needs such as where it will be located, what you plan to store and a few other considerations

Upright freezers are sometimes called stand-up freezers because they are more vertical. This gives you a tall storage space usually featuring shelves for easy organization. Chest freezers lay horizontally and are great for extra large items or deep freezer storage but can be more difficult to access. 

Read on to decide whether you should bring home a chest freezer vs. an upright freezer.

CHEST VS. UPRIGHT FREEZER COMPARISON

Refer to the comparison chart below for an overview of the price, capacity and dimensions of upright and chest freezers from Maytag brand.

CHEST VS. UPRIGHT FREEZER

*Values and measurements are estimated ballpark figures and vary by model and manufacturer

UPRIGHT FREEZER BENEFITS

If you have limited space and want to store smaller items with easier access, an upright freezer may be the right appliance for you. Upright freezers often offer flexible installation, LED lighting and automatic defrost.

An upright freezer might be better than a chest freezer if you:

• Have limited space: These standing freezers require less floor space, making them ideal for areas that require a smaller footprint or finished living spaces, such as a basement rec room or kitchen.
• Store smaller items: Upright freezers usually come with organizational baskets, shelves, drawers, racks or door compartments. If you freeze small items like frozen dinners, packaged meats or produce, these interior features can help you stay organized instead of piling food up and losing track of what’s on the bottom.
• Want easier access: Vertical freezers let you keep some items at eye-level and within reach for easier access. You also won’t need to bend over this type of freezer to get at what you need or when cleaning it out. 
• Want LED lighting: Select stand-up freezers feature energy-efficient LED lighting throughout to help you find just what you’re looking for when you need it.
• Need flexible installation: Some standing freezers come with a reversible door so you can open it from the right or the left. If you need a flexible setup, this is an option to look out for.
• Want automatic defrost: Some upright freezer options from Maytag brand feature automatic defrosting. This helps prevent icy buildup and also helps you avoid the slushy mess of manual defrosting. Learn how to defrost a freezer, if manual defrosting is needed.
• Easy cleanup: Upright freezers can be easier to access with minimal bending while cleaning.

CHEST FREEZER BENEFITS

Chest freezers can be a great option if you like to buy and store in bulk and have a good amount of floor space. These appliances are great for bulk storage and are handy for those who need a big space to store their latest hunting or grocery haul. 

You might prefer a chest freezer over a standing freezer if you:

• Have plenty of floor space: Chest freezers are short and wide, occupying more horizontal space than vertical. Chest freezers are ideal if you plan to keep it in a garage or basement with plenty of room. If you prefer this style but don’t have a lot of extra room, you can find small deep freezers to help minimize the footprint.
• Buy and store in bulk: Chest freezers can maximize your deep freezer capacity due to the lack of shelves, drawers and dividers. If you buy in bulk or want to stock up on your favorite frozen items, even a small chest freezer makes the most of usable space.
• Are a hunter: Chest freezers provide you with one, big open space perfect for larger items like sides of meat, whole turkeys, and oversized boxes. Though some models come with optional baskets or drawers, they can usually be removed.
• Want to lock it: Chest freezers sometimes come with a lock for added security.
• Want a consistent temperature: With deep storage and easy access racks, chest freezers can help keep your meat, vegetables and other foods fresh for the long haul.

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A CHEST VS. UPRIGHT FREEZER

When choosing between a chest vs. an upright freezer, you’ll want to consider how much storage you’ll need, where you’ll place the freezer and installation differences between the two.

Location - Choosing the right location for your freezer can help maximize its efficiency and convenience. Make sure your freezer is near a power source and located in an area that is easily reachable for loading and unloading items.

The surrounding temperatures can also play a role in freezer placement. Try to place your freezer in an area that is normally between 32°F (0°C) and 110°F (43°C), and avoid placing it near an oven, radiator or other heat sources.

Energy Use - In general, a larger freezer will have larger energy consumption. Chest freezers are typically more energy efficient due to the door opening from the top and allowing less cold air to escape.

Installation - Whether you’re installing a chest or upright freezer, you’ll want to cover your floors on the path to the installation site with cardboard to help prevent damage. These appliances require the help of another person and some measurement of your space prior to installation.

Chest freezers require at least three inches of clearance on the sides and between the back of the freezer and the wall. Upright freezers require one inch of clearance between the back of the freezer and the adjacent wall, as well as three inches of clearance between the top and sides of the appliance.

Capacity - Freezer capacity might be the most important consideration when buying a freezer. Consider the size of your household and what kind of storage you need. If you have a small household and will use the freezer for overflow from your refrigerator freezer, you might only need a small chest or upright freezer. If you have more people at home and want a deep freezer for bulk buying or long-term storage, a large chest freezer might be best for you.

Both upright and chest freezer sizes are often found with capacities ranging from around 7-20+ cubic feet, although models vary and smaller compact configurations are also available. As a general rule of thumb, each cubic foot can hold approximately 25 lbs. of food. Here are some general ranges to help you choose whether a small, medium or large freezer is best for your space.

• Compact and small freezers: Compact upright or chest freezers are usually available with 3-5 cubic feet of space inside and small freezers offer around 5-9 cubic feet.
• Medium freezers: Medium upright or chest freezers typically offer 10-16 cubic feet of storage capacity.

• Large freezers: Large freezers generally start with around 17 cu. ft. inside and go up from there. Maytag brand offers large upright freezers with up to 20 cubic feet of space and large chest freezers with capacities up to 22 cubic feet.

Learn more about freezer sizes and dimensions to make sure you bring home the right one. Lastly, explore Maytag^® freezers on sale to find current discounts and savings on chest and upright freezers.

FREEZER FAQS

Get answers to commonly asked questions about chest and upright freezers.

ARE UPRIGHT FREEZERS BETTER FOR FREQUENT USE?

Upright freezers have built-in, vertical shelving and door storage that makes them easy to organize and access items. The accessible storage found in upright freezers make them a great choice for frequent use.

ARE CHEST FREEZERS MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT THAN UPRIGHT?

In general, a larger-sized freezer will consume more energy than smaller freezers. In addition to size, consider the type of freezer. The door on a chest freezer opens from the top and allows less cold air to escape, typically making it more energy efficient than upright freezers.

WHICH FREEZER IS BETTER FOR LONG-TERM FOOD STORAGE?

Both models are great for long-term food storage. It mostly comes down to what type of organization you prefer. Chest freezers typically offer large capacity with plenty of usable, open space inside. This can be a great option for buying food in bulk. However, upright freezers tend to have more shelving for organizing food items.