UPRIGHT FREEZERS VS. CHEST FREEZERS
When it comes to freezers, upright freezers and chest freezers are the two main choices. Beyond their vertical and horizontal orientations, there are a few key differences between the two types. Read this guide to learn more about upright vs. chest freezers and the benefits of each.
What is the difference between an upright freezer and a chest freezer?
Upright and chest freezers have a few differences. Upright freezers are also called stand-up freezers because they are vertical, while chest freezers are horizontal. Upright freezers provide you with tall storage space and chest freezers are great for extra large items or deep freezer storage. Chest freezers, also known as deep freezers, are less likely to have door storage since the door opens up rather than to the side. With chest freezers, you reach down into the unit to access food items; with upright freezers, you typically access food items on shelves while standing.
Deciding which freezer is best for you will depend on where you plan to keep it, what you plan to store and a few other factors. Read on to learn more about chest freezer and upright freezers as you make your decision.
COMPARING UPRIGHT FREEZERS AND CHEST FREEZERS
Other things that differentiate upright and chest freezers include size, installation, cost and efficiency. Read on to learn more about both choices to help you make the best decision for your needs.
1. UPRIGHT FREEZER DIMENSIONS VS. CHEST FREEZER DIMENSIONS
An upright freezer has a smaller footprint than a chest freezer. Common upright freezer sizes include compact, small, medium and large. As cubic footage increases, the freezer will typically be taller rather than wider or deeper. The built-in and door storage make it easy to organize and access your frozen items.
| UPRIGHT FREEZER DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| COMPACT | 20–24″ W x 31–37″ H x 20–25″ D |
| SMALL | 21–25″ W x 55–60″ H x 22–26″ D |
| MEDIUM | 23–30″ W x 60–73″ H x 27–30″ D |
| LARGE | 27–33″ W x 64–76″ H x 29–30″ D |
If you have a larger household or often buy in bulk, a chest freezer might be the better option for you. The wider, shorter design means you’ll need more open floor space for a chest freezer vs. an upright freezer, making them ideal for a basement or garage. As you gain capacity, the freezer will usually get wider rather than taller or deeper.
| CHEST FREEZER DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| COMPACT | 21–28″ W x 32–34″ H x 19–22″ D |
| SMALL | 29–38″ W x 32–34″ H x 22–27″ D |
| MEDIUM | 54–65″ W x 33–36″ H x 24–28″ D |
| LARGE | 72–84″ W x 31–34″ H x 27–32″ D |
2. UPRIGHT FREEZER INSTALLATION VS. CHEST FREEZER INSTALLATION
When it comes to installing a chest freezer or upright freezer there are a few factors to consider. If you have limited space or are looking to install a freezer in a finished space like a basement or rec room, an upright freezer may be the better option. Upright freezers also sometimes have a reversible door so you can open it from the right or the left, making it a flexible option.
Chest freezers occupy more horizontal space than vertical with their short and wide design. They are well-suited for garages or basements with plenty of room. If you prefer a chest freezer but don’t have a lot of extra room, you can find small deep freezers to help minimize the footprint.
3. UPRIGHT FREEZER ENERGY EFFICIENCY VS. CHEST FREEZER EFFICIENCY
Chest freezers typically have a tighter door seal and the temperature is known to stay more consistent because they lack a self-defrost system. With these considerations in mind, chest freezers can be more energy efficient than upright freezers.
An ENERGY STAR® certified chest freezer uses about 215 kWh of electricity and costs about $30 per year to run, while an ENERGY STAR® certified upright freezer uses about 395 kWh of electricity and costs about $50 per year to run.
4. UPRIGHT FREEZER COSTS VS. CHEST FREEZER COSTS
Chest freezers tend to be slightly more affordable than upright freezers and may be less expensive to run. They also are more likely to keep your frozen foods frozen during a power outage because they hold a more consistent temperature. Overall, a chest freezer is a more economical option.
5. UPRIGHT FREEZER ORGANIZATION & STORAGE VS. CHEST FREEZER ORGANIZATION & STORAGE
The built-in, vertical shelving and door storage make upright freezers easy to organize. It is also easier to see what is in the freezer and to access your items. The easy accessibility of upright freezers makes them great for storing frozen foods you need to reach for often.
Chest freezers generally have more open space. They often have bins that can be utilized for storing smaller items, along with a shelf and divider to help keep things organized. The open space and large capacity can be useful for storing items as you prepare for a holiday meal or for when you stock up at the grocery store.
6. UPRIGHT FREEZER MAINTENANCE & LIFESPAN VS. CHEST FREEZER MAINTENANCE & LIFESPAN
Chest freezers and upright freezers have similar life spans. However, when it comes to maintenance, a chest freezer may take more labor if it has manual defrost, while oftentimes upright freezers are self-defrost. Manual defrost, though, means less components within that might require maintenance, while self-defrost means the opposite.
WHICH HAS MORE SPACE: AN UPRIGHT FREEZER OR A CHEST FREEZER?
Chest freezers are great for buying in bulk or stocking up for the unexpected because they are available in the largest capacities. They also typically have the most usable, open space inside, making it easy to store large items. Upright freezers often have a bit less capacity but have more shelving for organizing and separating food items.
SHOP AMANA® CHEST AND UPRIGHT FREEZERS
Keep your favorite frozen foods frozen and well organized, so you can stock up, take time to savor and find what you need quickly and easily with a chest freezer or upright freezer from Amana brand.
