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10 Best Chest Freezers 2025 in the United States

KoolMore SCF-20C Chest Freezer, 20 cu. Ft, White

Capacity: 20 cu. Ft.
Temperature Control: steady 0 to -8°F
Defrosting: manual
Additional Features: lockable lid, casters, wire basket

Midea MERC04C4BAWW Chest Freezer, 3.5 Cubic Feet Freezer With Removable Basket, Interior LED Light, Adjustable Temperature, For Kitchen Apartment Office, White

Capacity: 3.5 cubic feet
Energy Efficiency: R600A compressor, 193 kWh/year
Temperature Control: Convertible freezer and refrigerator modes
Defrosting: Manual defrost with drain
Additional Features: Power outage protection, adjustable legs
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BLACK+DECKER 8.9 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer, Deep Freezer with Top Opening, Freezer Chest with 2 Removable Storage Baskets, Mechanical Temperature Control, Manual Defrost, R600a Refrigerant, BCF890E,White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,497
Capacity
Temperature Control

Most important from
546 reviews

Capacity
The spacious design fits well in various home spaces, offering ample storage without overwhelming the area.
Temperature Control
Maintains a steady, optimal freezing temperature effortlessly, ensuring food stays perfectly frozen over time.

The BLACK+DECKER 8.9 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer offers a spacious storage capacity that suits families or anyone needing extra freezer space for bulk food or meal prep. Its size (about 22.8" deep, 37.6" wide, and 33.5" high) fits well in kitchens, basements, or garages. You get two removable storage baskets, which help keep your frozen items organized and easy to access. The mechanical temperature control dial on the outside is straightforward and lets you adjust the coldness without opening the lid, which helps keep the temperature stable.

This model uses manual defrosting, meaning you'll need to occasionally drain built-up ice yourself. While manual defrost freezers are usually less expensive and more energy-efficient than automatic defrost models, they do require a bit more maintenance. It includes an easy-access drain to simplify this process. The freezer runs on R600a refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly than older types.

Consuming 95 watts of power, it should be reasonably energy efficient, though it does not have an Energy Star rating. The stainless steel door with a white finish looks clean and durable. Weighing about 79 pounds, it’s manageable to move but still sturdy. This chest freezer is well-suited for users seeking a reliable, large-capacity freezer at a reasonable price who don’t mind manual defrost maintenance. It’s a solid choice for adding extra frozen food storage, especially if organization and easy temperature control are important.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,497
Capacity
Temperature Control

Most important from
546 reviews

Capacity
The spacious design fits well in various home spaces, offering ample storage without overwhelming the area.
Temperature Control
Maintains a steady, optimal freezing temperature effortlessly, ensuring food stays perfectly frozen over time.
#2

Hamilton Beach HBFRF2129 21 cu ft Double Door LID Garage-Ready Chest Freezer-White, Vinyl-Coated Baskets, Space-Saving Flat Back, Stay-Open, Front-Access Drain, for Storage, Hunting, Large Family

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Temperature Control
Defrosting

Most important from
259 reviews

Capacity
The freezer impresses with its spacious interior and solid construction, making it a reliable choice for bulk storage needs.
Temperature Control
The unit functions well in a garage environment and maintains freezing temperatures effectively when operating normally.
Defrosting
Manual defrosting is manageable thanks to thoughtful features like the front-access drain and included storage baskets.
Additional Features
The freezer's design and quality make it a good add-on for garage use, combining durability with practical features.

The Hamilton Beach HBFRF2129 is a spacious chest freezer with a 21 cubic feet capacity, making it suitable for large families or anyone needing plenty of storage for bulk groceries, hunting supplies, or meal prep. Its double-door lid design allows easier access to stored items, which is a handy feature in a large unit. The freezer is designed to be garage-ready, meaning it should tolerate a wider range of temperatures found in garages, adding to its versatility.

Temperature control is straightforward with an adjustable thermostat offering seven settings. This helps tailor the freezing level to different types of food, though it uses a manual control knob instead of digital precision. Defrosting requires manual effort, but the included front-access drain makes the process less messy and simpler to manage. The unit includes helpful extras like vinyl-coated baskets for organizing items and adjustable leveling legs to keep it stable on uneven surfaces. The flat-back design helps save space against walls.

The freezer is quite large and heavy (150 pounds), which might be challenging to move or fit into smaller homes. Its manual defrosting and absence of advanced energy-saving features may not appeal if you want the easiest maintenance or lowest electricity bills. This model suits those who need ample storage and garage durability with simple controls and convenient features, but it may be less ideal if you prefer low-maintenance, energy-efficient models or digital temperature controls.

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Temperature Control
Defrosting

Most important from
259 reviews

Capacity
The freezer impresses with its spacious interior and solid construction, making it a reliable choice for bulk storage needs.
Temperature Control
The unit functions well in a garage environment and maintains freezing temperatures effectively when operating normally.
Defrosting
Manual defrosting is manageable thanks to thoughtful features like the front-access drain and included storage baskets.
Additional Features
The freezer's design and quality make it a good add-on for garage use, combining durability with practical features.
#3

Hamilton Beach 30 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Chest Freezer, White Deep Freezer, Adjustable Thermostat, Easy Defrost Drain, Double Door Lid, for Storage, Hunting, Large Family - 29"D x 79"W x 38"H

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Temperature Control
Additional Features

Most important from
259 reviews

Capacity
The massive size requires careful measuring to ensure it fits your space.
Temperature Control
It cools down quickly after being plugged in.
Additional Features
The freezer arrives ready to use and includes wheels for easy mobility.

The Hamilton Beach HBFRF3030 chest freezer stands out with its very large 30 cubic feet capacity, making it ideal for large families, hunting groups, or small businesses needing ample frozen storage. Its adjustable thermostat offers seven temperature settings, which lets you customize cooling based on what you store, ensuring your food stays fresh. However, the freezer uses manual defrosting, which requires occasional effort to prevent ice build-up, unlike some models with automatic defrost features.

The design includes a removable wire basket that helps organize smaller items, so you don't have to dig through everything. Its exterior defrost drain simplifies cleaning, a handy feature for maintenance. The sturdy stainless steel door with a lock adds security and durability, and the power indicator light is a nice touch for easy operation monitoring.

This large and heavy freezer is designed for freestanding setup in garages or dedicated spaces, but it’s not the most energy-efficient model available, so electricity costs may be higher compared to newer energy-saving freezers. This chest freezer is a solid option if you need lots of storage space and straightforward temperature control, and don’t mind the manual defrosting routine.

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Temperature Control
Additional Features

Most important from
259 reviews

Capacity
The massive size requires careful measuring to ensure it fits your space.
Temperature Control
It cools down quickly after being plugged in.
Additional Features
The freezer arrives ready to use and includes wheels for easy mobility.

Buying Guide for the Best Chest Freezers

Choosing the right chest freezer can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Chest freezers are great for storing large quantities of food, especially if you buy in bulk or like to prepare meals in advance. When selecting a chest freezer, consider the size, energy efficiency, temperature control, and additional features that can make your life easier. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of storage space inside the freezer, usually measured in cubic feet. This is important because it determines how much food you can store. Small freezers (5-9 cubic feet) are suitable for small families or individuals, medium freezers (10-16 cubic feet) are ideal for medium-sized families, and large freezers (17+ cubic feet) are best for large families or those who need to store a lot of food. Consider your storage needs and the available space in your home when choosing the capacity.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency indicates how much electricity the freezer uses. This is important for both environmental reasons and your electricity bill. Look for freezers with an Energy Star rating, which means they meet certain energy efficiency guidelines. More efficient models will cost less to run over time. If you use the freezer frequently or plan to keep it for many years, investing in an energy-efficient model can save you money in the long run.
Temperature ControlTemperature control allows you to set and maintain the desired temperature inside the freezer. This is crucial for keeping your food at the right temperature to prevent spoilage. Some freezers come with adjustable thermostats, while others have fixed settings. If you need to store a variety of foods that require different temperatures, look for a model with precise temperature control. For general use, a basic adjustable thermostat should suffice.
DefrostingDefrosting is the process of removing ice build-up inside the freezer. There are two main types: manual defrost and automatic defrost (frost-free). Manual defrost freezers require you to periodically turn off the freezer and remove the ice, which can be time-consuming but often results in better energy efficiency. Automatic defrost freezers prevent ice build-up automatically, making them more convenient but potentially less energy-efficient. Choose based on your preference for convenience versus energy savings.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the usability and convenience of your chest freezer. These may include interior lighting, which makes it easier to find items; baskets or dividers for better organization; and locks for safety. Some models also offer quick-freeze functions to rapidly lower the temperature for newly added items. Consider which features are important to you based on how you plan to use the freezer and your personal preferences.

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