Sometimes the freezer in your home just is not large enough. So buying an extra freezer is something to consider. More specifically, an easy solution is to buy a freezer to store in your garage. The freezers for your garage will be spacious and tailored to your needs.
We have analyzed the various models on the market and focused on features such as cubic feet, energy requirements, temperature control, etc.
to determine the best models available. In doing so, we have compiled a comprehensive list of details to help you decide which model is right for you.
Best Freezers for Garage:
1. Midea MRC04M3AWW, White 3.5 cu. ft. Mini Freezer
If you need a small chest freezer for your garage, this next model may be for you. The Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door Chest Freezer is a medium-large chest freezer suited for your garage or any room. It has the classic white aesthetic of older freezers but of course, comes modernized with its features.
This freezer from Midea is a hit amongst consumers. Consumers note this freezer as being great for long-term freezer product storage. The baskets in the freezer are also noted as a huge value booster.
The Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door Chest Freezer is a fantastic freezer for your garage and for storing freezer products for long periods. The easy-to-use flip-up lid makes storing large products and multiple things simple and more than viable.
Specifications
- 3.5 cubic feet
- Stainless steel and iron construction
- Freestanding setup
- Mechanical temperature control with adjustable thermostat from 10.4° to -18.4° F
- Hinge-style door (remains open from 45-75° angles); door also reversible
- 1 x hanging, wire storage basket
- Voltage: 120V
- Dimensions: 33.5″ x 22.2″ x 20.59″
- Color: White
- Weight: 59.6 lbs
- Full 1-year warranty, 2-year compressor warranty
Pros
- The door remains open between angles of 45-75°
- Hanging wire basket for added utilizable space
- Large size
- Full warranty for one year and compressor warranty lasting two years
- Mechanical temperature control for easier temperature management
Cons
- N/A
2. Whynter CUF-110B Energy Star 1.1 cubic feet Upright Freezer
The first model in the review is possibly the upright freezer for garage use. The Whynter CUF-112SS Energy Star Upright Lock-Stainless Steel Freezer is a compact, 1.1 cubic foot freezer. As most of the products on this list are, this freezer was designed as a freestanding freezer.
Find the Whynter CUF-112SS to be the perfect little freezer. It is noted as a great, compact freezer for one person’s freezer contents or the excess from a family/group’s freezer content.
The Whynter CUF-112SS Energy Star Upright Lock-Stainless Steel Freezer is a great freezer for one person or for storing a bit of excess that you cannot fit into your main freezer. Its compact size is ideal for handling and maintenance.
Specifications
- 1.1 cubic feet
- Stainless steel construction
- Freestanding setup (requires room around the unit)
- Mechanical temperature control with a range of -10° to 2° F
- Reversible swing door
- The recessed handle provides a flush finish
- 1 x interior, removable, flat, slide-out wire shelf
- Voltage: 120V
- Dimensions: 17.7″ x 18.5″ x 19.5″
- Color: Black, stainless steel
- Weight: 39.8 lbs
- Energy Star-rated appliance
Pros
- Freestanding setup
- Mechanical temperature control for easy temperature setting
- Reversible swing door
- Removable shelf for added storage or for creating more open space
Cons
- N/A
3. EdgeStar CMF151L-1 1.1 Cu. Ft. Medical Freezer with Lock
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The next model in the review is perhaps the freezer for a hot garage. The EdgeStar CMF151L-1 Medical Freezer with Lock, although very small, is a phenomenal tiny freezer. The freezer itself only has one and one-tenth (1.1) cubic feet of interior space but is constructed to be high quality. The temperature can be adjusted and there is even a lock on the front.
Consumers are blown away by this small freezer from EdgeStar. The most common praise is that the freezer goes colder than even the specifications advertised. It is noted as being perfect for extractions and things of the like because it is so cold and is lockable.
The EdgeStar CMF151L-1 Medical Freezer with Lock is one of the most powerful freezers in review. Although it is very small and not necessarily suitable for most things, it packs a punch. It is very worth it if you have smaller items to store.
Specifications
- 1.1 cubic feet
- Stainless steel construction
- Freestanding setup/installation
- Adjustable thermostat reaching minimum temperatures of -4° F
- Reversible swing door
- Recessed handle
- Security lock and two keys
- 1 x interior, removable, flat, slide-out wire shelf
- Voltage: 120V
- Dimensions: 19.25″ x 18.2″ x 17.75″
- Color: White
- Weight: 42 lbs
Pros
- Compact size, easy to handle and install
- Reversible swing door for more optimal operation
- Comes with a lock and keys to keep contents safe
Cons
- Manual defrosting required
4. Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star 2.1 cubic feet Upright Freezer
The next freezer in the review is the Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer. As the name hints, the freezer is an Energy Star-rated appliance, meaning that it is up to modern efficiency standards. This freezer has a total of two and one-tenth (2.1) cubic feet of storage space; layout – two main shelves (second and third level) accompanied by a shortened first level.
Consumers love this model from Whynter. Overall, consumers are satisfied with the space provided by this freezer and its cold-keeping capability. It is also noted as having noticeably low power consumption.
The Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer is a phenomenal stand-alone freezer for the garage or any other room where you might want to store your frozen goods. Add in the fact that it is quiet and can be locked and this freezer is even more appealing.
Specifications
- 2.1 cubic feet
- Stainless steel construction
- Freestanding setup (requires room around the unit)
- Cylinder lock (comes with two keys)
- Reversible swing door
- Compressor cooling
- 2 x interior, removable shelves
- Voltage: 115V
- Noise level less than 45 dB
- Maximum power consumption (AC) = 75 watts
- Estimated annual power used: 228 kilowatts
- Dimensions: 17.5″ x 20″ x 27.5″
- Color: Silver, stainless steel
- Weight: 44 lbs
- Energy Star-rated appliance
Pros
- Two removable shelves add a level of possible modification
- Low annual energy requirement
- Lockable and comes with keys to prevent theft or unwanted intrusion
- Energy Star-rated appliance
Cons
- N/A
5. SPT UF-304SS: 3.0 cu. ft. Upright Freezer
The next freezer for a garage is the SPT UF-304SS Energy Star Upright Freezer. As with a few other models on the list, this freezer is an Energy Star-rated appliance. The SPT Upright Freezer is designed with a swing-style door that is reversible so you can place the freezer practically anywhere.
This unit employs a modern aesthetic as well with its stainless steel front.
There are no negative reviews to find for this freezer model. Most consumers find this freezer to be perfect for extra storage and highly effective. One such review even notes having purchased the freezer two years before the said review and reports that the freezer is still in perfect functioning form.
The SPT UF-304SS Energy Star Upright Freezer is one of the most appealing freezers in the review here. The modern aesthetic of the stainless steel and the ability to reverse the door opening direction is a real draw for this model.
Its Energy Star rating ensures it is efficient as well, making this freezer a truly full package.
Specifications
- 3 cubic feet
- Stainless steel construction
- Freestanding setup
- Mechanical adjustment thermostat
- Reversible swing door
- Flush back design
- 3 x interior, pull-out baskets
- Top 2 basket dimensions: 14.25″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″; bottom basket dimensions: 14.25″ x 13.5″ x 7.75″
- Maximum noise level: 40dB
- Voltage: 120V
- Dimensions: 21.1″ x 19.4″ x 33.8″
- Color: Black, stainless steel
- Weight: 57.3 lbs
- Energy Star-rated appliance
Pros
- Three interior pull-out baskets, convenient for separating freezer contents
- On the lower end with its noise level
- Energy Star-rated appliance
Cons
- Manual defrost necessary
6. RCA FRF454-BLACK Chest Freezer
The final chest freezer that can go in a garage or storage space is the Igloo RCA FRF454-Black Chest Freezer. This freezer from Igloo is a squared unit with five and one-tenth (5.1) cubic feet for storing plenty of extra freezer products. With an adjustable thermostat and removable wire basket, this model has similar features to most of the units reviewed here.
Consumers are overwhelmingly dissatisfied with this model. The negative feedback far outweighs the positive. The most common complaint is that the freezer works for a very short period, if at all. Many report the compressor failing in under a year, which is unacceptable.
While the Igloo RCA FRF454-Black Chest Freezer has enticing features, especially its squareness and large space. However, this model has a horrid track record among consumers and therefore we would suggest seeking out other models with similar features.
Specifications
- 5.1 cubic feet
- Plastic construction
- Freestanding setup
- Adjustable thermostat
- Power on indicator
- Removable vinyl-coated wire basket
- Hinge-style door (single flip-up lid for easy access)
- Voltage: 120V
- Dimensions: 22.83 x 30.12 x 35.04
- Color: Black
- Weight: 72.8 lbs
Pros
- Adjustable thermostat for added environment control
- Comes with a removable wired basket for added storage or extra interior space (when removed)
- Easy access hinge-style door
Cons
- High voltage requirement
- Plastic construction
7. Koolatron Compact Upright Freezer, 3.1 cu ft (88L)
Another option to consider among the freezers for garage use is the Koolatron KTUF88 Upright Freezer. This swing door style freezer has a solid three and one-tenth (3.1) cubic feet of freezer storage. The shelves on levels one and two are spacious and a slide-out basket comprises the first level.
Consumers have tons of great things to say about this freezer model from Koolatron. A common review is that the freezer is larger than expected and that it holds plenty of freezer products simultaneously.
One grievance is that the temperature control is on the back of the unit; not the most convenient but certainly not a deal breaker.
The Koolatron KTUF88 Upright Freezer has many things to be excited about. The shelves inside are spacious and allow for sizable items as well as smaller ones. With the door able to be reversed, this freezer is great for almost any space or room.
Specifications
- 3.1 cubic feet (88 liters of storage space)
- Metal construction
- Compressor cooling
- Mechanical thermostat control
- Reversible swing door
- 2 x full-width, fixed shelves
- Voltage: 110V
- Dimensions: 22.1″ x 21.7″ x 33.2″
- Color: White
- Weight: 56.2 lbs
Pros
- On the larger side for interior freezer space
- Mechanical thermostat control and reversible swing door allow for modification and control
- Freestanding setup can stand alone
Cons
- N/A
8. Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer, 5.0 cu ft (155L)
The next garage-ready chest freezer model in review is another Koolatron product. The Koolatron KTCF155 Chest Freezer is the larger cousin of the Koolatron model previously reviewed at number five.
With five cubic feet of interior space and a hinge-style, flip-up door, this freezer is meant to hold plenty of products, small to large. This freezer from Koolatron is the first in review to have some mixed opinions from consumers.
While some point to it being a good quality freezer, many people have complaints about the item arriving damaged and with a lid that does not close all the way. The reviews are fairly even in terms of positive and negative feedback so be wary when shopping this model.
The Koolatron KTCF155 Chest Freezer is a solid chest-style freezer for any garage or space. It has all of the features one could hope for in a freezer but it does come with a bit of risk. With many consumer complaints regarding the same issue, be cautious about choosing this model.
Specifications
- 5 cubic feet (155 liters of storage space)
- Steel construction
- Compressor cooling
- Mechanical thermostat control
- Convenient defrost drain and easy-clean interior line
- Equipped with interior baskets for added storage
- Hinge-style door (single flip-up lid)
- Voltage: 120V
- Dimensions: 22.8″ x 32.4″ x 32.9″
- Color: White
- Weight: 68 lbs
Pros
- Convenient defrost drain and easy-to-clean
- Hinge-style door for easy access
- Mechanical temperature control
Cons
- Relatively heavy
9. Koolatron Large Chest Freezer, 7.0 cu ft (195L)
The next model is a large chest freezer suitable for a garage or storage space. The Koolatron KTCF195 Chest Freezer is the largest Koolatron model in the review. This model has a whopping seven cubic feet of interior space and a hinge-style, flip-up door as does the five cubic feet model.
This seven cubic feet model performs much better than its five cubic feet counterpart amongst consumers. Most consumers simply refer to the freezer as spacious and effective. The large space is the biggest plus with consumers constantly referring to the amount of product they can fit into it.
The Koolatron KTCF195 Chest Freezer is a much stronger model than the five cubic feet model. Consumers are on board with this model and are thrilled by the space and extra freezer storage it provides.
Specifications
- 7 cubic feet (199 liters of storage space)
- Steel construction
- Mechanical thermostat control
- Recessed handle
- Convenient defrost drain and easy-clean interior lining
- Equipped with interior baskets for added storage and separated certain products
- Hinge-style door (single flip-up lid for easy access)
- Voltage: 120V
- Dimensions: 22.2″ x 39.1″ x 32.9″
- Color: White
- Weight: 86 lbs
Pros
- Large interior freezer space
- Convenient defrost drain and easy-to-clean interior lining
- Flip-up door for easy, reach-in freezer access
Cons
- N/A
Factors to Consider
The following is a list of factors to consider when buying a chest or upright freezer for the garage:
Space you have available:
The first factor considered when buying a chest or upright freezer is to consider the space you have available to place one.
Ideally, you have a five-by-five (25 sq. ft) foot area for larger freezers or a three-by-three (9 sq. ft.) foot area for a smaller, medium-sized freezer. Also, the closer to an outlet the better, so consider your garage or other space and decide as to the most appropriate size freezer for you.
Energy efficiency
The next factor to consider is the freezer’s energy efficiency. Many of the models in the review are Energy Star-rated appliances and are therefore up to modern standards of efficiency.
If the freezer model you are considering is not Energy Star rated, ensure you understand the power requirement specifications and ensure that this added power draw is something that you can viably take on.
Sometimes even Energy Star-rated freezers can consume more energy because the regular temperature in your garage is too high. So making your garage cooler is a good solution.
Style of the Freezer
A more personal factor to consider is the style of the freezer you wish to buy. Typically speaking, many of the smaller models have swing-style doors, which is the typical way a door operates.
The positive thing about these is that the door is reversible. However, these models typically do not hold large products. On the other hand, hinge-style, lift-up door models are better suited for large freezer items. Also, they are slightly easier on those with bad or sore backs!
Chest Freezer Ratings and Reviews
The final factor to consider is the freezer rating or reviews. As we can see from the reviews here, consumers are typically straightforward with their assessments of products.
Many of the freezers here are spoken highly of by consumers, however, we have a few models here that consumers were not so keen on. Be wary of consumer opinion and shop accordingly.
FAQs
Is a hinge-style, lift-up door/lid model better than side-swinging doors?
It depends on what you expect to store. Most of the time, the hinge-style, lift-up, chest door is easier to use when handling large products like large cuts of meat, boxes, etc. Most of the swing-style door models will not even fit products like that.
The hinge-style doors also allow you to bend down less as you can open the freezer from the top.
Are small, upright freezers worth it or a waste?
They are certainly worth it! Smaller upright freezers can be worth it; it depends on why you are shopping for the freezer in the first place. Where you may have trouble finding its value is if you simply need more space.
However, if you only have a few extra items to store or if you plan to use an upright freezer in a dorm, they are undoubtedly worth it. The most efficient, coldest freezer in this review list is the smallest-sized freezer.
If you need small, go small. However, if you are wary about the smaller freezers, shopping for small, and medium-sized freezers may alleviate your conflict.
Are any brands more prominent than others? Which is best?
There are sure brands, such as Koolatron, that may seem to be more prominent in the market. However, as we can see from the reviews, not every Koolatron model is crushing it with the consumer base.
This goes to show that just because a brand may be prominent or have numerous options on the market does not mean it is the best. As for the best, there is no particular brand. Freezers are not computers, many brands can make an efficient, well-operating freezer.
So do not get hung up on a brand name. If you see a model you like and it happens to be the product of a well-known brand, great. If not, do not sweat it you are likely getting a quality freezer regardless.
Conclusion
There are plenty of models reviewed here that could end up being the right freezer for you. The chest and upright freezers for your garage are the ones that most appropriately fit your space, cover your needs, and operate efficiently without much hassle.
There are many such models here to choose from. Having made it this far, you are surely more equipped to make a conscious decision when it comes to buying an extra (or new) freezer.
By analyzing the styles of the freezer, the storage space provided by each, and consumer opinion among other things, we have created a detailed review list of viable freezer models on the market.
With so many possible models to choose from, it can seem overwhelming. Use the information you have gleaned here to reduce that sense of angst and find the perfect freezer model for your needs. Start your shopping journey now!
