When it’s time to buy a freezer, you’ll have two basic choices: an upright freezer or a chest deep freezer. There are some key differences between these two types of freezers beyond their vertical and horizontal setup. Get to know the pros and cons to decide which type of freezer is better for you.
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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 .
Refer to the comparison chart below for an overview of the price, capacity and dimensions of upright and chest freezers from Maytag brand.
*Values and measurements are estimated ballpark figures and vary by model and manufacturer
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:
Maytag ® chest freezers can help you store bulk grocery items and premade meals
Help keep your frozen favorites at their best with an upright freezer from Maytag brand . Frost Free Defrost prevents icy build-up and also helps you avoid the slushy mess of defrosting.
The Fast Freeze Option on select models, like this one from Maytag brand , lowers the freezer temperature with the push of a button to freeze items so they’re ready when you need them. Plus, a reversible door on select Maytag ® upright freezers gives you the option of opening the door from the left or right side to fit into almost any space.
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:
Get a performance that’s powerfully cold with a chest freezer from Maytag brand . Garage ready chest freezers, like this one from Maytag brand , are built for performance and made for the garage, tackling garage climates between 0ºF and 110ºF when in freezer mode. A Lid Lock and Key on this model gives you extra security and peace of mind.
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.
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.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about chest and upright freezers.
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.
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.
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.
Maytag ® freezers offer long-lasting storage for frozen foods. With features like the Fast Freeze Option on select Maytag ® upright freezers , you can lower the freezer temperature with the push of a button to freeze items so they’re ready when you need them. Or, choose a garage-ready Maytag ® chest freezer . When in freezer mode, these chest freezers tackle garage climates between 0ºF and 110ºF.
Explore Maytag ® kitchen appliances designed to power through mealtime and cleanup and look good while doing it
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