Need More Freezer Space? These 3 Chest Freezers Wowed Our Testers

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've tested over 50 refrigerators in the past 10 years, and our testing of standalone freezers follows a similar approach to how we test a freezer attached to a refrigerator.

For chest freezers, we conducted our analysis through at-home consumer testing, considering:

✔️ Ease of use: We examine the control panel for clarity and responsiveness, the readability of the owner's manual, and the ergonomics of handles.

✔️ Organization: Adjustable baskets and flexible storage options make a big difference when accommodating frozen foods, from large cuts of meat to smaller bits and bobs.

✔️ Real-world use: Testers use the freezers at home to see how easy they are to set up and how they hold up over time.

Depending on your use case (garage vs. indoors, bulk storage vs. occasional use, tight budget vs. high performance), different criteria will matter more.

✔️ Size: Measure the space where the freezer will go (width, depth, height), including lid clearance and doorways it has to pass through. Allow at least 3 inches of space behind and on each side of the freezer to ensure air circulation around it. Freezers have compressors that generate heat as they work to maintain a cold interior, so they require adequate air space to prevent overheating.

✔️ Capacity: Manufacturers recommend 2.5 cubic feet per person. For example, a 10-cubic-foot freezer is ideal for a family of four. Consider how full you’ll likely keep it—freezers run more efficiently when more full (but not overpacked).

✔️ Location: The location you choose to keep your freezer can help determine which freezer you should select. Some freezers are labelled as garage-ready, meaning they can withstand extreme external temperatures (e.g. 0°F to 110°F or similar), while others should be kept indoors in less extreme temperatures. The space you select will also determine the size of freezer you can choose.

✔️ Defrost system: Most chest freezers are manual-defrost, which means you’ll need to defrost when the ice buildup becomes thick. Look for models with a conveniently located drain (often at the front or side) to make defrosting easier. Rounded interior corners also make cleaning easier.

✔️ Temperature control: Adjustable thermostats and digital displays make it easy to fine-tune cooling. Controls that are accessible from outside or top-mounted add convenience. Some models feature a fast freeze or turbo freeze mode to quickly chill new items.

✔️ Interior features and organization: Chest freezers’ deep space can make finding stored items hard, so bright lights, storage baskets, and dividers reduce wasted food, time, and frustration.

✔️ Safety and ergonomics: Easier and safer usage improves the experience (no bruised backs, fewer mishaps), especially for heavier/freezer loads.

• Lid safety: A latch or lock is important for households with kids. Also, look for a lid that stays open at various angles without slamming shut on you while loading and unloading.
• Dimensions: Consider the height of the freezer and whether you can reach the bottom, especially when lifting heavy items.
• Mobility: Casters or wheels are helpful if you need to move it occasionally.

A chest freezer is ideal for long-term food storage. Unlike upright freezers that open like a refrigerator, chest freezers have a top-opening lid and a deep, horizontal design that helps maintain consistent cold air.

Because cold air sinks, these freezers retain their temperature more efficiently, which means your food stays frozen even when you’re rummaging around for that elusive pack of dumplings.

They’re especially good for:

• Bulk shopping: Perfect if you like to buy meat, seafood, or frozen produce in large quantities.
• Meal prep: Store make-ahead casseroles, soups, and sauces for quick weeknight dinners.
• Preserving seasonal produce: Freeze fruits, veggies, or garden herbs when they’re at their peak.
• Emergency backup: In a power outage, chest freezers tend to stay colder longer due to their insulated design and top-sealing lid.

The biggest advantage of a chest freezer—its capacity—can also be its biggest challenge. Without some system, it’s easy to lose track of what’s buried at the bottom. Here’s how to make the most of your freezer space:

• Sort by category: Group items into zones: meat in one area, veggies in another, ready-to-eat meals together, etc. Use plastic bins or reusable freezer bags to separate categories.
• Label everything: Make masking tape and a permanent marker your new best friends. Include the item name and the date it was frozen so that you can use older food first (the first-in, first-out rule).
• Use baskets and bins: Most chest freezers come with one or two hanging baskets—use them for smaller or frequently used items. Add stackable bins, dividers or crates below for larger goods.
• Keep an inventory: A simple dry-erase board or phone note app can track what’s inside. Update it every time you add or remove something. You’ll thank yourself later when meal planning.
• Avoid overpacking: Leave some space for air to circulate so the freezer maintains an even temperature.

Regular maintenance, every three to six months, keeps your freezer running efficiently and odor-free. If ice buildup exceeds ¼ inch, it’s time to defrost.

1. Unplug and empty it: Move food to a cooler while cleaning.
2. Defrost: Let the ice melt naturally, placing a lipped tray or old towels under the drain to catch the water.
3. Wash the interior: Wipe down the surfaces with a mix of warm water and baking soda (1 tablespoon per quart of water). Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can leave lingering smells.
4. Dry completely: Use a towel or let the freezer air-dry before plugging it back in.

Raena Loper is a contributing analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab and has helped test freezers, air fryers, toaster ovens, food processors, and more.

Perry Santanachote is a contributing writer for Good Housekeeping. She has been testing and writing about the best kitchen appliances—from toaster ovens to refrigerators—for over a decade.