The Best Upright Freezers of 2025, Tested by the Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Best Overall

Gladiator Upright Freezer

$1800 at Home Depot

$1499.99 at Lowe's

Looking for an upright freezer built for years of regular use? The Gladiator 17.8-cubic-foot, frost-free model is our Test Kitchen’s top pick for the best upright freezer overall. It combines high-quality materials, attention-getting good looks and a handful of useful extras. These features help it adapt to almost any application. Whether you’re deep-freezing extra meat or seeking surplus storage for frozen meals, Executive Culinary Director Sarah Farmer says this is one model worth splurging on.

From the outside inward, it’s easy to see why this freezer receives top marks in aesthetics. Besides the sleek and striking look, the Gladiator freezer offers a useful foot pedal for hands-free opening. This makes it perfect for those times when you have an armful of groceries! A set of four locking caster wheels also allows for free movement. It’s a good pick for folks who frequently reorganize their space.

Inside, the freezer boasts LED lighting for extra visibility in dark spaces like basements. The self-defrost setting promotes a dry environment with less tendency to develop freezer burn. Unlike some of the options we tested that use confusing visuals to indicate chill level, the Gladiator freezer also has a menu of easy-to-read, pre-set temperatures. Options are indicated by a snowflake graphic and accompanying text descriptor. The options include Soft Serve (the perfect ice cream temp!), Assorted (a multi-purpose setting) and DeepFreeze (for long-term storage).

Despite not offering a temperature alarm or lock (two things we’d prefer to see at this price point), the heavy gauge wire shelving gives it an advantage against competitors. Plus, the modular full and half-gallon door bins make it easy to organize the freezer with frozen treats, leftovers and bulk groceries. Other “cool” features (get it?) include a gated pizza zone for storing packaged pizzas upright in the door, door bins that are almost 7 inches wide (big enough for a full gallon tub of ice cream) and a door that opens easily while still sealing in the chill.

We also appreciate the inclusion of “Max Cool,” a setting recommended for putting frozen foods away from a grocery shopping trip. Once the max low temp is reached, the freezer will stay at that temp for 24 hours before returning to the previous temperature setting. Overall, it’s an excellent larger choice for families looking to maximize their storage space.

Dimensions: H 72.25″ x W 30.25″ x D 32.38″ | Capacity: 17.8 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Frost-free | | Garage-friendly: Yes, with caveats | Warranty: 1-year limited

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Whirlpool Upright Freezer

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1049.0038% OFF$649 at Lowe's

If you want to prevent other folks (or yourself) from snagging ice cream at ungodly hours of the night, a freezer with a door lock may be the perfect move. Whirlpool is a trusted, reliable name in appliances. But that’s only part of why we recommend the Whirlpool 15.7-cubic-foot, frost-free model as the best upright freezer with a lock.

While it doesn’t offer visual bells and whistles like our top pick, the Whirlpool upright freezer does contain a generous 15.7 square inches of storage. That means plenty of space for soup containers, chilling cookie dough and storing frozen meals. The minimalistic white body also fits well into most interior spaces like basements and rec rooms. That said, it’s worth noting that the unit isn’t garage-ready since it’s not meant for temperatures below 40 degrees.

Like most upright freezers, it has interior LED lighting that offers extra visibility in dim conditions. A “Fast Freeze” temperature setting makes quick work of newly-added groceries and protects them from freezer burn. This, combined with a good door seal, helps the frozen foods on the seven shelves stay ice cold. Adjustable leveling legs mean less wobbling on uneven surfaces.

We also love the inclusion of an alarm that rings when the temperature drops below a certain threshold. This feature alerts you of accidental unplugging or temperature malfunctions caused by power shutoffs. Note that it is a bit smaller than our top picks. That said, this is an excellent choice for a locking upright freezer with a few extra features and a good amount of storage.

Dimensions: H 60.75″ x W 30.25″ x D 25.63″ | Capacity: 15.7 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Frost-free | Garage-friendly: No | Warranty: 1-year limited

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Best with Bottom Storage

Maytag Upright Freezer

1099.0027% OFF$798 at Home Depot

When it comes to finding an upright freezer that offers a no-nonsense design and abundant space for food, turn to the Maytag frost-free upright freezer. Perfect for families thanks to a generous 15.68 cubic feet of storage, this upright freezer utilizes handy features like a reversible door, interior LED lighting and a simple, clean design that disappears into most decor styles.

Three wire shelves and five coated door shelves provide ample storage space, especially for families of three or more. Stow away everything from ice trays to ice cream sandwiches, quick meals, extra proteins and popsicles. Despite the rather bland look on the outside, inside the upright freezer is a bright LED. The bright light illuminates the shelving better than the others we tested.

In addition to the generous door and body shelving, the bottom of the freezer also offers ample storage room. Rather than drawers, it utilizes a lowered cavity with a plastic guard rail that prevents larger items from falling out when the door opens. Use the extra space for freezer meals, frozen pizzas or anything else that requires its own special area. While some folks may prefer drawers or an extra shelf here, we appreciate the bin’s flexibility since it works for almost anything in a freezer bag.

Rounding out this utilitarian pick is a reversible door that doesn’t stick while still offering a nice, airtight seal. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best option for garages since the manual advises storing the unit in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. However, for families that need extra freezer storage in the basement or kitchen, this is an excellent choice that costs substantially less than our top pick.

Dimensions: H 60.25″ x W 30.75″ x D 29.12″ | Capacity: 15.68 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Frost-free | Garage-Friendly: No | Warranty: 10-year limited parts

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Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer

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1133.0842% OFF$654.99 at Wayfair

Most of the options we explored function only as a freezer. Not so with this Hamilton Beach model, which offers a garage-safe temperature rating, an adjustable temperature panel on the front and solid, sturdy shelving. It converts to either a refrigerator or freezer, depending on your needs!

The unit is fully garage-ready and operates in temperatures from 0-110 degrees.  While it’s a bit smaller than other options at only 14 cubic feet of storage, you can always add a few freezer storage containers for additional space. In our opinion, the fact that this unit functions in extreme temperatures far outweighs the slightly smaller storage space. Plus, fewer cubic feet of storage means a lower energy bill!

Sarah’s favorite feature is the temperature control panel on the front door, which makes it easy to set the unit’s climate using the arrow buttons. It also displays the current temperature and lets you choose between fridge and freezer modes quickly without opening the doors. Sure, the unit’s manual defrost mode means more overall maintenance, but it also reduces energy usage. In addition, the door is a bit sticky and takes a good tug to get it free. However, that also shows how well the freezer insulates frozen food.

Additional features include a three-minute alarm that triggers when the door is open for too long and bright LED lighting that makes it easy to see in low-light conditions. While not as fancy as the pricier options on this list, the Hamilton Beach upright freezer is an excellent value, especially given its sub-$1000 price tag.

Dimensions: H 68.03″ x W 27.89″ x D 27.95″ | Capacity: 14 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Manual |  Garage-friendly: Yes | Warranty: 1-year

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Best Budget

Hotpoint Upright Freezer

749.0010% OFF$674 at Home Depot

$674 at Wayfair

Want a basic, no-frills appliance that’s simple to operate? The Hotpoint frost-free freezer is our favorite budget option and offers the best bang for your buck. Apart from the basic design that’s easy to use, it’s available at nearly half the price of our top pick. This makes it the most affordable of the best upright freezer options on this list.

Two full-depth and two partial-depth shelves (three wire, one glass) offer sufficient space for ice cream and microwave meals. A removable drawer adds additional space. Take a page from our favorite refrigerator storage ideas and grab a few storage bins to keep everything organized inside. While the overall construction of the appliance leaves a little to be desired, it also isn’t cheap or chintzy. Plus, a built-in alarm that sounds when there’s a temperature change or an open door adds a little extra security that balances things out.

Despite the overwhelming pros of this austere freezer, the lower price point comes with a few drawbacks. Primarily, the Hotpoint freezer isn’t a garage-ready option. Sarah recommends avoiding placing the freezer in locations where temperatures fall below 32 degrees or rise above 110 degrees. This can compromise the freezer’s ability to maintain optimal temperatures. In addition, it also doesn’t offer very many accouterments or special features and the door is a bit difficult to open. However, even given these cons, we find it a good overall value for the price.

Long term tester Matt Fukuda has had the freezer over six months now, and it’s been running the entire time. “The freezer works perfectly,” he says. “Most days its about 70% full and we’ve have had zero issues. Our fridge broke recently so we had to cram all of the freezer items from fridge and freezer as well and even still it continued to work great! I haven’t heard any weird sounds and the temperature has remained consistent.”

Dimensions: H 65″ x W 27.8″ x D 26.5″ | Capacity: 13 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Frost-free | Garage-friendly: No | Warranty: 1-year limited

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Frigidaire Garage Ready Upright Freezer

849.0029% OFF$598 at Frigidaire

849.0029% OFF$599 at Lowe's

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While most of the freezers on our list range from 14 to 18 cubic feet, the Frigidaire upright freezer offers a slightly more compact 13 cubic feet of space. While it’s smaller than the others we tested (minus the mini Midea fridge), this midsize option still has room aplenty for frozen treats, meat and surplus veggies galore. From the moment she filled it with bumper crops, big-batch sauces and Costco scores, tester Katie Bandurski was impressed.

“The 13 cubic feet interior is more than enough space for two people, and could definitely work for larger families, too, she says. “It requires a 15 amp outlet, which is nice. That’s a standard outlet, as opposed to a larger one needed for other large appliances.” The freezer does also come with a reversible door, making it a solid pick for almost any space.

A reversible door, bright LED lighting, door ajar alarm and four adjustable shelves (along with five fixed door bins) rounds out this mid-price pick. Additionally, the tight seal ensures that food stays frozen for two days in the event of a power outage. The green power-on indicator also shows that the freezer is working as intended without the need to physically open the door. Talk about peace of mind!

Katie is especially impressed with its overall appearance. “The overall look of the freezer is very sleek. It’s one of the first things you see when you walk into our basement, and it’s not an eyesore at all,” she says. “The feet also have leveling dials on them, which my husband fussed around with for a few minutes to ensure the freezer was straight. This is a nice feature for a garage or anywhere you may not be working with a super level surface.”

Dimensions: H 67 .75″ x W 27.75″ x D 23.13″ | Capacity: 13 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Frost-free | Garage-friendly: Yes | Warranty: 1-year limited

Best Mini

Midea Upright Freezer

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$224.99 at Amazon

Only have a small space available in your garage or basement? No problem! At just over 37 inches tall, the Midea upright freezer sits at roughly half the size of the other options on this list. It’s a basic, compact upright mini deep freezer featuring a reversible door and an easy-to-use temperature dial located at the back. With a total of three cubic feet of space, it’s especially useful for small families or singles.

The size makes it lightweight at around 50-pounds, so it’s easy to move around and quick to set up. Our tester Mary Henn had hers running in just a few minutes. So far, she notes that it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do: keeping things frozen and running quietly in the background.

“One of the best things about this freezer is the price,” says Mary. “It’s very affordable, which makes it a great option if you’re on a budget or just need a small freezer for extra storage. It’s also perfect for tighter spaces like an office, apartment or anywhere you need a little more freezer space without taking up too much room.”

There are a few drawbacks to consider, though that’s not a surprise at this price point. Mary notes that the back of the unit is exposed, so the compressor area can get pretty warm. This poses a safety issue for kids or pets who might touch it. Additionally, while we appreciate how lightweight it is, the freezer can also tip forward a bit when you open the door while it’s empty or not very full. Mary also mentions that the interior shelves feel a bit flimsy, too—the bottom basket, for example, arrived slightly bent, though it still works fine.

Apart from those slight issues, it does arrive equipped with several useful features, including leveling feet on the bottom front and a garage-friendly rating. For a little extra storage at a fair price point, it’s hard to find a better value than this Midea option.

Dimensions: H 37.6″ x W 21.9″ x D 23.6″ | Capacity: 3 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Manual | Garage-friendly: Yes | Warranty: 1-year limited

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GE Energy Star Garage Ready Upright Freezer

$949 at GE

1099.0013% OFF$949 at Lowe's

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Many folks searching for the best upright freezer plan to put it in their garage, but many of the more inexpensive options simply aren’t equipped to handle outdoor temperatures. The GE Appliances frost-free upright freezer, however, lives up to the challenge. It performs in temperatures ranging from 0ºF to 110ºF, covering a range of climates. This makes it a great pick for garages and chilly basements.

Unlike many other options we tested, the door boasts a build-in handle, rather than a cutout on the side of the door. Additionally, the temperature controls sit right on the front of the door. This makes adjusting the interior temperature easy, especially since it doesn’t require opening the door. A simple plus and minus button system allows precise temperature control, with a maximum temperature of 59ºF.

One detail that sets this freezer apart is its Turbo Freeze function. Engaging this setting sets the freezer to run constantly for eight hours before returning to the previous setting. It’s especially useful for deep freezing items quickly and for setting up the freezer initially. The interior offers lots of storage space with four door shelves, four main shelves and three bins. That said, it’s worth mentioning that none of the shelving is adjustable.

While our testers found the freezer a bit difficult to open, that’s due to the ultra-secure seal, so it’s a worthwhile trade-off. However, should the seal fail for some reason, a temperature and door ajar alarm call attention to the issue right away. Otherwise, it’s very quiet as it runs.

Dimensions: H 64.75″ x W 32.875″ x D 31.375″ | Capacity: 17.3 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Frost-Free | Garage-friendly: Y | Warranty: 1-year limited

What To Look for When Buying an Upright Freezer

When shopping for an upright freezer, Sarah’s best advice is to focus on size and features to find the right freezer rather than investing in an option that offers bells and whistles you won’t use. However, if you can afford it, the bells and whistles sometimes add unexpected value by streamlining meal time. Some features, like locking doors, self-defrosting and temperature alarms, also help save money in the long term.

Sarah notes that upright freezers come in three basic sizes: compact/small (five to nine cubic feet, similar in size to a mini fridge), medium (12 to 18 cubic feet) and large (more than 18 cubic feet). It’s always best to snag the size that best fits your household, especially since more circulating air means a greater risk of freezer burn.

Angie Kreller, Interior Designer at Yabby, frequently helps her clients choose the best appliances for their homes, like freezers and refrigerators. She says size is crucial when shopping for an upright freezer. “A smaller freezer is perfect for kitchens with limited space while a larger model is ideal for homes that like to store bulkier frozen goods,” Kreller says. “Consider your kitchen layout; if you have narrow aisles, go for a slimmer model. You also want to think about how the freezer will fit with the rest of your cabinetry. If it’s built-in or integrated, make sure the design complements your kitchen’s flow.”

Adding an extra freezer to your home is a smart investment, but just like purchasing any other major appliance, there are things to consider to ensure you buy the best upright freezer for your needs. Maybe you require a ton of storage but have a very tiny kitchen. Perhaps feeding a large family tops your concerns, and you need as much space as possible. Unlike traditional stand-alone freezers, upright freezers offer tons of storage space without requiring a large footprint.

It’s important to keep in mind the following criteria when looking for the best upright freezer:

• Size: Before buying any big appliance or furniture item, measure the area. This ensures it will fit in your kitchen, basement or garage.
• Storage: Does the upright freezer have door storage? What about pull-out freezer baskets or ample shelving? Keep in mind what you’ll be storing in it and consider whether these features are important for your lifestyle.
• Special features: Does the freezer have a light that turns on when opened? Is it safe to store in humid areas? Better yet, is it frost-free? These special features could determine which one you go with.

If there’s one thing we learned, it’s to pay for professional delivery unless you’re searching for a garage freezer.

“I had the bare bones delivery option, which meant it was dropped off in my driveway,” Katie says. “This meant my husband and I were in charge of getting it into the basement by ourselves. We were able to shimmy the boxed freezer into our house pretty easily. But unfortunately, the box was too wide to fit through our basement doorway.”

Eventually, her and her husband were able to shimmy it into place, but not without a lot of effort. As such, we recommend planning ahead, especially if you don’t have two able-bodied adults available.

How We Tested the Best Upright Freezers

To find the best upright freezers for garages, basements and rec rooms, we identified top-selling models from the most popular brands including Whirlpool, GE, Hotpoint, Hamilton Beach, Maytag and Gladiator. From there, we gathered six models to test, focusing on the best-reviewed picks. We looked at temperature settings, capacity and storage, noise level, durability, build quality and design. We also noted whether it’s garage-ready and if there are any additional features, like self-defrost, reversible doors, alarms, interior lighting and adjustable leveling legs.

After thoroughly testing each potential inclusion and noting over 65 data points across all six freezers, our Test Kitchen pinpointed three top performers and two other solid options worth considering.

FAQ

Is a deep freezer or an upright freezer better?

An upright freezer offers vertical storage space, whereas a deep freezer is more horizontal. Upright freezers open just like refrigerators, making them easier to access. Plus, they have door storage.

What is the disadvantage of an upright freezer?

There are many benefits to an upright freezer, the biggest being that food is easier to access. Instead of bending over to reach goods in a deep freezer, open an upright freezer’s door and grab what you need. They’re also easier to clean and typically have an auto-defrost feature. One downside, however, is that they take up more vertical space (but less floor space!).

What’s the difference between a garage-ready freezer and a regular freezer?

Garage-ready freezers can handle a large temperature change, ranging from 0 to 110 degrees. On the other hand, regular freezers are only designed to operate in areas of the home with small temperature changes, like the kitchen or a well-insulated basement.

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