A mini freezer may be an ideal choice when you need more storage space for frozen products. These handy compact appliances come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. Choose a spacious freestanding variety or a compact countertop option, units that include shelves for organizing your goods, or ones that allow you to stack products freely.
For those who need a second freezer for their kitchen, the Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer is ideal. It has a number of shelves and a drawer to help compartmentalize your food and it’s not noisy.
Freezers are sized by their internal capacity and external dimensions. The former is usually displayed in cubic feet, while the latter is provided as width by depth by height. Of course, the most important consideration is that the unit can fit in your desired space and that you have ample space to open the door.
To save money on your electricity bills and protect the environment, it’s best to opt for a mini freezer with an Energy Star rating. This indicates the product meets federal guidelines for energy efficiency.
This feature appears solely on upright freezers. It gives the owner the choice of opening their appliance from the left-hand side or the right-hand side. This characteristic is indispensable if you want to install your freezer next to a wall because it allows you to hinge the door so the freezer opens outward into the room to provide easy access.
Some freezers incorporate locks into the doors. These are great if you have little ones in the house, as it prevents them from opening the freezer and leaving the door ajar. It’s also useful in dorm rooms if your roommates are tempted by your food.
Some upright freezers have an auto-defrost function. These appliances include evaporating coils and fans. The fans help air circulate within the unit, which helps any ice buildup to evaporate and collect on the coils. When ice is detected, the coils heat up and defrost your freezer.
Mini freezers range from $160-$300. The price typically increases as the size and features increase.
A. It’s important to leave ample space around your freezer for proper ventilation. A minimum of 2 inches is required all the way around the appliance. For upright freezers, leave a 3-inch gap above, too.
A. Ideally, you want to keep your freezer in a cool place out of direct sunlight. If your freezer is located in a warm location, it has to work harder to remain cold. This will cost more in electricity and it may even reduce the lifespan of your appliance.
Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet
What you need to know: This freestanding freezer is ideal for use in a kitchen.
What you’ll love: This spacious appliance has two shelves and a removable wire tray for storage. It has an Energy Star certificate, so it will keep the impact on your bills to a minimum. It’s available in black or white and the former has a child lock.
What you should consider: The freezer coils are situated within the shelves and can’t be removed.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Whynter CUF-112SS, 1.1 Cubic Feet
What you need to know: An ultra-compact choice, it’s perfect for placing on a countertop or under one.
What you’ll love: Its reversible swing door incorporates a cylinder lock to give you extra security against wandering hands. The recessed handle complements its sleek finish. Overall, the appliance runs extremely quietly.
What you should consider: This freezer does not have an auto-defrost feature so you must defrost it manually.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer, 3.5 Cubic Feet
What you need to know: This chest freezer is the top choice for those who want long-term storage.
What you’ll love: Considering its external dimensions, this freezer has plenty of internal space. The lid can hold itself at angles of 45 and 90 degrees, so you can have both hands free to search for your food.
What you should consider: The packaging on the unit is somewhat thin, so it’s easy for the appliance to sustain a few dents during shipping.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Staples and Home Depot
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Catherine Bushen writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
