4 Different Types of Freezers for Your Home

Although the freezer is a relatively modern invention, only becoming widespread after World War II, it can be difficult to imagine the home without at least one freezer today. They have become one of the most common ways for people to preserve meat and other foods.

Freezing foods protects them from bacteria, mold, and rot. Many people prefer to shop less frequently and buy large quantities in order to save money and time. A standalone freezer can be a thrifty alternative to purchasing a refrigerator that has a larger freezer section.

Freezers come in many sizes, but they can be separated into these four basic styles that have very distinct purposes in the home.

1. Chest Freezers

The most economical freezer is the chest freezer. Shaped like a large box or chest with a hinged lid that opens upward, chest freezers require clearance space above so you can easily access contents.

Chest freezers range in size from mini or compact models for smaller households all the way up to commercial sizes to store large amounts of perishables. The most common place to find a chest freezer is the garage, utility room, or basement of a house, since it tends to be such a large appliance.

The large, boxy dimensions of the chest freezer are ideal for storing bulky items that do not typically fit well into the freezer section of a refrigerator. This economical use of space frees up the refrigerator freezer for convenience foods.

Chest freezers usually do not have a fan, which limits the air circulation and can cause the temperature to be inconsistent. But as long as it can maintain a temperature below freezing, it will not affect the foods negatively.

Because warmer air rises and cold air sinks, people usually store meats and other larger items in the lower parts of the freezer so that they will freeze solidly and stay preserved for months. Most chest freezers have baskets to provide a more organized division of space, and you can store smaller items, such as bags of frozen vegetables and precooked meals, in these for easy retrieval.

2. Drawer Freezers

You’ll typically find pull-out drawer freezers in larger or gourmet kitchens. These provide convenience for the cook who needs to have certain items at hand while preparing foods.

Drawer freezers come in a variety of finishes, such as stainless steel, so that they match your other appliances, or you can choose panel-ready freezers that accept custom fronts to blend in with the cabinetry.

Many drawer freezers are cabinet height so that they can be installed seamlessly into existing cabinetry, and some even have a finished top so that they can extend the countertop space in whatever room you’re using them in.

3. Upright Freezers

An upright freezer may cost a little more than a chest freezer, but the convenience they offer makes the extra expense more than worth it.

Whether you keep it in the main kitchen or in the garage, utility room, or basement, an upright model is perfect for freezing foods that you need to be able to access easily. You won’t need to bend down and dig through piles of frozen foods as you would with a chest freezer.

The refrigerator-like style makes it tempting to spend longer browsing through shelves with the door open, which can be a waste of energy, but the organization potential of the shelving can make this less likely.

Upright freezers are usually auto-defrosting, which makes them much more easy to maintain than chest freezers, and they are also much easier to clean.

4. Compact Freezers

For those who want just a little extra freezer room for smaller spaces in their home, compact freezers can range from about 2 to 5 cubic feet of storage space and usually are built in the upright style, with the door hinging forward like a refrigerator.

With a small freezer, you can safely store small meals, sweet treats, and more for quick access when you’re tinkering in the garage, watching TV in the den, or working from your home office.

Beyond compact freezers, mini sizes can run even smaller, some of which are designed to fit on the countertop.

With today’s wide variety of sizes and styles of freezers available, it’s easier to find the one that will best suits your needs. Whether you are looking for a place to store frugal finds, meat, and other foods purchased in bulk, or you just want to hide a few simple delights from the kids, there is a freezer that will meet your needs.