When we are looking for a new freezer, we often think about which type should we buy for our needs. Here are some things to think about. Be aware that the chest freezer takes a lot more space on the floor than the upright freezer, it can be twice as much space in some ocassions. If you live in an apartment, this will certainly be a major consideration in your final decision.

Another thing, while it is true that you can stack stuff on top of a chest freezer, it’s really not convenient. I know that you will quickly lose this habit, once you have to remove all those paint cans and forgoten laundry with several books from the top of your freezer because you suddenly remembered there is a good dinner for you inside.

On the plus side, a chest freezer generally costs less initially, usually is more energy efficient, and usually provides more actual freezer space for your dollar than uprights. But they can be a pain to search through when fully loaded. Swimming through a frozen chest freezer that induces negative self-talk and frustration is not much of a joyride. This happened to me several times, although I have marked every item with care. More than once I’ve had my feet in the air while my numb fingers shuffled through frozen peas and beef roasts. It’s one of the most brutal experiences appliance can give you. In freezer space no one can hear you scream. Except for my wife who stands there behind me, hands on hips, laughing with delight.

Upright freezers have several important advantages over chest freezers. I already said this, but you really will be able to fill them easier then chest freezers and you will find your items much easier. You won’t have to spend entire day just to find that frozen pea you bought in the store 4 weeks ago. Advantage is that many uprights have auto defrosting ability. Most chest freezers are manual defrost, and even though you only usually need to do it about once a year, defrosting one can be a tedious, hours-long task.

Whichever you decide for, make sure you take good care of it. A freezer can last for a long time if you do it right.

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