Is it OK to lay an upright freezer on its back?

Author: Graciela Prohaska  |  Last update: Sunday, May 4, 2025

While transporting a freezer, it is best to keep it in an upright position. I DO NOT recommend laying the freezer, as it can damage its compressor. The oil from the compressor will start to move into the coolant lines and clog them.

Can an upright freezer be laid down for transport?

Possible damage to the sealed system could occur. Transport the freezer in an upright position. If it has been necessary to transport the freezer on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in.

Can you lay fridge freezers down to transport?

Yes , there is no problem with laying the refrigerator down horizontally for transport. You will need to remove or lock down the shelving and drawers so they don't fly around and break. I have seen refrigerators routinely come on on the semi truck with the layed down on the tops of standing boxes.

How long to wait after laying the freezer down?

If it is transported upright, wait at least two to three hours before plugging it in. If transported on its side, turn it upright and let it stand for at least four hours.

Can you put a freezer on the back porch?

It will work. However, keep in mind that the freezer will work overtime to keep food frozen which can reduce the life of the unit. Also, condensation will form during high temperatures.

Can you lay your refrigerator or freezer on its side for transporting? Well yes, BUT...

Where not to put a freezer?

Do not install the freezer near an oven, radiator, or other heat source, nor in a location where the temperature will fall below 40°F or exceed 110°F. Allow at least 3" (7.5 cm) of air space at the top and on both sides of the freezer and 2" (2.5 cm) between the back of the freezer and the wall.

Can an upright freezer be kept outside?

While some freezers are designed strictly for use indoors, many are engineered to withstand the temperature fluctuations and more extreme conditions found outdoors. Once you've decided between a chest or upright freezer, the exact model you choose should be based on the climate and conditions in your area.

How long does an upright freezer last?

Both upright and chest freezers can last an average of 10 to 15 years. To make your freezer last longer and live its best life make sure the unit gets proper ventilation, don't overload it with food and keep it set at a consistent temperature. Do some maintenance, too. Yes, freezer maintenance is real.

What happens if you don't leave a freezer to settle?

It is important to leave your fridge to settle after moving to protect the appliance's internal parts and to ensure that the fridge continues to work to maximum efficiency. When moving a fridge, the compressor oil can leak into the refrigeration system, causing a blockage if the appliance is turned on too quickly.

How heavy are upright freezers?

How much does a freezer weigh? On average, a chest freezer weighs around 110 lbs., while an upright freezer weighs roughly 160 lbs. Besides taking into account the considerable weight and size of your freezer, you should really ask yourself if the appliance is worth moving at all.

What is the compressor side of an upright freezer?

Compressor

Usually located at the lower-back of the freezer, the compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, working together with the condenser coils.

What happens if you don't wait 24 hours to plug a fridge in?

If you've ever moved a fridge freezer, or even bought one brand new, you'll know that you are meant to give them time to settle once they've been put back down again. Waiting 24 hours before plugging in your fridge prevents compressor damage and ensures proper oil circulation.

What happens if you transport a refrigerator laying down?

A refrigerator should never be transported on its back; the weight of the fridge can damage internal parts, and the internal fluids such as the oil inside the motor; or the refrigerant may shift and settle in undesirable places in the machine's system.

How long after plugging in a freezer can it be used?

Once the unit is in the house you should: Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it.

Can I lay a fridge freezer on its back to transport it?

Never lay a refrigerator on its front or back as it could cause damage.

Why can't you lay a freezer down?

Fridges and freezers are best transported upright to keep the cooling refrigerant in its right place.

How long should I wait to plug in my freezer after laying it down?

Set it upright in its final location and allow the freezer to sit for the same amount of time that it was on its side (24 hours maximum). Do not plug the unit into the electrical receptacle without allowing this settling time. The appliance can be damaged if it is plugged in prematurely.

How long does it take for a stand up freezer to get cold?

Upon initial installation or when the settings on the temperature controls are changed, it usually takes 24 hours for an upright or chest freezer to reach the proper temperature.

Can I keep my upright freezer in the garage?

Changes in temperature in an unheated garage can be hard on these appliances. "You need to make sure that the unit is not exposed to temperatures above 110° F or below 0° F, because that may damage the freezer," says Larry Ciufo, a CR project leader who tests large appliances.

Do upright freezers use a lot of electricity?

Type of Freezer

On average, an upright freezer might use about 20% more energy than a chest freezer under similar conditions. Chest freezers, conversely, open from the top and are typically more energy-efficient due to better insulation and less cold air escaping when opened.

Should an upright freezer run constantly?

It might sound strange to think but a freezer shouldn't run all the time because if it does it will actually build-up to much ice. This can make your freezer to cold and will make opening it and then closing it a problem, it will also be sure to put more stress on the motor.

Can I put a freezer in the shed?

If you'd like to store more chilled and frozen food but don't have enough space in your kitchen, then an outdoor freezer or fridge freezer for your garage or shed is the ideal solution. There are plenty of benefits to choosing outbuilding refrigeration: Capable of performing at lower temperatures than standard models.

Can you carry an upright freezer on its side?

Yes, you may move an upright freezer laying down. First off, any time you move a machine that has refrigeration functions, you must be careful. After you have carefully tipped over the unit, transferred it, and then put it upright, it is advised to let the machine sit a full 24 hours prior to energizing.

Who makes the best upright freezers?

Now Trending
  • Best Overall Upright Freezer. Gladiator Upright Freezer. Read More. ...
  • Best Locking Upright Freezer. Whirlpool Upright Freezer. ...
  • Best Upright Freezer with Bottom Storage. Maytag Upright Freezer. ...
  • Best Upright Freezer for Garages. Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer. ...
  • Best Budget Upright Freezer. Hotpoint Upright Freezer.

Previous article
Should you block your chimney?
Next article
Is wax paper or parchment paper better for freezer?