What is the disadvantage of an upright freezer?

Author: Claudie Rolfson  |  Last update: Friday, July 4, 2025

Disadvantages of an Upright Freezer They have less storage space overall because of the way their shelves are arranged. Upright freezers use more electricity than deep freezers. They lose more chilly air every time you open them, so they can be more expensive to operate.

Is it worth getting an upright freezer?

Chest freezers are more efficient than upright ones, but the upright ones do tend to be more convenient, and can be better for actually freezing product since the heat exchangers are part of the shelving for some models. We have both a chest and stand up model.

Can you put too much in an upright freezer?

Freezer's work at their most efficient when at least 75% full. The less space available, the less the freezer has to do to keep the temperature down. a good thing. Overfilling the freezer can block air vents, restrict the flow of cold air, and overtax your refrigerator's condenser, which could lead to a burn out.

What are the cons of an upright freezer?

Upright Freezers: Pros and Cons
  • Less Energy Efficient: Upright freezers tend to consume more energy than chest freezers. ...
  • Limited Space for Large Items: While upright freezers excel in organization, they can be less accommodating when storing large, bulky items like whole Thanksgiving turkeys or large cuts of meat.

What is the life expectancy of an upright freezer?

Upright freezers generally last up to 16 years. To ensure that your freezer lasts as long as possible, make sure you defrost it when needed and keep the seals clean and in good condition.

Chest Freezer vs. Upright Freezer

Which freezer is better, upright or chest?

Chest freezers are more energy-efficient than upright freezers. That chest-style lid is tight fitting, and its deep design keeps cold air from getting out when you open the freezer to grab a few bags of that shrimp.

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.

How do you know if your upright freezer is going bad?

Food that won't stay frozen may be an obvious sign of a faulty freezer, but signs like excessive frost build-up on the walls or freezer-burnt food can also indicate unstable freezer temperatures. You may also notice your freezer making unusually loud humming, clicking or buzzing noises as parts struggle to operate.

Which type of freezer is best?

For storing large cuts of meat and bulk groceries over the long term, a chest freezer could be the better choice, as it tends to be more efficient and heat up less when the door is opened — cold air sinks to the bottom and stays there.

Why is a bottom freezer better than a top freezer?

Bottom Freezer refrigerators generally offer more storage and organization options compared to Top Mount models. The pull-out drawer design of Bottom Freezers makes it easier to see and access stored items without having to reach over or dig through a single shelf.

What is the best temperature for a upright freezer?

Freezer Temperatures

The temperature of a freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit so everything stays very cold. A freezer should be cold enough to keep food frozen and preserve it until they are ready to be cooked or reheated.

Can you put frozen food straight into a new freezer?

When can I put food in my new fridge freezer? You can put food in your new fridge freezer after letting it settle for 4 hours if it was transported on its side or 1 hour if it was transported upright. After this amount of time you're absolutely fine and safe to put your food in your new fridge freezer.

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

Keep the freezer in the upright position. If transporting it in an upright position is not possible, lay it down on the compressor side of the unit. Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening.

Which brand of upright freezer is the most reliable?

Our Top Picks of the Best Upright Freezer
  • GE® 17.3 Cu. Ft. White Upright Freezer. Shop This GE Freezer. ...
  • Frigidaire® 15.5 Cu. Ft. White Upright Freezer. ...
  • LG 5.8 Cu. Ft. Platinum Silver Single Door Freezer. ...
  • Whirlpool® Sidekicks® 18.0 Cu. Ft. Monochromatic Stainless Steel All Freezer. ...
  • Maytag® 16.0 Cu. Ft. White Upright Freezer.

Where is the best place to put an upright freezer?

Place the freezer where the surrounding external temperatures will not exceed 110 degrees F. or fall below 0 degrees F. Position the freezer in a dry, well ventilated room. Do not install it in a closet.

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.

Is it better to have wire or glass shelves in a freezer?

Now this freezer here has glass shelving, which is OK, but we've found that if you can find a freezer with wire shelves, those shelves tend to be a little bit more sturdy and can hold a little bit more weight without bowing in the center because of the weight of the collections.

What do I need to know before buying a freezer?

Before you stock up, you'll want to decide whether a chest freezer or an upright model would best meet your needs—and your available floor space. Next, consider size, capacity, and energy use. To help you, we've subdivided our freezer ratings by size (small, medium, large) and type (chest, upright).

What size freezer for 2 people?

A very simple way to determine which size is right for you is to multiply the number of people in your home by 2.5 cu. ft. For example, a household of one to two people would likely benefit from a compact size, while families of six or more should opt for a large capacity freezer.

What is the average lifespan of an upright freezer?

According to Gifam, a household freezer has an average lifespan of about 13 years. However, with regular maintenance, it can last even longer.

What is the most common problem with freezers?

1. Frost Buildup. One of the most prevalent issues with upright freezers is frost buildup. When frost accumulates on the freezer's interior walls or around the door seal, it can affect the appliance's efficiency and cause temperature fluctuations.

What time of year should I buy an upright freezer?

You'll likely find the most savings by shopping during the following windows: September to December: The newer models are coming out around this time and retailers need to make room for them, so you'll typically be able to buy older models at lower prices.

Is it better to keep a freezer full or empty?

Echoing this recommendation by appliance manufacturer Whirlpool, the representative told us, “75-80% full as a best operating condition seems reasonable, though it'd really depend on the air flow and spacing.” That is, in order to keep your freezer working properly, you need to keep food from blocking the air vents, ...

How often should you defrost an upright freezer?

You should aim to defrost your freezer at least once a year or more frequently if your freezer is prone to ice build-up. You should also defrost your freezer if the ice build-up is more than ¼-inch thick.

How long should an upright freezer sit before plugging in?

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.

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