Best Upright Freezers: 5 Models We Actually Recommend

Upright freezers exist for a simple reason: you want more frozen storage without the treasure-hunt chaos of a chest freezer. Shelves, bins, and a door you can open like a fridge keep weeknight cooking painless and bulk shopping less of a gamble. Below you’ll find five excellent upright freezers we’d recommend to family and friends, plus a quick buyer’s guide so you know what matters—and what’s marketing noise.

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How we chose

We prioritized models that are easy to live with and easy to service. Concretely, we looked for:

• Reliable temperature control and stable performance during frequent door openings.

• No-frost (frost-free) systems that limit ice build-up and preserve airflow.

• Thoughtful interiors: adjustable shelving, deep door bins, and a usable bottom area (not just a single cavern).

• Reasonable noise and energy use for their size class.

• Serviceability: common parts availability and straightforward maintenance.

Quick note: exact specs and trim availability can vary by region and by year. Treat the notes below as practical guidance rather than a spec sheet carved in stone.

The 5 best upright freezers

1) Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW — Best overall for most homes (mid-size)

Why it’s great: This 16 cu. ft. class upright hits a sweet spot: big enough for a family of four but narrow enough for a basement nook. Frigidaire’s no-frost system keeps shelves clear, and the interior layout—full-width shelves plus deep door bins—makes it easy to group “everyday stuff” up top and long-term storage below.
What stands out: Simple temperature dial, cleanable gaskets, bright interior lighting, and a door that actually wants to stay shut (magnet strength matters more than people think).
Who it’s for: Households that meal-prep or buy meat in bulk but don’t need a giant unit.

2) GE FUF17DLRWW — Best for garages and utility spaces

Why it’s great: GE’s 17 cu. ft. upright line is popular for out-of-the-way placements thanks to steady temperature control and features often chosen for “garage” use. Tall, sturdy shelves handle heavy packages without sagging, and the door storage is among the most usable in this size.
What stands out: Fast-freeze setting for big grocery hauls, a strong door seal, and practical, easy-wipe surfaces.
Who it’s for: If your freezer lives in a utility room or a less-than-cozy basement, this is a dependable pick.

3) Whirlpool WZF79R20DW — Best large-capacity value

Why it’s great: Need space? Whirlpool’s ~20 cu. ft. class freezer offers big-appliance capacity without sliding into commercial pricing. The layout is straightforward and rectangular (less wasted space), with adjustable shelves you can reconfigure for awkward items like sheet-pan pizzas or stacked containers.
What stands out: A useful “fast freeze” option, bright LED lighting, and a door that swings smoothly even when fully loaded with bins.
Who it’s for: Families, hunters, and bulk shoppers who want room to grow.

4) Maytag MZF34X20DW — Built like a tank (and acts like one)

Why it’s great: Maytag leans into durability. This 20 cu. ft. class upright emphasizes solid door hinges, rigid shelving, and tight gaskets—features that sound boring until you’ve owned a freezer that drifts warm at the corners. Performance is steady, and the interior feels robust rather than flimsy.
What stands out: Strong, even airflow across shelves, sensible controls, and a plain-English setup that doesn’t require a manual for everyday use.
Who it’s for: Buyers who open and shut the door all day long and want something that shrugs off rough handling.

5) Danby DUFM085A4WDD — Best compact upright for apartments or condos

Why it’s great: Not everyone can park a 6-foot tower in the kitchen. Danby’s ~8.5 cu. ft. upright is a practical fit for smaller households and urban spaces. It’s big enough to carry a month of meals, yet slim enough to slide into a laundry closet or pantry area.
What stands out: Simple, reliable controls; shelves that actually line up with common containers; and a footprint that won’t dominate your floor plan.
Who it’s for: Singles, couples, or anyone who wants “extra freezer” without remodeling.

Buying guide: what actually matters

Capacity & footprint

Think in litres or cubic feet per person. Roughly 100–140 litres (3.5–5.0 cu. ft.) per person is comfortable if you cook regularly and buy in bulk. Measure the door swing and path to installation—stairs, turns, and railings can be the real constraint.

Frost-free vs manual defrost

Frost-free (no-frost) saves you the chore of dragging out coolers every few months. It also preserves airflow, so the top shelf doesn’t run warmer than the bottom. Manual-defrost models can be a touch quieter and slightly more efficient, but you trade convenience.

Shelving and bins

Wire shelves are fine, but full-width shelves with decent depth make organization easier. Look for at least one shelf you can remove to stash tall items, plus sturdy door bins for flat goods like veggies and waffles.

Temperature alarms & “fast freeze”

A soft alarm that chirps when the door is ajar or the temperature spikes can save a weekend’s worth of food. A fast-freeze (or “turbo”) mode helps pull down temperature after a huge grocery run.

Garage/utility placement

If the freezer will live somewhere that swings hot or cold, check that the model is appropriate for that environment and keep clear airflow around it. (Freezers dislike being crammed in corners; they need to breathe.)

Energy & noise

Bigger boxes use more power—no magic there. What you can control is door discipline, keeping coils clean, and not setting the thermostat colder than needed. Noise is usually a non-issue with modern uprights, but if it sits near living space, look for models noted for quieter operation.

Setup, care, and simple troubleshooting

• Level it: A slight tilt toward the back helps the door close on its own.

• Let it cool empty: Give a new freezer several hours to reach temperature before loading.

• Airflow matters: Don’t block vents with boxes jammed against the back wall.

• Gasket check: Slide a piece of paper in the door. If it pulls out without resistance, clean the gasket; if that fails, consider replacement.

• Odd noises? Brief clicks, hums, or whooshes are normal during defrost cycles. Persistent grinding or warm temperatures aren’t.

If you’d rather skip the guesswork, you can book a professional install or repair here: https://rightfix.ca/book/

Bottom line

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If you want a set-and-forget choice, pick the Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW or GE FUF17DLRWW depending on size and placement. Need serious capacity? Whirlpool WZF79R20DW or Maytag MZF34X20DW will carry a growing household. Tight on space? Danby DUFM085A4WDD is the right kind of small. And if anything acts up—or you just want it installed right—book a pro visit: https://rightfix.ca/book/