Best Upright Freezers of 2025: Top Picks for Every Budget & Home

When it comes to maximizing frozen food storage while maintaining accessibility and organization, upright freezers are a top choice for modern households. Unlike chest freezers, upright freezers stand tall like refrigerators, offering shelves, bins, and easy access to your favorite frozen meals, meats, and ice cream.

Whether you're a busy parent prepping for the week ahead, a bulk shopper looking to save money, or simply in need of extra freezer space, choosing the best upright freezer can make a huge difference. Below, we’ll walk you through the top upright freezers of 2025, highlight the key features to consider, and help you find the perfect model for your space and lifestyle.

Why Choose an Upright Freezer?

Upright freezers offer several advantages:

Space Efficiency: Designed to fit in tight spots, including garages, basements, or kitchen corners.
Organizational Convenience: With shelves, baskets, and drawers, upright freezers make it easier to keep food organized and accessible.
Modern Features: Many come with frost-free technology, digital thermostats, and door alarms.

Let’s explore the best upright freezers available now.

1. GE Garage Ready Frost-Free Upright Freezer (14.1 cu. ft.)

Perfect for: Garage storage, large families

This GE model is a consumer favorite. Its garage-ready design means it performs well in extreme temperatures, and it includes glass shelving, a lock with key, and exterior temperature controls. The 14.1 cubic feet of space is generous without being overwhelming.

Highlights:

Frost-free system
Energy Star certified
Audible temperature alarm
LED interior lighting

Pro Tip: If you plan to store your freezer in the garage, always look for “garage ready” in the specs.

2. Whirlpool 17.7 cu. ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer

Perfect for: Busy households and meal preppers

This model from Whirlpool offers a sleek, modern look and exceptional organization with 4 door bins and 5 shelves. It also features an LED interior light and electronic temperature controls for precision.

Highlights:

17.7 cu. ft. capacity
Reversible door
ENERGY STAR qualified
Fast freeze setting

3. Midea 13.8 cu. ft. Convertible Upright Freezer/Refrigerator

Perfect for: Versatility and small spaces

Need a freezer sometimes and a fridge at others? The Midea convertible upright freezer seamlessly transitions between functions, making it ideal for multi-purpose spaces or seasonal storage.

Highlights:

Adjustable temperature range (-11°F to 46°F)
Reversible door
Energy efficient
Whisper-quiet operation

4. Frigidaire 20 cu. ft. Frost-Free Upright Freezer

Perfect for: Large families or bulk food storage

With its massive capacity and space-saving design, this Frigidaire model is made for people who buy in bulk. The EvenTemp cooling system helps maintain consistent cold temperatures, and the soft-freeze zone is ideal for ice cream and other semi-soft items.

Highlights:

Adjustable wire shelves and baskets
Audible temperature alarm
Door-ajar alert
ENERGY STAR certified

5. Arctic King 7.0 cu. ft. Upright Freezer

Perfect for: Budget-friendly small homes or apartments

If you're tight on space or budget, this compact model from Arctic King gets the job done. With a sleek finish and simple controls, it’s ideal for smaller households or as a secondary freezer.

Highlights:

Reversible door
Mechanical thermostat control
Adjustable legs for leveling
Quiet compressor

Key Features to Consider Before Buying

Capacity: Freezers range from compact 5 cu. ft. units to 20+ cu. ft. models. Think about how much food you typically store.
Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star certification to save on electricity bills.
Frost-Free vs. Manual Defrost: Frost-free models are low maintenance, while manual defrost versions are often more affordable.
Temperature Controls: Digital controls offer precision; manual dials are more basic but reliable.
Shelving Layout: Adjustable shelves and bins allow you to customize storage to your needs.
Safety & Extras: Features like child locks, temperature alarms, and soft-freeze zones can be highly convenient.

Final Thoughts

An upright freezer is an excellent investment in food storage, organization, and convenience. Whether you need a high-capacity model for a large family or a compact version for tight urban living, there’s a perfect option out there.

Choose a freezer that fits your home, usage habits, and energy preferences, and you’ll be saving time, money, and food waste for years to come.