Best Chest Freezers of 2025: Energy Efficient & Budget Friendly

When it comes to long-term food storage, a reliable chest freezer is a smart investment. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, storing seasonal produce, or preserving bulk meats, chest freezers offer generous space, excellent energy efficiency, and long-term convenience. With numerous models on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best chest freezers of 2025 to help you find the perfect fit for your household or business.

Why Choose a Chest Freezer?

Chest freezers are known for their:

• Energy efficiency – Less cold air escapes when opened, maintaining consistent temperatures.
• Spacious interiors – Ideal for storing large items or bulk purchases.
• Affordability – Typically more cost-effective than upright models.
• Longer storage durations – Excellent for deep freezing food with less risk of freezer burn.

Let’s dive into the top-rated options on the market.

1. Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer – Best Overall

Capacity: 7.0 cu. ft.
Energy Star Certified: Yes
Key Features:

• Adjustable thermostat
• Removable storage basket
• Quiet operation

The Midea 7.0 cubic foot model strikes the perfect balance between capacity and footprint. It’s ideal for medium-sized families, offering ample room while being compact enough for most utility rooms.

2. GE FCM11PHWW Chest Freezer – Best for Large Storage

Capacity: 10.6 cu. ft.
Energy Star Certified: Yes
Key Features:

• Built-in power "on" light
• Interior lighting
• Two lift-out, sliding baskets

GE’s chest freezer is a heavy-duty workhorse, great for big families or bulk shoppers. With a variety of interior baskets and efficient LED lighting, it’s both practical and user-friendly.

3. Arctic King 5.0 cu. ft. Chest Freezer – Best Budget Option

Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
Energy Star Certified: No
Key Features:

• Easy-access thermostat
• Lightweight design
• Compact size

Perfect for small households or apartments, the Arctic King model is affordable, compact, and simple. Despite the lower price, it provides consistent freezing power and solid reliability.

4. Danby DCF072A3WDB Chest Freezer – Best Eco-Friendly Option

Capacity: 7.2 cu. ft.
Energy Star Certified: Yes
Key Features:

• Environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant
• Energy-efficient foam insulation
• Garage-ready design

Danby offers an environmentally conscious option with quality performance. It’s also designed for varied climates, making it a great garage freezer.

5. Koolatron KTCF155 Chest Freezer – Best for Portability

Capacity: 5.5 cu. ft.
Energy Star Certified: No
Key Features:

• Flip-up lid with handle
• Compact design
• Manual defrost

Lightweight and easy to move, Koolatron is great for those who may need to transport or reposition their freezer. Despite the size, it offers reliable storage.

6. Insignia NS-CZ70WH0 Chest Freezer – Best for Energy Efficiency

Capacity: 7.0 cu. ft.
Energy Star Certified: Yes
Key Features:

• Power-on indicator light
• Two removable wire baskets
• Quiet operation

Insignia provides an Energy Star-certified unit that delivers on value and performance. It’s a great option for consumers looking to cut long-term utility costs.

7. Frigidaire FFFC09M1RW Chest Freezer – Best for Garage Use

Capacity: 8.7 cu. ft.
Garage Ready: Yes
Key Features:

• Adjustable temperature control
• Defrost drain
• Spacious layout

Frigidaire offers reliable performance even in fluctuating temperatures, making it ideal for basement or garage placement.

8. Avanti CF24Q0W Chest Freezer – Best Compact Family Freezer

Capacity: 2.4 cu. ft.
Energy Star Certified: No
Key Features:

• Manual defrost
• Small footprint
• Recessed handle

If you’re tight on space but still need extra food storage, Avanti’s mini chest freezer is a great fit. It’s particularly useful for apartment dwellers or as a secondary unit.

9. Whynter FM-85G Portable Chest Freezer – Best for Versatility

Capacity: 85 quarts
Portability: High
Key Features:

• AC/DC operation
• Fast freeze mode
• Stainless steel exterior

This is the freezer for RVers, campers, or those who need reliable cold storage on the go. It’s rugged, powerful, and versatile.

10. Magic Chef HMCF7W2 – Best for Bulk Meat Storage

Capacity: 7.0 cu. ft.
Key Features:

• Adjustable thermostat
• Easy-access drain
• Durable build

With solid insulation and deep storage, this model is great for hunters, meat processors, or those who like to shop in bulk and freeze.

What to Look for When Buying a Chest Freezer

Before making your decision, consider:

• Size and space: Measure your available space and match it to the freezer’s dimensions.
• Energy consumption: Look for Energy Star ratings to save on electricity.
• Manual vs. automatic defrost: Manual defrost takes more effort but is quieter and more energy-efficient.
• Temperature range: A wider range helps maintain the ideal freeze for different foods.
• Warranty: Ensure the product has at least a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need additional food storage for your family, garage, or small business, chest freezers are dependable appliances that make life easier. From budget picks to premium models, the best chest freezer for you depends on your space, usage, and energy needs. Use this guide to compare top-rated options and make a confident purchase that meets your long-term storage goals.