9 Best Chest Freezer for Garage (2023 Buyers Guide)

Are you in need of extra space for ice, or additional food supply? Do you buy bulk pans of lasagne and mac and cheese for your army of kids or maybe you’re into purchasing whole animals for consumption? Did you preserve fruit all summer and end up with an abundance of ziploc bags full of peaches and strawberries? Are you preparing for an apocalypse? If you need more space because you’ve ran out of space in your upright freezer in the kitchen, or if you buy in bulk, or if you’re concerned about global food supplies, then you need a chest freezer.

What is the best chest freezer for a garage to buy in 2022? We think the Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door Chest Freezer is affordable, solidly constructed, energy efficient and environmentally friendly. For the everyday foodie the Midea WHS-129C keeps foods at perfect icy cold temperatures. And for the long term off-the-grid types, the MIdea will keep your weeks worth of food positively arctic! It’s lightweight which makes it extremely portable and it comes with a fantastic warranty.

We’ve researched and discovered the 9 top-rated chest freezer for garage, as well as one to avoid.

Reviews of the 9 Best Chest Freezer for Garage, Plus 1 to Avoid

1. Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door Chest Freezer Review  

Midea takes big freezer technology and sizes it down to fit into this compact powerhouse chest freezer. The WHS-129C1 single door chest freezer boasts 3.5 cubic ft. of storage space, and a handy, hanging removable wire storage basket to hold a week’s worth of meals. The insulated, reversible hinged lid not only lets you place the chest freezer anywhere for ease of access, it also contains stop anchors at 45 and 70 degree angles, for easy hand-free loading and food rotation. The reliable, adjustable Min-to-Max temperature dial at the base of the freezer cabinet is housed near the compressor for guaranteed frozen food perfection. Midea promises the thermometer and compressor work to adapt between “icy cold” -0.4ᵒF to “positively arctic” -13ᵒF.

The interior of the Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door Chest Freezer is constructed with anodized aluminum. It’s super easy to clean and has a built-in manual defrost drain. This lightweight chest freezer will save you money and is incredibly energy efficient. The average annual energy usage is 193 kWh, and the overall annual cost to run the Midea WHS-129C1, is just $23! To top off the incredible energy features, Midea builds this quality chest freezer using R600a liquid to gas refrigerant, which guarantees low global warming potential (GWP) and R600a is a safe, non-toxic gas with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).

The Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door Chest Freezer weighs only 60 pounds, uses 120V, and measures 33.5” x 22.2” x 20.59.” It’s simply perfect for small apartments and efficiencies, tucked secretly in the corner of the kitchen or garage, and even great for RVs! Complete with a full 1 year warranty, and an extra 2 year warranty for the compressor, The Midea WHS-129C1 is truly a workhorse and a bargain.

To watch the Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door Chest Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Whisper quiet compressor cycles
• Insulated, reversible hinged door (lid)
• 2 year compressor warranty
• Energy efficient at an average cost of approximately $23 annually
• Global innovators in quality and value

Cons:

• No internal light
• Rear ventilation system
• No fast-freeze settings

2. Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer Review 

Double the size of the Midea 3.5, this roomy 7.0 cubic feet (53 liquid gallons!) is the best large chest freezer which stores practically twice the quantity of your favorite foods; and it’s just as efficient! The Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer features an insulated, reversible hinged door, made of steel, with stop anchors at 40 and 70 degrees for easy loading and product rotation, and a hanging wire basket to keep your favorite frozen treats at the ready! It’s important to note that storing this chest freezer, under a counter or stairs, with the lid open, at 90 degrees, will require some room, as the freezer’s height stands at 4 feet.

The manual, adjustable Min-to Max temperature control keeps foods perfectly frozen between -0.4ᵒF to -13ᵒF. To keep you safe and healthy, the freezer cabinet is constructed of anodized aluminum. Easy to clean and keep the interior hygienic. Iron coated compressor parts make this chest freezer reliable, durable and long-lasting. The built in waterline and drain system makes for quick and efficient routine upkeep, while mitigating food loss or waste during cleaning or maintenance.

The Midea MRC070S0AWW Single Door Chest Freezer weighs only a mere 75 pounds, uses 115 Watts, 120V, and measures 32.1 x 21.7 x 33.5 inches. The 3-sided ventilation system keeps the freezer at a perfect temperature, lets the compressor function without overheating. Midea freezers help you save money too! The average annual energy usage is 250 kWh, and the overall annual cost to run the Midea MRC070S0AWW, is just $30! It’s perfect for larger families, small coffee shops and hunters. Midea offers a 1 year warranty on the freezer, and 2 year warranty on the compressor.

To watch the Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Energy efficient
• Quality construction
• 3-sided ventilation
• Large capacity

Cons:

• No internal light
• Lid-open height restrictions
• Customer service and product return issues

3. COSTWAY Chest Freezer Review 

If you choose to go with the COSTWAY chest freezer, you might find yourself storing it in the garage until you need it, rather than stuffing it with your favorite foods for year-round use. The COSTWAY is more like a thermoelectric cooler with a lot of the unique whistle and bell features of a full-sized free-standing chest freezer. The slick, shiny silver and black design has 2 tough tough-as-steel side handles for easy transport, two front-locking clasps to help form a seal between the lid and the base, and ball chains clamped into the inner lid to keep it from falling back against the cabinet. COSTWAY includes unique versatility features with a deep, coated rust-resistant removable basket and an aluminum no-heat shelf above the compressor which holds up to 15 – 12 ounce beer or soda cans!

Going to the beach for a day or a weekend? Choose between the freezer refrigerator functions. The COSTWAY LCD one-touch, single temperature adjustment screen built into the front of the beautiful base, has features which let you select a standard Min-to-Max function for sodas, salads and sandwiches, or -0.4ᵒF to -50ᵒF cold/freeze/fast freeze function for exact temperature control. Buttons on the LCD control panel also include Battery Protection, Compressor Speed and a Light, which switches on a bright internal LED light to access your goodies, in the darkest of campground nights or if you choose to temporarily go off-the-grid!

Don’t let the size worry you about sound and performance. The whisper quiet 45db compressor falls into the quient spectrum of sound and is no louder than a soft conversation. One touch of the Battery Protection button alerts the COSTWAY to your specific Low-Med-High setting, which keeps the freezer from surging. COSTWAY uses 70 Watts, can be plugged into a standard 110V household outlet, or into your car’s 12V battery outlet. The AC and DC power cords are included.

To watch the COSTWAY Chest Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Fridge to Freezer versatility
• 110V/12V house-to-car compatibility
• Whisper quiet 45db compressor
• Internal LED light
• Technologically-advanced temperature control

Cons:

• 90 day limited warranty
• R134a Ozone and GLobal Warming Friendly refrigerant
• 65 pounds without food/beverage

4. Midea WHS-185C1 Single Door Chest Freezer Review 

In between the 3.5 and the 7.0 is Midea’s perfect 5.0 cubic single door chest freezer. The Midea WHS-185C1 chest freezer features an insulated, reversible hinged door, with the same handy stop anchors at 40 and 70 degrees for easy loading and product rotation. The removable hanging wire basket keeps your favorite frozen treats at the ready and lets you easily move food from the chest freezer to your kitchen refrigerator.

The manual, adjustable Min-to Max temperature control keeps foods perfectly frozen between -0.4ᵒF to -13ᵒF. Constructed of anodized aluminum makes this chest freezer easy-to-clean and the interior hygienic. A built in waterline and drain system makes for quick and efficient maintenance. The average annual energy usage is 218 kWh, and the overall annual cost to run the Midea WHS-185C1, is approximately $26.

The Midea WHS-185C1 Single Door Chest Freezer weighs only 64 pounds, uses 120V, and measures 28.7” x 20.6” x 33.5.” Great single family homes, and doesn’t take up too much space in the kitchen or temperature-controlled garage. Complete with a full 1 year warranty, and an extra 2 year warranty for the compressor, The Midea WHS-185C1 is definitely the perfect mid-sized and affordable chest freezer for a couple, roommates, or a family of four, and terrific for storing the holiday turkey and prime rib, and the Easter ham with plenty of room for frozen treats and vegetables and all your other favorites!

To watch the Midea WHS-185C1 Single Door Chest Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Quiet and efficient
• Freezes quickly
• Compact with great capacity

Cons:

• Unreliable drain plug fittings
• Sealing strip moisture leaks
• Poor customer support

5. EdgeStar FP630 Portable Refrigerator Freezer Review 

EdgeStar uses the convenience of a full-size chest freezer only with a smaller footprint. Similar to a cooler, EdgeStar’s silver metallic portable cooling chest is both refrigerator and freezer, and adapts to a standard 110V home outlet or 12 V car battery outlet. The unique power-on indicator feature allows the DC power to kick in if the AC power drops below a particular power threshold. No worries of your food and beverages spoiling. This portable EdgeStar FP630 chest freezer is so well insulated that you can unplug it and discover the contents fresh and icy cold hours later.

A full digital easy-to-use thermometer has a temperature set, fast freeze, and one-degree up and down precise temperature settings so you get it right every time. A dual front and back ventilation system keeps the unit from overheating and the tight grip insulated lid has two clasping front locking mechanisms to ensure no leakage or temperature escape.

The EdgeStar comes with a limited 90 day warranty on labor, and a full year warranty on parts. Weighing in at 61.7 pounds, the EdgeStar is 20 11/16” x 2 ⅛” x 17 ⅞” has a 43 quart capacity, uses 115V, has 8’ detachable AC and DC cords, rounded safety edges, extra-insulated metal walls, manual defrost and drain valve, and 2 inner baskets to keep food and beverages organized.

To watch the EdgeStar FP630 Portable Refrigerator Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Fast freeze feature
• Extra long detachable cords
• Auto-DC power backup system
• Dual ventilation

Cons:

• Not recommended for outdoor or commercial use
• Limited labor warranty
• Noisy, long-running compressor
• Lacking a dual temperature control system

6. SMETA Electric LPG AC/DC Propane Gas Absorption Chest Freezer RV Review 

SMETA takes portable chest freezing technology to a whole new level. Choose between only refrigerator or only freezer, but, no matter which form of chill-to-freeze you prefer, the SMETA Electric LPG AC/DC Propane Gas Absorption Chest Freezer is 100% noise, freon and pollution free, and, in the event of a power outage, a backup propane-propelled system kicks in for uninterrupted service, with no temperature change, defrost or food spoilage. If you’re off the grid or no where near an electrical outlet, you can count on the SMETA Electric LPG AC/DC Propane Gas Absorption Chest Freezer to use 0.7 pounds of propane per day. A full sized propane tank uses 20 pounds/4.7 gallons per month. The energy saving and efficient SMETA uses 0.08 gallons of propane per day!

The all-black cabinet features a single font locking latch, 2 stainless steel metal handles for carrying and a single insulated flip top door. A deep removable storage basket inside the freezer can hold 2 ½ gallon cartons of milk, and adjustable removable shelves let you puzzle together the perfect inventory for maximum storage.

The sophisticated control panel is easy to navigate, is loaded with safety features and various indicator lights: AC, DC, Piezo (level), and Valve, for ease-of-use and alerting you to which freezer functions are in progress. Green AC and red DC lights indicate which power mode and an important safety level light alerts you when the chest freezer is off balance and needs to find a flat surface. A flame indicator light built into the large ON/OFF toggle switch shows you that the gas is flowing properly.

The EdgeStar comes with a limited 90 day warranty on labor, and a full year warranty on parts. Weighing in at 81.6 pounds, with a 2.4 cubic foot capacity, the EdgeStar is 25.8 x 20.3 x 27 inches, has a temperature variance between 0.9ᵒF to 32ᵒF, 16 gallon capacity, uses a unique 3-way 110V home/12V auto/Propane power source, and a manual defrost and drain valve.

To watch the SMETA Electric LPG AC/DC Propane Gas Absorption Chest Freezer RV Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Excellent customer support
• Silent, no fan, no compressor technology
• Electric to gas conversion back up system
• Off-balance light indicator

Cons:

• Regulator and hose not included
• Not recommended for use at high altitudes
• Propane-only reliable when electricity isn’t available

7. Arctic King Chest Freezer Review 

The “arctic” in the Arctic King chest freezer, is in the name for a reason. The Arctic King is the best small deep breezer if you’re looking for ice cold to arctic temperatures. Small but mighty this 5 cubic foot chest freezer is a sleek black color with an adjustable thermostat that lets you program the compressor to keep your food protected between -0.4ᵒF to -13ᵒF. The Easy-to-clean interior and well-design recessed handle lets grip and open the lid, and includes hold stops at 45 and 75 degree angles for quick loading, unloading and rotation of your frozen inventory. An easily accessible defrost drain is built in at the back base of the cabinet. Arctic King includes a sturdy, removable hard plastic basket to transport food items from the freezer to the kitchen.

The Arctic King weighs in at 66 pounds, and measures 24.9 x 21.7 x 33.5 inches. Use the 3-prong plug in a standard 120V outlet and expect energy efficiency as the unit runs on 218 kWh and costs around $26 annually.

To watch the Arctic King Chest Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Stylish and great for indoor use

Cons:

• Limited product information
• Higher priced freezer, with limited functionality

8. Northair Chest Freezer 3.5 Cubic Feet with Removable Basket Review  

Northair equates spacious with compact, lightweight and easy to move in a mere 3.5 cubic foot of chest freezer. The 7 gear adjustable temperature control lets you decide between cool, cold and frozen. Indicator lights tell you that the Northair is running properly and holding temperature. The high quality 38 db, whisper quiet compressor is made with pure copper wire to extend the life of the chest freezer. A balanced, hinged door holds in place at 45 and 90 degree angles, so you’re in complete control of loading, unloading and rotating of your food items.

The energy saving and environmentally-friendly interior is protected with a high grade embossed aluminum to keep food frozen and fresh. Within 24 hours the Northair uses a mere 0.45 kWh to reach maximum freeze temperatures between 6.8℉ to -4℉. To keep the chest freezer at capacity, the included removable wire basket slides back and forth or can be used to simply transport frozen foods and beverages into the kitchen.

At 50 pounds, the Northair chest freezer measures 21.2 x 21.8 x 30.9 inches, runs on 115V and 60 Watts, and is compact enough for an apartment, office, living room or extra freezer space in the kitchen. Available in black or white.

To watch the Northair Chest Freezer 3.5 Cubic Feet with Removable Basket Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Highly energy efficient
• Pure copper wire cooling system
• Super compact size with high performance

Cons:

• No customer support information
• No warranty information

9. Home Joy Chest Freezer Review 

Need some extra freezer space? Then the Home Joy Chest Freezer is your refrigerator freezer’s best friend. This is the best small chest freezer! With its easy open insulated hinged door opens to 90 degrees, and a removable wire basket is included. At 5 cubic feet and weighing 60 pounds, the Home Joy chest freezer uses 218 kWh, and measures 24.9 x 21.7 x 33.5 inches.

To watch the Home Joy Chest Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Compact
• Affordable
• Great kitchen companion

Cons:

• Hard to find specs online
• Unknown warranty
• Unknown processor and temperature controls

Avoid – Kismile 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer with Removable Basket Review 

Whether cooling extra gallons of milk and refreshing beverages or quick freezing meats, fish, and ice cream, the Kismile 3.5 cubic foot chest freezer 7-grade temperature control lets you choose between 6.8 ℉ to -7.6 ℉, and uses very little energy. Just turn the dial to the temperature you need, and the high efficiency R600a compressor goes to work! A red power light and green operating light let you know that the Kismile is working in top condition.
The insulated lid holds at 45 or 90 degree angles for ease of use, and closes to form a tight seal. A wide-mouth drain valve lets water flow quickly when you’re manually defrosting. At 21.18” x 21.7” x 30.94” this compact chest freezer is perfect for dorms, game rooms and your vacation home.

To watch the Kismile 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer with Removable Basket Review on YouTube, click here.

Pros:

• Convenient companion freezer
• Great for small apartments and efficiencies
• Energy saving

Cons:

• Limited online information
• No warranty information
• Third-party purchase

2022 Buyers Guide to the Best Chest Freezer for Garage:

Food is expensive, therefore, buying a freezer to store that food should be a wise investment. Look for a chest freezer with maximum temperature settings and superior insulation. As you add and subtract food into and out of the freezer, the compressor and temperature settings should automatically adjust to the inventory and the variance in the temperatures of the food. Just like you would when purchasing an upright freezer, consider solid construction, low energy output – look for the Energy Star symbol – and definately make sure you’re purchasing an environmentally-friendly chest freezer.

3 Main Points to Consider:

• Storage Capacity / Stay Organized – Chest freezers work best when they are used correctly. Choose a chest freezer based on your buying habits. For example, if the extra 2 gallons of ice cream don’t fit the freezer in your kitchen every time you go shopping, you wouldn’t buy a 7.0 cubic foot freezer! Why run a near-empty freezer? Do you want to keep paying for an appliance you’re not really using? The size of the chest freezer is the key to efficiency. Purchase a sensible sized chest freezer if your standard kitchen freezer is always overwhelmed, and you need the extra space to divide and conquer what important frozen foods stay inside, and what can wait and go in the chest freezer for use later. On the other hand, consider a larger sized chest freezer if you struggle to keep the freezer in your kitchen organized, or you like to stock up for a season and don’t currently have room, or if you tend to buy meat in bulk. Whatever the size of chest freezer you choose to buy, organizing the space between the kitchen freezer and your chest freezer will save you time and money. Every square inch of a chest freezer is great space, as long as you’re utilizing it.

• Performance – The compressor and temperature controls are the heart of the chest freezer. Yes, you want a high quality chest freezer for a hot garage, but you also want a solidly constructed cabinet and a lid that seals tight and has an extra layer of insulation. Invest in a compressor which gives you confidence that the chest freezer will last. Make sure the temperature gauges have as much one-degree functionality as possible. And for a few extra dollars, it doesn’t hurt to have a digital temperature gauge so you can see at a glance how the chest freezer is performing or if it needs to be set at a higher or lower temperature. Remember, food is expensive.

• Cost / Warranty – Shop around and look for a minimum of a 1 year warranty on labor and a 2 year warranty on parts. You want a chest freezer you can rely on. Some chest freezers are glorified beer fridges. Others are phenomenal workhorses. Once a chest freezer goes on the fritz, it usually costs more to fix one than replace one. Visit an appliance store, “kick the tires” like you would at the car dealership.shop online, and write down a list of questions. Mostly, what are you freezing, and how much? You’re making an investment to protect and store your food. It’s worth knowing exactly what you’re buying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why can’t you put a freezer in the garage?

Although you can put a chest freezer in the garage, here are some things to consider before you make a chest freezer investment and place it there. Internally, your garage’s seasonal temperature fluctuates. When this happens, it can trick the compressor to kick on and turn off too much, which leaves you with nothing more than an expensive refrigerator sitting there increasing your electric bill, potentially spewing carbon monoxide and spoiling your food. Shop for a chest freezer that can handle extreme hot and cold temperatures externally Doing so protects that precious internal edible cargo.

Do you need a special freezer for the garage?

If you choose to put a chest freezer in the garage, make sure you have one with an external digital thermometer and front to back or side-to-side ventilation. And by all means, make sure the chest freezer can handle an external temperature of a minimum of 5 ℉, and is plugged into its own dedicated outlet. If possible, life the chest freezer off the ground and level it on wooden palettes. Air circulation helps the chest freezer perform better and save on extra drainage cycles and maintenance.

Best Chest Freezer for Garage (2022 Buyers Guide)

Final Thoughts on Buying a Chest Freezer for Garage

We’ve shown you that chest freezers come in all different sizes. Larger chest freezers can be tucked into out of the way places, like the basement or the garage. And the smaller ones are dandy for apartments and dorms, when a full-sized fridge isn’t standard or you need some extra freezer space for your kitchen overflow. So, whether you’re a hunter, a prepper, a holiday homemaker, a canner, cook or cocktail aficionado; single, a student, a couple, a small family, or you need extra room for your hungry clan of 10, you can chill, because there is a chest freezer ready to help you save money mand make your life easier!