Richard Arconti 
In 2023, more than ever, a durable, reliable upright freezer is an intelligent investment for you and your family. While most folks don’t have the capacity to make room for one in a limited kitchen space, many homeowners do have an idea where they’d like to put a backup freezer! That’s why we’re going to take a look at high quality upright freezer for garage storage options. Whether you’re looking for large or small upright freezers, a frost free upright freezer, or an upright deep freezer, we cover it all.
What is the best upright freezer for garage spaces in 2023? Our pick is the Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer. For maximum flexibility, this upright fridge has a reversible door that can swing from the left or right. Perhaps more importantly, it keeps your food cold and well-preserved – up to 105 lbs. Keep scrolling down to check the individual best upright freezer reviews and a Buyer’s Guide and FAQ at the end.
We’ve researched and discovered the 10 top-rated best upright freezers for garage usage on the market, plus three to avoid.
Best Upright Freezer For Garage
- Best Overall: Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer
“The best upright freezer for garage use with plenty of extra storage space.” - Best Value: Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer Stainless Steel
“A sleek looking stainless steel upright freezer that will look good in any room.“ - Best Innovation : Whynter UDF-139SS 13.8 cu ft Convertible Upright Freezer With LED Control
“A premium upright freezer with LED control panel and stainless steel finish.“ - Best Frigidaire Upright Freezer: Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ Upright Freezer 6.5 cu ft Platinum Design
“This Frigidaire upright freezer offers plenty of storage with one of the best looking designs.“ - Best Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer: Hamilton Beach 11 cu ft Upright Freezer with Drawers
“A spacious Hamilton Beach 11 cu ft upright freezer that offers unique drawer storage.“ - Best Portability: Whynter FM-951GW 95 Quart Wheeled Portable Upright Freezer
“Includes roller wheels so you can move your compact upright freezer with ease.“ - Best Retro Upright Freezer: Galanz GLR12TBEEFR Dual Door Retro Freezer Refrigerator
“This one of a kind vintage upright freezer looks great and functions even better.” - Best Budget: Antarctic Star Compact Chest Upright Freezer
“This compact upright freezer offers added storage at a reasonable price point.“ - Best Small Upright Freezer: Sunpentown UF-114W Upright Freezer
“Fits in any tight place whether a garage, dorm, or basement.“ - Best Design: SPT Uf-304SS Upright Freezer Stainless Steel
“We liked the ample storage room combined with the clean stainless door.“
Reviews Of The Best Upright Freezers for Garage Use
1. Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer Review
Firstly, the Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer is Energy Star certified. So the addition of a freezer to your home does not have to be the beginning of outrageous energy bills. After all, the point of a freezer is usually to save money and hassle on frequent trips to the store.
Because it’s design is tall and narrow, this freezer is easily inserted into most garage spaces with no problem – leaving you plenty of room to gain access and get around. This Midea upright comes with 3 cu ft of capacity for plenty of extra storage space. The two fixed shelves and wire drawer make organization a breeze, and the one year warranty offers some peace of mind.
Impressively, the Midea WHS-109FW1 holds up to 105 lbs of food. This makes it great for hunters, people who like to buy in bulk, or folks who have large families. Also, the door seals very tight, ensuring that your food stays fresh and frozen. Overall, the Midea WHS-109FW1 is the highest quality upright freezer overall for garage spaces in 2023.
Lastly, you can remove the shelves and the drawer, so there are a lot of options for arranging and organizing all of your frozen goods, regardless of size and shape.
To watch the Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Mechanical temperature adjustment
- Reversible door
- Comes with two shelves and a removable drawer
- Holds up to 105 lbs of food
Cons:
- Door is somewhat difficult to open
- Thermostat is on the back of the unit
2. Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer Stainless Steel Review
Especially ideal for small spaces, the Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer is another Energy Star energy saver. We especially like its sleek, sturdy, steel exterior. All of these units are functional, but it definitely doesn’t hurt when they improve the decor.
The Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer has a front-opening door for easy access to all your frozen goods and a lock to keep everything safe and secure. The reversible door is very handy when deciding where to place your freezer. And this unit comes with a strong, reliable compressor. Because it’s specifically intended for kitchen, basement, or garage use, you can place it in any of these spaces with confidence.
Despite being a small upright freezer, thanks to the removable shelves, there’s plenty of opportunity to switch things up and get creative with the compact space. If you’re just looking for a little extra storage for overflow groceries, this might be a great option for you. The R600a compressor is known to be high-quality and consistent, so you’re not sacrificing anything by opting for this smaller model.
To watch the Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer Stainless Steel Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Stainless steel
- Security lock
- Reversible door
- Low noise level
- R600a compressor cooling
Cons:
- The motor doesn’t have a cover on it
- Door is difficult to switch from left to right
3.Whynter UDF-139SS 13.8 cu.ft. Energy Star Digital Upright Convertible Freezer With LED Control Review
The Whyntner 13.8 cubic foot digital upright freezer for garages is one of the best large upright freezer for greater storage needs. The flexibility with this model is hard to beat. It is convertible between refrigerator and upright deep freezer. This means you can store your food at the temperature that best suits your needs for optimal long-term storage. If you have warm food items that need fast freezing, simply select the Quick Freeze option to cool items faster. You can make these changes quickly with the adjustable digital temperature control on the front panel.
This Whynter UDF-139SS is also a frost free upright freezer, which is not the case for every upright freezer. That means easy cleaning and no manual defrosting. The fan circulated cooling system evenly distributes the airflow so you don’t have to worry about freezer burn and ice buildup. Additionally, the smart insulation design gives you maximum storage while keeping energy costs low because it is Energy Star certified.
The interior is well laid out with many storage options. The Whynter upright freezer comes with door racks, sliding wire drawers, and shelves for easy organization. It comes with a soft LED interior light which is perfect for an upright freezer for garages that are typically dimly lit.
We really like the open door alarm feature. If the door is opened for more than one minute an alarm will sound alerting you to close it. This is great for energy efficiency, but there is nothing worse than a freezer full of food going bad because the door was left open!
To watch the Whynter UDF-139SS 13.8 Cu Ft Digital Upright Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Large 13.8 cu. ft capacity
- Elegant stainless steel finish
- LED digital control panel
Cons:
- Has a larger footprint than some reviewed freezers
- Open door alarm is difficult to hear from another room
4. Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ Upright Freezer 6.5 cu ft Stainless Platinum Design Series Review
If you’re looking for the best upright freezer for garage use, the Frigidaire EFRF696 Upright Freezer has a lot to offer. With over 6.5 cu ft it has ample storage room for your food items. The design is unique in that it has a compact footprint, but provides an impressive amount of space for storage.
The stainless steel finish and retro Frigidaire logo make this an aesthetically appealing choice for a freezer in any garage. For added flexibility, the door is reversible so it can open to the left or right. The freezer has a flat back and recessed black door handle that allow the upright freezer to fit in tight places and corners. Leveling legs are installed on the bottom to make it great for any uneven flooring that is common in garages.
The interior comes with several storage racks so you can configure the freezer to your needs. Depending what food items need to be stored, the temperature can be adjusted by the dial on the outside of the freezer.
This Frigidaire Upright Freezer is a manual defrost unit. Although that can have additional maintenance, there are some benefits too. Manual defrost requires less electricity. Additionally, frost free upright freezers can sometimes dry frozen foods out depending on the model. An added feature we liked is the compressor in this model is very quiet and makes almost no noise. Overall, the retro freezer look has a modern feel, making it one of the best upright freezer for garage storage.
To watch the Frigidaire EFRF696 Upright Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Large 6.5 cu. ft capacity
- Vintage freezer stainless steel finish
- Perfect for tight spaces
- Reversible door
Cons:
- Manual defrost
- Door is difficult to switch from let to right
5. Hamilton Beach HBFRF1100, 11 cu ft, Upright Freezer Review
The Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer 11 cu ft model provides all the extra food storage space you will need. When looking for the best upright freezer for garage storage, the Hamilton Beach 11 cubic foot model has a lot to offer. For starters, the interior comes with seven drawers for easy organization of your food items. This really set the Hamilton Beach upright freezer with drawers apart, whereas other upright freezers may not have as much shelving flexibility.
The Hamilton Upright Freezer also has an exchangeable door that can go on the left or right side. Additionally, the bottom has adjustable feet which can come in handy for upright freezers for garages with uneven flooring.
We especially like the large capacity of the Hamilton Beach 11 cu ft upright freezer. It’s perfect for not only garages, but also basements or dorms. Hamilton Beach made it easy to monitor the temperature with the interior adjustable thermostat. The range is -4 F to 6.8 F (-20C to -14C). Of note, this Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer is a manual defrost model.
Last but not least, the Hamilton Beach 11 cu. ft. upright freezer has a one year warranty for defects in material and workmanship.
To watch the Hamilton Beach 11 Cu Ft Upright Freezer with Drawers Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Large 11 cu. ft capacity
- Unique interior drawers
- Reversible door
Cons:
- Manual defrost
- Door is difficult to switch from let to right
6. Whynter FM-951GW 95 Quart Wheeled Door Alert Option Portable True Freezer Review
Although this is a small upright freezer compared to the others, it still has plenty to offer. If you’re not looking for a huge cubic feet storage amount of food, the Whynter FM-951GW 95 Quart is probably worth taking a look at. It comes complete with some of the impressive features of the larger units, too.
This is another unit that can be used as a freezer refrigerator. It comes with side handles for convenient mobility and actually makes a great travel companion should you want to take it camping or on your boat. Its compact size means you’ll have absolutely no trouble finding the perfect place for it in your garage, even if you have limited space.
Plus, it’s a true portable freezer. So you can wheel it out of your garage, throw it in your truck, and take it on the road. The outer casing is durable and the entire unit is sturdy. Its size is 95 quarts.
Like the larger models on our list, the Whynter FM-951GW 95 Quart comes with a bright LED temperature controls display, Fast-Freeze mode, and a powerful compressor . Impressively, this little unit also has a “power low” indicator light and “open door” warning system, for added security.
To watch the Whynter FM-951GW 95 Quart Wheeled Door Alert Option Portable True Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Easily portable
- Freezer or refrigerator
- LED temperature display
- Insulated lid and walls
Cons:
- Pricey
- Smaller capacity
7. Galanz GLR12TBEEFR Dual Door Retro Refrigerator Freezer Review
The Galanz Dual Door Retro Freezer Refrigerator throwback is one of our favorite options given the vintage look. But not only does it have a great retro refrigerator look, it has great performance. The compressor uses a low-energy motor that is able to efficiently cool food with low impact on your energy bill.
The Galanz Retro is indeed one of the best upright freezer for garage use because they designed it for just that. It comes with leveling legs built in for uneven garage floors. The door has holders specifically designed to hold your cans and bottles. With the double doors, you can also make ice cubes or store your frozen foods in the freezer. And the refrigerator temperature can be adjusted from the control dial so you can store food for the long-term in a frost free upright freezer environment.
The interior of the vintage refrigerator includes three glass shelves and a pull out drawer so you can fit more food than you think. Additionally, the upper freezer has one shelf to create more valuable storage space.
Galanz made this upright garage refrigerator with a sleek look. Standing 66.9 inch tall, 23.7 inches wide, and 29.5 inches deep, the retro freezer offers 12 cu ft of storage capacity. They also offer a 10 cu ft model. What’s more, this refrigerator freezer combo comes in four great retro colors: retro red, red, blue, black and white. Best of all, it comes with a one year warranty that covers all manufacturing defects.
To watch the Galanz Upright Dual Door Refrigerator Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Freezer and refrigerator combo
- Unique retro freezer look
- Large 12 cu. ft of capacity
- Energy Efficient
Cons:
- Motor can be a little noisy
8. Antarctic Star Compact Chest Upright Freezer Single Door Reversible Stainless Steel Review
In keeping with the theme of space saving, the Antarctic Star Compact Chest Freezer is a fine choice if you’re working with modest amounts of overflow food. It goes great in the home office, basement, or garage. It’s also the recommended option of upright freezer for garage storage on a budget.
Thanks to its reversible door and compact size, it’s easy to find the perfect spot for this freezer. Also, you can choose from silver, white, or black. One interesting aspect of this freezer is its “food-grade” interior material. Basically, this means that the material on the inside of the freezer is safe to come into contact with your food.
You can easily move the shelves around to make more space or organize your goodies. And, of course, there’s an adjustable temperature so you can cool things to your liking. It’s a solid option for someone who wants to store just a bit more food than usual to avoid unnecessary trips to the store.
Lastly, if you’re looking to save energy, Antarctic Star chest freezer may be the perfect choice. You won’t have to give too much thought to how to move it, where to place it, or whether it’s worth the cost. Overall, this is the best small upright freezer for garage usage on our list.
To watch the Antarctic Star Compact Chest Upright Freezer Single Door Reversible Stainless Steel Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Stainless steel
- Reversible door
- Removable shelves
- Space saver
Cons:
- Relatively pricey
- Appears to lack an interior light
- Limited storage capacity
9. Sunpentown UF-114W Upright Freezer with Energy Star Review
The Sunpentown UF-114W Upright Freezer is a compact freezer upright with front-opening that comes in white or gray. As a brand, Sunpentown is incredibly popular in restaurants, hotels, and bars. You may have even used one in your hotel room!
Conveniently, this small freezer is very easy to set up. Because of its size, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right spot for it in your garage. If you’re looking to store extra meat, dog food, or just some bulk items you’ve stocked up on to save money, this is a nice option.
When you see the Energy Star certification, you know you’re in good hands with regard to saving money on your monthly bill. Also, you can leave the wire shelf intact or remove it, depending on what you’re storing.
To keep things running smoothly, there’s an adjustable thermostat. And to ensure versatility, the front door is reversible. While you’ll have to do manual defrost on this unit, it’s really not much of a hassle considering the cubic feet of size available.
To watch the Sunpentown UF-114W Upright Freezer with Energy Star Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Energy Star certified
- Reversible door
- Removable wire shelf
- Compact
Cons:
- Temperature setting knob is hard to reach
- Manual defrost only
10. SPT UF-304SS Upright Freezer Stainless Steel Review
Last on our “best of” list, but certainly not least, is the SPT UF-304SS Upright Freezer. It’s a classic steel upright with a front-opening reversible door, and recessed handle. The net capacity is 3.0 cu ft.
We love Energy Star certified appliances, as you can probably tell. Energy efficiency? Sign us up. There’s some nice, sturdy shelving in the interior of this unit and a mechanical adjustable thermostat. Because this unit is not particularly heavy, most people should be able to move and install it with ease.
Whether you want to place this unit in your garage, kitchen, or basement, it runs very quietly. It’s easy to clean, which is an important feature in any appliance where food storage space is involved. And for the size, you’ll be impressed by just how much you can fit.
To watch the SPT UF-304SS Upright Freezer Stainless Steel Review on YouTube, click here.
Pros:
- Stainless
- Energy Star certified
- Mechanical adjustable thermostat
- Reversible door
Cons:
- Manual defrost
- Shelves are not adjustable
Avoid: Gladiator GarageWorks GAFZ21XXRK Freezerator Convertible Refrigerator Freezer Review
Where to begin? While we’d encourage anyone to pick up a freezer if backup food storage space is imminent, we have to be up front about the one you absolutely need to avoid. The Gladiator GarageWorks GAFZ21XXRK Freezerator is the unlucky winner of that prize, thanks to its inconsistency and unreliability.
While it looks cool, this Gladiator freezer doesn’t have a whole lot else going for it. And when it comes to storing and freezing perishable food, you simply cannot risk a freezer that’s going to thaw all of your valuable, necessary items.
Not only does it have a well-established reputation for being shoddy, this appliance is actually designed so that the parts cannot be accessed, serviced, or replaced. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend the Gladiator Garage freezer, even if you’re hard up. It’s bound to break down, not keep your food, and end up wasting you a lot of time and money. You’re better off with any of the other options for the top-rated upright freezers on the market.
To watch the Gladiator GarageWorks GAFZ21XXRK Freezerator Convertible Refrigerator Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.
Avoid: Frigidaire FGVU21F8QF Energy Star Rated Upright Convertible Freezer with Bright LED Theatre Lighting Review
One of the best things about the Frigidaire FGVU21F8QF Upright Convertible Freezer is that it can be either a fridge or a freezer. So versatility is the name of the game here. For freezing purposes it’s superb because there’s plenty of storage space inside.
And it’s not just another ugly castaway in the garage! This Frigidaire looks clean and classy wherever you decide to place it. The stainless exterior is easy to clean and always appealing to the eye because it’s smudge-proof. Inside, there’s a capacity of 20.5 cubic feet.
One really special feature of this freezer is the ArcticLock Thicker Walls which keep food frozen for up to 2 days in the event of a power outage. This feature cannot be overstated as an advantage. Anyone who has lost 100 pounds of food in a power outage can attest to that!
And the frost-free operation means you get to escape the hassle of manually defrosting your freezer. It’s not a big deal on smaller units, but you want to avoid manual defrost on a freezer of this size.
The addition of a freezer is supposed to make your life easier, not harder. So units like the Frigidaire FGVU21F8QF stand out for their ease of use, convenience, and reliability. The LED theater lighting makes endlessly rummaging through your freezer a thing of the past and helps you keep all of your frozen foods well organized.
To watch the Frigidaire FGVU21F8QF Energy Star Rated Upright Convertible Freezer with Bright LED Theatre Lighting Review on YouTube, click here.
Avoid: Kenmore Elite 27002 Upright Freezer Review
Obviously, we’re going to mention the “room-of-your-choice” delivery. This is such a huge bonus, especially for single people or people who just don’t have the means to move a large appliance on their own. Most appliances do not offer this service, so Kenmore gets major bonus points for customer service on this one.
Another thing we like about the Kenmore Elite 27002 is the Freeze Fresh Technology. What this means for you is that this freezer keeps your food at a chilly -20 degrees to seal in freshness and nutrients. There are baskets, shelves, trays – all of the storage space options and organizational features you would find in a standard fridge.
Also, it’s got a frost-free design, so you avoid manual defrost with this unit. The Express Chill function allows you to set a desired temperature and sit back as the freezer works to reduce temperatures to -30. To expedite food preservation, the Kenmore Elite 27002 will hold this low temp for up to 72 hours.
This is another unit with good capacity, bright LED lighting, and a soft-free zone, perfect for items like ice cream. The fan can get a little loud, but if it’s in the garage, do you really care? If you’re looking for twice the cubic feet you currently have with your conventional fridge, this is a great freezer for the garage.
To watch the Kenmore Elite 27002 Upright Freezer Review on YouTube, click here.
2023 Buyers Guide to the Best Upright Freezers for Garage
In 2023, freezers are gaining immense popularity. People want to stock up, avoid unnecessary trips to the store, and save money by buying in bulk. If you’ve got a garage, you’re in a great position to make things easier on yourself. Most people don’t have spare room in their kitchen, but all of the freezers on this list will perform well in your well-insulated garage. Still, there are a few things to consider before you add on that new freezer to your shopping cart and begin stocking up for your family.
Main Points to Consider
- Energy Efficiency – To begin with, most people want a freezer to make things more efficient. You want to take less treks to the store, have space for your bulk food and freezer items, and be smarter with your space and perishable storage. So energy efficiency is a big concern. You don’t want to end up with an appliance that sends your bill through the roof. That’s why most of the upright freezers on this list are Energy Star certified. Overall, this seal of approval is a good thing to look for. An Energy Star certification means that the appliance uses less energy than a standard 60-watt light bulb. Obviously, that’s a very good thing.
- Capacity – This is probably the factor that will vary most from person to person. But whether you just want to stock up on food so you can go out less, need a significant space to store your meat from hunting, or you like to buy in bulk, an upright can make your life a whole lot easier. If you don’t need a freezer that can store 105 lbs of food, don’t be tricked into thinking bigger is better. It’s not good to have a freezer with a lot of empty space in it. Filling a freezer to capacity will always ensure that it’s running at its most efficient. So, but a freezer you can fill all the way, and nothing more.
- Style – Before you buy a big, beautiful upright freezer, you’ll want to take a look at your available space first. Make sure there’s a corner, or designated area, that’s well ventilated and easily accessible. Remember, you’ll be opening the door and digging around inside, so you’ll need plenty of room for all of that. Some freezers are the size of a refrigerator and even double as one. These are popular units, and really handy for large families or people who like to stock up. But even though the compact freezers look small, they can actually store a surprising amount of food! If you’re just one person looking to manage your kitchen fridge overflow, there are some really good compact freezer options on this list. Different brands offer different design styles, like the retro Frigidaire Upright Freezers or the Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer with Drawers.
FAQs On Upright Freezers For Garages
Will a freezer work in a hot garage?
Yes, and no. Most of the freezers on this list are capable of keeping your frozen food in a warm garage. However, when it’s in a hot space, your upright freezer has to work double-time to keep your food frozen. And you know that means bad news for your electric bill. It’s possible that the motor could burn out if things get too dire.
If you add some weather stripping or ventilation, it can go a long way to cooling things down. But unless your garage is getting into the 100s, it’s probably not something you need to worry about. However, the best freezer for hot garage storage is one that is energy efficient.
Can all freezers go in a garage?
A lot of people ask, do you need a special freezer for the garage? Several things have to be taken into consideration before you place a freezer in the garage. Just as freezers won’t do well in high heat, they also won’t do well in extreme cold temps. As a general rule, if temps go above 100 or below 0, it can damage your freezer.
Just like the freezer can go overboard and run itself into the ground if it’s too hot, it can also struggle in cold temperatures and shut itself off. If you don’t live in a place with extreme highs or lows, or if your space is well insulated, you probably won’t have any problems getting a freezer to function well in your space.
Can an upright freezer be kept in a garage?
Yes. And once you’ve taken all of the above into consideration, you’ll want to think about placement. If you’ve got a cool, dry garage that isn’t subject to extreme high or low temperatures, place your upright freezer in a convenient location where it’s not too boxed in. You don’t want the unit to overheat or lack circulation.
What is a good size upright freezer for garage?
This all depends on the size and layout of your grage, and your food storage needs. If you have large enough garage and require a meaningfull amount of extra food storage, an upright freezer for your garage would typically be 10 Cu Ft or more. One of the largest upright freezers is the Whyntner 13.8 cubic foot digital upright freezer. For more compact spaces, a compact freezer for your garage might be the best option. Those are typically 5 Cu Ft or less. Keep in mind that upright freezers for garages come in different dimensions, so look at the actually floor space required. Some might have larger square footage capacity, but smaller foot print, allowing you to fit the upright freezer in tighter spaces. A good example of this is the Frigidaire EFRF696 Upright Freezer which is 6.5 Cu Ft, but very narrow foot print.
Final Thoughts On Buying an Upright Freezer for Garage Storage
Garage freezers have been popular for a long time. People in more rural areas who aren’t able to hop on over to the market every day generally like to stock up for the long term. And hunters often need multiple freezers to keep all of their seasonal meat fresh.
When grocery trips become a real hassle, the need for an additional refrigeration unit has become more pronounced. If supplies are running low, it’s time to pick on an upright freezer that suits your needs.
