Keep your cool with the right type of freezer
Freezers and deep freezers are appliances that let you store and preserve food.
Freezers are connected to refrigerators and may have extra features, like ice makers.
By comparison, deep freezers are standalone appliances that are only used for freezing food.
A freezer will likely have enough storage space for small households or people who don’t cook much.
Deep freezers are best suited for people who meal prep, buy food in bulk, or hunt.
If you’re constantly running out of room in your freezer, it may be time to invest in a deep freezer. But what are deep freezers, anyway? And how do they compare to regular freezers? Let’s take a look at the differences between a freezer versus a deep freezer so you can pick the best one for your household.
Freezers and deep freezers both serve the same purpose: Preserving food so you can use it at a later date. However, the main difference is that a freezer is a part of a refrigerator, while a deep freezer is a standalone appliance.
You’re probably already familiar with refrigerator freezers—also known as just “freezers.” They come attached to fridges and keep food below freezing so it stays good for longer. Freezers come in many different sizes, styles, and capacities, depending on the design and size of the refrigerator. For example, some freezers have drawers that slide out, while others have doors that swing open.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often have built-in organizers like shelves | Less storage capacity than deep freezers |
| Available in different sizes, styles, and price points | Can block airflow if overfilled |
| May have extra features, like ice makers | Less energy efficient |
Best for:
Households with fewer people
Homes with limited space
People who regularly visit the grocery store and don’t need to buy in bulk
Refrigerator freezers are extremely common—in fact, you probably already have one in your kitchen. When you need to buy a new one, you’ll find that they’re easy to shop for and available in a wide range of sizes and configurations.
On top of that, regular freezers often have certain features to make your life easier. For example, some models come with built-in shelves for better organization, and others have ice makers or water dispensers.
The primary drawback of a freezer is its size—especially when compared to a deep freezer. Fridge freezers don’t have as much storage capacity as deep freezers, so they’re not a good option if you like to buy in bulk or need to freeze large quantities of food.
Because of their smaller size, it’s easier for regular freezers to become overloaded. When that happens, the items inside the freezer can block the fan’s airflow and stop the freezer from freezing.
Finally, upright refrigerator freezers are generally less energy efficient than deep freezers. Why? For one, deep freezers typically have more insulation. Also, they’re not opened and closed as often, which keeps the air inside cold.
A deep freezer is a standalone appliance that’s designed just to keep food frozen. Unlike regular freezers, these freezers don’t have a refrigerator component. There are two kinds of deep freezers: chest freezers and upright freezers. Chest models have lids that you pull upward to open, while upright units have vertical doors that swing outward.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can hold large quantities of food | Take up extra space in your home |
| Allow you to shop for food less often | Don’t have ice makers or other bonus features |
| Better energy efficiency | Can be harder to keep organized |
Best for:
Large families
Folks in rural areas who don’t have easy access to a supermarket
People who like to meal prep, buy in bulk, or shop seasonal sales
Compared to refrigerator freezers, deep freezers are typically bigger and can hold more food. If you have one, you can get away with going grocery shopping less often—which is particularly beneficial if you live far from a nearby market.
As we mentioned, deep freezers (and, in particular, chest freezers) tend to be more energy efficient than regular ones. However, if you constantly open and close the deep freezer door, it could become less efficient.
In order to use a deep freezer, you’ll need to have enough space for it in your home. This isn’t normally an issue with regular freezers, since most kitchens have a designated area for a refrigerator.
In addition, deep freezers don’t come with all of the bells and whistles—like ice makers and water filtration systems—that you’d get with a high-end refrigerator freezer. It can also be hard to find items in a chest freezer when it’s full. And without any interior shelving, keeping a deep freezer organized can be a challenge, too.
Still on the fence about which type of freezer is right for you? Let’s compare deep freezers versus regular freezers in a few key categories.
You can find freezers and deep freezers at many different price points, but deep freezers generally have a lower starting cost.
Even the most basic freezer will have a refrigerator component. Nicer models will also have extra features, like ice dispensers and water filtration systems. Deep freezers don’t have these sorts of features.
Deep freezers often have better insulation than refrigerator freezers, which helps them keep the chilled air inside and requires less energy.
There are several reasons that someone might need a deep freezer. For example, deep freezers are popular with people who hunt or fish and need extra space to store their meat. It’s also common for folks in rural areas to have deep freezers because they may not be able to visit a supermarket very often. People who meal prep or buy food in bulk can also benefit from having a deep freezer.
The best type of freezer will depend on how you plan to use it. Let’s say you need lots of space to store large items or food you’ve bought in bulk. In that case, buying a deep freezer might make sense. On the other hand, if you live alone or don’t cook much at home, you’d probably be fine with a refrigerator freezer. You can always reach out to a fridge repair pro near you if you’re unsure which kind is best for your needs.
