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Many shoppers search for the best upright freezer consumer reports recommends before buying. We are not affiliated with Consumer Reports and do not reproduce its ratings; instead, this guide shares our own picks based on listed specifications and owner reviews, and the same features testers usually weigh.
We compared upright freezers on Amazon on temperature range, defrost type, efficiency listings, capacity, garage ratings and recurring owner complaints.
Quick Answer: The Best Upright Freezer Consumer Reports
- Our Top PickBLACK+DECKER 14 Upright
- Best LargeElement 21.2 Upright
- Most Reviewed CompactFrigidaire 6.4 Upright
- Best ValueMidea 7.1 Upright
- Best 17 Cu FtHamilton Beach 17 Upright
- Best MiniWhynter 3.1 Upright
For shoppers looking for the best upright freezer consumer reports style criteria point to, our top pick is BLACK+DECKER 14: frost-free, ENERGY STAR listed and convertible. Element 21.2 is our large pick, Frigidaire 6.4 the most-reviewed compact, Midea 7.1 the value, Hamilton Beach HZ8971 the 17 cu ft option and Whynter 3.1 the mini.
Best Upright Freezer Consumer Reports Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 14 Upright | Our Top Pick | Mid-size convertible upright | 14 cu ft, ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
| Element 21.2 Upright | Best Large | Full-size convertible upright | 21.2 cu ft | Check Price |
| Frigidaire 6.4 Upright | Most Reviewed Compact | Compact upright | 6.4 cu ft | Check Price |
| Midea 7.1 Upright | Best Value | Compact convertible upright | 7.1 cu ft | Check Price |
| Hamilton Beach 17 Upright | Best 17 Cu Ft | Large convertible upright | 17 cu ft | Check Price |
| Whynter 3.1 Upright | Best Mini | Mini upright with lock | 3.1 cu ft | Check Price |
The 6 Upright Freezers We Recommend
Measure the space, the door swing and the path into the room before you order an upright freezer. Specs below come from each Amazon listing.
1. BLACK+DECKER 14 Cu Ft Convertible Upright Freezer Refrigerator BUC1400XW, ENERGY STAR, Frost Free
1. BLACK+DECKER is balanced.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Frost-free, so no defrosting
- ENERGY STAR listed
- Converts to a full refrigerator
- Glass shelves are easy to clean
Cons
- 68 in. tall needs room
- Pricier than manual-defrost models
- White finish only on this listing
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 14 cu ft
- Dimensions: 28" W x 27.9" D x 68.1" H (listed)
- Defrost: Frost free
- Certification: ENERGY STAR (listed)
- Controls: Electronic with LED display
- Shelves: 4 glass shelves
BLACK+DECKER’s BUC1400XW is a 14 cubic foot convertible upright with frost-free cooling, an LED control panel and an ENERGY STAR listing. It works as a freezer or a full refrigerator.
Frost-free.
2. Element 21.2 Cu Ft Convertible Upright Freezer Refrigerator EHUF21CECW, Garage Ready, ENERGY STAR
2. Element offers huge space.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Big 21.2 cu ft capacity
- Garage ready and frost-free
- ENERGY STAR listed
- Strong price per cubic foot
Cons
- 33 in. wide
- 74.6 in. tall
- Few reviews so far
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 21.2 cu ft
- Dimensions: 33.1" W x 29.5" D x 74.6" H (listed)
- Defrost: Frost free
- Garage ready: 0°F to 110°F (listed)
- Certification: ENERGY STAR (listed)
- Door: Reversible
Element’s EHUF21CECW gives you 21.2 cubic feet of frost-free storage that runs in 0°F to 110°F garages, converts to a refrigerator and carries an ENERGY STAR listing.
Garage ready.
3. Frigidaire 6.4 Cu Ft Upright Freezer EFRF696AMZ, Platinum Design Series
3. Frigidaire has thousands of reviews.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Trusted brand name
- Six shelves
- Flush back for tight corners
- Thousands of reviews
Cons
- Wire shelves
- Retro script styling is not for everyone
- Defrost type not listed
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 6.4 cu ft
- Dimensions: 23" W x 21" D x 56" H (listed)
- Shelves: 6 vinyl-coated wire shelves
- Design: Flush back, recessed handle
- Door: Reversible
- Model: EFRF696AMZ
Frigidaire’s 6.4 cubic foot Platinum Design upright has six wire shelves, a flush back, a recessed handle and a reversible door, and it is one of the most reviewed compact uprights on Amazon.
Flush back.
4. Midea 7.1 Cu Ft Upright Freezer, Convertible Freezer/Fridge MERU07B0BBB, Black
4. Midea is affordable.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Converts between freezer and fridge
- Rated for 0°F to 110°F garages
- Thousands of owner reviews
- Fits under 50 in. tall
Cons
- Manual defrost in freezer mode
- No drawers or baskets
- Only 4 shelves
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 7.1 cu ft
- Dimensions: 21.7" W x 22.4" D x 50" H (listed)
- Modes: Freezer or refrigerator, one touch
- Garage ready: 0°F to 110°F rooms (listed)
- Shelves: 4 removable shelves
- Door: Reversible
Midea’s 7.1 cubic foot upright switches between freezer and refrigerator mode with one touch, runs in rooms from 0°F to 110°F and stands 50 inches tall, so it fits apartments, garages and basements.
Convertible.
5. Hamilton Beach HZ8971 17 Cu Ft Upright Convertible Freezer/Fridge, Frost Free, White
5. Hamilton Beach is roomy.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Frost-free in both modes
- Reversible door
- LED lighting
- Converts to a refrigerator
Cons
- 155 lb to move
- Nearly 32 in. deep
- Fewer reviews than smaller models
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17 cu ft
- Dimensions: 28" W x 31.9" D x 68" H (listed)
- Defrost: Frost free (automatic)
- Shelves: Removable glass shelves, 4 door shelves
- Light: LED interior
- Door: Reversible
Hamilton Beach’s HZ8971 is a 17 cubic foot frost-free convertible upright with removable glass shelves, LED lighting and a reversible door.
Frost-free.
6. Whynter CUF-301SS 3.1 Cu Ft Upright Mini Freezer With Lock, ENERGY STAR, Stainless
6. Whynter has a lock.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Keyed lock
- ENERGY STAR listed
- Thousands of reviews
- Fits under a counter
Cons
- Manual defrost
- Only 3.1 cu ft
- One removable shelf
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 3.1 cu ft
- Dimensions: 19.5" W x 21" D x 33.5" H (listed)
- Lock: Keyed cylinder lock
- Defrost: Manual
- Certification: ENERGY STAR (listed)
- Door: Reversible, stainless
Whynter’s CUF-301SS is a 3.1 cubic foot mini upright with a keyed cylinder lock, a stainless door, manual defrost and an ENERGY STAR listing.
ENERGY STAR listed.
How We Chose the Best Upright Freezer Consumer Reports
To choose the best upright freezer consumer reports, we compared upright freezers sold on Amazon in the U.S. on listed capacity, outside width, depth and height, defrost type, the coldest listed temperature, garage-ready ambient ratings, ENERGY STAR status, locks, shelves, drawers and door bins. We checked whether each model is a dedicated freezer or a convertible unit that can also run as a refrigerator, and we read owner reviews for recurring problems such as frost build-up, doors that do not seal, noisy fans and units that arrive dented. We left out listings whose specifications contradicted themselves, and we say so where a figure is the maker’s own claim.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Upright Freezer Consumer Reports
What testers look at
Temperature consistency, energy use, capacity, noise and ease of use are the usual criteria.
Temperature consistency
Manual-defrost models hold steadier temperatures; frost-free models are easier to live with.
Energy use
ENERGY STAR certification is a quick efficiency check.
Reliability
Read recent owner reviews for repeated failures.
Upright or chest freezer
An upright freezer takes up less floor space and keeps food at eye level on shelves and in door bins, so it is easier to organize and find things. A chest freezer usually holds more for the money and keeps cold air in when you open the lid. Choose an upright when floor space is tight or bending into a chest is hard, and a chest when you want the most storage per dollar.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Upright Freezer
- Read the full specs. Not just the title.
- Compare kWh figures. Long-term cost.
- Check return policies. Large appliances.
- Measure before buying. Avoid surprises.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best upright freezer consumer reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best upright freezer consumer reports recommends?
We do not reproduce Consumer Reports ratings; our own top pick is BLACK+DECKER 14.
Are you affiliated with Consumer Reports?
No. Our picks are independent and based on listings and owner reviews.
What makes an upright freezer reliable?
Good door seals, steady temperatures and a solid compressor.
Are frost-free uprights rated lower?
Some testers note slightly less steady temperatures, but they are more convenient.
Where can I see official ratings?
On the Consumer Reports website with a membership.
Final Verdict
For shoppers searching for the best upright freezer consumer reports style testing would favor, BLACK+DECKER 14 is our top pick, with Element 21.2 for big families and Midea 7.1 for value. Use these criteria, and the best upright freezer consumer reports readers want will be easier to find.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
