Running out of room in your refrigerator's freezer compartment? It may be time to upgrade to a separate freezer unit. Standalone freezers are convenient and practical appliances for large families, bulk shoppers, bakers and hunters. You can free up your refrigerator freezer by adding either an upright or chest freezer to your home. But which type is right for you? Both types of deep freezers have their advantages. Upright freezers have shelves, bins and storage baskets for easy access and organization. Chest freezers have more useable space and the lower air circulation helps prevent freezer burn. Most chest freezers need to be manually defrosted to prevent ice build up while some upright freezers feature auto defrost.
Where are you going to put your freezer? When deciding between types, placement is important. Upright freezers take up less floor space but chest freezers have a lower profile. Both styles are available with a range of capacities, commonly from 5-25 cubic feet. Specialty varieties include propane freezers, solar freezers and portable freezers.