How to Choose the Right Chest Freezer

Why Chest Freezers Are the Most Efficient Freezer Option

A chest freezer opens from the top and stores frozen food in a wide, deep compartment. They're the most energy-efficient freezer type, hold the most food per dollar of purchase price, and maintain their temperature better during power outages than upright models. For households that bulk buy, grow their own food, hunt, fish, or want maximum frozen storage, a chest freezer is hard to beat.

Compare all freezer types in our complete freezer buying guide.

Key Advantages

• Most energy efficient: Cold air pools at the bottom and doesn't escape when opened the way it does with a vertical door. Chest freezers typically achieve the best energy star ratings of any freezer type.
• Best temperature retention during power outages
• Most storage per dollar of purchase price
• Lowest running cost long term

Key Features to Look For

Capacity

As a guide: 100 to 200 litres suits supplementary use or a couple; 200 to 350 litres suits a family needing bulk storage; 350 litres and above suits large households or those who process whole animals.

Energy Star Rating

Look for 4 stars or above. Check the annual kWh figure for accurate running cost comparison between models.

Interior Baskets

The main limitation of chest freezers is that items at the bottom can be hard to reach. Look for at least one interior wire basket for frequently accessed items. Keep the freezer organised by grouping and labelling items clearly.

Drain Plug

A drain plug at the base makes defrosting significantly easier by allowing melt water to drain rather than being scooped out. A worthwhile feature on any model.

Garage Suitability

Many chest freezers are placed in garages. In uninsulated Australian garages, summer temperatures can be extreme — look for a model rated to operate in ambient temperatures of at least 43 degrees Celsius.

Manual Defrost

Most chest freezers are manual defrost. Defrost when ice build-up reaches 5 to 10 mm — typically once or twice a year. More labour than auto-defrost but produces lower energy consumption.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $400)

Reliable frozen storage in smaller capacities. Browse our freezers under $1,000.

Mid-Range ($400 to $800)

Larger capacities, better energy ratings, improved baskets, and reliable temperature management. Most households will find an excellent model here.

Premium ($800 and Above)

The largest capacities, the best energy ratings, and superior insulation.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our full range of chest freezers and our complete freezers range.