How Much Does a Chest Freezer Cost?

Thinking about buying a chest freezer? Whether you buy a whole cow from a farmer or just love a good sale, stocking up on groceries gives you food security and lots of options for meals.

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Understanding how chest freezers work and comparing them to upright freezers can help you decide which to buy.

What Is the Difference Between Upright and Traditional Chest Freezers?

A traditional chest freezer is typically a waist-high freezer option with a large horizontal compartment. The top-closing version is deep and holds lots of food items. In comparison, upright freezers look like traditional refrigerators, but the entire appliance is a freezer rather than being separated into fridge and freezer space.

What Are Some Features of Modern Chest Freezers?

Basic chest freezers have little more than a large space that keeps food cold. However, you can find a wide range of models with varying features that can include:

• Organizational food baskets

• Adjustable temperature controls

• Lights

• Drain for defrosting

• Automatic defrost

• Locks

• Temperature alarm

• Fast-freeze button to lower the temperature quickly

• Garage-ready for greater temperature control

What Are the Pros and Cons of Chest Freezers?

Having plenty of extra freezer space is an obvious benefit of owning a chest freezer. However, it can be helpful to look at additional pros to decide if it's a good option for you. Some of the advantages include:

• Larger space. Since a chest freezer is one large space instead of individual shelves and drawers, it's easier to fit bigger food items, such as bulk buys from warehouse stores and large frozen turkeys.

• Lower price point. The cost of a chest freezer is typically lower than that of a stand-up deep freezer.

• Energy efficiency. You'll also typically spend less operating a chest deep freezer because that style is usually more energy-efficient than upright models due to the top closure and tight seal.

• Stays colder. If you're hit with a power outage, a chest freezer often retains the cold for a longer time, again due to the seal.

There are also some negatives of choosing a chest-style deep freezer instead of an upright freezer, including:

• Larger footprint. A chest freezer is lower and wider than a stand-up freezer and takes up more floor space, which can be a negative if you're limited on space.

• Organizing challenges. When you have one deep area, organizing food within it can be challenging. You typically have to pile items on top of one another to take advantage of all of the space. That can cause you to lose or forget about items at the bottom.

• Difficult to access. A related issue is being able to access some of the food. You may have to remove several items to get what you want. Items placed at the bottom require you to bend over the side to reach them, which can be especially challenging for shorter people.

• Cleaning difficulty. If something spills in the freezer, it can be difficult to reach and clean up the spill.

• Manual defrosting. It's common for chest-style freezers to require manual defrosting, which is labor- and time-intensive.

What Size Chest Freezer Do I Need?

To get a general idea of what size to buy, calculate 2.5 cubic feet for each person in the family. For a two-person family, a 5-cubic-foot freezer should work, while a family of five would likely want a freezer that's at least 12 cubic feet. Consider your buying habits as well. If you like to stock up or buy in bulk, you might want to go larger.

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How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Chest Freezer — and What Do You Get for the Price?

Chest freezer pricing usually ranges from $350 to $800 (CAD 484 to CAD 1,107), according to data from HomeGuide. You may have to pay additional fees, including $50 to $150 (CAD 69 to CAD 208) for delivery and installation and $50 to $100 (CAD 69 to CAD 138) to have your old freezer removed. It typically costs between $150 and $350 (CAD 208 and CAD 484) to have a new outlet installed.

If you choose a basic model without any extra features, you'll find options on the lower end around $350 (CAD 484) or less. Mid-range freezers have some extra features, like food baskets, adjustable temperature controls and defrost drains, and fall near the middle of the price range. High-end models come in closer to the $800 (CAD 1,107) or higher mark and may include lights, fast freeze, locks, temperature alarms and other advanced features.

How Does Deep Freezer Cost Vary Based on Size?

Size is often a major factor in the pricing of a chest freezer. A small deep freezer between 3 and 5 cubic feet usually ranges between $150 and $500 (CAD 208 and CAD 692). A moderately sized freezer of 9 to 11 cubic feet averages $500 to $800 (CAD 692 to CAD 1,107), while a large unit between 16 and 24 cubic feet will cost between $750 and $1,500 (CAD 1,038 and CAD 2,075) on average.

How Long Do Chest Freezers Last on Average?

You can expect your chest freezer's life to be anywhere from 12 to 20 years. The quality of the freezer you buy is a major factor in how long it will last, but how well you maintain it and whether you follow the manufacturer's guidelines can determine its lifespan. For example, if you overfill your chest freezer or block the vents, it might not last as long as expected.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.