If you’re a make-ahead meal person, investing in a chest freezer has probably crossed your mind. But for smaller homes, finding the space for a full-sized freezer isn’t always possible. According to Hannah Pregont, appliance expert and creative director at AjMadison, that’s where mini freezers come in.
“A mini freezer is great for adding extra storage, but it can also help keep certain foods organized and easier to access,” she explains. “I especially like them for kids’ snacks, frozen breakfasts, pet food or anything else you’d rather keep separate from the main freezer instead of letting it get buried in a crowded drawer.”
For folks with limited space, opting for a mini freezer over a typical chest or upright freezer might be the perfect solution. We tested five small freezer options with 3.5 cubic feet or less of storage space. Our goal? To find the best mini freezers for every type of home. Here’s what we discovered.
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5
Pros:
- Garage-ready
- Silent operation
- Storage rack for small things at the top
- Sturdy hinge; has a nice swing
- Levelling feet to keep it stable on an uneven floor
- Compact size
- LED interior lighting
Cons:
- Ledge on the bottom is inconvenient for storage
- Plastic wrapping was difficult to remove during unboxing
When it comes to the best all-arounder, we have to give it to the Igloo mini freezer. It boasts a small-but-mighty 3.5 cubic feet of capacity and a removable storage basket. As such, this mini chest freezer fits everything from small microwave meals to larger cuts of meat. Despite being a relatively basic (yet reliable) option, several standout features elevate it above the rest.
First, it’s one of the only garage-ready freezers we tested. Unlike a standard model, a garage-ready freezer is built to handle large temperature changes—ranging from below 0 up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the Igloo ideal for garages and poorly insulated basements. Plus, it features leveling feet for uneven floors, so it truly can go anywhere.
Next is the size. The compact footprint offers plenty of room for extra food while easily fitting into tight spaces. Even tester Paul Rankin, who uses it for overflow storage for freezer foods, commented on its small size upon arrival. Anyone seeking a small chest freezer for freezer meals, sweet treats, or fresh pet food will appreciate this flexibility.
“I was really surprised at how tiny this was when it first arrived,” notes Paul. “But as a second freezer in the garage, it suits my needs.”
Additionally, this is the only model we tested with interior LED lighting, making it a solid pick for dimly lit areas. As for noise, Paul notes that it’s almost completely silent, even when running on its coldest setting. What more could you ask for in a mini deep freezer?
Dimensions: 21.88″D x 18.88″W x 32.5″H | Capacity: 3.5 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Manual | Special Features: Interior LED lighting, leveling feet, quiet, storage basket | Garage-friendly: Yes | Warranty: 1-year
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5
Pros:
- Comes with two removable baskets
- Drainage port at bottom
- Very quiet
- Several sizes to choose from
- Comes with an ice scraper
- Relatively lightweight
- Advertised as garage-ready
Cons:
- No interior light
- Plastic wrapping difficult to remove
- Power cord in an odd place
In a short period of time, the Euhomy mini freezer has become a big part of my healthy meal planning process. Not only does it give me more space for my monthly Wildgrain deliveries, but it also lets me stash extra treats in a place where I won’t constantly see and crave them. Out of sight, out of mind!
Unlike other small chest freezers, it also comes with several features that simplify maintenance, including an ice scraper and a drainage port at the bottom. Since this freezer requires manual defrosting, these two aspects make it easier to relocate than some of the others on this list. It’s also relatively lightweight at only around 44 pounds—I was able to move it to the basement and set it up solo.
Whether I’m storing frozen soups or a stash of my favorite local hot dogs, a generous 3.5 cubic feet of storage offers plenty of room. The freezer also arrives with two removable baskets for smaller items like personal pizzas and popsicles. As for the noise level, this freezer is incredibly quiet. Unless you notice the green power light on the front, you can barely tell it’s even running. As a bonus, this little chest freezer offers seven temperature settings that range from 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit using a dial on the front, so it’s easy to set to the right temperature.
The only change I’d make to this mini freezer is the location of the power cord. Because it comes out of the side of the freezer rather than the back, that potentially limits where it can go. I had to angle mine a bit to ensure that the cord could reach the three-prong outlet in my basement. Other than that tiny snafu, I’d say it’s a good investment.
Dimensions: 21.6″D x 21.2″W x 31″H | Capacity: 3.5 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Manual | Special Features: Quiet, drainage port, removable baskets | Garage-friendly: Yes | Warranty: 1-year
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5
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact and space-saving
- Reversible door
- Removable shelves and storage basket
- Manual, adjustable temperature control
- Tight door seal
- Technically garage-ready
- Leveling feet
Cons:
- Exposed back panel (compressor area can get hot)
- Tends to tip forward when not full
- Emits a continuous hum
Looking for a small upright freezer, rather than a chest freezer that opens at the top? You might consider the Midea mini upright freezer. This low-cost option offers a laundry list of perks, including its garage-ready rating and reversible side door. In her full review of the freezer, tester Mary Henn notes that the freezer may be devoid of fancy bells and whistles, but that’s what she likes about it.
This miniature upright freezer offers plenty of room for food with its generous 3 cubic feet of space. It also comes with internal shelving and a bottom basket drawer, making it easy to organize the freezer in a way where everything is visible. For folks who tend to forget about items in the back of a fridge, this is a huge bonus.
“For its price point, it’s honestly hard to beat in terms of value,” says Mary. “When you factor in its compact size, straightforward operation, reversible door, manual temperature control, adjustable shelves and garage-ready design, the Midea mini freezer feels well worth the purchase.”
Like most small upright freezers, that this one emits a steady hum that is slightly louder than some of the others we tested. It’s noticeable in Mary’s otherwise quiet basement, but not distracting. Unless she’s standing right next to it, she barely registers the noise. The larger concern is the hot, exposed compressor in the back, which may not be ideal for homes with small children or pets. That said, the exposed back may make repairs easier down the line.
Dimensions: 37.6” H X 21.9” W X 23.6” D | Capacity: 3 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Manual | Special Features: Reversible door, storage baskets, leveling feet | Garage-friendly: Yes | Warranty: 1-year
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5
Pros:
- Compact footprint fits easily in small spaces
- Adjustable leveling legs
- Quiet operation
- Seven adjustable temperature settings
- Two removable baskets make organizing easy
- Energy-efficient and affordable
Cons:
- Not garage-ready
- No interior light
- Protective film is difficult to remove
Investing in a compact chest freezer makes it easy to organize your freezer. But for some, the higher electricity bill may be a big roadblock. That’s where the energy-efficient Kismile mini freezer comes in. Per the EnergyGuide sticker on the front, this model is estimated to use only 166 kWh electricity per year (or an estimated yearly energy cost of just $23). This combined with the small footprint makes it ideal for folks like tester Nancy Snyder.
“I was surprised by just how little space this freezer takes up,” says Nancy. “We found the perfect spot for it in the laundry room, where it’s tucked out of the way but still easy to access. I’d much rather grab frozen veggies or ice cream from there than trek out to the garage every time.”
In addition, the lid and insulation are designed to keep the box freezer at stable temperature even during power outages. Whether you use it as a meat freezer or you’re just looking for a tiny freezer for overflow foods, this is our top pick for energy-efficiency. Plus, despite the small 2 cubic foot size, it still fits plenty of frozen food packages and make-ahead meals.
“My mom is constantly hosting her kids and grandkids, so she keeps a lot of frozen food on hand—so much so that when her freezer runs out of room, my freezer down the street becomes overflow storage! I figured it was time to reclaim my freezer and get her one of her own, and this compact chest freezer ended up being the perfect solution.”
Dimensions: 20.67″W X 17.52″D X 23.62″H | Capacity: 2 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Manual | Special Features: Energy-efficient, quiet, hanging basket | Garage-friendly: No | Warranty: 1-year
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5
Pros:
- Extremely compact—ideal for tight spaces
- Full-width, removable wire shelf
- Adjustable thermostat
- Adjustable leveling legs
- Recessed door handle
- Mechanical temperature control
- Stable and doesn’t tip easily
- Tight door seal
Cons:
- Relatively expensive for its small capacity
- Not garage-ready
If 3 cubic feet of space is still too large for your designated space, the Black & Decker mini freezer is the compact deep freezer for you. This option is a mini upright freezer in every sense of the word. As the tiniest option we tested, this small stand up freezer offers only 1.2 cubic feet of storage, making it less than 20 inches wide!
“I’ve never tested a freezer quite this compact,” says tester Mary. “Even the Midea compact upright freezer I tested previously is more than twice the size, at 3 cubic feet. This tiny 1.2-cubic-foot freezer is clearly designed for ultra-tight spaces—think offices, dorm rooms, RVs, or anywhere else you need a little extra freezer capacity without sacrificing much floor or counter space.”
Despite its small size, it’s a quality freezer. It’s ENERGY STAR certified, includes a full-width wire shelf, and can hold up to 42 pounds of food. It’s also portable, which could make it a practical option for a camping setup or freezer space on the go. Mary also notes that unlike the Midea freezer, this one has a completely closed back panel for added safety.
If you’re looking to add a small amount of storage space for freezer products without spending more than $200, this unit is definitely worth considering. Its compact size makes it particularly well-suited to dorms, offices, pantries and other tight spaces, while its familiar brand name adds another layer of reassurance.
Dimensions: 19.69″D x 19.72″W x 19.29″H | Capacity: 1.2 cu. ft. | Defrost Type: Manual | Special Features: Wire shelf, adjustable legs, reversible door | Garage-friendly: No | Warranty: 1-year
What To Look for When Buying a Mini Freezer
Hannah Pregont, appliance expert and creative director at AJ Madison, notes that oftentimes, families don’t need a new full-sized freezer. If they’re just looking for a little extra storage, they’ll want something smaller. That’s the beauty of a mini freezer! An under counter freezer in a kitchen or pantry can make everyday items much easier to reach. On the flip side, a compact freestanding upright or chest freezer can give you overflow storage in a garage or mudroom without taking over the entire space.
“If your main freezer always feels full, that’s usually the first sign you could use some extra space,” says Hannah. “It’s especially helpful for larger families, people who meal prep or entertain often, or anyone who likes to buy in bulk and keep more food on hand.”
In terms of what to look for, Hannah offers a few thoughts.
“There are actually a lot more options than people realize, so I’d start with where you want the extra storage and how you plan to use it,” she advises. “You can do built-in under counter freezer drawers, an under counter upright freezer, or go with a freestanding chest or upright model; some units are even convertible from refrigerator to freezer, which is great if your storage needs change throughout the year.”
Additionally, consider these areas before making a purchase:
- Size: Before buying any appliance, you should always measure the area you plan on storing it. This ensures it will fit in your kitchen, basement or garage.
- Storage: The most important question to ask yourself is what you plan to store in your mini freezer. This will determine whether you should seek out storage features like door storage, baskets or other special storage features.
- Special features: Is it in a dimly lit area? You may want to find one with a built-in light. Want to prevent kids from rummaging through it? Prioritize a lock. How about uneven floors? Maybe adjustable feet should be a priority. Identifying any potential needs ahead of time ensures you make the right purchase.
- Garage-ready: According to Hannah, “Garage-ready” means the freezer is built to handle the wider temperature swings you get in a garage or other space that isn’t fully climate-controlled. That gives homeowners more flexibility in where they can put extra freezer storage.
- Placement: “Think about placement as much as capacity,” says Hannah. “Built-in freezer drawers can be convenient and seamless near a prep area or beverage station, while a freestanding upright is easy to organize in a garage or basement and a chest freezer can be great for larger or bulkier items.”
How We Tested the Best Mini Freezers
To find the best mini freezers, we began by doing our research. First, we looked at the most popular options across major retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Lowe’s. Then, we picked five options based on reviews and features. We intentionally chose five freezers with varying price points, sizes, energy efficiencies and builds. This way, we tested a diverse range of options.
From there, we tested the freezers in our own homes for three months. We took notes on how they performed during this time. In addition, we documented the setup process for each freezer along with any sticking points we discovered. We also recorded how well the freezers held up to our expectations. Expect more updates in the future as we continue using each option!
FAQ
What’s the difference between a garage-ready freezer and a regular freezer?
You may not know this, but most regular freezers won’t work correctly in extreme temperatures. That’s why we recommend snagging a garage-ready freezer for garages and poorly-insulated basements. Unlike a normal freezer, a garage-ready freezer handles large temperature changes, ranging from 0 to 110 degrees.
What is the difference between a chest and an upright freezer?
When shopping for a new freezer, you’ll come across two types: chest vs. upright freezers. A chest freezer is a deep freezer that opens at the top. An upright freezer has a door on the front, like a fridge.
Why You Should Trust Us
At Taste of Home, we’re serious about good food—that means we’re also serious about storing it. We are real people who put each appliance we test through all the trials a typical consumer would. This includes cleaning, maintaining and daily use. That said, we also have the added benefit of having tested over 1,000 different products. Our expertise ranges from full-sized upright freezers to countertop convection ovens. That gives us a unique perspective on what to look for in a mini freezer.
For this piece, we also spoke with Hannah Pregont. Hannah is an appliance expert and creative director at AJ Madison. She offered her input on what to look for when shopping for a mini freezer.
