Chest Freezer vs. Upright Freezer: Which Costs Less to Run?
A chest freezer and an upright freezer can do the same basic job: keep food frozen for long-term storage. But they do not necessarily cost the same to run. Chest freezers are often simpler and can use less electricity, while upright freezers offer easier organization, shelves, and more convenient access. So the better question is not simply: Which freezer is cheaper? It is: How much will each freezer actually cost you over the years you own it? This calculator lets you compare the electricity cost and purchase-price difference using the annual kWh figures from the actual freezers you are considering. Quick answer: Chest freezers can be very energy efficient, but freezer size, defrost system, design, and model matter. Current ENERGY STAR listings include a 9.0 cu. ft. chest freezer at about 201 kWh/year and upright models ranging from roughly the mid-200s to more than 500 kWh/year depending on size and features. The most accurate comparison is therefore to use the an...