Types of Freezers: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?

Have you ever wondered why your freezer feels too small no matter how you organize it, especially when you’re cramming in that last bag of frozen veggies? Stocking up on groceries brings its challenges. The shopping itself is not the hardest part; fitting everything into a freezer that’s already full is the real struggle. Comparing freezer styles can help you find one that matches your lifestyle. That way, you can finally stop bending your routine around your freezer. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

• The different types of freezers
• What each type offers in terms of storage and convenience
• How lease-to-own with Acima Leasing can be part of your options when getting a freezer

Ready to see how lease-to-own can fit into your plans? Let’s look at how Acima Leasing makes this option available when you make a purchase.

Lease-to-Own Options

Acima Leasing offers a lease-to-own option that is available when you shop for appliances such as a new freezer. 

You can apply:

• Online through the Acima Leasing Marketplace
• In-store with a retailer that offers Acima Leasing
• In the Acima Leasing mobile app

With a few basic requirements, lease-to-own can provide another way to bring home what your space needs without using credit*. (Not a credit transaction. Approval will require review of consumer reports.)

So what kinds of freezers can fit into your space and routine? Let’s break down the options.

Types of Freezers at a Glance

Chest Freezers

Chest freezers are ideal for spaces that need serious storage and maximum efficiency. [1]

Here are some key things to keep in mind [1]:

• Bulk storage: often 10–18 cubic feet of usable space, making them a good fit for large or awkward items
• Space needs: typically requires more floor space than other types
• Efficiency: often a lower risk of freezer burn and generally less energy use
• Maintenance: manual defrosting is required and organization can be challenging

Quick fact: Chest freezers can sometimes maintain colder temperatures longer during power outages.

Upright Freezers

If you value organization and accessibility, upright freezers are a popular choice. [2] Here’s why [2][3][4]:

• Organization: many models include shelves, and some may also have bins for easier arrangement
• Space needs: often require less floor space, making them suitable for kitchens or smaller areas
• Maintenance: most upright freezers feature automatic (frost-free) defrosting, which can reduce routine upkeep
• Efficiency: some models use more energy than chest freezers and may keep food frozen for less time during outages unless they have a tight door seal

Quick fact: In upright freezers, there is an increased likelihood of freezer burn due to increased air circulation, which can cause temperature fluctuations.

Choosing a Freezer by Home and Habits

Freezers can be considered in two ways: the size of your home and how often you shop.

By Home Size

• Small apartments: compact uprights usually work well since they take up less floor space and can fit into a kitchen or utility corner
• Mid-sized homes: you may have room for a smaller chest freezer in a basement or garage, or an upright that offers easier organization
• Larger homes: with extra space in a basement or garage, a full-size chest freezer can be a practical option for bulk storage

By Shopping Habits

• If you shop occasionally: a smaller upright can hold a few frozen meals, leftovers, or weekly staples
• If you stock up during big grocery runs: a chest freezer often makes sense because it offers more usable space for large packages, meat, or produce bought in bulk [5]
• If you plan meals and shop regularly: uprights with shelves and bins can help keep food organized and easily accessible throughout the week

Considering both your home size and shopping habits together can help you narrow down the type of freezer that best suits your lifestyle.

Why Shop Using Acima

Here’s a quick summary of what’s in store for you:

• The No Credit Option: You can shop without using a credit card. (Not a credit transaction. Approval will require review of consumer reports.)
• Quick and Easy Application: Get started quickly with only three requirements.
• Wide Retail Network: Shop from thousands of retailers that offer lease-to-own with Acima Leasing.
• Easy Lease Renewal Payment Options: Convenient lease renewal payments that align with your payday.
• Helpful Customer Service: Access customer support whenever you need it.

To get started, choose how you want to shop, either in-store or online, and find a retailer near you. Then, complete the application through Acima Leasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "garage-ready" mean for a freezer, and why is it important?

A garage-ready freezer is designed to maintain a stable temperature, even in areas with varying conditions ranging from approximately 0°F to 110°F. [6]

How often should you defrost a deep freezer?

Defrosting guidelines for your specific situation depend on the conditions of your home and storage, but typically occur only once a year. [3]

What foods shouldn’t be stored in a deep freezer?

Foods with high water content, such as certain fruits and vegetables, eggs in their shells, soft cheeses, raw potatoes, and creamy-based salads or sauces, should not be stored in a deep freezer. These items can become grainy, clumpy, or suffer texture damage after freezing.

How do you apply for a lease?

The process to apply for a lease with Acima Leasing is quick, and if you are approved, you can start shopping right away. You only need three items to get started:

• An active checking account with at least $750 of income per month
• 3 months of income history with your current source of income
• Government-issued photo ID and an SSN or taxpayer identification number

The content of this article is provided solely for general interest and should not be relied upon or construed as any form of advice, whether legal, financial, or otherwise. Receipt or use of this information does not create any sort of relationship between us.  

Sources:

1. Wirecutter (NYT). Best chest freezers
2. Consumer Reports. Freezer buying guide
3. Wirecutter (NYT). Best freezers overall
4. Allrecipes. Best deep freezers
5. Maytag. Freezer sizes and dimensions guide
6. Whirlpool. What is a garage‑ready freezer?