September 2009 issue of Consumer Reports rated freezers. In the Upright, Self-Defrosting category:

1. Whirlpool EV209NBT, $800, 78 points, 20 cu ft. (claimed)
2. Whirlpool EV161NZR, $600, 76 points, 16 cu ft.
3. Frigidaire Gallery GLFH17F8H, $750, 70 points, 17 cf
4. Kenmore Elite 2809, $640, 70 points, 21 cf
5. Haier HUF168EA, $600, 70 points, 17 cf
6. Kenmore 21826, $380, 68 points, 12 cf
7. GE FUF14SVR, $580, 62 points, 14 cf

We, too, are keeping our eyes out for a "garage replacement". However, the clunker is a Whirlpool about 20 years old or so and just won't die (yet). It's a real eyesore, but who cares! It's getting the job done.

Good luck!

Thanks - our 15 year old kenmore died without warning and we lost the contents of the freezer. I wish there were some way to know ahead of time before they "give up the ghost". The consumer report list is a good place to start. Surely there are some people on the forum that either hate or love their garage freezer.

my second freezer or frig-freezer must look decent as i have designed room in my pantry for it in my new house. i live on the coast and garages get mighty hot here. i want a half freezer, half frig i think, one which keeps frozen food at 0 degrees. would appreciate recommendations.