An Upright Freezer That Will Last Many Decades?

2 years ago

Arrgh, my basement freezer is dying, and we couldn’t get a repairman right away, so despite adding dry ice every day, everything is thawed and much will be thrown out. Maybe $700 food loss, plus have to eat way more steak in the next couple weeks than we really wanted to.

It is a Frigidaire, about seven years old.

So I may have to get a new freezer. This will be the third freezer we’ve had to buy in 18 years in our house (and the second time we’ve lost a freezerfull of food). On average freezers seem to last us less than ten years.

I’m rather motivated to get a freezer that will be reliable, last for many decades, and be easier to repair.

Is there a brand or model that you all think will last, let’s say, 20-30 years? Or longer? The space requires an upright.

I’m open to buying a commercial model but am doing a kitchen remodel now so funds are not unlimited. My refrigerator is a commercial True T-23. I looked at True T-19 and T-23 freezers, but they have become quite expensive, like $3,000-4,000. There are other commercial brands that are cheaper, but still at least $1,600.

What would you do? And get?

Featured Answer

wdccruise

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

How much capacity (in cubic feet) do you need?
How much room do you have for the appliance (width, depth)?
Do you need a "garage ready" freezer that will operate at extreme temperaturs (i.e, outside the range usually found in the house)?
Do you have a dedicated 120-volt circuit for the freezer?

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Comments (7)

HU-910663146
2 years ago
Does it have to be an upright?

To me, an upright loses a lot of storage flexibility. I would rather have a chest freezer.
John Liu thanked HU-910663146
John Liu
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
It does (have to be an upright). The space for the freezer is in the basement and quite tight. In fact, when I had electrical work done on the main panel, the inspector made me move the freezer as it was half an inch too close to the panel.

Curious, though - do chest freezers last longer than upright freezers?
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boba1
2 years ago
I've had only 2 chest freezers since fall 1977. I was also going to suggest a chest freezer.
John Liu thanked boba1
John Liu
Original Author
2 years ago
I’m away from home, but will measure the available space when I get home. Basically need an upright, not too wide (<30”), no specific cubic foot requirement, and since the freezer is close to the main panel I can run a dedicated circuit (right now it shares a circuit with basement ceiling lights).
wdccruise
2 years ago
If you can accommodate a 33"-wide freezer, the GE FUF21DLRWW earned a recommended rating in CR's tests and owners (Best Buy, Lowes) like it. The 28"-wide GE FUF14DLRWW also earned a recommended rating (Best Buy, Lowes).
John Liu
Original Author
2 years ago
Good news! The repairman came, said it was a fairly simple repair, and did it - and best of all, he got it done under warranty.

So, I don't need a new freezer after all. Yes, the food is lost but still good news.

Thanks for all your comments.