Freezer vs. Deep Freezer: Key Features, Differences, and Pros and Cons

If you’re constantly running out of room in your freezer, it may be time to invest in a deep freezer. But what are deep freezers, anyway? And how do they compare to regular freezers? Let’s take a look at the differences between a freezer versus a deep freezer so you can pick the best one for your household.

Freezer vs. Deep Freezer: Key Differences

Freezers and deep freezers both serve the same purpose: Preserving food so you can use it at a later date. However, the main difference is that a freezer is a part of a refrigerator, while a deep freezer is a standalone appliance.

What Is a Freezer?

You’re probably already familiar with refrigerator freezers—also known as just “freezers.” They come attached to fridges and keep food below freezing so it stays good for longer. Freezers come in many different sizes, styles, and capacities, depending on the design and size of the refrigerator. For example, some freezers have drawers that slide out, while others have doors that swing open.

Best for: 

• Households with fewer people

• Homes with limited space

• People who regularly visit the grocery store and don’t need to buy in bulk

Pros of Freezers

Refrigerator freezers are extremely common—in fact, you probably already have one in your kitchen. When you need to buy a new one, you’ll find that they’re easy to shop for and available in a wide range of sizes and configurations.

On top of that, regular freezers often have certain features to make your life easier. For example, some models come with built-in shelves for better organization, and others have ice makers or water dispensers.

Cons of Freezers

The primary drawback of a freezer is its size—especially when compared to a deep freezer. Fridge freezers don’t have as much storage capacity as deep freezers, so they’re not a good option if you like to buy in bulk or need to freeze large quantities of food.

Because of their smaller size, it’s easier for regular freezers to become overloaded. When that happens, the items inside the freezer can block the fan’s airflow and stop the freezer from freezing.

Finally, upright refrigerator freezers are generally less energy efficient than deep freezers. Why? For one, deep freezers typically have more insulation. Also, they’re not opened and closed as often, which keeps the air inside cold.

What Is a Deep Freezer?

A deep freezer is a standalone appliance that’s designed just to keep food frozen. Unlike regular freezers, these freezers don’t have a refrigerator component. There are two kinds of deep freezers: chest freezers and upright freezers. Chest models have lids that you pull upward to open, while upright units have vertical doors that swing outward.

Best for: 

• Large families

• Folks in rural areas who don’t have easy access to a supermarket

• People who like to meal prep, buy in bulk, or shop seasonal sales

Pros of Deep Freezers

Compared to refrigerator freezers, deep freezers are typically bigger and can hold more food. If you have one, you can get away with going grocery shopping less often—which is particularly beneficial if you live far from a nearby market.

As we mentioned, deep freezers (and, in particular, chest freezers) tend to be more energy efficient than regular ones. However, if you constantly open and close the deep freezer door, it could become less efficient.

Cons of Deep Freezers

In order to use a deep freezer, you’ll need to have enough space for it in your home. This isn’t normally an issue with regular freezers, since most kitchens have a designated area for a refrigerator.

In addition, deep freezers don’t come with all of the bells and whistles—like ice makers and water filtration systems—that you’d get with a high-end refrigerator freezer. It can also be hard to find items in a chest freezer when it’s full. And without any interior shelving, keeping a deep freezer organized can be a challenge, too.

Freezer vs. Deep Freezer

Still on the fence about which type of freezer is right for you? Let’s compare deep freezers versus regular freezers in a few key categories.

Price: Deep Freezer

You can find freezers and deep freezers at many different price points, but deep freezers generally have a lower starting cost.

Options and Customization: Freezer

Even the most basic freezer will have a refrigerator component. Nicer models will also have extra features, like ice dispensers and water filtration systems. Deep freezers don’t have these sorts of features.

Energy Efficiency: Deep Freezer

Deep freezers often have better insulation than refrigerator freezers, which helps them keep the chilled air inside and requires less energy.