Deep Freezer Vs Fridge Freezer: Is There Really A Difference?

For the average person, the freezer that's attached to their kitchen refrigerator is generally substantial enough for everyday use. For someone who has a large family, does frequent big batch cooking or meal prepping, or buys in bulk, a deep freezer may be a great option for storing excess food that won't fit in a refrigerator-freezer. People who hunt or fish also often purchase an additional deep freezer because of the sheer volume of food that needs to be preserved for long periods. But what exactly is the difference between a fridge and a deep freezer, and which is best for you?

Although most people usually refer to them as simply freezers, they're actually talking about refrigerator-freezers. Fridge-freezers tend to be smaller but still work very well at freezing food, and many people don't need more storage than what's available. 

Deep freezers, on the other hand, are appliances that have one purpose — to freeze food. They are stand-alone items, not connected to a refrigerator. Standalone freezers are usually more energy efficient than refrigerator-freezers. Deep freezers are sometimes also referred to as chest freezers, which is a specific type of deep freezer that has a lid on top that opens similarly to a treasure chest. While they are easy to cram with items, it should be noted that overfilling any type of freezer can inhibit airflow, leading to uneven freezing.

A more streamlined appliance, fridge freezers often automatically make and then dispense ice cubes, which is a huge convenience. Additionally, most freezers that dispense ice cubes can also offer filtered drinking water. Many include organizational features like drawers or shelves, which is extremely helpful, but some side-by-side refrigerator freezers can be narrow and therefore more difficult to store large items like frozen pizza boxes. 

On the other hand, chest freezers typically don't include many organizational features, but some do have wire baskets that can hold smaller items. Another type of deep freezer commonly seen in restaurants is a standing deep freezer, which is upright and features shelves. This design resembles a refrigerator with a door that swings out, but it is strictly for freezing only. 

If you decide to invest in a deep freezer, it's important that you choose an appropriate space, whether that's the garage, basement, or somewhere else entirely. A place with consistent temperature is ideal, as well as one that doesn't get extremely hot or cold. This can cause the compressor to overwork by trying to keep up with fluctuating temperatures. Another important aspect to consider when placing a deep freezer is accessibility. You should have easy access to the freezer and be able to easily open and close it. No matter where you freeze food, whether it's a chest freezer in the basement or in the freezer attached to your refrigerator, always make sure to label your food with the contents and date before storing.