A small space can be limiting, but, it does not have to be a complete sacrifice. The good thing is, most appliances come with smaller versions so you can still get the same functionality but in a more compact form. Just like with a small upright freezer.
A small upright freezer is also more economical to use for people who simply wanted a small extension of their refrigerator’s freezer compartment. Use it for your desserts and beverages’ stash like ice cream and beer so you can separately access them. Or, use it as a meat freezer for your extra stocks at home. Some also use it to store their breastmilk stash to separate it from food items.
A small standing freezer is also nice to put up in rental flats or apartments. It is more energy-efficient as short-term renters do not stock up too much on food and drinks while in transit or mini-vacations, anyway. Meanwhile, the bigger version can be an upright freezer for garage so you can put more inside.
In general, people prefer an upright freezer over a chest freezer because everything inside is in plain view. It becomes easier to access the content and replenish as needed, too. And just like refrigerators and freezers, a stand up freezer also comes in different sizes or capacities.
People who find it difficult to stoop down getting something out of a deep freezer can also benefit from an upright deep freezer.
A small upright freezer is also versatile when it comes to space. It incurs less footprint, you can put it on a countertop, place it inside your room, or grace your bar counter. You can also place one in your RV or go with you to your dorm.
If you think that a small upright freezer is what you need for your needs or space, then this review is for you. Read on to know our top picks for the best standup freezers.
Best Small Upright Freezer for Small Spaces – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer, 3 Cubic Feet – (Editor’s Choice) | Powerful mechanical temperature control from -10 to 10.4 degrees F | Check Price |
| hOmelabs Upright Freezer – 3.0 Cubic Feet Compact Reversible Single Door Vertical Freezer | With magnetic seal around the door edges | Check Price |
| Kismile 3.0 Cu.ft Compact Upright Freezer with Reversible Single Door | Comes with 7 temperature settings from 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit down to -7.6 degrees Fahrenheit | Check Price |
Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer, 3 Cubic Feet – Editor’s Choice
This small upright freezer might be compact, but it does not scrimp on functions. It deep freezes, comes with flexible compartments, and in a modern and sleek design.
This vertical freezer uses R600a compressor technology to freeze the interior. This small upright freezer comes with mechanical temperature control, adjustable from -10 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer, 3 Cubic Feet is freestanding and needs some clearance in your choice of space. Its compact size fits small homes, dorms, even offices, and rental rooms.
This stand up deep freezer comes with baskets and shelves to house your various frozen items and organize them properly. The basket is pull-out so it is easier to access and put items inside. The 2 cooling shelves are removable to fit bigger or taller items as needed, as well as make it easier to clean.
The Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer, 3 Cubic Feet is also energy efficient, which in essence, consumes smaller energy compared with a light bulb. This small upright freezer also operates quietly, therefore, can be put inside the bedroom and will not interfere with sleep. Its noise level is only about 42 dB, which is less than a normal conversation.
This small upright freezer is also easily accessible through its reversible door opening. It comes with a recessed top handle. The stainless-steel finish fits any interior easily, as well as makes it easier to clean and maintain.
For additional safety, the Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer, 3 Cubic Feet comes with a cylinder door lock. This allows you to secure your stash, like breastmilk, from spoiling. The lock prevents frequent door opening. Meanwhile, it can also secure your alcoholic beverages or other food items that are not suitable for your kids. And of course, the lock can keep unscrupulous people from accessing your stash, especially when you are in a shared space like a dorm or office.
Pros
- Uses R600a compressor technology
- Mechanical temperature control from -10 to 10.4 degrees F
- Comes with pull out baskets and removable shelves
- Energy efficient
- Low noise at 42 dB
- Comes with a cylinder lock
- Reversible door opening
Cons
- Needs significant clearance on the sides when set up; works as a freestanding unit
Conclusion
The Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer, 3 Cubic Feet is spacious for its compact design, and it also freezes well even at full capacity.
hOmelabs Upright Freezer – 3.0 Cubic Feet Compact Reversible Single Door Vertical Freezer
This stand alone freezer provides you with 7 temperature settings that can be adjusted through the thermostat knob. Go from level 1 to 7, with 7 being the coldest temperature. The temperature settings translate to -4 to 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit. You are advised to set your small upright freezer to 4 the first time you’ll use it for 24 hours before adjusting it to your desired level. This is so it can work more efficiently moving forward.
The hOmelabs Upright Freezer – 3.0 Cubic Feet Compact Reversible Single Door Vertical Freezer comes with a compressor that effectively cools the interior space faster and more efficiently. This small upright freezer uses the popular and efficient R600a compressor that also runs with less noise at only about 42 dB. Its low energy consumption translates to about 270 kWh annually.
This small stand up freezer comes with a reversible door that can open either on the left or on the right for up to 180 degrees. This makes it accessible from any position. You just need to provide clearance for both sides to maximize this feature. You can either position it as a freestanding appliance on the floor or place it on a countertop.
This hOmelabs small upright freezer comes with two built-in wire shelves to help you organize the food and beverages inside. To help keep the temperature consistent in the interior, it uses a magnetic seal around the door edges and foam insulation on the body. It also comes with manual defrost.
This small upright freezer comes with a child lock to protect the inside, or keep them from opening the freezer door frequently and disrupt the internal temperature or cause you higher energy bills.
Pros
- With 7 temperature settings, from -4 to 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit
- Low energy consumption
- Utilizes R600a compressor; quiet operation at 42 dB
- Reversible door opening
- Magnetic seal around the door edges
- With child lock
Cons
- Shelves aren’t removable
Conclusion
The hOmelabs Upright Freezer – 3.0 Cubic Feet Compact Reversible Single Door Vertical Freezer provides enough temperature range to freeze and maintain the freshness of your food and beverage stash at home.
Kismile 3.0 Cu.ft Compact Upright Freezer with Reversible Single Door
This small upright freezer is compact yet powerful for your extra frozen stashes like meat, beverages, desserts, and even breastmilk. It comes with a brushed stainless steel finish that can blend with any type of interior without being an eyesore. And I find it more spacious inside than it looks.
The Kismile 3.0 Cu.ft Compact Upright Freezer with Reversible Single Door boasts of its quiet operation, which only causes it to emit less than 40 dB. In the same way, this mini upright freezer is also energy efficient, consuming only about 0.6 kWh per day. Overall, this small upright freezer makes a great extension for your food and beverage storage without adding a lot to your electricity bill.
The space-saving design and quiet operation also make it okay to be placed inside sleeping areas and office rooms since it will not disturb you.
This standing deep freezer comes with adjustable temperature settings with 7 selections. You can go from 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit at level 1 way up to -7.6 degrees Fahrenheit at level 7.
To help keep the temperature inside consistent and to reduce energy wastage, this small upright freezer is equipped with thickened rubber seals at the door. In the same way, it also helps seal the freshness of the food inside. Meanwhile, it comes with a door with concealed handle with reversible opening for accessibility and convenience.
This compact upright freezer is equipped with steel and glass shelves so you can easily organize your stash inside. They are also removable so they can be more flexible with the items you can put inside. In the same way, it can also make it easier for you to clean the shelves and the interior.
If you want a more affordable choice, the Kismile 3.0 Cu.ft Compact Upright Freezer with Reversible Single Door is a good choice.
Pros
- Uses R600a compressor technology
- Comes with 7 temperature settings from 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit down to -7.6 degrees Fahrenheit
- Quiet operation at less than 40 dB
- Energy-efficient at 0.6 kWh per day consumption
- Reversible door opening with thickened seal and recessed handle
- Brushed stainless steel finish
- With removable steel and glass shelves
- More affordable
Cons
- Frost easily builds up
Conclusion
The Kismile 3.0 Cu.ft Compact Upright Freezer with Reversible Single Door is your reliable small upright freezer at a more affordable price point.
Final Verdict
Upright chest freezers are the best choice if you are after accessibility. The door opens and you have a full view of everything inside. It is also easier to see what items you still have, and don’t, so replenishing is more convenient, too.
There are few differences among the small upright freezers on this list, but, I find that the best upright freezer is the Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer, 3 Cubic Feet.
The Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer, 3 Cubic Feet comes with a lower-end temperature that makes it more effective when it comes to freezing your stash. I also love the removable steel shelves, and the pull-out basket can allow you to put more types of items inside without looking cluttered.