Freezers are a necessary part of a commercial kitchen. Choosing the right one for the space and demands of the establishment is important. Homeowners may also benefit from an extra freezer, depending on their household’s frozen food storage needs. The problem is there is a variety of freezers available on the market, which makes the decision more difficult.
To help both business owners and homeowners determine which is best for their situation, let’s compare the two basic choices: a chest freezer vs. an upright freezer.
Upright Freezer vs. Chest Freezer: Definitions, Differences, and Benefits
How are these two types of freezers defined? Essentially, an upright is a unit that is tall, rather than wide. The items stored inside are accessed through a side opening door, meaning it comes out toward the person opening it. A chest freezer is the opposite. It is wide rather than tall and the door opens towards the ceiling.
Although both are used for storing and displaying frozen foods and have similar capacities (3.0 to 25.0 cu. ft.), there are some key differences. As mentioned above, the main distinction is the orientation. Upright freezers are more vertical and provide a tall storage space with shelves for organization. A chest freezer lays horizontally and has baskets instead of shelves. As such, accessing items can be more challenging at times.
There is no easy answer to the question “which is better, an upright or chest freezer?” Determining which one will work best comes down to your needs and where the unit will be located.
Chest Freezers
Those wondering, “are chest freezers better than uprights?” should consider the benefits. The main advantage is energy efficiency. As chest freezers are designed for deep storage, they keep items fresh over a longer period of time and at a lower rate of energy usage. What’s more, they usually have a tighter door seal which helps them keep items frozen for longer when the power goes out. All these combine for a smaller carbon footprint and a lower utility bill.
Other differentiating features to mention include being quieter and less expensive with chest freezers typically costing $100 less than uprights. An important consideration to make before purchasing is the maintenance requirements. Deep cleaning a chest freezer entails more labor-intensive and time-intensive work than an upright.
Upright Freezers
There are also benefits in favor of a stand-up freezer vs. a chest freezer. The leading advantage is the convenience. Rotating stock, monitoring contents, and other such aspects of an organized kitchen are all made easier with upright freezers. They also feature adjustable shelving, removable bins, and other versatile elements. On the flip side of this, larger items can be more difficult to store.
Uprights are also often chosen for improved kitchen flow and aesthetics. By seamlessly integrating with the setting, these units are better for kitchens and areas with high traffic. Chests are usually more suited for basements, garages, and other out-of-the-way areas. Lastly, uprights are easier to clean and maintain as they almost never need to be manually defrosted.
Get the Freezer You Need at Iron Mountain Refrigeration & Equipment
Still unsure which style will work best for you? Let our experts lend a hand! Here at Iron Mountain Refrigeration, we have a wide range of freezers to meet the demands of commercial kitchens of all sizes. You can rest assured that all products offered by us are manufactured to the highest standards.
If you want to learn more about who we are and what we can do for you, browse our products and get in touch today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!