Best 17 Cu Ft Upright Freezers: Top 8 Picks (October 2026)
The best 17 cu ft upright freezers include the KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator for maximum upright capacity, the BLACK+DECKER 14 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator for organized mid-size storage, and the Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer for drawer organization.
On this page (5 sections)
The best 17 cu ft upright freezer should give you enough room for your regular frozen-food load while fitting its final location. The models here range from 1.2 to 21 cu ft, so only the larger picks approach the capacity in your search; the smaller ones suit buyers who need less space.
Upright freezers keep food visible on shelves or in drawers, which can make it easier to sort meals, meat and smaller packages than digging through a chest freezer. We compared capacity, storage layout, dimensions and useful features, then scored each pick for this search.
Use our How to Calculate What Size Freezer You Need guide to estimate your household's capacity needs before choosing a model. If your target is smaller, compare the best upright freezer 14 cu ft and best upright freezer 13 cu ft options; for more room, see the best 21 cu ft upright freezer.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for maximum upright capacityKoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for organized mid-size storageBLACK+DECKER 14 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itMidea 7.1 Cu.ft Upright Freezer
Best for flexible small-space storage - 5
Check itBANGSON 6.5 Cu.ft Upright Freezer for Apartment
Best for apartment footprints - 6
Check itCommercial Cool 5.0 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer
Best for compact backup storage - 7
Check itMagic Chef MCUF3S2 3.0 cu. ft. Upright
Best for very small reserves - 8
Check itBLACK+DECKER 1.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Upright Freezer
Best for countertop-scale storage
How we chose these upright freezers
We compared stated capacity, dimensions, interior organization and convertible settings to identify which models suit different storage needs. The score weighs specs and features against what someone shopping for a larger upright freezer is likely to need.
The options include two convertible models, a drawer-based 11 cu ft freezer and several compact units. Since several picks fall well below 17 cu ft, check their capacity carefully rather than treating every model as an equivalent-size alternative.
Compare upright freezer capacity and storage
The table makes it easier to see how much each freezer holds and how its interior is arranged. Use the dimensions to screen for fit, then confirm the required clearance and installation instructions for your chosen model.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Dimensions (D x W x H) | Storage | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator | maximum upright capacity | 21 cu ft | 28.9 x 32.7 x 76.7 in | Four adjustable shelves, two clear drawers, adjustable door trays | 9.6 |
| BLACK+DECKER 14 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator | organized mid-size storage | 14 cu ft | 27.9 x 28 x 68.1 in | Four glass shelves, wire basket and four door bins | 9.5 |
| Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer | drawer organization | 11 cu ft | 26 x 26 x 68 in | Seven clear plastic drawers | 9.0 |
| Midea 7.1 Cu.ft Upright Freezer | flexible small-space storage | 7.1 cu ft | 22.4 x 21.7 x 50 in | Four removable shelves | 8.9 |
| BANGSON 6.5 Cu.ft Upright Freezer for Apartment | apartment footprints | 6.5 cu ft | 22.83 x 24.02 x 59.06 in | Five shelves | 8.1 |
| Commercial Cool 5.0 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer | compact backup storage | 5 cu ft | 22.2 x 21.5 x 47.8 in | Four full-width steel wire shelves | 7.8 |
| Magic Chef MCUF3S2 3.0 cu. ft. Upright | very small reserves | 3 cu ft | 20.3 x 22 x 32.1 in | Wire shelves | 7.5 |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Upright Freezer | countertop-scale storage | 1.2 cu ft | 19.69 x 19.72 x 19.29 in | One full-width wire shelf | 7.0 |
The best upright freezers for different storage needs
The KoolMore offers the most capacity here, while the BLACK+DECKER 14 cu ft model combines a sizable cabinet with shelves and bins. The remaining picks prioritize drawers, smaller footprints or a limited backup supply.
KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator: Best for maximum upright capacity
- 21 cu ft capacity
- Freezer and refrigerator modes
- Four adjustable shelves and two clear drawers
- Electronic controls and interior LED light
This large convertible unit offers the most capacity here, plus shelves, drawers and door trays. It can run as a refrigerator or freezer.
Pros
- Largest stated capacity in this roundup
- Convertible fridge and freezer modes
- Automatic defrost
Cons
- Larger footprint and height than mid-size units
- Cannot chill and freeze at the same time
At 21 cu ft, the KoolMore is the largest option in this group and the closest fit for buyers who want more than 17 cu ft. Its four adjustable shelves, two clear drawers and door trays provide several places to separate food.
It switches between refrigerator and freezer modes using a button, with an electronic control panel and four cold settings. An interior LED light helps you see stored food, and the unit has automatic defrost.
Its dimensions are 28.9 in deep, 32.7 in wide and 76.7 in high. Measure the full route into the room and the space around the cabinet before choosing it, especially if the wider body or height may be difficult to accommodate.
Choose this model if you need the most upright capacity in this roundup and want the option to use the cabinet as a refrigerator. The capacity is greater than 17 cu ft, so consider a smaller unit if your storage needs and floor space are more modest.
BLACK+DECKER 14 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator: Best for organized mid-size storage
- 14 cu ft capacity
- Freezer and refrigerator modes
- Four removable glass shelves and four door bins
- Frost free
This convertible model gives frozen food or fresh food a dedicated cabinet with shelves, a basket and door bins. It is shorter than the 21 cu ft option.
Pros
- Frost-free operation
- Organized interior storage
- ENERGY STAR qualified
Cons
- Less capacity than the largest pick
- Only garage-ready in freezer mode
The BLACK+DECKER 14 cu ft convertible model is a practical mid-size choice for organized frozen storage. It has four removable glass shelves, a wire basket and four door bins, giving you several ways to separate packages.
It converts between freezer and refrigerator modes and has frost-free operation. The unit is ENERGY STAR qualified, with an electronic temperature control and LED display.
The freezer measures 27.9 in deep, 28 in wide and 68.1 in high. BLACK+DECKER says it is garage-ready in freezer mode only, with a tested range of 0°F to 110°F; check that range against your garage conditions.
Choose it if 14 cu ft is enough and you want flexible storage with no manual defrosting. For a closer look at a larger capacity, compare the best 21 cu ft upright freezer options.
Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer: Best for drawer organization
- 11 cu ft capacity
- Seven clear drawer compartments
- Manual defrost
- Adjustable thermostat and front leveling legs
Seven drawers separate food into visible groups in an 11 cu ft upright cabinet. Choose it when organization matters more than matching a 17 cu ft target.
Pros
- Seven clear drawers
- Upright access to stored food
- Adjustable thermostat
Cons
- Smaller than 14 to 21 cu ft choices
- Manual defrost
The Hamilton Beach suits households that want smaller items grouped in drawers. Its seven clear plastic compartments help separate meal portions, snacks and other frozen food without stacking everything on open shelves.
This model holds 11 cu ft and has an adjustable thermostat, adjustable front leveling legs and manual defrost. Its listed dimensions are 26 in deep, 26 in wide and 68 in high, so it is tall despite its lower capacity than the 14 cu ft option.
Choose it if visible drawer storage matters more than reaching 17 cu ft. If drawers are less important and you need extra capacity, consider one of the larger convertible units.
Midea 7.1 Cu.ft Upright Freezer: Best for flexible small-space storage
- 7.1 cu ft capacity
- Freezer and refrigerator modes
- Four removable shelves
- Reversible door
This compact convertible freezer has removable shelves and a reversible door. Midea gives a 0°F to 110°F operating range for garage use.
Pros
- Convertible refrigerator and freezer modes
- Reversible door
- Stated garage operating range
Cons
- Much less capacity than 17 cu ft
- No drawers listed
The Midea 7.1 cu ft upright freezer is a compact pick for changing storage needs. It has four removable shelves and switches between freezer and refrigerator modes with one touch.
Midea gives a 0°F to 110°F operating range for garage use. The door can be installed to open from either side, which may help when the freezer needs to sit near a wall or another appliance.
At 22.4 in deep, 21.7 in wide and 50 in high, it takes up less floor area than the larger cabinets here. Choose it when compact placement and convertible use matter more than getting close to 17 cu ft.
BANGSON 6.5 Cu.ft Upright Freezer for Apartment: Best for apartment footprints
- 6.5 cu ft capacity
- Reversible door
- Five shelves
- Two movable wheels
The 6.5 cu ft cabinet is far below 17 cu ft, but its vertical form and reversible door may suit a tighter apartment layout. Wheels help with positioning.
Pros
- Reversible door
- Five shelves
- Movable wheels
Cons
- Less capacity than the larger picks
- No drawers listed
The BANGSON 6.5 cu ft freezer is aimed at apartment-scale storage, with a reversible door, five shelves and two movable wheels. Its stated dimensions are 22.83 in deep, 24.02 in wide and 59.06 in high.
The brand gives three temperature settings, including -4.2°F and -9.1°F options. Those settings describe its control choices, so use the appliance instructions to choose an appropriate setting for the food you store.
Choose this model if your space is limited and you need more than a compact countertop freezer can hold. Its capacity is far below 17 cu ft, so it is not a substitute for a larger bulk-storage cabinet.
Commercial Cool 5.0 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer: Best for compact backup storage
- 5 cu ft capacity
- Four full-width wire shelves
- Reversible door
- Adjustable leveling legs
Four shelves organize a small reserve of frozen food in a narrow cabinet. This is a compact backup option, not a 17 cu ft replacement.
Pros
- Four full-width shelves
- Reversible door
- Flat-back design
Cons
- Only 5 cu ft capacity
- Manual defrost
The Commercial Cool 5.0 cu ft upright freezer is a small backup option with four full-width steel wire shelves. A reversible door and flat-back design can help with placement in a corner or against a wall.
It has adjustable leveling legs and an adjustable thermostat. The freezer uses manual defrost, so plan for that maintenance as frost builds up.
Its dimensions are 22.2 in deep, 21.5 in wide and 47.8 in high. Choose it for a modest reserve of frozen meals or meat, not for a household that needs 17 cu ft of capacity.
Magic Chef MCUF3S2 3.0 cu. ft. Upright: Best for very small reserves
- 3 cu ft capacity
- Reversible door
- Wire shelves
- Manual defrost
This small upright is suited to a limited stash of frozen snacks or meals. Its reversible door and flush back help with placement in a tight space.
Pros
- Compact cabinet
- Reversible door
- Adjustable temperature control
Cons
- Only 3 cu ft capacity
- Manual defrost
The Magic Chef MCUF3S2 is suited to a small stock of frozen snacks or meals. Its 3 cu ft cabinet, wire shelves and reversible door make it easier to fit into a limited area than the full-size models.
It has manual defrost and an adjustable temperature control. The dimensions are 20.3 in deep, 22 in wide and 32.1 in high, making it the shortest full-size upright in this roundup.
Choose it when you need a small personal freezer and have little room to spare. Its capacity is much lower than a 17 cu ft target, so compare it with the 5 cu ft Commercial Cool only if either would meet your actual storage needs.
BLACK+DECKER 1.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Upright Freezer: Best for countertop-scale storage
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- Full-width wire shelf
- Adjustable thermostat
- Energy Star certified
This tiny freezer fits a few frozen staples where floor space is limited. Its capacity is a small fraction of 17 cu ft.
Pros
- Very small footprint
- Full-width wire shelf
- Energy Star certified
Cons
- Only 1.2 cu ft capacity
- Countertop installation type
The BLACK+DECKER 1.2 cu ft compact upright freezer works for a few frozen staples in a very small space. It has one full-width wire shelf, an adjustable thermostat and an Energy Star certification.
Its dimensions are 19.69 in deep, 19.72 in wide and 19.29 in high. The small size makes it a countertop-scale option, not a bulk-storage freezer.
Choose it if you want to keep a limited amount of frozen food close by in an office or bedroom. For a larger cabinet, compare the 3 cu ft Magic Chef or 5 cu ft Commercial Cool.
How do you choose an upright freezer near 17 cu ft?
Choose based on capacity, dimensions and storage layout together. A freezer that holds enough food still needs to fit the room, clear the doorway and open without blocking your usual path.
What capacity do you need in an upright freezer?
Estimate how much frozen food you keep on hand and how often you shop or batch-cook. A freezer near 17 cu ft can suit larger reserves, but your actual need depends on the volume and shape of your food packages.
If you're unsure, use the freezer size calculation guide before comparing models. It can help you narrow the capacity range so you don't buy more cabinet than you can fill or fit.
How should you measure the space for a 17 cu ft upright freezer?
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the appliance dimensions and required clearances in its manual. Also measure doorways, stairs and turns along the delivery route.
Include room for the door to open and for you to remove shelves or drawers for cleaning. A freezer's published dimensions alone don't show how much working space you'll need around it.
Are shelves or drawers better for frozen food?
Shelves give you flexible space for larger packages, while drawers help group smaller items and keep them visible. Some cabinets combine both, such as the BLACK+DECKER 14 cu ft model with glass shelves, a basket and door bins.
Think about your usual groceries before picking a layout. Flat meal containers, bulky meat packs and small bags each use the available interior differently.
Does convertible mean a freezer can chill and freeze at once?
No. A convertible freezer switches its cabinet between refrigerator mode and freezer mode, so it operates at one mode at a time.
Before switching, move food that needs its current temperature somewhere suitable. The KoolMore 21 cu ft and BLACK+DECKER 14 cu ft are convertible options in this roundup.
Which upright freezer should you choose?
Choose the KoolMore if you need the most capacity and want a refrigerator mode, or the BLACK+DECKER 14 cu ft model if its smaller cabinet and organized shelves and bins fit your space. Pick the Hamilton Beach for drawer storage, and consider the compact models only when your frozen-food load is modest.
For a more precise match, compare your estimated needs with the best upright freezer 14 cu ft, best 13 cu ft upright freezer and best 21 cu ft upright freezer guides.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for maximum upright capacityKoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for organized mid-size storageBLACK+DECKER 14 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
Is a 17 cu ft upright freezer right for a family?
A 17 cu ft upright freezer can suit a household that buys frozen food in bulk or prepares meals ahead, if there is enough room for the cabinet and door swing. Household size alone doesn't predict the right capacity.
Estimate your usual frozen-food volume and compare the freezer's shelves, drawers and interior layout with the packages you store.
How much space does an upright freezer need?
Measure the freezer's width, depth and height, then allow for the clearance and door swing required by its manual. Check the doorway and route into the room too.
A cabinet that fits its final spot can still be hard to move through a hall or doorway.
Are all upright freezers garage ready?
No. Garage performance depends on the model and the room's temperature range.
Midea gives a 0°F to 110°F range for the 7.1 cu ft freezer, while BLACK+DECKER describes its 14 cu ft model as garage-ready in freezer mode only.
Check the model's operating limits against seasonal temperatures in your garage.
Should I choose shelves or drawers?
Choose shelves for larger packages and flexible vertical space, and drawers when you want to group smaller items and see them at a glance. The Hamilton Beach has seven clear drawers, while the BLACK+DECKER 14 cu ft model combines shelves, a wire basket and door bins.
Match the layout to the food you buy most often.
Is a convertible upright freezer both a fridge and freezer?
A convertible unit switches between refrigerator mode and freezer mode; it does not run both temperatures in the same cabinet at once. The KoolMore 21 cu ft and BLACK+DECKER 14 cu ft models offer both modes.
Move food that needs the old temperature elsewhere before switching.
About this guide: Our look at 17 cu ft upright freezers draws on maker specs, materials and what owners report. See how we research.



