Best picks

Best 20 Cu Ft Chest Freezers: Top 9 Picks (November 2026)

Updated on · By the Freezer Cool team

The best 20 cu ft chest freezers include the FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer for compact extra storage, the Frigidaire Chest Deep Freezer for the smallest footprint, and the Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer for convertible storage.

On this page (8 sections)
  1. Best 20 Cu Ft Chest Freezers
  2. How we chose 20 cu ft chest freezers
  3. The best chest freezer 20 cu ft picks
  4. What should you measure for a 20 cu ft freezer?
  5. How can you organize a 20 cu ft freezer?
  6. Is a chest freezer the same as a deep freezer?
  7. Can a 20 cu ft chest freezer run on a 20 amp circuit?
  8. Which 20 cu ft freezer should you choose?

Best 20 Cu Ft Chest Freezers

The best chest freezer 20 cu ft pick is the KoolMore SCF-20C, with exactly 20 cu ft of capacity, two lids, two wire baskets and caster wheels. The BLACK+DECKER 19.8 cu ft chest freezer is a close alternative with two removable baskets and exterior temperature controls.

A freezer this large suits households buying meat or other frozen food in bulk, preparing meals ahead, or keeping a deep reserve. Businesses needing larger stock capacity can compare commercial chest freezers.

The tradeoff is a wide cabinet that takes deliberate planning for delivery, placement and everyday access.

If you want to stay close to 20 cu ft without the exact match, compare the 19.8 cu ft BLACK+DECKER chest freezer with the KoolMore 20 cu ft freezer. For a smaller size step, see our guides to a chest freezer 16 cu ft and a chest freezer 17 cu ft.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer
    Best for compact extra storage

    FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Frigidaire Chest Deep Freezer
    Best for the smallest footprint

    Frigidaire Chest Deep Freezer

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer
    Best for convertible storage

    Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer

    9.4/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4BODACIOUS 7.0 Cu Ft Chest Freezer

    BODACIOUS 7.0 Cu Ft Chest Freezer

    Best for six-setting temperature control
    Check it
  2. 5BLACK+DECKER 16.2 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer

    BLACK+DECKER 16.2 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer

    Best for a mid-size bulk load
    Check it
  3. 6FRIGIDAIRE EFRF9003 Chest Deep Freezer

    FRIGIDAIRE EFRF9003 Chest Deep Freezer

    Best for a compact Frigidaire cabinet
    Check it
  4. 7BLACK+DECKER 19.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer

    BLACK+DECKER 19.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer

    Best for near-20 cu ft home storage
    Check it
  5. 8KoolMore SCF-20C Chest Freezer

    KoolMore SCF-20C Chest Freezer

    Best for an exact 20 cu ft capacity
    Check it
  6. 9Hamilton Beach HBFRF1006 Chest Freezer

    Hamilton Beach HBFRF1006 Chest Freezer

    Best for a smaller step up
    Check it

How we chose 20 cu ft chest freezers

We compared the listed capacities, cabinet dimensions, organization features and controls against the needs of shoppers looking for substantial bulk food storage. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

This selection includes two models near the 20 cu ft target, plus smaller units for readers who may need a different footprint or capacity. Those smaller freezers are useful comparison points, but they aren't direct substitutes for 20 cu ft storage.

ProductBest forCapacitySize (W x D x H)OrganizationOur score
FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezercompact extra storage7 cu ft37 x 26 x 33 inRemovable wire basket9.7
Frigidaire Chest Deep Freezerthe smallest footprint2.1 cu ft20.9 x 18.3 x 23.6 inRemovable wire basket9.6
Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezerconvertible storage7 cu ft30.3 x 22 x 33.5 in9.4
BODACIOUS 7.0 Cu Ft Chest Freezersix-setting temperature control7 cu ft17.32 x 21.57 x 33.46 inRemovable basket9.2
BLACK+DECKER 16.2 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezera mid-size bulk load16.2 cu ft60.4 x 29.5 x 33.5 inTwo removable baskets9.1
FRIGIDAIRE EFRF9003 Chest Deep Freezera compact Frigidaire cabinet9 cu ft37 x 26 x 33 inRemovable wire basket9.0
BLACK+DECKER 19.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezernear-20 cu ft home storage19.8 cu ft71 x 29.5 x 33.5 inTwo removable baskets8.9
KoolMore SCF-20C Chest Freezeran exact 20 cu ft capacity20 cu ft75.98 x 27.95 x 32.48 inTwo wire baskets8.2
Hamilton Beach HBFRF1006 Chest Freezera smaller step up10.3 cu ft44.25 x 33.25 x 27.5 inRemovable wire basket8.0

The best chest freezer 20 cu ft picks

The KoolMore is the only exact 20 cu ft option in this group, while BLACK+DECKER's 19.8 cu ft model comes close. The remaining choices offer smaller capacities for shoppers who decide a full-size freezer would take too much room.

1

FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer: Best for compact extra storage

FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
9.7/10Our score
  • 7 cu ft capacity
  • Seven-setting adjustable thermostat
  • Removable vinyl-coated wire basket
  • Exterior defrost drain

A compact option for shoppers who want a Frigidaire chest freezer with an exterior thermostat and removable basket. Its 7 cu ft capacity is far below the 20 cu ft target.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Exterior seven-setting thermostat
  • Removable basket
  • Exterior defrost drain

Cons

  • 7 cu ft capacity is much smaller than 20 cu ft
  • Does not have the bulk storage space this roundup focuses on

The FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK is a 7 cu ft freezer, so it is best understood as a compact alternative rather than a bulk-storage pick. Its exterior thermostat has seven settings, and a removable vinyl-coated wire basket keeps smaller food near the top.

The exterior defrost drain gives water a path out during manual defrosting. A power-on indicator light lets you check the unit's status without opening the lid.

At 37 in wide, 26 in deep and 33 in high, it takes much less floor space than the 20 cu ft models in this roundup. That smaller footprint comes with less room for bulk packages.

Choose it if your space is limited and your storage needs are modest. For a larger Frigidaire cabinet, the 9 cu ft EFRF9003 below adds capacity while keeping the same listed width and depth.

FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep FreezerCheck it on Amazon
2

Frigidaire Chest Deep Freezer: Best for the smallest footprint

Frigidaire Chest Deep Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
9.6/10Our score
  • 2.1 cu ft capacity
  • Removable vinyl-coated wire basket
  • Adjustable exterior thermostat
  • Defrost drain

A small Frigidaire model for buyers with very limited floor space. It is not a substitute for a 20 cu ft freezer.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Small dimensions
  • Removable basket
  • Adjustable exterior thermostat

Cons

  • Only 2.1 cu ft capacity
  • Far less suitable for bulk food storage

This Frigidaire is the smallest option here at 2.1 cu ft, a better match for occasional overflow than bulk meat or large meal batches. Its compact dimensions are 20.9 in wide, 18.3 in deep and 23.6 in high.

A removable vinyl-coated wire basket helps separate smaller items, and the exterior thermostat adjusts the temperature. For guidance on a suitable target temperature, see our chest freezer temperature guide.

The freezer also has an interior drain plug and a defrost drain mode.

The small footprint can fit where a full-size chest freezer won't, but it requires a different shopping plan. Think of it as a separate compact option if your 20 cu ft search has revealed that floor space is the main constraint.

Frigidaire Chest Deep FreezerCheck it on Amazon
3

Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer: Best for convertible storage

Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
9.4/10Our score
  • 7 cu ft capacity
  • Freezer and fridge modes
  • Removable plastic basket
  • Midea claims up to 48 hours of frozen storage after power loss

A convertible Midea freezer for households whose needs shift between frozen and fresh food. Its 7 cu ft capacity is not close to 20 cu ft.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Convertible freezer and fridge modes
  • Removable basket
  • Defined ambient ranges for each mode

Cons

  • Only 7 cu ft capacity
  • Can run as a freezer or refrigerator, not both at once

Midea's 7 cu ft convertible freezer can switch between freezer and refrigerator modes. That flexibility may suit a household whose extra cold-storage needs change, but it doesn't provide 20 cu ft of bulk freezer space.

Midea gives operating temperature ranges for both modes: 0°F to 110°F ambient for freezer mode and 38°F to 110°F for refrigerator mode. It also claims the contents can stay frozen for up to 48 hours after a power loss.

The removable plastic basket holds smaller items above the larger food below, and adjustable legs help level the cabinet. At 30.3 in wide, this is far smaller than the KoolMore or BLACK+DECKER full-size choices.

Pick it if mode flexibility matters more than capacity. The Midea is a different kind of solution for shoppers who might use a spare cabinet as a refrigerator at some times and a freezer at others.

Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest FreezerCheck it on Amazon
4

BODACIOUS 7.0 Cu Ft Chest Freezer: Best for six-setting temperature control

BODACIOUS 7.0 Cu Ft Chest Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
9.2/10Our score
  • 7 cu ft capacity
  • Six-setting adjustable thermostat
  • Removable basket
  • Exterior defrost water drain

This compact BODACIOUS model has a six-setting thermostat and a removable basket. Its capacity is suited to smaller storage needs, not a 20 cu ft bulk load.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Six-setting thermostat
  • Removable basket
  • Exterior defrost drain

Cons

  • Only 7 cu ft capacity
  • Does not offer the bulk storage space sought here

The BODACIOUS holds 7 cu ft and has a six-setting adjustable thermostat, a removable basket and an exterior defrost water drain. It is a compact alternative for shoppers whose needs are well below the 20 cu ft range.

Its dimensions are 17.32 in wide, 21.57 in deep and 33.46 in high. Check those measurements against your planned location and allow enough room to lift the lid and reach the drain.

BODACIOUS describes this model as energy-saving and quiet. Those are brand claims, so consider them alongside the concrete features and dimensions when comparing it with other small freezers.

Choose it for a compact freezer with a basket and simple dial controls. For bulk food storage, the smaller capacity means more frequent planning around available space.

BODACIOUS 7.0 Cu Ft Chest FreezerCheck it on Amazon
5

BLACK+DECKER 16.2 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer: Best for a mid-size bulk load

BLACK+DECKER 16.2 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
9.1/10Our score
  • 16.2 cu ft capacity
  • Two removable storage baskets
  • Mechanical exterior temperature control
  • Manual defrost with drain

This BLACK+DECKER offers substantial room and two baskets, while taking up less width than the 19.8 cu ft model. It falls short of the 20 cu ft target.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Two removable baskets
  • Exterior temperature dial and indicator lights
  • Manual defrost drain

Cons

  • 3.8 cu ft less capacity than the 20 cu ft target
  • Still needs a broad footprint

The BLACK+DECKER 16.2 cu ft model is a mid-size option for bulk storage, but it holds 3.8 cu ft less than a 20 cu ft target. Two removable baskets help divide smaller packages from larger frozen items below.

The mechanical temperature control and indicator lights are on the exterior. Manual defrost and an easy-access drain make maintenance more manageable, though defrosting still takes time and requires the unit to be emptied.

Its dimensions are 60.4 in wide, 29.5 in deep and 33.5 in high. That's a substantial footprint, but it is narrower than the 19.8 cu ft model from the same brand.

Consider it if the exact 20 cu ft options are too wide or too large for your planned storage. Our best chest freezer 14 cu ft guide covers another step down in capacity.

BLACK+DECKER 16.2 Cu. Ft. Chest FreezerCheck it on Amazon
6

FRIGIDAIRE EFRF9003 Chest Deep Freezer: Best for a compact Frigidaire cabinet

FRIGIDAIRE EFRF9003 Chest Deep Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
9.0/10Our score
  • 9 cu ft capacity
  • Adjustable exterior thermostat
  • Removable vinyl-coated wire basket
  • Exterior defrost drain

The EFRF9003 provides a middle-size storage step for shoppers who prefer Frigidaire's exterior dial and basket layout. Its 9 cu ft capacity is much smaller than the target.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Exterior adjustable thermostat
  • Removable wire basket
  • Defrost drain

Cons

  • Only 9 cu ft capacity
  • Not sized for 20 cu ft bulk storage

The FRIGIDAIRE EFRF9003 holds 9 cu ft, giving you more room than a compact freezer while staying well below 20 cu ft. It has an adjustable exterior thermostat, a removable vinyl-coated wire basket and a defrost drain.

Its listed dimensions are 37 in wide, 26 in deep and 33 in high. That makes it a smaller-footprint choice for buyers who want a Frigidaire chest freezer but don't need a bulk-size cabinet.

The wire basket keeps frequently used small items close to the top, while the main compartment holds larger packages. The exterior controls let you adjust the temperature without lifting the lid.

Choose this size for moderate extra storage, not a large reserve of bulk food. If you are deciding between capacity steps, compare it with our guide to chest freezers around 17 cu ft.

FRIGIDAIRE EFRF9003 Chest Deep FreezerCheck it on Amazon
7

BLACK+DECKER 19.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer: Best for near-20 cu ft home storage

BLACK+DECKER 19.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
8.9/10Our score
  • 19.8 cu ft capacity
  • Two removable storage baskets
  • Mechanical exterior temperature control
  • Manual defrost with drain

This BLACK+DECKER is a close fit for shoppers comparing 20 cu ft capacity. Two baskets and exterior controls help with sorting and routine adjustments.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Near-20 cu ft capacity
  • Two removable baskets
  • Exterior control dial and indicator lights

Cons

  • Wide cabinet needs careful placement planning
  • Manual defrost requires maintenance

The BLACK+DECKER BCF1980E holds 19.8 cu ft, making it the closest option here to the exact 20 cu ft target. Two removable baskets help keep smaller packages accessible above the main storage area.

Its mechanical temperature dial and indicator lights sit outside the cabinet, so routine checks and adjustments don't require opening the lid. The manual defrost system includes an easy-access drain.

At 71 in wide, 29.5 in deep and 33.5 in high, it takes substantial floor space. Measure the path from the entrance to its final position, and check the available clearance for the lid before arranging delivery.

This is a strong choice if you want near-20 cu ft storage with a straightforward basket layout. The KoolMore is an alternative if you want an exact 20 cu ft rating, two lids and caster wheels.

BLACK+DECKER 19.8 Cu. Ft. Chest FreezerCheck it on Amazon
8

KoolMore SCF-20C Chest Freezer: Best for an exact 20 cu ft capacity

KoolMore SCF-20C Chest Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
8.2/10Our score
  • 20 cu ft capacity
  • Two lids
  • Two wire baskets
  • Lockable lid and caster wheels

KoolMore is the exact-capacity pick, with two lids, two wire baskets and caster wheels. Its broad cabinet needs a clear route through the home and enough floor space.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Exact 20 cu ft capacity
  • Two lids and two wire baskets
  • Lockable lid and caster wheels

Cons

  • Nearly 76 in wide
  • Confirm its placement and power needs before buying

The KoolMore SCF-20C is the exact 20 cu ft match in this roundup. It has two lids, two wire baskets, a built-in lock and caster wheels.

Its cabinet measures 75.98 in wide, 27.95 in deep and 32.48 in high. That's nearly 6.5 ft across, so check both the room and the delivery route before choosing it.

KoolMore specifies a cabinet temperature range of 0°F to -8°F and says the freezer uses R600a refrigerant. The model also meets ETL and NSF/ANSI 7 standards according to its specifications.

The wheels can help move the unit around a garage, mudroom or storage area, but check the floor and route before relying on them to reposition a loaded freezer. For added protection, compare chest freezer covers.

The lock may suit shared spaces where access needs to be controlled.

Choose KoolMore if you want the exact capacity and its two-lid, two-basket layout. Compare its width with the 19.8 cu ft BLACK+DECKER before settling on a location.

KoolMore SCF-20C Chest FreezerCheck it on Amazon
9

Hamilton Beach HBFRF1006 Chest Freezer: Best for a smaller step up

Hamilton Beach HBFRF1006 Chest Freezer, 20 cu ft chest freezers
8.0/10Our score
  • 10.3 cu ft capacity
  • Seven-setting adjustable thermostat
  • Removable vinyl-coated wire basket
  • Exterior defrost drain

Hamilton Beach provides a mid-size cabinet with a basket and exterior thermostat. At 10.3 cu ft, it is for buyers who need less than the full 20 cu ft.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Seven-setting exterior thermostat
  • Removable wire basket
  • Exterior defrost drain

Cons

  • About half the capacity of a 20 cu ft freezer
  • Wide and deep for its capacity

Hamilton Beach's 10.3 cu ft chest freezer is a middle-size alternative with a seven-setting thermostat, a removable vinyl-coated wire basket and an exterior defrost drain. It holds about half as much as the 20 cu ft target.

The freezer measures 44.25 in wide, 33.25 in deep and 27.5 in high. Compare its depth as well as its width: a smaller capacity does not always mean a shallow cabinet.

Its exterior temperature control and power-on indicator help with routine checks. The removable basket gives small food packages a separate place above the main storage area.

Choose this model if a full-size freezer seems excessive but you still need more capacity than the 7 to 9 cu ft options. It won't match the bulk storage room of the KoolMore or BLACK+DECKER 19.8 cu ft freezer.

Hamilton Beach HBFRF1006 Chest FreezerCheck it on Amazon

What should you measure for a 20 cu ft freezer?

Measure the freezer's floor space, the path it will travel during delivery and the clearance needed for the lid to open. The KoolMore is about 76 in wide, and the BLACK+DECKER 19.8 cu ft model is 71 in wide.

Check doorways, turns, stairs and any narrow hall before ordering. Measure the freezer's height too, then follow the manufacturer's required spacing around the cabinet.

A chest freezer needs a usable layout after it reaches the room. Keep the front and any defrost drain accessible, and decide where you'll put food you use often so you don't have to dig to the bottom.

If your available area is tight, compare a chest freezer 16 cu ft with the 19.8 and 20 cu ft models. A chest freezer 21 cu ft may suit you if you want to compare an even larger capacity.

How can you organize a 20 cu ft freezer?

Use baskets and broad food groups to keep smaller items findable in a deep cabinet. The KoolMore has two wire baskets, and both BLACK+DECKER models in this roundup include two removable baskets.

Keep small packages or frequently used items in the baskets, then group larger packages below by food type or date. A written inventory on the outside of the freezer can help you track items stored at the bottom.

Avoid stacking food so high that you cannot close the lid or reach the items you need. Leave room to move packages as you add new groceries, and rotate older food forward.

Is a chest freezer the same as a deep freezer?

A chest freezer is a type of deep freezer with a top-opening lid. The phrase deep freezer can also refer to upright freezers, which open from the front and may have shelves or drawers.

A large chest design can hold bulky packages, but food at the bottom may take more effort to reach. Read our explanation of whether a chest freezer is the same as a deep freezer for the difference between common terms and cabinet styles.

Can a 20 cu ft chest freezer run on a 20 amp circuit?

Check the freezer's electrical label and manual, then follow the manufacturer's circuit instructions and local electrical rules. A 20 amp circuit alone does not confirm that a particular freezer is suitable for that circuit.

The listed voltage for the KoolMore and BLACK+DECKER models is 110 or 120 volts, but voltage by itself does not answer every circuit question. See our guide on whether a chest freezer can run on a 20 amp circuit for the checks to make before setup.

Which 20 cu ft freezer should you choose?

Choose the KoolMore SCF-20C if you want exactly 20 cu ft, two lids, two wire baskets and caster wheels. Pick the BLACK+DECKER 19.8 cu ft if you want a near-match with two removable baskets and exterior controls, or step down to 16.2 cu ft if its narrower cabinet fits your room better.

Measure the route and final location before deciding. A large freezer only helps if you can get it into place, open the lid and reach the food you'll store.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer
    Best for compact extra storage

    FRIGIDAIRE EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Frigidaire Chest Deep Freezer
    Best for the smallest footprint

    Frigidaire Chest Deep Freezer

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer
    Best for convertible storage

    Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer

    9.4/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Is a 20 cu ft chest freezer large enough for bulk food?

A 20 cu ft chest freezer offers substantial space for bulk groceries, meat packages and prepared meals, but usable room depends on the shape of the food and how you organize it. Compare the size of your usual boxes and containers with the cabinet dimensions.

Baskets keep smaller items near the top, while a simple inventory list can help you find food stored below.

Is 19.8 cu ft close enough to 20 cu ft?

Yes, 19.8 cu ft is a close match for most shoppers comparing 20 cu ft chest freezers. The BLACK+DECKER 19.8 cu ft model is only 0.2 cu ft below that target and includes two removable baskets.

Choose by cabinet dimensions and organization too, since those affect how well your food fits.

What should I measure before buying a 20 cu ft chest freezer?

Measure the floor area, doorway route and space above the freezer for its lid to open. The KoolMore SCF-20C is about 76 in wide, 28 in deep and 32.5 in high.

Also leave the clearances required by the manufacturer and make sure the final position keeps controls and defrost access reachable.

Is a chest freezer the same as a deep freezer?

A chest freezer is one style of deep freezer, with a top-opening cabinet. The term deep freezer can also refer to upright models, which have a front door and shelves or drawers.

For a large chest model, plan how you'll group food so smaller items don't disappear under heavier packages.