9 Best Convertible Chest Freezers and Refrigerators (November 2026)
The best convertible chest freezers and refrigerators include the WANAI Black Chest Freezer for fridge or freezer use in a small space, the Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer for organized freezer storage, and the DEMULLER Deep Freezer Chest 3.5 Cubic Feet for precise temperature settings.
On this page (14 sections)
- How we chose the best convertible chest freezers
- What separates a chest freezer and fridge combo from a standard freezer?
- Compare the best convertible chest freezer options
- 1. WANAI Black Chest Freezer: Best for fridge or freezer use in a small space
- 2. Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer: Best for organized freezer storage
- 3. DEMULLER Deep Freezer Chest 3.5 Cubic Feet: Best for precise temperature settings
- 4. Midea 3.5 Cu.ft Chest Freezer: Best for switching modes in a small space
- 5. FRIGIDAIRE EFRF5003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer-Garage-Ready: Best for larger frozen food batches
- 6. Kismile 3.2 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer: Best for compact frozen food storage
- 7. Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer: Best for switching modes with more storage
- 8. BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Compact Chest Freezer: Best for a small frozen food reserve
- 9. Arctic Chef: Best for a convertible 7 cu ft cabinet
- How should you choose a chest freezer and fridge combo?
- Which convertible chest freezer should you choose?
The best convertible chest freezer is the 7 cu ft Midea for households that want both refrigerator and freezer operation in one cabinet. For a smaller footprint, the 3.5 cu ft Midea offers the same mode choice, while the Arctic Chef is another 7 cu ft convertible option.
A chest freezer and fridge combo can shift with your storage needs, but it runs one mode at a time. If you mainly want a dedicated freezer, compare these with our best chest type freezer picks.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for organized freezer storageIgloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for precise temperature settingsDEMULLER Deep Freezer Chest 3.5 Cubic Feet
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for switching modes in a small spaceCheck it - 5
Check itFRIGIDAIRE EFRF5003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer-Garage-Ready
Best for larger frozen food batches - 6
Check itKismile 3.2 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer
Best for compact frozen food storage - 7
Best for switching modes with more storageCheck it - 8
Check itBLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Compact Chest Freezer
Best for a small frozen food reserve - 9
Best for a convertible 7 cu ft cabinetCheck it
How we chose the best convertible chest freezers
The strongest convertible choices make their refrigerator and freezer modes clear, while the other models here are alternatives for buyers focused on frozen storage. We compared stated capacity, temperature controls, organization features, cabinet size and any specified garage operating ranges.
If cabinet finish matters, compare stainless steel chest freezers. For a general selection checklist, read our chest freezer buying guide.
Midea identifies separate fridge and freezer modes and gives ambient temperature limits for each. Arctic Chef is also described as convertible, while several other models provide adjustable temperature controls without specifying dedicated fridge mode.
A temperature range that includes warmer settings isn't automatically the same as a documented refrigerator mode. Check how the appliance is intended to operate before planning to store perishable food in it.
For dedicated freezer alternatives, browse best quiet chest freezer if room noise matters, or see best white chest freezer for color options. Our small chest freezer cost guide and large chest freezer cost guide can help you plan a budget.
What separates a chest freezer and fridge combo from a standard freezer?
A true convertible chest freezer switches the whole cabinet between refrigerator and freezer operation. It doesn't hold separate fridge and freezer zones at the same time.
Midea specifies garage ambient limits of 0 F to 110 F in freezer mode and 38 F to 110 F in fridge mode. Those figures describe the surrounding temperature range for operation, not the food temperature inside the cabinet.
Some freezers have adjustable temperature controls that reach warmer settings, but that alone doesn't guarantee a dedicated refrigerator mode. WANAI's seven levels include a 32 F to 50 F range at levels 1–2, while DEMULLER's settings cover -15 F to 41 F.
When you switch a convertible unit, move food that needs the previous temperature to another suitable appliance. Let the cabinet reach its new setting before loading food that depends on it.
Compare the best convertible chest freezer options
The 7 cu ft Midea offers the largest stated capacity among the two Midea convertible models, while the 3.5 cu ft version takes less floor space. Arctic Chef also gives you a 7 cu ft convertible cabinet, but its garage operating range isn't specified here.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (W x D x H) | Temperature control | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WANAI Black Chest Freezer | fridge or freezer use in a small space | 3.5 cu ft | 16.3 x 20.7 x 29.5 in | Seven levels; 32 F to 50 F at levels 1–2 | 9.7 |
| Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer | organized freezer storage | 5 cu ft | 21.25 x 25 x 33.13 in | Adjustable thermostat | 9.7 |
| DEMULLER Deep Freezer Chest 3.5 Cubic Feet | precise temperature settings | 3.5 cu ft | 21 x 17 x 30 in | -15 F to 41 F, adjustable in 1 F steps | 9.6 |
| Midea 3.5 Cu.ft Chest Freezer | switching modes in a small space | 3.5 cu ft | 21.5 x 17.6 x 33.5 in | 0 F to 110 F ambient in freezer mode; 38 F to 110 F in fridge mode | 9.6 |
| FRIGIDAIRE EFRF5003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer-Garage-Ready | larger frozen food batches | 5 cu ft | 28 x 23 x 35 in | Seven thermostat settings | 9.5 |
| Kismile 3.2 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer | compact frozen food storage | 3.2 cu ft | 20.67 x 17.12 x 31.89 in | 6.8 F to -7.6 F across seven settings | 9.5 |
| Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer | switching modes with more storage | 7 cu ft | 30.3 x 22 x 33.5 in | 0 F to 110 F ambient in freezer mode; 38 F to 110 F in fridge mode | 9.4 |
| BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Compact Chest Freezer | a small frozen food reserve | 2 cu ft | 20.9 x 17.3 x 27.6 in | Mechanical dial | 9.3 |
| Arctic Chef | a convertible 7 cu ft cabinet | 7 cu ft | 38.58 x 22.83 x 35.04 in | Adjustable external thermostat | 8.9 |
1. WANAI Black Chest Freezer: Best for fridge or freezer use in a small space
WANAI Black Chest Freezer: Best for fridge or freezer use in a small space
- 3.5 cu ft capacity
- Seven temperature levels
- 32 F to 50 F at levels 1–2
- Removable basket
The broad temperature range includes a warmer setting suited to drinks and fruit as well as colder settings for frozen food. It doesn't specify a separate fridge mode.
Pros
- Compact cabinet
- Adjustable temperature
- Removable basket
Cons
- No separate fridge mode is specified
- Requires 24 hours upright before use
WANAI's 3.5 cu ft cabinet has seven temperature levels, with levels 1–2 covering 32 F to 50 F for drinks and fruit. Levels 3–7 cover -11.2 F to 32 F for meat and seafood.
That broad range gives you flexibility for different contents, but WANAI doesn't specify separate refrigerator and freezer modes. If a dedicated fridge setting is essential, compare it with the Midea convertible models.
The removable hanging basket keeps smaller, frequently used items near the top. The cabinet measures 20.7 x 16.3 x 29.5 in, and adjustable feet help balance it on uneven flooring.
WANAI calls this model energy-saving and low-noise, but no measured noise level or energy-use figure is specified. It uses manual defrosting with a drain hole, and WANAI says to leave it upright for at least 24 hours before use.
2. Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer: Best for organized freezer storage
Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer: Best for organized freezer storage
- 5 cu ft capacity
- Adjustable thermostat
- Removable basket
- Balanced lid hinge
A removable basket and lid that stays open help with sorting frozen food. This model is described as a freezer, with no refrigerator mode specified.
Pros
- 5 cu ft storage
- Basket keeps small items near the top
- Hinge holds lid open
Cons
- No refrigerator mode is specified
- Garage temperature limits aren't given
Igloo's 5 cu ft chest cabinet is a dedicated freezer option, with an adjustable thermostat and a removable wire basket. The balanced hinge holds the lid open between 45 and 90 degrees while you sort or load food.
Its stated dimensions are 25 x 21.25 x 33.13 in. Front rollers help with moving it, and a drain plug supports defrosting and cleaning.
The described temperature range is -10 F to 10 F. No refrigerator mode or garage ambient limits are specified, so treat it as a freezer choice unless Igloo confirms details that fit your intended use.
3. DEMULLER Deep Freezer Chest 3.5 Cubic Feet: Best for precise temperature settings
DEMULLER Deep Freezer Chest 3.5 Cubic Feet: Best for precise temperature settings
- 3.5 cu ft capacity
- Digital settings in 1 F steps
- Temperature range from -15 F to 41 F
- Two baskets
Digital controls offer a broad temperature range and small adjustment steps. The range reaches refrigerator temperatures, but a dedicated fridge mode isn't specified.
Pros
- Digital temperature setting
- Two stainless steel baskets
- Side drain holes
Cons
- Display shows the selected setting, not measured temperature
- No separate fridge mode is specified
DEMULLER offers digital temperature settings in 1 F steps across a range of -15 F to 41 F. The display shows the selected setting, so use a separate thermometer if you need to check the cabinet's measured temperature.
The 3.5 cu ft cabinet measures 21 x 17 x 30 in. Two stainless steel baskets help separate smaller items from larger packages, and side drain holes need to remain accessible for manual defrosting.
Temperatures as high as 41 F may suit some chilled foods, but a dedicated refrigerator mode isn't specified. Choose a model that clearly supports fridge operation if that function is central to your plans.
4. Midea 3.5 Cu.ft Chest Freezer: Best for switching modes in a small space
Midea 3.5 Cu.ft Chest Freezer: Best for switching modes in a small space
- 3.5 cu ft capacity
- Converts between fridge and freezer modes
- Mode-specific garage temperature ranges
- Removable basket
This compact Midea switches between refrigerator and freezer modes. Separate ambient temperature ranges help you check whether a garage suits each mode.
Pros
- Dedicated refrigerator and freezer modes
- Garage ranges specified for both modes
- Removable plastic basket
Cons
- Cannot run both modes at once
- Mode change requires moving food that needs the previous temperature
Midea's 3.5 cu ft convertible chest freezer changes between refrigerator and freezer modes. Its compact size makes it the smaller mode-switching option in this roundup.
Midea specifies operation in surrounding temperatures from 38 F to 110 F in fridge mode and 0 F to 110 F in freezer mode. These ranges can help you compare the appliance with your garage's seasonal conditions.
The removable plastic basket organizes smaller food, and adjustable legs help level the cabinet. Midea also says it can keep items frozen for up to 48 hours after a power loss.
A convertible appliance changes the temperature of its whole cabinet, so it can't chill drinks while freezing meat at the same time. For a small appliance with a separate freezer compartment, compare best small refrigerator with freezer.
5. FRIGIDAIRE EFRF5003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer-Garage-Ready: Best for larger frozen food batches
FRIGIDAIRE EFRF5003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer-Garage-Ready: Best for larger frozen food batches
- 5 cu ft capacity
- Seven thermostat settings
- Removable wire basket
- Exterior defrost drain
This wider 5 cu ft cabinet is suited to households storing larger frozen food batches. It's a freezer-focused pick, with no refrigerator mode specified.
Pros
- More capacity than the 3.5 cu ft options
- Exterior defrost drain
- Power-on indicator
Cons
- Wider footprint
- No refrigerator mode is specified
The Frigidaire offers 5 cu ft of dedicated freezer space for larger grocery loads and meal prep. Its cabinet measures 28 x 23 x 35 in, so check both the floor area and the room needed to open the lid.
A removable vinyl-coated wire basket keeps small, frequently used items near the top. The seven-setting thermostat, power-on indicator and exterior defrost drain add simple controls and maintenance features.
The model is described as garage-ready, but a specific ambient temperature range isn't given here. Confirm the allowed range with Frigidaire if your garage sees very hot or cold conditions.
6. Kismile 3.2 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer: Best for compact frozen food storage
Kismile 3.2 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer: Best for compact frozen food storage
- 3.2 cu ft capacity
- Seven temperature levels
- Two removable baskets
- Balanced lid hinge
Two baskets separate small items from larger food below. The listed temperature range is for freezer use, with no refrigerator mode specified.
Pros
- Two removable baskets
- Lid stays open from 45 to 90 degrees
- Separate power and run lights
Cons
- No refrigerator mode is specified
- No garage operating range is given
Kismile's 3.2 cu ft freezer includes two removable baskets, useful for separating small packages from food stored below. Its balanced hinge can hold the lid open between 45 and 90 degrees.
The seven-level control covers 6.8 F to -7.6 F. Kismile describes this as a freezer range, so it isn't a substitute for a model with a specified refrigerator mode.
The cabinet measures 20.67 x 17.12 x 31.89 in. Kismile says noise stays below 40 dB and advises leaving the unit upright for at least 24 hours before first use.
7. Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer: Best for switching modes with more storage
Midea 7.0 Cu.ft Chest Freezer: Best for switching modes with more storage
- 7 cu ft capacity
- Converts between fridge and freezer modes
- Mode-specific garage temperature ranges
- Removable basket
Choose this model when you want Midea's convertible operation with more room for frozen or fresh food. Its larger capacity needs more floor space than the 3.5 cu ft version.
Pros
- Fridge and freezer modes
- Mode-specific garage ranges
- 7 cu ft capacity
Cons
- Cannot cool at both temperatures at once
- Wider cabinet takes more floor space
The 7 cu ft Midea gives you fridge and freezer operation with more capacity than its 3.5 cu ft counterpart. It suits households that need to change how they use the cabinet and have enough room for its 30.3 x 22 x 33.5 in footprint.
Midea gives the same mode-specific ambient ranges: 38 F to 110 F for refrigerator mode and 0 F to 110 F for freezer mode. The removable basket keeps smaller packages within reach, and adjustable legs help level the cabinet.
Midea also says the appliance can keep items frozen for up to 48 hours after losing power. Move temperature-sensitive food elsewhere before changing modes, and allow the cabinet to reach its new setting before adding food.
8. BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Compact Chest Freezer: Best for a small frozen food reserve
BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Compact Chest Freezer: Best for a small frozen food reserve
- 2 cu ft capacity
- Removable basket
- Exterior temperature dial
- Manual defrost drain
A compact freezer for a modest frozen food reserve, with an exterior dial and removable basket. It doesn't have a specified refrigerator mode.
Pros
- Small capacity and cabinet
- Exterior temperature dial
- Manual defrost drain
Cons
- No refrigerator mode is specified
- Smallest capacity in this roundup
BLACK+DECKER's 2 cu ft freezer is the smallest capacity option here. The cabinet measures 20.9 x 17.3 x 27.6 in and includes a removable basket for smaller frozen items.
Its mechanical dial and indicator light sit outside the cabinet, so you can adjust the control without opening the lid. Manual defrosting uses an easy-access drain.
This model is for frozen storage, with no refrigerator mode specified. BLACK+DECKER says it can hold up to 70 lb of frozen food, though actual fit depends on the size and shape of the items.
9. Arctic Chef: Best for a convertible 7 cu ft cabinet
Arctic Chef: Best for a convertible 7 cu ft cabinet
- 7 cu ft capacity
- Convertible freezer or refrigerator
- External temperature control
- Removable wire basket
The Arctic Chef is described as a convertible freezer or refrigerator and holds about 135 lb of frozen food. Its wide cabinet needs a generous footprint.
Pros
- Convertible freezer or refrigerator
- External temperature control
- Defrost drain and basket
Cons
- Widest cabinet here
- Garage operating limits aren't specified
Arctic Chef is described as a 7 cu ft convertible chest freezer that can operate as a freezer or refrigerator. It includes external temperature control, a power indicator, a removable wire basket and an easy-access defrost drain.
The cabinet measures 38.58 x 22.83 x 35.04 in, making it the widest option here. Arctic Chef says it holds about 135 lb of frozen food.
No ambient temperature range for refrigerator or freezer mode is specified. Ask the manufacturer to confirm the operating limits before relying on it in an unheated or hot garage.
How should you choose a chest freezer and fridge combo?
Choose a convertible model when you need the same cabinet for chilled food at one time of year and frozen food at another. The Midea models give the clearest mode-specific ambient ranges, with 3.5 cu ft and 7 cu ft capacities.
Pick a dedicated freezer if your main need is extra frozen storage. The Frigidaire, Igloo, Kismile and BLACK+DECKER options focus on freezer use, while DEMULLER and WANAI offer broad temperature settings without a dedicated fridge mode specified.
Measure the cabinet footprint and the lid's swing before deciding. A chest appliance needs room above the cabinet for access, and food at the bottom can be harder to reach than items in an upright freezer.
For general freezer terminology, see is a chest freezer the same as a deep freezer?. If you're also comparing cold storage for wine, our wine fridge vs wine cooler guide explains the difference between those appliance types.
Which convertible chest freezer should you choose?
Choose the 7 cu ft Midea if you want a clear switch between fridge and freezer modes with more storage. Pick the 3.5 cu ft Midea if you want the same mode choice in a smaller cabinet.
The Arctic Chef is another convertible 7 cu ft option, but confirm its operating temperature limits before garage use. For frozen storage only, choose based on capacity, cabinet footprint and organization features.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Check the cabinet measurements and mode instructions against your space and food-storage needs before you decide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for organized freezer storage
Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for precise temperature settings
DEMULLER Deep Freezer Chest 3.5 Cubic Feet
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a convertible chest freezer?
A convertible chest freezer can switch between refrigerator and freezer operation. The Midea models here specify both modes and separate garage ambient temperature ranges.
Check how a model changes modes and whether it can run at the temperature your room reaches.
Can a convertible chest freezer refrigerate and freeze food at the same time?
No. A convertible unit changes the temperature of the whole cabinet, so it runs as a refrigerator or a freezer at a given time.
Move food that needs the old temperature to another suitable appliance before switching modes.
Can I use a convertible chest freezer in a garage?
Check the ambient temperature limits for the mode you plan to use. Midea specifies 0 F to 110 F in freezer mode and 38 F to 110 F in fridge mode.
For other models, confirm the operating range with the manufacturer before placing one in a garage.
Is a chest freezer the same as a deep freezer?
The terms often refer to the same type of appliance: an insulated cabinet that keeps food frozen. A chest freezer describes its top-opening shape, while deep freezer is a common name for a freezer used for longer-term storage.
See our chest freezer and deep freezer comparison for more detail.
What should I measure before buying a chest freezer?
Measure the floor space, the path into the room, and the room available for the lid to open. Compare those measurements with the cabinet dimensions and leave the clearances the manufacturer requires.
A chest freezer's top opening also needs enough room for you to reach the bottom.
