Best Manual Defrost Upright Freezers of 2026

Mark Greer Avatar
Mark Greer
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Manual defrost upright freezers are a great choice for those who want to store a large quantity of frozen food. These freezers come with a manual defrost feature, which means that the user has to manually defrost the freezer periodically. This type of freezer is more energy-efficient than a frost-free freezer and is also less expensive. The upright design allows for easy access to the contents of the freezer, and the shelves can be adjusted to accommodate larger items. With a range of sizes and styles available, there is a manual defrost upright freezer to suit any household's needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Koolatron 7.0 cu ft Upright Freezer Cover #TOP 1
Koolatron 7.0 cu ft Upright Freezer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
BLACK+DECKER BUF1000LW 10 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer Cover #TOP 2
BLACK+DECKER BUF1000LW 10 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BLACK+DECKER BUF850LB 8.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer Cover #TOP 3
BLACK+DECKER BUF850LB 8.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Manual Defrost Upright Freezers

#TOP 1

Koolatron 7.0 cu ft Upright Freezer

KTUF196
Pearl White
7.0 Cubic Feet
Koolatron 7.0 cu ft Upright Freezer Cover
Koolatron Upright freezer - 4 x fixed grid shelves, Garage Ready, Meat Storage, Manual Defrost, Space Saving, Congelador For Home, Apartment, Basement, Dorm, Room, 7.0 Cubic Feet Capacity White

The Koolatron 7.0 cu ft Upright Freezer is designed to work in extreme outdoor temperatures from 0°F to 110°F (-17°C to 43°C). It features low-frost technology, four repositionable glass shelves, an innovative "pizza compartment" for thin flat items, and a quiet, dependable compressor cooling. Customers have noted that the product is well-made and holds temperature well, though the shelves may be too small to fit into the channels properly.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to move
Spacious, efficient storage
Good insulation for hot/cold areas
Freezes food very well
Easy to organize contents
What We Don't Like
Possible shipping dents
Smaller than expected
#TOP 2

BLACK+DECKER BUF1000LW 10 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer

BUF1000LW
White
10 Cu. Ft.
BLACK+DECKER BUF1000LW 10 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer Cover
BLACK+DECKER 10 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer, Stand Up Freezer with Mechanical Temperature Control, Freezer Upright with 3 Shelves and 4 Door Bins, Manual Defrost, R600a Refrigerant, BUF1000LW, White

The BLACK+DECKER Upright Freezer is a great solution when you need extra frozen food storage at home. With its 10 cubic feet of space, you can store plenty of meat, bulk items, and other frozen goods, making it ideal for families or anyone who cooks in large batches. The freezer’s mechanical temperature control lets you easily set the perfect temperature to keep your food fresh without any hassle. Inside, three full-width shelves and four door bins help you organize your frozen items neatly, so you can quickly find what you need without digging through piles. This freezer makes storing and accessing your food simple and convenient.

What We Like
Spacious storage capacity
Flexible fridge/freezer conversion
Quiet operation
Efficient internal layout
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Dim interior lighting
#TOP 3

BLACK+DECKER BUF850LB 8.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer

BUF850LB
Black
8.5 Cu. Ft.
BLACK+DECKER BUF850LB 8.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer Cover
BLACK+DECKER 8.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer, Stand Up Freezer with Mechanical Temperature Control, Freezer Upright with 3 Shelves and 4 Door Bins, Manual Defrost, R600a Refrigerant, BUF850LB, Black

The BLACK+DECKER Upright Freezer is a great solution when you need extra frozen storage at home. With its roomy 8.5 cubic feet capacity, you can store plenty of meat, bulk foods, and other frozen items, making it perfect for families. Adjusting the temperature is simple thanks to the mechanical dial control, so you can keep your food fresh at the right coldness. Inside, three full-width shelves and four door bins help you organize your frozen goods for quick access. This freezer is designed to add convenience and efficiency to your kitchen, basement, or garage storage needs.

What We Like
Spacious interior storage
Quiet operation
Flexible fridge/freezer function
Efficient temperature control
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Dim interior lighting
#TOP 4

BLACK+DECKER BUF850LW 8.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer

BUF850LW
White
8.5 Cu. Ft.
BLACK+DECKER BUF850LW 8.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer Cover
BLACK+DECKER 8.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer, Stand Up Freezer with Mechanical Temperature Control, Freezer Upright with 3 Shelves and 4 Door Bins, Manual Defrost, R600a Refrigerant, BUF850LW, White

The BLACK+DECKER Upright Freezer is a great solution when you need extra frozen food storage at home. With its spacious 8.5 cubic feet capacity, you can store large amounts of meat and bulk items easily, making it perfect for families. The mechanical temperature control lets you quickly set the freezer to the ideal coldness, ensuring your food stays fresh longer. Inside, you'll find three wide shelves and four door bins that help keep your frozen goods organized and easy to find. This freezer is designed to add convenience and efficiency to your kitchen, basement, or garage storage needs.

What We Like
Spacious interior storage
Quiet operation
Flexible fridge or freezer mode
Easy temperature control
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Dim interior lighting
#TOP 5

Koolatron 5.3 Cu Ft Upright Freezer

KTUF160 AZ
chalk white
5.3 Cubic Feet
Koolatron 5.3 Cu Ft Upright Freezer Cover
Koolatron 5.9 Cubic Feet Capacity Upright freezer - 5 fixed grid shelves, Garage Ready, Meat Storage, Manual Defrost, Space Saving, Congelador For Home, Apartment, Basement, Dorm, Room, White

The Koolatron Mini Freezer is perfect for those needing extra frozen storage without taking up too much space. With a generous 5.3 cubic foot capacity, you can easily store a variety of frozen foods, reducing waste and saving money. Its slim design, at just 21.7 inches wide, allows it to fit in tight areas like kitchens or basements. Organizing your food is simple, thanks to the four fixed wire shelves that keep items neatly in place. Plus, the reliable compressor cooling ensures your food stays at the ideal temperature, making it a convenient choice for any household.

What We Like
Great freezer
Fits well in small spaces
Well-packed for shipping
What We Don't Like
Minor dents on arrival

Koolatron Compact Upright Freezer, 3.1 cu ft (88L), White

KTUF88
White
3.1 Cubic Feet
Koolatron Compact Upright Freezer, 3.1 cu ft (88L), White Cover
Koolatron Upright freezer – 3 Wire Baskets, Garage Ready, Meat Storage, Manual Defrost, Space Saving, Congelador For Home, Apartment, Basement, Dorm, Room, 3.1 Cubic Feet Capacity White

The Koolatron Compact Upright Freezer has 3.1 cu ft (88 L) capacity which helps to reduce food waste and save money. The upright freezer features a space-saving flat-back design with a reversible door. It has three pull-out basket-style shelves made of corrosion-resistant vinyl-coated wire for maximum efficiency and accessibility. The reliable compressor cooling with external temperature control dial, foam insulation, and strong magnetic door seal maintains freezer's temperature between 0 and -24C. Regular manual defrosting ensures a stable storage environment for your frozen goods.

What We Like
Compact size
Quiet operation
Ample storage baskets
No frost buildup
Good value
What We Don't Like
Short power cord
Some units arrive with small dents
#TOP 7

Accucold UFM19WLHD Upright Freezer

UFM19WLHD
White
Accucold UFM19WLHD Upright Freezer Cover
Accucold UFM19WLHD 18 cu.ft. Upright Manual Defrost Freezer, 20ºC operation, High/low-Temperature Alarm

The Accucold Upright Freezer is designed for laboratory and clinical environments where maintaining a consistent -20ºC temperature is essential. With its manual defrost feature, you can trust that your samples will remain stable without the temperature fluctuations common in frost-free models. The built-in dial thermostat prevents accidental changes, giving you peace of mind. An external thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature easily, while the cantilevered shelving offers flexible storage options to accommodate various materials. This freezer is perfect for busy labs needing reliable and efficient storage solutions.

What We Like
Stable -20ºC temperature
Flexible storage options
Easy temperature monitoring
Accidental adjustment prevention
#TOP 8

Koolatron Upright Deep Freezer 5.9 CU FT

KTUF160
Pure white
5.3 Cubic Feet
Koolatron Upright Deep Freezer 5.9 CU FT Cover
Koolatron Upright Deep freezer - 5 fixed grid shelves, Garage Ready, Meat Storage, Manual Defrost, Space Saving, Congelador For Home, Apartment, Basement, Dorm, Room, 5.9 Cubic Feet Capacity White

The Koolatron Upright Freezer offers a spacious 5.9 cubic feet capacity, giving you plenty of room to store bulk groceries and homemade meals, helping you save money and reduce waste. Its slim design, just 21.5 inches wide, fits easily into tight spots like kitchens, basements, or laundry rooms, making it a great option for smaller spaces. Inside, you'll find four fixed wire shelves plus one removable shelf to keep everything organized and easy to find. Plus, the freezer runs quietly with a reliable compressor and insulated design, keeping your food fresh without disturbing your home.

What We Like
Excellent performance
Compact size
Quiet operation
Good value
Easy to fit in small spaces
What We Don't Like
Minor packaging issues
Occasional dents on arrival
#TOP 9

RCA RFRF690 Upright Freezer

ACFRF690AMZ6COM
White
6.5 cu ft
RCA RFRF690 Upright Freezer Cover
ARCTIC CHEF FRF690 Upright Freezer 6.5 cu ft, White

The RCA RFRF690 Upright Freezer is a 6.5 cu ft capacity freezer with a reversible front door and adjustable legs. It features an interior thermostat for temperature control, 3 wire shelves, and a bright LED lighting. It has a manual defrost operation system for easy cleaning. Customers have praised the size and price of the freezer, but have noted that it is not self-defrosting and that the door does not close all the way due to damage.

What We Like
Spacious interior capacity
Quick cooling performance
Good value for price
Fits small spaces easily
Strong door seal
What We Don't Like
Minor exterior dents on arrival
Slightly noisy operation
#TOP 10

Koolatron Kenmore Convertible Upright Freezer 7 CU FT

KKUF07-W
Solid white
Koolatron Kenmore Convertible Upright Freezer 7 CU FT Cover
Kenmore Upright freezer - Convertible Refrigerator/Freezer, 5 Shelves, Garage Ready, Meat Storage, Auto Defrost, Congelador For Home, Apartment, Basement, Dorm, 7.0 Cubic Feet Capacity, White

The Koolatron Kenmore Upright Freezer offers a roomy 7 cubic feet of space, perfect for storing large amounts of groceries, party supplies, or seasonal produce. Its unique 2-in-1 feature lets you easily switch between a refrigerator and freezer, giving you flexible storage options based on your needs. You can adjust the five removable glass shelves to fit items of different sizes, helping you stay organized. Plus, the special pizza compartment is great for keeping flat items like frozen pizzas separate and easy to grab when you're ready to cook. This freezer is designed to make your food storage simple and efficient.

What We Like
Consistent cooling performance
Adjustable glass shelves
Quiet operation
Fits well in garage
Responsive customer service
What We Don't Like
Minor shipping damage
Limited shelf adjustment
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a manual defrost freezer good?

Yes, manual defrost freezers have advantages. They are cheaper in terms of pricing and energy consumption compared to automatic defrost models. They can maintain consistent temperatures for large quantities of products stored in the freezer, making them a good option for certain needs.

2. What is the fastest way to defrost an upright freezer?

The fastest way to defrost an upright freezer is to unplug it and let the ice melt on its own. You can expedite the process by placing a fan near the freezer to help with defrosting. Opening the freezer door and using pans of hot water can also speed up the loosening of frost.

3. How do you defrost a frost free upright freezer?

To defrost a frost-free upright freezer, turn the temperature control to OFF and unplug the freezer. Remove all food and place it in insulated containers. If your freezer has a drain plug, remove it. Use pans of hot water to speed up the melting of frost while keeping the door open.

4. Are self defrosting freezers any good?

Self-defrosting freezers have their advantages and disadvantages. They use more energy compared to manual defrost freezers due to the on/off cycling defrosting routine. The fluctuating temperatures may affect the quality of food stored inside. However, they eliminate the need for manual defrosting, which can be convenient for some users.

5. What is the disadvantage of manual defrosting?

Manual defrosting has a few disadvantages, including higher energy consumption, longer defrosting time, fast frosting, and the need for more frequent defrosting. However, these factors may vary depending on the specific model and usage patterns.

6. What are the disadvantages of a frost-free freezer?

The main disadvantage of a frost-free freezer is that the heating elements used for defrosting can slightly warm the food near the cooling coils. This constant change in temperature can result in lower food quality. However, the convenience of not needing to manually defrost the freezer is a significant advantage.

7. What should you not do when defrosting a freezer?

When defrosting a freezer, it is important not to close the door. Leaving the door open allows warm air to circulate inside, aiding the defrosting process. Closing the door can hinder the defrosting and prolong the time required to melt the ice.

8. How often do you need to defrost an upright freezer?

The frequency of defrosting an upright freezer depends on the buildup of frost. Generally, it is recommended to defrost the freezer once frost reaches a thickness of 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm). Most upright freezers need to be defrosted every six months, but this can vary depending on usage and the specific freezer model.

9. Can you defrost a freezer without turning it off?

Yes, you can defrost a freezer without turning it off. First, remove all items from the freezer and pack them tightly into the refrigerator. Cover the floor with towels to absorb excess water during the defrosting process. This method allows for defrosting while keeping the freezer running.

Editor's Notes

During our manual defrost upright freezer research, we found 24 manual defrost upright freezer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,774 customer reviews through our big data system to write the manual defrost upright freezers list. We found that most customers choose manual defrost upright freezers with an average price of $549.61.

The manual defrost upright freezers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of manual defrost upright freezers, including Koolatron, BLACK+DECKER, ACCUCOLD, ARCTIC CHEF. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mark Greer Avatar

Mark Greer has been an excellent residential carpenter for eight years in Los Angeles and has complete knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and home DIY. He never misses a chance of the lookout for new features and innovations in popular and novel home appliances as an insightful writer.

Manual Defrost Upright Freezers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Koolatron BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER Koolatron Koolatron ACCUCOLD Koolatron ARCTIC CHEF Koolatron
Model Name KTUF196 Upright FREEZERS Upright FREEZERS Upright FREEZERS KTUF160 AZ KTUF88 18 cu.ft. Upright Manual Defrost Freezer KTUF160 ACFRF690AMZ6COM KKUF07-W
Color Pearl White White Black White chalk white White White Pure white White Solid white
Door Material Type Glass Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Plastic Hard Plastic Plastic White Hard Plastic PLASTIC Painted Metal
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
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