Upright Freezer Recommendations

[benjamming]

Existing upright freezer failed. It was a Frigidaire model FFU1764FW4 manufactured November 2006 so got 19 years out of it with only replacing the door seal. It was a 16.7ft3 upright with automatic defrost, 4 fixed wire shelves, non-reversible door, right-side hinge, lock, 2 adjustable leg levelers, not energy star rated, & 1-year warranty.

Options I'm considering are below & would appreciate feedback on. Also, I had thought about a convertible freezer to fridge option so would appreciate knowledge on those as well. Beko is a large European manufacturer which has an option which I've listed below. I'm mostly concerned about reliability. We are settled on an upright freezer for this replacement though as we have a Kenmore chest freezer already.

Frigidaire
Model FFUE2024AN/AW - COO not marked but possibly USA, $898, 20ft3, carbon (AN suffix) or white (AW suffix), garage ready, upright, auto defrost, 4 adjustable glass shelves, 1-year warranty, door alarm, high temp alarm, reversible door, leveling legs, energy star, auto close door

Maytag:
Model MZF34X20DW - assembled in USA, $849, 20ft3, upright, auto defrost, white, 10-year parts warranty on compressor, reversible door, 4 adjustable wire shelves, fast freeze option, no door alarm, no temperature alarm

Whirlpool
Model WZF79R20DW - $999, 19.6ft3, white, upright, not convertible to fridge, automatic defrost, door alarm, temperature alarm, 4 adjustable wire shelves, not energy star, not reversible, ice maker compatible

Beko:
Beko model BUFR2715WH/MG - made in Turkey, $1,049/$1,099, white (WH suffix) or Manhattan grey (MG suffix), upright, convertible to fridge, 14.3ft3, auto defrost, glass shelves, door alarm, reversible door, garage ready 5-109F, energy star, 2-year warranty, no ice maker

Kenmore freezers are from Koolatron. These are quite a bit more expensive than Frigidaire & Maytag; more along the lines of Beko. I suppose this is due to being convertible but why would that be more expensive except marketing? Ignorant on how that is accomplished.
Model KKUF21-W - $1,869, upright, convertible to fridge (35-47F), 21ft3, white, auto defrost, 2-year warranty, door alarm, temperature alarm, adjustable shelves, energy star, reversible door
Model KKUF17-W - $1,495, upright, convertible to fridge, 17ft3, white, auto defrost, 2-year warranty, door alarm, temperature alarm, 4 adjustable shelves, energy star, not reversible door

edited to add a Whirlpool option

 

[JayhawkRoy]

I have owned at least one Frigidaire (current one) and a Whirlpool (in the past). Got good service out of both, 15 yrs or more. I would buy based on price and availability.

 

[nwjones18]

I've had this freezer running for a couple years now and no complaints so far. Currently $648

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Gara...Upright-Freezer-in-White-FUF17QRRWW/317602480

 

[gman2304]

My old 1986 13 cu ft Kenmore upright is still chugging along almost 40 years later. It’s a simple, basic model that I manually defrost along with a coil cleaning every couple of years.

 

[Tdbo]

I'd choose the Maytag because of the strength of Whirlpools parts network.

 

[nwjones18]

My old 1986 13 cu ft Kenmore upright is still chugging along almost 40 years later. It’s a simple, basic model that I manually defrost along with a coil cleaning every couple of years.

My folks have either a Whirlpool or Kenmore that was bought in 1964 still running in their garage.. I gave away the matching refrigerator that was still working a couple years ago. Truly unbelievable.

 

[AZjeff]

You guys using 40+ YO freezers might want to check it's energy usage.

 

[daves87rs]

I've had this freezer running for a couple years now and no complaints so far. Currently $648

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Gara...Upright-Freezer-in-White-FUF17QRRWW/317602480

Good choice - uncle has this as well.

 

[Gyro Gearloose]

We got a 21 ft3 GE freezer from Lowes because that was the only brand in that size. It's been great for 18 months. The old freezer was about to go out. It was running constantly to stay cold. The new freezer only uses about 1/3 the power the old one did.

 

[billt460]

We bought this one going on 6 years ago. So far, so good.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Frigidaire...y-Frost-free-Upright-Freezer-White/1002981578

 

[GrumpyCat]

My concern is how all "manufacturers" have moved manufacture of appliances to Mexico. All have had significant quality issues and poor reliability.

 

[benjamming]

My concern is how all "manufacturers" have moved manufacture of appliances to Mexico. All have had significant quality issues and poor reliability.

I can't find a freezer from Mexico. Typically, it is Thailand, China, and Beko in Turkey (their dishwashers as well) are the most common for freezers. Frigidaire still has manufacturing (or at least assembly) of their larger freezers (>15ft3) in South Carolina and Wisconsin(?). All of Maytag models say assembled in USA. At least some of Whirlpool freezers are assembled in USA.

 

[billt460]

My concern is how all "manufacturers" have moved manufacture of appliances to Mexico. All have had significant quality issues and poor reliability.

While that may be true, it covers most everything sold today, from refrigerators to furniture, to automobiles and trucks. And there is nothing we can do about it. Except to purchase an extended warranty or "protection plan", and then keep your fingers crossed, and hope for the best.

 

[billt460]

Another thing is it's not so much where it was made, as it is quality and type of parts used. Compressor motors today are cheap. And ice makers that used to be plumbed with flared copper tubing, now are all piped with snap together plastic tubing and fittings.... As are most under sink R.O. systems.

Leaking ice makers are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes today. I personally know 2 people who had their floors destroyed by ice makers that failed..... But you're buying a freezer, so at least you are safe there.

 

[benjamming]

Another thing is it's not so much where it was made, as it is quality and type of parts used. Compressor motors today are cheap. And ice makers that used to be plumbed with flared copper tubing, now are all piped with snap together plastic tubing and fittings.... As are most under sink R.O. systems.

Leaking ice makers are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes today. I personally know 2 people who had their floors destroyed by ice makers that failed..... But you're buying a freezer, so at least you are safe there.

Surprisingly enough, some freezers are ice maker compatible or come equipped with them already. Beko is one that has it. Whirlpool has an ice maker kit that can be added to some of their models. A freezer full of ice awaiting!

 

[Boomer]

Before everyone runs down "made in Mexico", I will only state that my 2017 VW All Track was made there. Bought it new and it has performed like a champ. Best fit and finish car I ever owned.

I realize that other products may not be the same but it depends on who is running the show. Bad products have more to do with the quality of investment and how the plant is managed.

 

[4wd]

Same double standards in the auto threads - foreign brands can build all over the world … buuutttt …

 

[SC Maintenance]

Same double standards in the auto threads - foreign brands can build all over the world … buuutttt …

Haier (Chinese company) used to make Refrigerators and Freezers in there plant in South Carolina.

They bought out GE appliances and make them in Decatur AL now. They make water heaters in SC instead I think - its been a minute.

 

[SC Maintenance]

IF Country of Origin is not marked on the product - legally at least that means it was made in USA. Not saying some don't flaunt that rule, but that is the law.

Honestly you would think they would display it proudly , but many do not.

 

[Capt W]

I'm mostly concerned about reliability.

If this is your key consideration, find a solid used unit that's 100% mechanical. Better yet, repair your existing unit. A 2006 model may still be rather simple to fix.

garage ready

This is a joke. My 24-year-old Frigidaire has lived in my garages in seven different states, from frigid Illinois to the heat of Arizona. Next thing you know, car manufacturers will soon proclaim how their vehicles are "engineered to start in northern climates." Give me a break.

You guys using 40+ YO freezers might want to check its energy usage.

Might use a bit more juice, but the cost pales in comparison to frequent replacement of offshore junk.

My old 1986 13 cu ft Kenmore upright is still chugging along almost 40 years later. It’s a simple, basic model that I manually defrost along with a coil cleaning every couple of years.

Gman gets it...