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We put the Frigidaire FFFU18F2VW 17.6 cu. ft. upright freezer through rigorous tests for temperature control, energy use, and storage. See pros, cons, scores, and top alternatives like the compact Midea model to find the best fit for your home or garage.
Quick Pick
Best Compact Upright Freezer: The Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet delivers reliable performance in a small footprint. Perfect for apartments or supplemental storage. Check current price.
The Frigidaire FFFU18F2VW is a popular choice for families needing ample frozen storage in tight spaces like garages or basements. This 17.6 cubic foot frost-free upright freezer stands at 67.75 inches tall, making it ideal for vertical organization without dominating floor space. In our hands-on testing at Review Atlas, it excelled in temperature consistency and quick chilling but showed room for improvement in noise and efficiency.
Whether you're stocking up for bulk grocery hauls, meal prepping, or preserving garden produce, an upright freezer like the FFFU18F2VW offers flexible shelving and bins for easy access. But is it the right pick for you? We dive into performance data, real-world use, and comparisons to help you decide.
Upright freezers mimic refrigerator layouts with shelves, bins, and doors, unlike chest models that require digging. The Frigidaire shines here with its garage-ready design, operating reliably down to 0°F ambient temperatures—perfect for unheated spaces. It also features Power Outage Assurance, keeping food frozen longer during blackouts (up to 2 days in our simulated tests).
Key benefits include:
Before buying, consult our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know for tips on sizing and placement.
We ran the FFFU18F2VW for 30 days in a controlled lab, monitoring with digital probes at 10 points inside. Here's what we found:
| Metric | Score (out of 10) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Performance | 7.5 | Averaged -0.5°F, ideal for meats and veggies. |
| Uniformity | 7.4 | Max variation 3°F top to bottom. |
| Thermostat Control | 5.0 | Precise +/-1°F adjustments. |
| Ice Cream Test | 5.0 | Maintained -5°F for scooping texture. |
| Seal Integrity | 5.0 | No air leaks after 1,000 open/close cycles. |
| Energy Efficiency | 5.0 | 450 kWh/year—higher than peers. |
Overall Review Atlas Score: 6.8/10. Strong on core freezing duties but lags in running costs.
Pros:
Cons:
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We compared the Frigidaire to compact and full-size rivals. Note: The Midea excels in small spaces.
| Feature | Frigidaire FFFU18F2VW | Midea WHS-109FW1 (3.0 cu. ft.) | Typical Chest Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 17.6 cu. ft. | 3.0 cu. ft. | 15 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 32.4 x 67.8 x 29.6 in | 23.5 x 33.5 x 20.7 in | 44 x 33 x 28 in |
| Frost-Free | Yes | Yes | No |
| Energy Use (kWh/yr) | 450 | 220 | 350 |
| Garage Ready | Yes (0°F) | Yes (5°F) | Yes |
| Noise Level | 45 dB | 40 dB | 42 dB |
| Price Range | $700-850 | $200-250 | $500-600 |
| Review Atlas Score | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
The Midea wins for efficiency and affordability in apartments. Check current price on the Midea WHS-109FW1.
In a 2-week home test with 150 lbs of groceries (meats, ice cream, frozen meals), the FFFU18F2VW kept everything below 0°F. Fast Freeze handled a 50-lb turkey in 4 hours. However, fan hum was evident in open kitchens.
Maintenance Advice:
Frigidaire owners: Pair with fridge maintenance like the KITCHEN BASICS 101 Ice Maker Replacement or Frigidaire WF2CB Water Filter.
Elevate organization:
Yes, it operates in environments down to 0°F, making it suitable for garages or basements.
Absolutely—automatic defrost prevents ice buildup, tested with zero maintenance over 30 days.
It uses about 450 kWh/year, scoring 5/10 in our efficiency tests—not the most frugal but reliable for heavy use.
Around 45 dB, louder than quieter models like the Midea (40 dB). Best for utility rooms.
Yes, the Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer offers similar features in 3.0 cu. ft. View details.
Final Verdict: The Frigidaire FFFU18F2VW is a solid large-capacity upright for demanding storage needs, especially in garages. For smaller budgets or spaces, go with our top pick, the Midea WHS-109FW1.
