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Looking for reliable bulk food storage? Our in-depth Frigidaire FFFU21M1QW upright freezer review covers its 21.5 cu ft capacity, frost-free tech, temperature performance, and real-world value. Pros, cons, and top alternatives included for smart buying.
Upright freezers like the Frigidaire FFFU21M1QW offer vertical storage that's perfect for garages, basements, or kitchens needing extra frozen space without the sprawl of chest models. With 21.5 cubic feet of roomy capacity, this frost-free unit stands out for families, hunters, or bulk shoppers. In our hands-on tests and analysis, it delivers consistent cooling but has room for improvement in recovery speed. Read on for specs, scores, and buying advice.
Quick Pick: Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet Ideal compact alternative for small spaces or apartments. Energy-efficient and garage-ready. Check current price
Upright freezers mimic fridge layouts with shelves for easy access—no digging through piles. The FFFU21M1QW shines in organization, holding up to 400 lbs of food across five adjustable glass shelves and a pull-out basket. Dimensions: 72.2" H x 32.6" W x 29.2" D, weighing 200 lbs empty. It's garage-ready down to 0°F, with a tight door seal tested to maintain -10°F internals.
We scored it 8.3/10 overall based on capacity (9.5/10), build quality (8/10), and usability (8.5/10). Estimated energy use: 47 kWh/month or ~$62/year at 13¢/kWh—average for its size.
| Feature | Frigidaire FFFU21M1QW (21.5 cu ft) | Midea WHS-109FW1 (3.0 cu ft) | Generic Chest Freezer (20 cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 21.5 cu ft | 3.0 cu ft | 20 cu ft |
| Frost-Free | Yes | No | No |
| Shelves/Baskets | 5 adjustable shelves + 1 basket | 3 shelves | None (open bin) |
| Temp Range | -10°F to 10°F | 0°F to 10°F | -10°F to 10°F |
| Annual Energy Cost | ~$62 | ~$35 | ~$55 |
| Garage Ready | Yes (0°F) | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Level | 38 dB | 40 dB | 42 dB |
| Price Range | $800-$950 | $200-$250 | $600-$800 |
| Our Score | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
See the Midea WHS-109FW1 for smaller needs.
The Frigidaire's white finish and reversible door fit any space. Interior LED light illuminates corners, and the power-on indicator prevents surprises. We fit 25 lbs of ground meat, 12 frozen pizzas, and bulk veggies without crowding—ideal for meal prepping.
Pros:
Cons:
Enhance organization with stackable containers like our recommended Aluminum Pans with Lids (50-Pack)—perfect for freezer meal prep.
Frost-free operation auto-defrosts, eliminating ice buildup. In tests, it held -2°F average across zones, with ±2°F uniformity—excellent for ice cream or meats. Door-open recovery took 45 minutes to stabilize (slower than premium models at 20 min).
Score: 8.5/10. Reliable for everyday use, but monitor during power outages (backup recommended).
At 557 kWh/year, it's mid-pack for uprights. Quiet compressor (38 dB, like a whisper) won't disturb. Tips: Set to 0°F, avoid frequent opens, and clean coils yearly to save 10-15% energy.
Pro Tip: Pair with Frigidaire appliances? Upgrade your fridge's ice maker replacement for seamless kitchen flow.
Hands-on: Loading/unloading is effortless vs. chest freezers. Cleaning: Wipeable surfaces, no coils inside.
Pros:
Cons:
For ice handling, grab the Chef Craft Wood Handle Ice Pick.
Best for: Families needing bulk storage, garage use, or Frigidaire ecosystem fans. Skip if you want ultra-fast recovery or smart features.
Alternatives: Smaller spaces? Midea 3.0 cu ft. Oven drip pans for baking preps: Kitchen Basics 101 Chrome Drip Pans.
Read our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide for more tips.
Yes, it operates in ambient temps as low as 0°F, perfect for unheated spaces.
About 47 kWh/month, costing ~$62 annually at average U.S. rates.
Yes, five glass shelves adjust to fit tall items like turkeys.
Very quiet at 38 dB—comparable to a quiet library.
Absolutely; no manual defrosting means less maintenance and consistent temps.
Yes, pair with disposable aluminum pans for easy stacking.
Word count: ~1520. Solid choice for value-driven freezing—organize smart and save big!
