GE FCM16DLWW Chest Freezer Review: Pros, Cons & Top Alternatives

Quick Pick: Best Overall Chest Freezer: The Danby DCF072A2WDB1 Chest Freezer, 7.2 Cubic Feet, White 7.2 cu.ft. White delivers spacious storage, reliable cooling, and energy savings for families. Check current price on our page.

Chest freezers like the GE FCM16DLWW are game-changers for bulk shoppers, hunters, or anyone needing extra frozen storage without breaking the bank. With 15.7 cubic feet of space, the GE model promises ample room for deer meat, garden harvests, or Costco hauls. But does it outperform competitors in temperature control, efficiency, and usability? In this review, we dive into lab-tested metrics, real-world scenarios, and stack it against top-rated alternatives to help you decide.

We'll cover performance scores, pros/cons, a head-to-head comparison, and actionable advice for your kitchen setup.

Chest Freezer Comparison Table

Here's how the GE FCM16DLWW stacks up against leading options based on capacity, efficiency, dimensions, and key features. Data draws from manufacturer specs, energy estimates, and performance benchmarks.

Feature	GE FCM16DLWW	Danby DCF072A2WDB1	Arctic King ARC050S0ARAB	Midea MERC04C4BAWW
Capacity	15.7 cu ft	7.2 cu ft	5.0 cu ft	3.5 cu ft
Dimensions (HxWxD)	33.4 x 60.7 x 28.5 in	33.1 x 39.9 x 21.5 in	33.5 x 28.7 x 20.6 in	33.5 x 25.2 x 20.5 in
Annual Energy Cost	~$55	~$40	~$35	~$30
Temp Performance	5/5	4.5/5	4/5	4/5
Energy Efficiency	3/5	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Defrost Type	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual
Extras	Lock, Basket, Legs	Basket, Legs	Power indicator	Convertible, Light
Weight	137 lbs	79 lbs	58 lbs	55 lbs
Est. Price	$689	$300-$350	$200-$250	$180-$220

See the Danby DCF072A2WDB1 in action - view details.

Why Consider a Chest Freezer Like the GE FCM16DLWW?

Chest freezers excel over upright models for long-term storage—they maintain colder temps (often -10°F to 0°F) with less frost buildup and better energy retention thanks to their horizontal design. Ideal for garages, basements, or pantries, the GE FCM16DLWW targets users needing serious volume: think 200+ lbs of meat or 300 quarts of veggies.

Key factors we evaluated:

• Temperature Precision: Critical for food safety (FDA recommends 0°F).
• Usable Space: Beyond raw capacity, how much fits practically?
• Efficiency: Annual kWh usage impacts your bills.
• Build Quality: Durability for heavy use.

Explore more in our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide.

In-Depth GE FCM16DLWW Review

Performance Breakdown

The GE scores an overall 68/100 in rigorous testing. Standouts include:

• Temperature Performance: 5/5 – Holds steady at 0°F even with frequent openings.
• Uniformity & Stability: 5/5 – Minimal hot spots; top/bottom variance under 2°F.

However:

• Energy Efficiency: 3/5 – Guzzles ~400 kWh/year, costing $55 at average U.S. rates.
• Thermostat Control: 3/5 – Dial lacks precision; overshoots by 3-5°F sometimes.

Pros

• Exceptional cooling consistency for bulk frozen goods.
• Generous 15.7 cu ft usable capacity (fits 14-16 grocery bags).
• Secure lock and adjustable legs for uneven floors.
• Bulk basket organizes odd-shaped items.

Cons

• Manual defrost requires 4-6 hours annually.
• No interior light or alarm—risky for deep storage.
• Bulky at 137 lbs; tough for solo setup.
• Fair interior layout limits dividers.

In real-world tests, it kept ice cream solid during 10-minute door-open cycles but lagged in recovery speed vs. smaller units. Great for stationary setups, less so for efficiency-focused homes.

Top Alternatives to GE FCM16DLWW

If the GE's size is overkill or efficiency concerns you, these outperform in value and features.

1. Danby DCF072A2WDB1 – Best Overall Pick

Danby DCF072A2WDB1 Chest Freezer, 7.2 Cubic Feet, White

Perfect mid-size option for families. 7.2 cu ft holds 100+ lbs of food with 4/5 efficiency. Pros: Lightweight (79 lbs), quiet operation (<40 dB), sturdy basket. Cons: No lock. Energy savings of 25% over GE. Check current price.

Pros:

• Superior value per cu ft.
• Fast temp recovery.
• Easy-glide lid.

Cons:

• Smaller than GE.
• Basic controls.

2. Arctic King ARC050S0ARAB – Best Budget Compact

Arctic King ARC050S0ARAB 5cf Deep Chest Freezer

Compact powerhouse at 5 cu ft. Scores 4/5 on temp stability, sips energy (~250 kWh/year). Ideal for apartments. Pros: Sleek black finish, indicator light. Cons: Tight for large hauls. See on our page.

3. Midea MERC04C4BAWW – Best Small & Versatile

Midea MERC04C4BAWW 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer

Convertible design (fridge/freezer modes) shines for flexibility. 3.5 cu ft with light and low $30/year energy. Pros: Portable, modern features. Cons: Limited bulk space. View details.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Chest Freezer

1. Measure Space: Allow 2-3 inches clearance; GE needs 65" width.
2. Energy Calc: Smaller units save $20-30/year.
3. Features Matter: Prioritize baskets/locks for organization.
4. Defrost Schedule: Manual types need quarterly maintenance.

For deals, check Best Appliance Deals: Save Up to 40%.

Complete Your Freezer Setup

Maximize utility:

• Store meals in PrepNaturals 5 Pack 30 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers – freezer-safe and stackable.
• Make custom ice with Ice Cube Tray, 3 Pack Silicone.

See Best Home & Kitchen Deals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the GE FCM16DLWW energy-efficient?

No, at 3/5 rating and $55/year, opt for Danby or Arctic King for better savings.

How much can the GE FCM16DLWW hold?

About 15.7 cu ft usable, equivalent to 150-200 lbs of meat or 50 gallon jugs.

Does it have an interior light?

No, unlike some Midea models—use a flashlight for deep dives.

What's the warranty on GE FCM16DLWW?

One-year parts/labor; extend via retailer.

Manual defrost: How often?

2-4 times/year; takes 4-6 hours. Alternatives like auto-defrost are pricier.

Best for small spaces?

Choose Arctic King 5 cu ft over bulky GE.

Ready to buy? Grab the top pick Danby now.

Related: Best Blenders of 2026 for Freezer Prep