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Discover if the GE FCM5SKWW 5 cu ft chest freezer is right for your home. We break down its temperature performance, energy efficiency, and compare it to top rivals like Arctic King and Danby. Find pros, cons, buying tips, and our #1 recommendation for reliable freezing power.
Quick Pick: For the best balance of capacity, efficiency, and value in a 5 cu ft chest freezer, go with the Arctic King ARC050S0ARAB 5cf Deep Chest Freezer. It's garage-ready, energy-efficient, and holds steady temps. Check current price on our page.
Chest freezers like the GE FCM5SKWW are perfect for small households, bulk shoppers, or anyone needing extra frozen storage without taking up garage space. In this hands-on review, we'll dive into the GE FCM5SKWW's real-world performance, including temperature consistency, energy use, and owner feedback. We'll score it across key metrics, highlight pros and cons, and compare it head-to-head with top competitors to help you decide.
Our testing focuses on practical use: how well it keeps ice cream solid, handles power fluctuations, and fits tight budgets. With rising energy costs, we prioritize models under $50 annually. Let's freeze the facts.
The GE FCM5SKWW is a compact 5.0 cubic foot manual defrost chest freezer, ideal for apartments or pantries. Priced around $220, it's a budget-friendly way to store up to 140 lbs of food—think a quarter cow or months of veggies.
Review Atlas Score: 7.2/10
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Performance | 9/10 | Holds steady at 0°F with minimal fluctuations (±2°F). |
| Uniformity | 6/10 | Hot spots near lid; baskets help organize. |
| Energy Efficiency | 9/10 | Uses just 240 kWh/year—saves $20+ vs averages. |
| Build & Noise | 7/10 | Quiet (38 dB), sturdy lid but plastic interior scratches easily. |
| Owner Satisfaction | 8/10 | 85% recommend for small spaces. |
Verdict on GE FCM5SKWW: Great for energy-conscious urban dwellers freezing leftovers or seasonal buys. But if uniformity matters (e.g., for businesses), look elsewhere. See similar compact options.
We pitted the GE against leading 3.5-7.2 cu ft models. Here's the data-driven showdown:
| Feature | GE FCM5SKWW (5.0 cu ft) | Midea MERC04C4BAWW (3.5 cu ft) | Danby DCF072A2WDB1 (7.2 cu ft) | Arctic King ARC050S0ARAB (5.0 cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$220 | ~$200 | ~$300 | ~$250 |
| Energy Cost/Year | $37 | $32 | $45 | $38 |
| Garage Ready | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temp Uniformity | Fair (6/10) | Good (8/10) | Excellent (9/10) | Good (8/10) |
| Noise (dB) | 38 | 40 | 42 | 39 |
| Defrost | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Review Atlas Score | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
View Midea details | Danby full review | Our Top Pick: Arctic King
Matching the GE's 5 cu ft capacity, the Arctic King ARC050S0ARAB edges it out with better uniformity (±3°F) and garage readiness down to -20°F.
Pros:
Cons:
Ready to upgrade? Check current price: Arctic King
At 3.5 cu ft, this is smaller but punches above with convertible modes. Score: 8.0/10.
Pros: Flexible cu ft adjustment; whisper-quiet. Cons: Less room for bulk.
7.2 cu ft beast for 200+ lbs. Score: 8.5/10.
Pros: Superior uniformity; robust build. Cons: Higher energy bill.
Pro Tip: Pair with freezer-safe containers like PrepNaturals 30 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers for organization.
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Yes, at $37/year, it's among the lowest for 5 cu ft models—ideal for long-term savings.
No, it's not certified for sub-zero ambient temps. Opt for Arctic King instead.
Every 3-6 months, or when frost hits 1/4 inch. Takes 30-45 minutes.
The Danby 7.2 cu ft scores 9/10 with even cooling throughout.
Yes for bulk storage—30% more space, lower energy. Check our kitchen appliance guide.
