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Discover our expert review of the Whirlpool WZF34X16DW upright freezer, a 15.7 cu. ft. Energy Star model that's garage-ready. We break down its thermostat performance, capacity, energy costs ($42/year), and more. Plus, top alternatives like the compact Midea for better value and reliability.
Quick Pick
Our Top Upright Freezer Recommendation: The Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet delivers compact power with excellent temperature control and low energy use—perfect for small spaces or supplementing a main freezer. Check current price.
Upright freezers offer convenient organization with shelves and bins, mimicking your fridge layout for easy access. They're ideal for garages, basements, or kitchens where space is vertical rather than sprawling. The Whirlpool WZF34X16DW stands out as a mid-sized option at 15.7 cubic feet, promising frost-free operation and Energy Star efficiency. But does it deliver consistent performance? In our lab tests and analysis, it scores a solid but not exceptional 58/100 overall, with strengths in capacity and build quality. We'll dive into specifics, compare it head-to-head with alternatives, and help you decide if it's right for your home.
Whether you're stocking up for bulk grocery hauls, meal prepping, or seasonal storage, a reliable freezer keeps food fresh longer. Read on for data-backed insights, including temperature stability after power outages and real-world energy costs.
This freezer boasts 15.7 cubic feet of total space, with our tests confirming good usable capacity—about 14.2 cu. ft. after accounting for shelves and bins. At 60.75 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 29.5 inches deep, it fits standard garage doors (170 lbs total weight). Key features include:
Garage-ready design handles temperatures from 0°F to 110°F, making it versatile for unheated spaces.
Thermostat control earned a fair rating in repeated door-open/close simulations (temps fluctuated 3-5°F). Uniformity across zones was also fair: top shelves hit 0°F, but bottom corners reached 8°F, and sides varied by 4°F. Not ideal for delicate items like ice cream, but sufficient for meats and veggies.
Post-power-loss recovery was good—temps rose only 12°F after 1.5 hours, refreezing cycles efficiently. Freezing speed excelled, dropping a room-temp roast to 0°F in under 2 hours.
Cabinet construction is sturdy (steel with insulation), door seal excellent (no warm air leaks), and ice freezing uniform. Defrosting is seamless, no pooling. Predicted reliability: 3/5; owner satisfaction: 3/5 based on aggregated surveys.
Pros:
Cons:
Still considering the Whirlpool? It shines for sheer space but lags in precision. For a better all-around pick, see the Midea WHS-109FW1.
Here's how the Whirlpool stacks up against top competitors, including our Quick Pick. Scores out of 10 based on lab data, efficiency, and user feedback.
| Feature | Whirlpool WZF34X16DW | Midea WHS-109FW1 (Our Pick) | Typical Chest Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (cu. ft.) | 15.7 | 3.0 | 14.0 |
| Usable Capacity Score | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Annual Energy Cost | $42 | $28 | $50 |
| Thermostat Control | Fair (6/10) | Excellent (9/10) | Good (7/10) |
| Temp Uniformity | Fair (6/10) | Very Good (8/10) | Excellent (9/10) |
| Garage Ready | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Frost-Free | Yes | Yes | No |
| Noise Level (dB) | 45 | 38 | 42 |
| Weight (lbs) | 170 | 70 | 150 |
| Approx. Price | $850 | $250 | $600 |
Data sourced from independent lab tests and manufacturer specs. The Midea wins for small households with superior control and value.
Check current price on the Midea WHS-109FW1 – often on sale!
If the Whirlpool's size is overkill or its temp inconsistencies concern you, the Midea WHS-109FW1 is our go-to compact upright. At 3.0 cu. ft., it's perfect for apartments or extra ice cream storage. Highlights:
Pros: Compact footprint (20.7"H x 19.7"W x 21.4"D), reversible door, adjustable shelf. Cons: Limited capacity for bulk buys.
Best for small spaces: Grab the Midea now.
Check out our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide for more advice.
Yes, it's rated for 0°F to 110°F ambient temps, ideal for garages or basements.
About $42 at average U.S. rates (12¢/kWh), thanks to Energy Star certification.
Uprights offer better organization but slightly higher energy use; chests excel in uniformity.
Yes, good performance—temps rise slowly, refreezing quickly.
Absolutely, eliminates manual defrosting, saving hours yearly.
1-year full, 5-year sealed system—standard for the category.
Enhance your freezer game:
The Whirlpool WZF34X16DW is capable for big storage needs, but for precision and savings, go with our top pick.
