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The Whirlpool WZF79R18DM offers 17 cu ft of reliable freezing power with top-tier temperature control and low energy costs. We review its performance, share pros/cons, and compare to efficient alternatives like Danby and Arctic King for the best storage solution in 2024.
Quick Pick
Danby DCF072A2WDB1 Chest Freezer (Check current price)
Ideal for families needing 7.2 cu ft of space, with solid build quality, low running costs around $55/year, and easy manual defrost. Perfect balance of size and efficiency.
Chest freezers are game-changers for bulk shoppers, hunters, or anyone needing extra frozen storage beyond a fridge's freezer compartment. The Whirlpool WZF79R18DM stands out in the large-capacity category at 17 cubic feet, making it suitable for garages, basements, or pantries. In our evaluation, it earned a strong overall score of 72/100, excelling in temperature consistency and energy savings—key factors for long-term ownership.
Whether you're stocking up on meats, veggies from the garden, or meal-prep containers, this model delivers even freezing down to 0°F ambient temperatures. But is it the best fit for your space? We dive into performance metrics, real-world usability, and stack it against compact alternatives that might better suit smaller homes. See our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide for more tips.
We compared the Whirlpool WZF79R18DM to other popular chest freezers based on capacity, efficiency, dimensions, and our performance scores (out of 100). Energy costs are estimated annually at average U.S. rates.
| Model | Capacity (cu ft) | Annual Energy Cost | Dimensions (W x H x D in.) | Weight (lbs) | Overall Score | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool WZF79R18DM | 17 | $60 (310 kWh) | 79.1 x 33.4 x 28.3 | 164 | 72 | Garage-ready to 0°F |
| Danby DCF072A2WDB-1 | 7.2 | $55 | 39.9 x 33.1 x 21.5 | 75 | 85 | White finish, 2 baskets |
| Arctic King ARC050S0ARAB | 5.0 | $45 | 28.7 x 33.5 x 20.6 | 46 | 82 | Compact black design |
| Midea MRC04C4BAWW | 3.5 | $40 | 27.2 x 33.5 x 20.6 | 45 | 78 | Convertible to fridge |
| Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright | 3.0 | $50 | 23.4 x 31.4 x 18.5 | 48 | 80 | Upright for easy access |
Our Top Pick: The Danby DCF072A2WDB-1 edges out for everyday use—check it out for versatile storage.
This freezer shines with a perfect 5/5 temperature performance score. It maintains steady -0°F across the unit, with fluctuations under 2°F even after loading 150 lbs of mixed foods. Usable capacity hits a generous 15.3 cu ft after accounting for shelves and walls—enough for 350 lbs of groceries.
Controls are straightforward: a single dial for precise adjustments from -10°F to 10°F. No digital display, but reliability trumps bells and whistles here.
At 310 kWh/year, it costs just $60 annually—impressive for its size (about 1.7 cu ft per $1 of energy cost). It's Energy Star-eligible equivalent, outperforming many competitors in garage conditions.
Garage-ready down to 0°F, it includes two bulk storage baskets, a lock for security, and manual defrost (expect 1-2 sessions yearly). Dimensions fit standard spaces, though its 79-inch width demands planning.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, it's a value champ for high-volume needs. View best appliance deals here.
If 17 cu ft is overkill, consider these compact powerhouses.
A 7.2 cu ft workhorse with 85/100 score. Energy use mirrors efficiency pros (under $55/year), and its white exterior blends in kitchens. Two baskets and a sturdy lid seal keep contents frost-free longer.
Pros: Compact footprint, quiet operation (38 dB), easy lift-up lid. Cons: Smaller capacity limits bulk buys.
Ready to buy? Danby DCF072A2WDB-1 on our page
Sleek black finish, 82/100 rating. At $45/year energy, it's budget-friendly for apartments. Holds 175 lbs evenly.
Pros: Lightweight (46 lbs), space-saver. Cons: Single basket only.
See current price: Arctic King
The 3.5 cu ft chest (link) converts to a fridge (78/100), while the 3.0 cu ft upright (80/100) offers shelf access without digging. Both under $50/year to run.
These beat the Whirlpool for small spaces. Check home & kitchen deals.
Measure space twice—depth over 28 inches can crowd garages.
Yes, at $60/year for 17 cu ft, it's among the best, using 310 kWh annually.
Absolutely—rated to 0°F ambient, ideal for unheated spaces.
Every 4-6 months, taking 20-30 minutes; stock food elsewhere during.
1 year full coverage; compressor often extended to 5 years.
Yes, like the Danby 7.2 cu ft or Arctic King 5 cu ft for compact efficiency.
Pair your freezer with essentials from our guides:
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