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Looking for a spacious upright freezer for bulk groceries or garage storage? Our Whirlpool WZF79R20DW review covers real-world test scores on temperature control, energy costs, restock speed, and more. See how it stacks up and explore top alternatives for your needs.
Quick Pick
Best Compact Alternative: Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet
Ideal for smaller households or tight spaces, this garage-ready model offers efficient cooling at a budget price. Check current price
In today's world of bulk shopping and meal prepping, a dedicated upright freezer can be a game-changer for families, hunters, or anyone stocking up on frozen goods. The Whirlpool WZF79R20DW stands out with its generous 20 cubic feet of capacity, making it perfect for large households needing organized, easy-access storage. Unlike chest freezers, upright models mimic your fridge layout with shelves for quick grabbing of items without digging through piles.
We've tested this model extensively, evaluating everything from temperature consistency during power fluctuations to how quickly it recovers after loading warm groceries. With an overall performance score of 71/100, it's a solid mid-tier option—reliable for everyday use but not the absolute leader in energy savings or speed. If you're pairing it with a Whirlpool fridge, don't forget compatible filters like the everydrop by Whirlpool Ice and Water Refrigerator Filter 1 to keep your whole setup pure. See on site.
Our lab tests simulate real home conditions, from door openings to full restocks with grocery bags. Here's how the WZF79R20DW performed:
Predicted Reliability: 3/5 | Owner Satisfaction: 4/5 – Users love the space but note the energy bill.
[Check out the Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide for tips on sizing your freezer right.]
This freezer shines in practical design:
Dimensions: 73" H x 33" W x 30" D | Weight: 203 lbs | Warranty: 1-year parts & labor.
While not Energy Star certified, its build quality justifies the moderate energy draw for most users.
Pro Tip: For faster restocking, pre-chill warm items in your fridge. Pair with meal prep containers like PrepNaturals 5 Pack 30 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers for organized freezing. View details.
We pitted it against compact rivals to highlight choices for different needs. (Scores out of 100; energy costs estimated at $0.12/kWh.)
| Feature | Whirlpool WZF79R20DW | Midea WHS-109FW1 | Average Upright Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 20.0 cu ft | 3.0 cu ft | 15 cu ft |
| Usable Capacity | 14.3 cu ft | 2.2 cu ft | 11 cu ft |
| Annual Energy Cost | $60 | $35 | $55 |
| Garage Ready | Yes | Yes | No |
| Frost-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Restock Time Score | 57 | 75 | 65 |
| Overall Score | 71 | 82 | 70 |
| Best For | Large families | Apartments/small spaces | General use |
The Midea wins for efficiency in tight spots—see current price. For big storage like Whirlpool, check best appliance deals.
Ideal for:
Skip if you need ultra-fast recovery or Energy Star savings—consider slimmer profiles then.
Maintenance Tips: Vacuum coils quarterly for peak efficiency. Use bins for organization; the IRIS USA 3-Drawer Organizer adapts well for freezer labels. Shop now.
Own a Whirlpool fridge too? Upgrade water quality with:
Check everydrop price | Waterdrop deal.
No, but its $60 annual cost is competitive for its size. Smaller options like the Midea save more.
1 year for parts and labor—standard for the category.
Yes, down to -15°F, making it versatile for unconditioned spaces.
Around 4-5 hours for full warm loads—plan ahead for parties.
Moderate at 40-45 dB; quieter than older models but not silent.
Fully frost-free—no defrosting needed.
Elevate your appliances:
Ready to freeze smarter? Start with our top Midea pick.
