A chest freezer that also makes ice sounds like one appliance doing two jobs, and plenty of listings are happy to leave it at that. The category actually splits three ways: freezers that hold food but produce no ice, countertop makers that produce ice but store no food, and a full-size refrigerator that handles both from a single cabinet. Working out which of those you want is most of the buying decision.
I went through 6 listings and compared stated capacity, thermostat type, defrost drains, lid hardware, and how each unit handles ice. Then I scored them with the BHK Score system, which weighs build details and upkeep against disclosed ratings. This is research drawn from product listings rather than hands-on testing, so the drain, hinge, and ice-output details are the parts worth leaning on.
My overall pick for best chest freezers with ice maker is the Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer Chest. The lid hinge holds itself open, so you can load a week of groceries with both hands free, and the removable basket keeps small items from sinking out of reach. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | BHK Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft Upright Deep Freezer with Quick | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Families Frigidaire EFRF7003-BLACK Chest Deep Freezer | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Small Spaces Igloo 3.5 Cu Ft Upright Deep Freezer with Quick | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Medium Kitchens BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Compact Spaces Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Ice Maker | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Embedded Installation VEVOR Drop in Ice Chest with 28QT Stainless Steel | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
Igloo's 5.0 cu ft upright deep freezer features a quick freezing system and adjustable thermostat for tailored temperature control.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 5.0 Cu. Ft.
- Dimensions
- 25 x 21.25 x 33.13 Inches
- Weight
- 53.75 pounds
- Color
- Black
Pros
- +Quick freezing with D-type refrigeration tube
- +Adjustable thermostat for precise temperature control
- +Removable basket for organized storage
- +Front rollers and drain plug for easy moving and defrosting
Cons
- −Limited to black color option
- −Weight of 53.75 pounds may challenge some users during relocation
- −No explicit power wattage listed for energy consumption assessment
Detailed Review
This Igloo upright deep freezer offers 5.0 cubic feet of storage in a compact footprint measuring 25 by 21.25 by 33.13 inches, suitable for small homes or garages. Its D-type refrigeration tube supports rapid freezing and efficient cold retention, aided by foam insulation and a sealed gasket to limit air loss. The adjustable thermostat provides control over temperatures ranging from −10 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, which suits different frozen goods and ice cream storage.
The freezer includes a removable wire basket that helps keep smaller items visible and organized. A balanced hinge allows the lid to stay open between 45 and 90 degrees, making loading easier without needing to hold the lid. I see this working best for users needing a moderately sized freezer that fits limited spaces while offering some customization in temperature.
Worth knowing before buying, the unit weighs nearly 54 pounds, which could complicate moves without assistance. The color is limited to black, so options for kitchen style matching are minimal. Overall, I rate this a reasonable pick for adding extra freezing capacity without a large footprint.
This Frigidaire chest freezer offers 7 cu. ft. capacity with an aluminum interior liner and adjustable thermostat for temperature control.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 7 cu. ft.
- Material
- Aluminum interior liner
Pros
- +Spacious 7 cu. ft. interior for bulk frozen storage
- +Aluminum interior liner supports durability and cold retention
- +Power-on indicator light shows operational status at a glance
- +Removable basket helps organize smaller or frequently used items
Cons
- −Large footprint may limit placement in very small kitchens
- −No detailed power consumption or energy rating provided
- −Limited color option restricted to black only
Detailed Review
The Frigidaire EFRF7003 offers 7 cubic feet of storage which accommodates large frozen food volumes, making it suitable for families or meal prepping. Its adjustable thermostat with seven settings allows tailored temperature control depending on your storage needs. The vinyl-coated wire basket included simplifies organizing smaller items and prevents them from getting lost at the bottom.
Maintenance is more straightforward thanks to the exterior defrost drain that makes defrosting and cleaning easier without needing to move the unit. The aluminum interior liner adds a functional layer of durability and cold retention, contributing to reliable preservation.
I see this freezer working best for those with enough floor space to accommodate its 26 by 37 by 33-inch dimensions but who want solid organization and temperature flexibility. Worth knowing before you buy is the limited color option and absence of detailed energy usage data.
Igloo's 3.5 cu ft upright deep freezer features a quick freezing system and adjustable thermostat for precise temperature control.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 3.5 Cu. Ft.
- Dimensions
- 21.88 x 18.88 x 32.5 inches
- Weight
- 48.2 Pounds
Pros
- +Quick freezing system maintains steady cold temperatures
- +Quiet operation suitable for bedrooms or offices
- +Front rollers and drain plug ease moving and defrosting
Cons
- −3.5 cu ft capacity may be insufficient for large families
- −White color limits aesthetic options
- −Weight of 48.2 pounds reduces portability without wheels
Detailed Review
This Igloo upright deep freezer offers 3.5 cubic feet of storage while maintaining a compact size of just under 22 by 19 by 33 inches. It uses a D-type refrigeration tube that enables quick freezing and steady temperature control between -10 °F and 10 °F. The adjustable thermostat and foam insulation help maintain consistent cold, which is useful for preserving diverse frozen items.
The balanced hinge design is practical for loading groceries as it holds the lid open between 45° and 90°, allowing hands-free access. A removable wire basket helps organize smaller items, which I see working best for users who want to keep things visible and tidy in a limited space.
Worth knowing before you buy is the limited 3.5 cu ft capacity, which might not suffice for larger households. For my money, this freezer suits small homes, apartments, or garages needing extra frozen storage without occupying much floor space.
This BLACK+DECKER fridge offers 16 cu. ft. capacity and a bottom freezer with an ice maker producing 3.5 lbs. daily.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 16 Cu. Ft.
- Dimensions
- 29 x 28.3 x 69.9 Inches
- Weight
- 193 Pounds
- Certification
- ENERGY STAR certified
Pros
- +Spacious 11.15 cu. ft. refrigerator compartment
- +Separate 5.06 cu. ft. freezer drawer
- +Stainless steel look fits modern kitchen styles
- +Digital thermostat allows easy temperature adjustments
Cons
- −Height of nearly 70 inches may not fit smaller kitchens
- −Weight at 193 pounds makes relocation difficult
- −Limited color option with only stainless steel look
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER French door refrigerator features a 16 cu. ft. capacity split between an 11.15 cu. ft. fridge and a 5.06 cu. ft. bottom freezer drawer. It includes an ice maker with a built-in sensor that produces up to 3.5 pounds of ice daily depending on operating conditions. The digital temperature controls offer precise settings for both compartments, which helps maintain ideal food storage conditions. The ENERGY STAR certification indicates it runs efficiently, reducing energy costs without sacrificing function. I'd consider this model for kitchens that can accommodate its nearly 70-inch height, as the footprint is compact but the tall profile requires sufficient space. The limited color option may restrict style choices for some kitchens.
Frigidaire ice maker produces up to 26 lbs of bullet-shaped ice daily with a 2.1 qt water tank and stainless steel countertop design.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 26 lbs per day
- Water Tank
- 2.1 qt
- Dimensions
- 13 x 13 x 9 inches
- Weight
- 17.8 Pounds
Pros
- +Fast ice production of nine cubes every seven minutes
- +Large water reservoir for extended ice making sessions
- +Included ice scoop for convenient ice retrieval
- +Transparent window to monitor ice levels easily
Cons
- −Relatively heavy weight at 17.8 pounds limits portability
- −Limited to bullet-shaped ice which may not suit all drinks
- −Only two ice size options restrict customization
Detailed Review
This Frigidaire ice maker features a stainless steel countertop design measuring 13 by 13 by 9 inches, which keeps a low profile on smaller kitchen or bar counters. It produces up to 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice per day with a cycle that makes nine cubes every seven minutes. The 2.1-quart water tank supports longer ice production without frequent refills, which is convenient for social gatherings or office use.
I see this working best for users who want a compact machine with a clear window and a digital LED panel for easy monitoring and control of ice size. The included ice scoop and 1.5-pound basket capacity add practical value for serving. Worth knowing before you buy is the weight at nearly 18 pounds, which may affect moving it around.
The ice shape options are limited to two sizes of bullet cubes, which might not fit all beverage preferences. For my money, this suits households or locations needing steady, quick ice production without a large footprint.
This is a stainless steel drop-in ice chest with a 28QT capacity and over 24 hours insulation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 28 QT
- Dimensions
- 18 x 12 x 14.5 Inches
- Material
- SUS304 interior, SUS201 exterior stainless steel
- Weight
- 25.35 Pounds
Pros
- +Integrated full-welding interior reduces leak risk
- +Non-electric insulation for over 24 hours of ice retention
- +Filter mesh prevents ice cubes from escaping while draining water
Cons
- −Relatively heavy weight at 25.35 pounds limits portability
- −Limited size options restrict fit to certain counter cutouts
- −Exterior uses SUS201 stainless steel, less corrosion resistant than SUS304
Detailed Review
This VEVOR ice chest features a 28QT capacity, enough for about 112 cups of 16oz drinks, making it suitable for sizable gatherings or outdoor kitchens. Its build combines a SUS304 stainless steel interior with a SUS201 exterior, which balances durability with rust resistance but means the outer surface is less corrosion resistant than the interior.
The sliding cover and 20mm PU foam insulation help maintain ice for over 24 hours without electricity, which is practical for extended use away from power sources. The integrated full-welding process inside minimizes leak risks and enhances hygiene.
I see this working best for setups where embedded installation saves space, though the 25-pound weight and single size option could be limiting factors for some. The included filter-style drain pipe with mesh is a thoughtful addition for easy water removal while keeping ice contained.
FAQs
Do chest freezers actually make ice?
A chest freezer holds frozen food and can keep a bag of ice, but it does not produce ice. That job falls to a countertop maker or a refrigerator with a built-in ice machine. For chewable ice, the auger design in nugget ice makers is a different build entirely.
How much freezer space do I need?
Freezer capacity should follow your shopping rhythm rather than the headcount in your household, since habits vary more than household size. A 3.5 cu ft chest suits a two-person household buying weekly, while a 7 cu ft model leaves room for batch cooking and holiday cooking. Measure floor space and lid clearance before ordering.
Can a chest freezer go in a garage or basement?
A garage or basement works if the freezer is listed for it and the space stays within the manufacturer’s stated operating conditions. The Igloo models are described for garage use, but a room that swings from freezing to hot makes the compressor work harder. Read the manual for ambient temperature guidance first.
Is a portable ice maker better than ice trays?
A countertop maker outpaces ice trays and keeps a steady supply coming for drinks, though the basket holds only a small batch. It fits entertaining and iced coffee habits better than bulk storage. Ice left sitting in the basket melts, so plan to use it the same day.
Final Thoughts
What decides most of these purchases is not the badge on the lid. It is whether the machine makes ice at all, how much frozen food you genuinely keep on hand, and whether a drain plug will save you an hour of scooping at defrost time. For a garage, basement, or utility room, the Igloo 5.0 Cu Ft. Upright Deep Freezer Chest is the balance I would take: roomy enough for weeks of meat and vegetables, compact enough to leave the garage usable, with a lid that stays up while you load and a front drain that simplifies maintenance. A household that shops weekly and cooks ahead will grow into it rather than out of it.
If ice is the point and frozen storage is secondary, the Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker is the budget-conscious choice. It turns out bullet cubes fast enough for iced coffee and evening drinks, sits on the counter like a coffee machine, and asks for nothing more than a filled tank and an outlet. Keep expectations level: the basket is small and the cubes melt, so it is a supply for the day, not a stockpile.
Either way, the confusion worth clearing is the one the listings create, where a freezer and an ice maker get blurred into a single product. Decide which job you need done first, and the shortlist narrows to one or two machines instead of a wall of near-identical boxes.