Consumer Reports Tests 7 Freezers for Temperature Stability and Efficiency

Consumer Reports assessed seven freezers based on their performance, efficiency, and durability. Leading the small chest freezer category was the Insignia NS-CZ70WH0 ($200), which offers 6.7 cubic feet of space, impressive thermostat accuracy, and an annual operating cost of $45, though it fell short in user-friendliness. For midsized chest freezers, the Insignia NS-CZ10WH6 ($300) received high marks for performance but lacked in ease of use. The GE FCM16DLWW ($979) was recognized as the best large chest freezer (15.3 cubic feet), while the GE FCM22DLWW ($1,179) excelled in the extra-large category (21.3 cubic feet). The Vissani VSF11US2A16 ($599) was the top choice for small upright freezers (9.6 cubic feet), and the Hisense CFU14N6AWE ($500) and CFU21N6AWE ($899) were recommended for midsized and large uprights, respectively.