If your chest freezer or tiny freezer drawer just is not cutting it anymore, an upright freezer is probably your answer. They give you way more storage, they are easier to organise, and you are not digging through a deep chest trying to find that one bag of frozen peas from three months ago.
We test and service freezers every week at our Welshpool workshop, so we know which upright models actually hold up over time. Here is our honest guide to the best upright freezers in Australia right now.
An upright freezer is also a smart move if you like buying meat in bulk, growing your own veggies, or just stocking up when specials come around. It pays for itself over time by letting you shop smarter instead of running to the shops every couple of days.
What to Look for in an Upright Freezer
Before jumping into our picks, here is what actually matters when choosing an upright freezer.
- Capacity (L): bigger is not always better, match it to your household size
- Frost free or manual defrost: frost free saves you effort, manual can be more energy efficient
- Fast freeze function: handy for freezing fresh produce or bulk meat quickly
- Energy rating: more stars means lower running costs over time
- Shelves and drawers: more of them means better organisation
- Reversible door: useful depending on your kitchen or laundry layout
Getting these basics right matters more than chasing the fanciest model on the shelf. A freezer that fits your space and habits will always serve you better long term.
It is worth measuring your space before you shop too. Upright freezers need clearance around the back and sides for airflow, so double check the spot you have in mind, whether that is the garage, laundry, or a spare corner of the kitchen. A freezer that is too tight against a wall will not run as efficiently.
Our Top Picks (By Size and Need)
We have picked two upright freezers from our current stock that consistently perform well for Perth households.
Pick 1: Fisher & Paykel 389L (N388)
This is a genuinely great option if you need serious freezer space. At 389L, you have got plenty of room for bulk shopping, meal prepping, or stocking up when things go on sale.
- Large 389L capacity, great for families or bulk buyers
- Reliable Fisher & Paykel build quality
- Multiple shelves for easy organisation
- Tested and backed by our 90 day warranty
Pick 2: Hisense 280L (HR6VFF280D)
If you want a solid mid size option, the Hisense 280L is a great value pick. It is roomy enough for most households without taking over your garage or laundry.
- 280L capacity, ideal for small to medium households
- Good energy efficiency for the size
- Compact enough to fit in tighter spaces
- Excellent value as a refurbished buy
Check out our Upright Freezers collection to see current stock and pricing on both of these.
Both of these freezers come from brands we trust because we see them come through our workshop regularly. That means we know their common quirks, their strengths, and exactly what to check before they go up for sale, so you are getting a machine we would genuinely stand behind.
Frost Free vs Manual Defrost
This is one of the most common questions we get, so let’s break it down simply.
Frost Free
- No need to manually defrost, ever
- Saves you time and effort
- Usually slightly higher energy use than manual models
- Great if you do not want another chore on your list
Manual Defrost
- Requires occasional defrosting to clear ice buildup
- Often slightly more energy efficient
- Can hold temperature a bit more consistently in some models
- Better suited if you do not mind a bit of maintenance
Most people these days go frost free simply because life is busy enough without adding “defrost the freezer” to the to do list. But if you are trying to squeeze every dollar out of your energy bill and do not mind the occasional maintenance, manual defrost is still a solid choice.
If you are unsure which suits you, think about how often you open the freezer. Frequent use tends to build up ice faster, which makes frost free even more appealing. If your freezer stays mostly closed and undisturbed, manual defrost might not be as much of a hassle as it sounds.
Upright vs Chest (Quick Note)
Upright freezers win on organisation and ease of use, since everything is at eye level and easy to grab. Chest freezers can offer more raw capacity for the price and are often more energy efficient, but digging through them gets old fast.
If you want maximum storage and do not mind digging, a chest freezer might work for you. But for everyday convenience, most households prefer an upright, especially if the freezer sits somewhere you access daily, like near the kitchen. Check out our freezers hub to compare both styles side by side.
Buying Refurbished
A brand new upright freezer with a good capacity and frost free tech can be a serious investment. Buying refurbished lets you get the same performance for a lot less.
Here is why it makes sense:
- Every freezer we sell is tested and cleaned before sale
- You get a 90 day warranty for peace of mind
- You save a solid chunk compared to new retail pricing
- Our 5.0 Google rating reflects genuinely happy Perth customers
With Perth wide delivery and our Welshpool showroom, getting your new freezer sorted is quick and easy. Browse our Upright Freezers collection today to see what is currently in stock, or pop in for a chat if you want a hand picking the right size.
FAQs
What is the best upright freezer?
For large households, the Fisher & Paykel 389L is one of the best upright freezers available, offering huge capacity and reliable build quality. For smaller households, the Hisense 280L is a fantastic mid size alternative.
What size upright freezer do I need?
For a couple or small family, a freezer in the 200L to 280L range is usually enough. For larger families or bulk buyers, look at 300L or more, like the 389L Fisher & Paykel.
Are frost free freezers better?
Frost free freezers are better for convenience, since you never need to manually defrost them. Manual defrost freezers can be slightly more energy efficient, so it depends on what you value more, convenience or running cost.
Is a second hand freezer worth it?
Yes, a second hand freezer from a trusted, tested source is absolutely worth it. You get the same performance as new at a much lower price, especially when it comes with a warranty like ours.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a huge 389L freezer for bulk buying or a compact 280L model for everyday use, choosing the right upright freezer comes down to matching capacity and features to your household. Both of our top picks are tested, warrantied, and ready to keep your food frozen for years to come.
Browse our full Upright Freezers collection or visit our Welshpool store to see them in person. Our team is always happy to help you find the right freezer for your space and budget, with honest advice and no pressure to buy bigger than you actually need.
