Description

Frigidaire Upright Freezer Review: A Compact Deep Freeze for Small Spaces

Cooling Performance

The Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ doesn’t mess around when it comes to freezing power. Within two hours of plugging it in, mine was already at 0°F, and after a few weeks of use, it stabilized at a solid -10°F. That’s colder than my ex’s heart—perfect for long-term storage of meats, frozen meals, and ice cream. The external dial makes temperature adjustments easy, with a range from 6.8°F to -11.2°F (-14°C to -24°C).

Some users reported frost buildup, but mine has stayed relatively frost-free. A few reviews mentioned rapid ice accumulation, so your mileage may vary depending on humidity levels.

Storage Capacity & Organization

With 6.5 cubic feet of space, this freezer is ideal for small households, RVs, or as a secondary unit. The six wire shelves keep everything organized, though they’re not removable—something I learned the hard way when trying to fit a large turkey. Still, the vertical design beats digging through a chest freezer any day.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ was a breeze. The reversible door is a nice touch, letting you switch the hinge side if needed. The handle placement (on top of the door) confused me at first, but it makes sense for ambidextrous use. The door seals tightly—sometimes too tightly—requiring a firm tug to open.

Noise Levels

This freezer isn’t silent, but it’s far from loud. The compressor hums occasionally, but it’s not disruptive. Compared to my old chest freezer, which sounded like a dying lawnmower, this one is a whisper.

Durability & Build Quality

The vinyl-coated metal finish looks sleek and resists fingerprints. However, the unit is surprisingly lightweight (84.8 lbs), which makes it easy to move but also means you’ll want to handle it carefully during delivery. Some buyers reported dents, but mine arrived unscathed.

Energy Efficiency

At roughly $40 a year in electricity costs, this freezer is budget-friendly. It doesn’t run constantly, even in warmer climates, which keeps energy bills in check.

Defrosting & Maintenance

Manual defrosting is required, but with minimal frost buildup, it’s not a huge hassle. Just unplug, let it thaw, and wipe it down. No fancy auto-defrost here, but that also means fewer parts to break.

Warranty

Frigidaire offers a standard 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Some users reported frustration with customer service (handled by Curtis International, not Frigidaire directly), so keep that in mind if issues arise.

Competing Products

Compared to similar models like the Midea MUF11S6AWW or Arctic King 7.0 cu ft, the Frigidaire stands out for its consistent cooling and space-saving design. However, the Arctic King has slightly more storage, while the Midea includes an interior light—something this model lacks despite the specs claiming otherwise.

Bang for the Buck

For the price, this freezer delivers solid performance without unnecessary frills. It’s not the cheapest option, but the Frigidaire brand reliability makes it a smart investment for long-term use.

Highlights

✔ Fast cooling (reaches -10°F easily)
✔ Space-efficient design (fits in tight spots)
✔ Reversible door for flexible placement
✔ Energy-efficient (~$40/year to run)

Areas for Improvement

✖ No interior light (despite misleading specs)
✖ Non-removable shelves limit flexibility
✖ Door seal can be too tight, making it hard to open
✖ Delivery damage risk due to lightweight build

If you need a compact, reliable upright freezer, the Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ is a solid pick—just double-check the packaging for dents upon arrival.

Additional information