Chest freezers are very useful for a multitude of reasons. But there are many things to consider before purchasing. For one, the capacity of the freezer is important depending on how much food you’re planning on storing.
To make sure it fits in your desired space, size is very important, as well. Measure your space and let find a freezer slightly smaller. You might also want to know how many removable baskets each unit offers.
Another crucial, but overlooked factor to consider is if the chest freezer is garage-ready. If you’re planning on putting it in the garage, keep in mind that some freezers are not suitable for outside temperatures.
Most chest freezers are a bit pricey. However, there is a handful on the market at an affordable price. Chest freezers below $300 are generally on the smaller.
For whichever reason you’re interested in chest freezers under $300, you’ve come to the right place. We formulated a list of the 7 best and highest-rated below $300!
In Short, Here Are The Best Affordable Chest Freezers & Freestanding Freezers Under $300
- Kismile
- COOLLIFE 3.5 Cubic Feet
- Midea MRC04M3AWW
- Smad
- COOLLIFE
- Avanti CF350M0W
- Danby
1. Kismile
First up, the Kismile chest freezer is one of the most popular and highest-rated on the market. Coming in either 3.5 or 5.0 cubic feet, both sizes are relatively compact. We primarily recommend it for those looking for a smaller freezer with limited space under $300.
Not only is this unit already a great value, but it’s also currently on a friendly 5% price reduction. It has one removable basket, as well. The adjustable thermostat allows you to control the temperature between 6.8 ℉ to -7.6 ℉.
A very convenient attribute worth mentioning is the door can stay open between 45 to 90 degrees. You’ll also love its low noise level of 40dB. With its impressive energy efficiency capabilities, only 0.45-kilowatt-hour of power is needed daily.
This freezer comes in either black or white. Effectively able to keep seafood, ice, and ice cream frozen; It’s an incredible chest freezer for the money. It comes with a drain dial on the bottom, as well!
Users Say: “Came in perfect condition and wasn’t too heavy. I suggest reading instructions before plugging it in. Works beautifully and I love the indicator lights. Haven’t had an issue since I plugged it in and packed it two weeks ago. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for something affordable that doesn’t take up a whole lot of space. Also, the plug is located in the back so it sits about an inch or so away from the wall. Can’t beat it for the price.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Cubic Feet: 3.5 or 5.0
- Removable Basket
- Size: 21.18” x 21.77” x 30.94”
- Low Noise below 40dB
- Adjustable Temperature
2. COOLLIFE 3.5 Cubic Feet
The COOLLIFE is a decent chest freezer coming in either 3.5 or 5.0 cubic feet. Unlike the previous on the list, this one has two removable baskets. With 7 different temperature controls, you can change the temperature between 6.8℉ to -4℉. This freezer has a quiet noise level of 40dB. Per day, it only takes 0.45-kilowatt-hour power.
The primary downside with it is the various complaints by customers receiving a defective freezer. However, most users receive this unit free from damage. Overall, we highly recommend it if you want a freezer with two separate removable baskets.
Users Say: “We purchased this chest freezer as extra freezer space for fishing purposes. There is more than enough room to store a good amount of frozen bait at the bottom of the freezer while keeping filleted fish in the baskets above for easy access. The baskets are also easy to remove and are not so deep that they interfere with the frozen items below. Very solid, well-made chest freezer. We also had to contact the company, CoolHome, about an issue, which they quickly resolved with great customer service.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Size: 21.18” x 21.77” x 30.94”
- Cubic Feet: 3.5
- Weight: 50.7 Pounds
- Removable Baskets
- Noise Level: Under 40dB
3. Midea MRC04M3AWW
Also running below $300, the Midea MRC04M3AWW is an amazing choice. This chest freezer comes in one size of 3.5 cubic feet with 20.59 x 22.2 x 33.5 outer dimensions. A convenient attribute worth mention is the adjustable thermostat’s wide temperature range between -12 to -28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Upon opening the hinge-style door, it remains open on its own between 45-75 degrees. You’ll also enjoy the convenient storage basket. Compatible with storing ice, frozen food, ice cream, and meat; you’ll be very satisfied with it!
Users Say: “I owned the same freezer in my former home. Thinking I no longer needed it when I relocated to another state, I gave it away. Of course, I needed a small freezer right-away. For the price, it works very well for me. I bought plastic stackable baskets that fit side-by-side three rows deep. It is an easy way to keep it organized & easy to access what is in the bottom.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Cubic Feet: 3.5
- Size: 20.59 x 22.2 x 33.5
- Weight: 59 Pounds
- 1-Year Warranty
- Adjustable Thermostat
4. Smad
Coming in three different sizes, you can get the Smad in either 3.5 cubic feet, 5.0 cubic feet, or 7.0 cubic feet. However, the only size running below $300 is 3.5 cubic feet. The adjustable temperature ranges from 6.8℉ to -4℉. With its single removable basket, it helps organize your food.
Made with an embossed aluminum liner, many users enjoy that it’s effortless to clean. This freezer comes with a 1-year warranty, as well. Although the noise level of this freezer isn’t the lowest on this list, it’s still relatively quiet at 43dB!
Users Say: “Great little freezer – got this for power outages if I have to endure more than a day or two without power – can move my cold things and keep them cold and frozen!”
Tech Specs & Details
- Cubic Feet: 3.5
- 1-Year Warranty
- Size: 22.3X22.6X35
- Weight: 57.3 pounds
5. COOLLIFE
Next up, the COOLLIFE is a decent chest freezer coming in either 3.5 or 5.0 cubic feet. Unlike the previous on the list, this one has two removable baskets. With 7 different temperature controls, you can change the temperature between 6.8℉ to -4℉. This freezer has a quiet noise level of 40dB. Per day, it only takes 0.45-kilowatt-hour power.
The primary downside with it is the various complaints by customers receiving a defective freezer. However, most users receive this unit free from damage. Overall, we highly recommend it if you want a freezer with two separate removable baskets.
Users Say: “I purchased this freezer in August 2020 to have more storage space I love it so quiet in the room that the lights make you it is there ☺️ no noise, the shipping speed very good, one day early, well seal package perfect efficiency great freezer buy it guys thanks.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Cubic Feet: 3.5
- Noise Level: 40dB and under
- Size: 21.18 x 21.77” x 30.94”
- Weight: 50.7 Pounds
6. Avanti CF350M0W
Barely below $300, the Avanti CF350M0W is a reliable contender. This chest freezer has a removable storage basket. Although it’s relatively compact at 19.75 x 21.75 x 33.5 inches, it still offers a decent volume of 3.5 cubic feet. It has a defrost drain, as well!
Tech Specs & Details
- Cubic Feet: 3.5
- Defrost
- Size: 20x22x34
- Weight: 51 Pounds
- Removable Storage
7. Danby
Like most on this list, the Danby offers a 3.5 cubic feet capacity. It’s very inexpensive running well below $300. In case you want to set this unit on an uneven floor, the legs are adjustable.
This freezer is able to withstand vigorous conditions. It’s considered “garage-ready” and able to operate in temperatures between 0F° – 110F°. Overall, it’s a great choice for the money!
Users Say: “The freezer is the perfect size for 2 of us, the only problem we had is it came dented which is no fault of the maker of the freezer.”
Tech Specs & Details
- Cubic Feet: 3.5
- Size: 20.47 x 21.18 x 30.94 inches
- Weight: 50.3 pounds
- DOE energy rating
- Garage-ready
Quick Recap
In Short, Here Are The Best Free-Standing Freezers & Chest Freezers Under $300
- Kismile
- COOLLIFE 3.5 Cubic Feet
- Midea MRC04M3AWW
- Smad
- COOLLIFE
- Avanti CF350M0W
- Danby
How much does a chest freezer cost?
While it highly depends on the size, most chest freezers can cost you anywhere between $200-$900. However, most hover around the $300 region.
How much does a chest freezer weigh?
With a few exceptions, most chest freezers weigh anywhere between 50-126 pounds.
How many cubic feet does a chest freezer provide?
Most chest freezers for home use provide anywhere between 3-9.6 cubic feet.
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