The first decision in any freezer purchase is deciding what size you need. A common rule of thumb is to plan on at least 1.5 cubic feet per person in your family. So for a family of four, a 6-square-foot freezer would be a good starting point.

Upright freezers solve one of the biggest drawbacks chest freezer owners encounter: organization. Having shelves can make it easier to find things than digging through one big tub. Upright freezers also usually have a smaller footprint than chest freezers. However, uprights are generally not as efficient as chest freezers, since they don’t have a “tub” design to prevent cold air from spilling out.

Upright freezers do not require a water connection. They are designed for long-term storage so don’t feature things like water dispensers and ice makers.

Once upright freezers reach their desired internal temperature they tend to run efficiently. Keeping the door closed helps, as does inspecting the door seals to make sure they are sealing properly.

Coast Appliances carries Maytag, Frigidaire, Whirlpool and other popular upright freezer brands.