# Best Deep Freezer in Egypt: Chest vs. Upright and Drawer Guide > The bottom line: for most households, a No-Frost inverter upright deep freezer of around 250 liters with 6 drawers is plenty (Sharp FJ-EC23, or the slightly more affordable Tornado RH-H22TV). If you want to switch it into a refrigerator when needed, go for Toshiba 238 liters. For a large family and Eid meat, choose Beko 404 liters with 8 drawers. If your budget is tight and power cuts are frequent, opt for the Fresh 255-liter chest freezer. **4 min read** ## Chest or Upright? - **Chest freezers (top-opening):** Usually cheaper, and their open space accommodates large items like a leg of meat or large trays. Cold air is heavy and does not easily escape when you open the lid, so it retains cold better during power cuts. Its downside is that items get buried beneath each other, and it takes up more floor space.- **Upright freezers (with drawers):** Everything is in plain sight inside drawers, it takes up less floor space, and most models are No-Frost. Its downside is that cold air escapes faster when opening the door, and it is generally more expensive. ## How Many Liters and How Many Drawers? - **Two people or a small family:** 150 to 200 liters (4 to 5 drawers).- **4 to 5 people:** 220 to 300 liters (6 to 7 drawers).- **A large family, Eid meat, or Ramadan stockpiling:** 350 liters and more. Having multiple drawers is useful for separating meat from poultry and frozen vegetables, making it easy to know where everything is without opening every single drawer. ## No-Frost or Defrost? No-Frost prevents frost buildup on the walls, so you never have to unplug and defrost it, and drawers continue to slide open smoothly. Defrost models (which includes most chest freezers) are cheaper, but ice builds up and you must defrost them every few months. In No-Frost units, wrap meat tightly in sealed bags so it does not dry out and suffer from freezer burn. An inverter motor is especially beneficial in deep freezers because they run 24 hours a day year-round: it saves electricity and operates more quietly. Sharp, Tornado, and Beko on the list are listed with inverter technology, while Toshiba is not listed as having an inverter on its product page. ## During Power Outages - **Do not open the door at all.** According to recognized food safety guidelines, a full, unopened freezer preserves food for about 2 days, and a half-full one for about 1 day.- A full freezer retains cold longer than an empty one, so if there is empty space, fill it with water bottles to freeze.- If food still has ice crystals or feels cold like a refrigerator, it can safely be refrozen. If it has completely thawed and stayed warm for hours, do not refreeze it.- Install a voltage stabilizer to protect the compressor when the electricity surges back on. ## Before Buying - Look for the word **Tropical** or the letter T in the specifications if placing it on a balcony or in a hot kitchen, as it signifies the compressor is designed for high ambient temperatures.- Measure the spot, and leave adequate clearance for ventilation behind and next to the appliance.- Check the **seller and the warranty type**: whether it is local via the official agent or international, and whether it is comprehensive or covers the compressor only.- Ensure it is **220 volts**, and inspect the body and door before signing for delivery. ## Where to Place It at Home? A deep freezer is usually placed in the kitchen, on a balcony, or in a pantry room. Set it away from direct sunlight and the stove, on level ground, and leave ventilation clearance behind it. If placed on a balcony, protect it from rain and dust, and ensure it is rated Tropical for hot summers. Chest freezers require more floor space and vertical clearance above so the lid opens fully, while upright units need open space in front so drawers can slide out. ## Initial Startup and Storage Tips If transported lying down, leave it standing upright for several hours before operating as directed by the manual. Run it empty until it reaches -18°C, then add food in batches rather than loading a large warm quantity all at once. Portion meat and poultry into meal-sized bags, label each bag with the date, and use the oldest items first. ## FAQ ### Is a chest freezer or an upright freezer better? An upright freezer makes organizing easier with drawers and takes up less floor space. A chest freezer is cheaper, retains cold better during power cuts, and accommodates bulky items. Choose based on your available space and storage habits. ### Does a deep freezer consume a lot of electricity? It varies by capacity and type. For instance, the Sharp FJ-EC23 is listed at approximately 30 kWh per month on its product page. Inverter compressors, well-sealed doors, and keeping the unit away from sunlight all help lower electricity consumption. ### Should I turn on the deep freezer as soon as it arrives? If it was transported horizontally or tilted, let it stand upright for a few hours first, as specified in the manual. Then run it empty until it reaches freezing temperature before loading it with food. ### How long does meat last in the deep freezer? At -18°C, food remains safe indefinitely, but taste and texture deteriorate over time. Raw meat and poultry stay in good condition for months if wrapped tightly. Write the date on each bag to consume older items first. --- Source: https://hanakoleah.com/en/article/best-deep-freezer-in-egypt-guide Edited by: Marwa Mohamed Last updated: 2026-10-24