TABU Upright Freezer Review – Compact & Efficient Storage
Introduction
Are you struggling with limited freezer space, resulting in freezer burn and wasted food? Do you crave the convenience of upright organization but lack the room for a traditional model? The TABU 3.6 Cu Ft Upright Freezer is the solution, offering a remarkably compact footprint without sacrificing essential storage capacity. This isn’t just a freezer; it’s a space-saving powerhouse designed to tackle those everyday storage challenges, from preserving meals to storing frozen treats.
Imagine easily accessing your favorite foods without the endless digging of a chest freezer. Envision a freezer that fits seamlessly into a small apartment, dorm room, or even a garage. This TABU model delivers precisely that, coupled with intuitive controls and smart features to enhance your food preservation experience.
Overview
The TABU 3.6 Cu Ft Upright Freezer is a freestanding mini freezer designed for those who prioritize space and convenience. Its sleek, silver stainless steel exterior complements any décor, while its upright design provides easy access and organized storage – a far cry from the depths of a traditional chest freezer. With a compact footprint (21.5”D x 20.3”W x 31.7”H), it’s perfect for apartments, dorms, offices, or garages where space is at a premium.
This freezer’s standout feature is its versatile 3.6 cubic foot capacity, surprisingly spacious for its size. Its cooling technology swiftly brings items to the desired temperature, maintainable through seven adjustable thermostat settings. Ideal for singles, couples, or small families who need supplemental freezer space, or for anyone who appreciates a neatly organized and accessible frozen food inventory.
Features
Compact & Maximized Storage: This freezer boasts a 3.6 cubic foot capacity within a remarkably compact design. The space-saving footprint allows it to fit seamlessly into small apartments, dorm rooms, kitchens, or garages, preventing clutter and maximizing valuable square footage.
Precise Temperature Control: Featuring seven adjustable temperature settings, ranging from -7.6°F to 8.6°F (-22°C to -13°C), this freezer gives you granular control over your frozen goods. This flexibility ensures optimal preservation for a wide range of items, from perfectly frozen ice cream to meats stored at safe, long-term freezing temperatures.
Energy-Efficient Operation: Designed for energy efficiency, this upright freezer minimizes energy consumption while maintaining a consistent, reliable temperature. This reduces your electricity bill and contributes to a smaller environmental footprint, a win-win for your wallet and the planet. The quiet operation is a significant bonus, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Flexible Installation with Reversible Door: Installation is a breeze thanks to the reversible door, allowing you to configure the swing direction to best suit your space layout. The adjustable leveling feet ensure stability and prevent wobbling, even on uneven floors, guaranteeing a secure and functional fit in any location.
Easy-to-Use Design: Simplicity is key. The user-friendly thermostat control is easy to set and adjust, and the removable shelves facilitate effortless cleaning and organization, streamlining your freezer maintenance routine.
Benefits
Maximize Frozen Food Storage: The 3.6 cubic foot capacity provides ample space for frozen meals, meats, vegetables, and more, reducing trips to the grocery store and minimizing food waste.
Effortless Temperature Management: The adjustable thermostat allows you to customize the freezer temperature to suit different types of food, preventing freezer burn and maintaining optimal freshness.
Minimize Energy Costs: The energy-efficient design significantly lowers your electricity bills compared to older, less efficient models.
Convenient and Space-Saving Design: The compact footprint and upright design make it ideal for small spaces and provide easy access to all frozen items.
Enhanced Food Preservation: Precise temperature control and ample space contribute to longer-lasting food quality and reduced waste, saving you money and reducing environmental impact.
Usages
Ideal for Small Apartments and Dorms: Provides valuable extra freezer space without taking up excessive room in limited living quarters.
Perfect for Bulk Meal Preppers: Store pre-portioned meals and ingredients for a week or more, simplifying meal planning and reducing cooking time.
Great for Supplemental Freezer Capacity: Acts as a backup freezer for large families, holidays, or seasonal harvests.
Excellent for Garage or Office Storage: Offers convenient frozen food storage in areas where space is limited and traditional freezers aren’t practical.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and space-saving design
- Easy-to-use temperature controls
- Energy-efficient operation
- Reversible door for flexible installation
- Frost-free operation – no manual defrosting needed
Cons
- Limited capacity compared to larger freezers
- Not ideal for extremely cold garage environments without extra insulation
- Stainless steel finish may be susceptible to fingerprints and smudges
- While compact, reaching the back of the freezer can be slightly challenging.
FAQs
What is the difference between manual and frost-free defrosting?: This model does not offer manual defrost, meaning that it is frost-free and requires no manual defrosting. This is a significant time-saver and eliminates the hassle of defrosting.
What is the acceptable temperature range for the freezer in a garage?: The freezer is not specifically ‘garage ready’, but is best used in environments above 32°F (0°C). Consider purchasing a garage-ready model designed for colder temperatures if your garage often falls below this threshold.
How much energy does the freezer consume?: While specific energy consumption varies depending on usage patterns, the freezer is designed for energy efficiency, helping to minimize your electricity bill.
What is the noise level of the freezer?: The freezer operates quietly, minimizing noise disruption in your home or office.
Can the door be reversed?: Yes, the door is reversible, allowing you to adapt the freezer to fit your space and preferences.
Product Specifications
| Freezer Type | Upright Freezer |
| Total Capacity | 3.6 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 31.7 x 20.3 x 21.5 inches |
| Noise Level | Quiet operation, <45 dBA (estimated) |
| Defrost Type | Frost-Free |
| Temperature Range | -7.6°F to 8.6°F (-22°C to -13°C) |
| Garage Ready | No (Best used above 32°F/0°C) |
| Energy Rating | Energy Star Compliant (estimated) |
| Weight | 59 pounds |
| Number of Shelves/Baskets | 1 Removable Shelf |
| Warranty | 1 Year (typical manufacturer warranty) |
Ratings
| coolingPerformance | 4.3 |
| buildQuality | 4.0 |
| value | 4.2 |
| design | 4.6 |
| easeOfUse | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The TABU 3.6 Cu Ft Upright Freezer is a fantastic choice for apartment dwellers, dorm residents, or anyone seeking supplemental freezer space in a compact and energy-efficient package. If you’re tired of digging through a chest freezer or lack the space for a larger model, this upright freezer is the perfect solution.
While it lacks the massive capacity of a full-sized freezer, its intelligent design and convenient features make it a worthwhile investment for maximizing frozen food storage in a small footprint. For those needing a more robust unit for a garage or family, consider a larger, garage-ready chest freezer.
Conclusion
The TABU 3.6 Cu Ft Upright Freezer delivers on its promise of compact, efficient, and user-friendly frozen food storage. Its frost-free operation, reversible door, and adjustable thermostat settings provide a convenient and reliable solution for a variety of needs. While the capacity is limited, its energy efficiency and space-saving design make it a smart choice for those seeking a versatile and accessible freezer option.
Investing in this freezer isn’t just about storing food; it’s about optimizing your kitchen space, reducing food waste, and simplifying your meal preparation routine. The thoughtful design and ease of use make it a lasting addition to any home.