Frigidaire 6.5 cu ft Upright Freezer Review – Compact & Reliable
Introduction
Tired of crowded freezers and freezer burn ruining your perfectly good meals? Do you need to expand your food storage capacity without sacrificing valuable kitchen space? The Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ upright freezer offers a surprisingly robust solution for those facing limited freezer space, whether in a small apartment, RV, dorm room, or even a cabin. It’s a welcome alternative to overflowing chest freezers and inadequate under-counter options, offering the convenience of an upright design with a compact footprint.
Overview
The Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ is a freestanding upright freezer designed for efficiency and space-saving versatility. This 6.5 cubic foot appliance features a sleek, silver platinum design series finish and a recessed handle for a clean, modern look. Its compact dimensions (21D x 23W x 56H) make it exceptionally well-suited for smaller areas, while its 120-volt power requirement makes it adaptable for a range of locations. Ideal for individuals, couples, or small families who need supplemental frozen storage, this freezer is an accessible upgrade for kitchens or living spaces where larger appliances simply won’t fit.
Features
AMPLE STORAGE CAPACITY: Easily store backup meats, frozen meals, and more with this 6.5 cu. ft. freezer that’s perfect for households of any size: The 6.5 cubic foot capacity, while compact, provides surprisingly ample storage space when organized effectively. The adjustable wire shelves allow you to customize the layout, accommodating everything from pre-portioned meals to bulk grocery hauls. This significantly reduces food waste and provides peace of mind knowing you have enough frozen goods on hand.
SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: The flush back design and recessed handle make it easy to fit in small spaces or tight corners, perfect for smaller areas including trailers, RVs, dorms, and offices: The thoughtful design is a key selling point. The flush back and recessed handle minimize protrusion, allowing the freezer to be tucked away neatly in kitchens, RVs, dorm rooms, or even offices where space is at a premium. Its small footprint makes it adaptable to a wide array of environments where larger freezers would be impractical.
ORGANIZED STORAGE: This small upright freezer includes six interior wire shelves to help keep your items neatly organized and easily accessible, making it easy to find exactly what you need.: The six wire shelves provide a significant advantage over many basic freezers. They not only maximize storage but also improve organization, enabling quick access to specific items. This prevents the chaotic jumble that often leads to forgotten foods and unnecessary waste.
REVERSIBLE DOOR: Customize the freezer door to open from the left or right to fit your space and personal preference: The reversible door offers unparalleled flexibility in placement. Whether your kitchen layout dictates a left-hinged or right-hinged door, this feature ensures the freezer integrates seamlessly into your space.
SLEEK FINISH: The smooth vinyl coated metal finish adds a sleek and stylish touch to any space and is easy to maintain and clean.: The silver platinum finish isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about durability and practicality. The vinyl coating provides a resilient surface that’s resistant to fingerprints and easy to wipe clean, keeping the freezer looking its best with minimal effort.
Benefits
Reduce Food Waste & Save Money: By providing ample, organized storage, this freezer helps you proactively manage your frozen food inventory, preventing items from being forgotten and expiring. This translates to significant cost savings over time.
Maximize Space in Small Kitchens/Living Areas: The compact design and reversible door allow you to utilize otherwise unusable spaces, effectively increasing your overall storage capacity without compromising on floor space.
Enjoy Effortless Organization: The wire shelves make it easy to keep your frozen foods sorted and accessible, streamlining meal prep and simplifying grocery stocking.
Maintain Food Quality & Prevent Freezer Burn: The consistent temperature control and organized storage help prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of your frozen foods for longer.
Seamless Integration into RVs, Dorms, and Cabins: The compact size and adaptable design make it a perfect solution for supplemental freezer storage in unconventional locations.
Usages
Perfect for RV & Trailer Living: Provides essential frozen food storage for those living or traveling in recreational vehicles.
Ideal for Small Apartments & Dorm Rooms: Adds extra freezer capacity without overwhelming limited living space.
Great for Meal Preppers & Batch Cooking: Allows for the convenient storage of prepared meals, ready for quick and easy dinners.
Useful for Supplemental Freezer Space in Homes with Large Families: Offers additional frozen storage to complement existing freezers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Space-saving design perfect for small spaces
- Organized interior with adjustable wire shelves
- Reversible door for flexible placement
- Stylish and easy-to-clean finish
- Compact and lightweight for easy moving
Cons
- Limited capacity compared to larger freezers
- Not Energy Star certified, resulting in slightly higher energy consumption than some models
- Manual defrosting may require occasional maintenance
- Door gaskets could be improved for enhanced energy efficiency
- Wire shelves are not as durable as solid shelves and can warp under heavy loads.
FAQs
How does this freezer compare to a chest freezer?: While chest freezers excel in maximizing storage space, this upright model offers easier access and organization, making it a superior choice for those who prioritize convenience.
What is the operating temperature range?: The freezer maintains a consistent temperature designed to keep food frozen safely, typically between -4 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
How energy-efficient is this freezer?: While not Energy Star certified, it’s designed to consume a reasonable amount of energy given its size, but energy consumption will depend on usage and ambient temperature.
What are the noise levels like?: The freezer operates at a relatively quiet level, typically between 35-45 dBA, minimizing disruption to your household.
Can the door be reversed?: Yes, the door is reversible, allowing you to customize the opening direction to fit your space.
Product Specifications
| spec1 | Freezer Type |
| spec2 | Upright |
| spec3 | Total Capacity (cu. ft.) |
| spec4 | 6.5 |
| spec5 | Dimensions (H x W x D) |
| spec6 | 56 x 23 x 21 inches |
| spec7 | Noise Level (dBA) |
| spec8 | 35-45 |
| spec9 | Defrost Type |
| spec10 | Manual |
| spec11 | Garage Ready |
| spec12 | No |
| spec13 | Energy Rating |
| spec14 | N/A |
| spec15 | Weight |
| spec16 | 93.8 pounds |
| spec17 | Number of Shelves/Baskets |
| spec18 | 6 |
Ratings
| rating1-heading | Cooling Performance |
| rating2-heading | Build Quality |
| rating3-heading | Value for Money |
| rating4-heading | Ease of Use |
| rating5-heading | Design & Aesthetics |
| rating | 4.2 |
Recommendation
The Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ is an excellent choice for apartment dwellers, RV enthusiasts, dorm residents, or anyone needing supplementary freezer capacity in a small space. Its upright design offers the convenience of easy access and organization, a significant advantage over traditional chest freezers.
If you’re looking for a compact, dependable freezer that won’t take up excessive space or break the bank, the Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ is a worthwhile investment. While it lacks Energy Star certification and requires manual defrosting, its versatility and ease of use make it a standout option for many.
Conclusion
The Frigidaire 6.5 cu. ft. Upright Freezer delivers a robust solution for those requiring efficient and compact frozen food storage. While manual defrosting requires occasional attention, the organized storage, space-saving design, and flexible door placement make it a practical and valuable addition to a variety of living spaces. Its reliable performance and accessible price point solidify its position as a top contender for small-space freezer needs.