Chest Freezer vs Upright Freezer: Which Is Right for You?
If you sell frozen goods, cook for crowds, or simply buy meat in bulk, a freezer pays for itself. The big question is the shape: chest or upright? This guide compares the two and then shows how to choose a size, using the chest freezer sizes we stock, from 108 litres to 608 litres.
Chest freezer or upright freezer: the basic difference
A chest freezer opens from the top like a lid. An upright freezer stands tall with a front door and shelves or drawers, like a fridge.
Chest freezers are the standard in Ghanaian shops, markets and kitchens, and for good reasons:
- Cold air sinks, so when you lift the lid less cold escapes than when you open an upright door.
- The open space inside holds large, awkward items such as whole fish, bags of chicken or trays of meat.
- They are simple, strong machines that suit busy commercial use.
Upright freezers are easier to organise because shelves keep items separated, and they take less floor space. The trade-off is that cold air spills out each time the door is opened, and they are best for homes that need quick access to smaller packs.
At Patmos Varieties our freezer range is chest freezers, which is also the type most Ghanaian shop owners and caterers ask for. Browse them all in our chest freezers category.
Choosing the right capacity
Here is a practical guide based on the sizes on our site. Treat it as a starting point, then talk to our team about your exact use.
- 108 to 152 litres: for a small household or a tiny shop. The Novo Chest Freezer 108 Litres is GH₵ 2,890, and the Novo Chest Freezer 144 Litres is GH₵ 2,420.
- 195 to 250 litres: for a bigger family or a provision shop selling ice, sachet water and frozen drinks. The Novo Chest Freezer 215 Litres is GH₵ 3,800, and the Sigma Chest Freezer 250 Litres is GH₵ 4,500.
- 308 to 418 litres: for a fish or meat seller, a small restaurant or a bar. The Novo Chest Freezer 358 Litres is GH₵ 6,500.
- 518 to 608 litres: for large stock, caterers, event suppliers and church kitchens. The Novo Chest Freezer 608 Litres is GH₵ 9,200.
Which freezer for which use
Provision shop. Choose around 200 to 250 litres to start. You are mostly storing drinks, ice cream, frozen sachets and a little meat. Leave room to grow, because shops almost always add products after a few months.
Fish or meat seller. Go bigger than you think. Stock arrives in bulk, and a crowded freezer works harder and cools less evenly. A 300 to 400 litre unit gives you room to separate fish from meat and keep air moving.
Events and catering. If you cook for weddings, funerals or naming ceremonies, you need space to hold food and drinks for many people. Look at 418 litres and above, or consider two freezers so one can be switched off between events.
Church kitchen or school canteen. Large communal meals benefit from a 500 litre plus unit, such as the Novo Chest Freezer 518 Litres at GH₵ 8,700. Our institutions page covers bulk and organisation buying.
Home use. For a family that buys meat and fish weekly, 150 to 250 litres is usually comfortable.
Running a freezer well in Ghana
A freezer is a long-term investment, so look after it:
- Put it on a level floor, away from direct sun, with space around it for air.
- Use a voltage protector, as fluctuating power is hard on compressors.
- Keep the lid closed as much as possible, and avoid overfilling so air can circulate.
- Defrost when ice builds up, following the instructions for your model.
- Keep the power supply stable during outages by limiting lid openings.
Cash or hire purchase
For a business owner, a freezer is often the tool that earns the money to pay for itself. Every freezer on our site shows a monthly figure under our 4-month hire purchase plan. For example, the 215 litre Novo shows GH₵ 1,064 per month, and the 250 litre Sigma shows GH₵ 1,237.50 per month. See the hire purchase page for details. Prices and monthly amounts can change, so confirm them on WhatsApp before you decide.
A note on stock rotation
Whichever size you choose, organise the inside. Use baskets or separate bags for fish, chicken and beef, label packs with the date, and use older stock first. In a chest freezer, keep the items you sell fastest near the top. Good organisation means the lid stays open for less time, which helps the freezer work less and keeps your stock in better condition.
Ready to buy?
Tell us what you sell, how much stock you hold and where the freezer will stand, and we will suggest a size that fits. Message us on WhatsApp or call 055 991 5778. Visit us at Okaishie, Accra.