Arctic King 3.5 Cu Ft Convertible Chest Freezer vs BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Compact Chest Freezer

The Arctic King is the better pick for most people because it holds more and can switch to refrigerator mode, which the BLACK+DECKER cannot. The BLACK+DECKER is smaller, lighter at 37 lbs, and Energy Star certified at 170 kWh a year, so it suits a tight corner or a garage where you only need frozen food. Owners of both describe them as simple and reliable; the Arctic King's larger rating base (4.5 from about 4,000) is solid, and BLACK+DECKER buyers praise quiet operation and easy setup. Build on both is basic white steel with manual defrost, so expect to defrost by hand either way.

• Choose the Arctic King if you want more room and the option to run it as a fridge for drinks, produce or overflow groceries.
• Choose the BLACK+DECKER if you only need frozen storage in a small footprint and want the lower energy draw of an Energy Star unit.