Is this freezer good for a garage?

Yes. BLACK+DECKER rates it garage ready, and its 0-9°F range is built to hold up in cold or hot outbuildings. Keep it out of direct sun and off damp floors.

Do I have to defrost it by hand?

Yes. It uses manual defrost, so ice builds up and you need to unplug it, empty it and let the frost melt every few months. A plastic scraper helps; never chip with metal.

How much food fits in 1.2 cu ft?

Roughly a few grocery bags of frozen food. The single shelf and four baskets suit small items like ice, vegetables and breast milk more than large roasts or pizza boxes.

Can it stand under a counter?

It is about 20 inches wide and 21 inches deep, so it fits under many counters and desks. Leave a few inches of clearance around the back and sides for airflow.

Does it need a special outlet?

No. It runs on standard household power and uses R600A refrigerant. Plug it into its own grounded outlet rather than a power strip shared with other appliances.

How is it different from a chest freezer?

It is upright and narrow, so it takes less floor space and is easier to reach into. A chest freezer of similar size holds more and loses less cold air when opened, but is harder to organize.