Do I have to defrost it by hand?

Yes. It is manual defrost, so frost builds up on the walls and shelves and you empty it and scrape or melt the ice every few months. Frost-free uprights avoid that chore but cost more to run.

Can it go in an unheated garage?

Yes. It is rated garage ready and listed for garage installation, so it is built to keep freezing when the surrounding air gets cold. Check the dial setting after big temperature swings.

How much food fits in 6.5 cu. ft.?

Roughly a quarter of a full-size upright. It suits overflow from a kitchen freezer or a small household, not a family buying a side of beef.

No. It uses manual defrost with a dial thermostat. Expect to defrost it a few times a year depending on humidity and how often the door opens.

Which way does the door open?

The door is reversible, so it can hinge left or right to suit your space. Adjustable leveling legs help it sit flat on uneven garage floors.

How does it compare with a chest freezer?

It takes far less floor space and lets you see everything at a glance, but a chest freezer holds cold air better during power cuts and usually costs less to run per cubic foot.