How much food fits in 1.1 cu. ft.?

Roughly a few grocery bags of frozen food, or about 30 to 40 pounds of meat and vegetables. It suits overflow and weekly restocking, not a full stock-up for a family.

Does the door open left or right?

It comes set for one side but is rehingeable, so you can move the hinges to the other side to fit your space. You need basic tools and about 15 minutes.

Does it need manual defrosting?

Yes. Frost builds up over time, so empty it and let the ice melt a couple of times a year, or more often in humid rooms.

Can it sit in a garage or unheated room?

Check the rated ambient temperature range before putting it in a garage. Many compact freezers are rated for indoor room temperatures, and extreme cold or heat can affect cooling.

How does it compare with a chest freezer of the same size?

An upright gives easier access and takes less floor depth; a chest of the same capacity holds odd shapes better and loses less cold air when opened, but you have to dig for items.