Can the door be switched to open the other way?

Yes. The door is rehinged and ships opening from the right, but it can be reversed to open from the left. You need basic tools and a helper to lift the door.

Does it defrost automatically?

No. It is a manual-defrost freezer, so ice builds up over time and you clear it by hand. Plan to empty and defrost it a few times a year.

Can it go in a garage or unheated room?

It is a freestanding unit, but budget freezers like this often struggle in very cold or very hot rooms. Check the climate class before putting it in an unheated garage.

How does it compare with a chest freezer?

The upright takes less floor space and lets you reach items without digging, but a chest freezer holds cold better during power cuts and usually frosts up less.

What controls does it have?

It uses simple mechanical or dial temperature control rather than a digital display. There is no fast-freeze mode.

Is it good as a second freezer?

Yes, it works best as overflow storage for bulk frozen goods. For a main freezer where precise temperature matters, a frost-free inverter model is a better fit.