How much food fits in 2.5 cu ft?

About 60 to 65 pounds of frozen food, roughly a week's worth for one or two people. It suits overflow and bulk meat, not a family's main freezer.

Does it need manual defrosting?

Yes. It is not frost-free, so ice builds on the walls and you defrost by hand every few months. Keeping the lid closed and food wrapped helps slow it.

Can I change which side the lid opens from?

Yes. The door is rehingeable, so you can set the opening side to fit your space. It is a two-person job with basic tools.

Can it go in a garage or unheated room?

It is freestanding and works in a garage, but budget chests cool poorly in very hot or very cold rooms. Check the ambient temperature range before putting it somewhere extreme.

Does it come with a basket?

No interior basket is listed. Small items sink to the bottom of the chest, so consider adding a hanging basket if you store loose packs.

Is it a good second freezer?

For overflow meat, ice cream or batch cooking in a small household, yes. For a family buying in bulk, a 5 cu ft or larger chest gives much more room for a similar footprint.