Igloo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer Review
Igloo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer – Quick Summary
Best For: Small homes, apartments, or overflow storage in kitchens and basements
Capacity: 3.5 cu. ft.
Energy Usage: 192 kWh/year
Key Feature: Stay-open lid (45–90° hands-free access)
Pros: Deep size with compact footprint, efficient quick cooling system
Cons: Limited cold-weather performance
Our Verdict
For small-space households needing extra frozen storage, this Igloo chest freezer offers efficient performance and quiet operation at a budget-friendly cost.
Igloo, known for its range of compact cooling appliances, is a brand that is becoming increasingly popular amongst consumers. The Igloo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer sets itself apart with its small deep size and reliable cold retention, making it suitable for apartments, RVs or garages where space and efficiency matter.
This review takes a closer look at how this Igloo freezer performs in everyday use. We analyse its design, practical features and cooling performance to help you see if it fits your needs. For those who need more capacity, a 5.0 cubic feet model is also available with similar features.
Key Features
- Stay-open lid, allowing hands-free access
- Easy-rolling wheels
- Front defrost water drain
- LED power indicator light
Design & Build Quality
The Igloo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer has a compact footprint, measuring just 20.3 inches wide and 21.7 inches in depth. Aesthetically, it features clean lines and a sleek black finish. It fits well in modern environments such as kitchens or small apartments. The cabinet is made of steel, with a smooth exterior that’s easy to wipe clean.
This model is also available in white or coke red.
It features a balanced hinge door with metal hinges that allow the lid to stay open at 45-90 degrees for hands-free convenience. The stay-open lid design works well during loading or sorting. The lid has a front recessed handle for easier opening.
The lid closes securely with the help of a heavy-duty gasket that creates a tight seal. This helps reduce cold air loss and improves overall efficiency. Owners often mention the satisfying “snap” when closing the lid, a sign of its solid construction.
Easy rolling wheels at the base make it easy to move the freezer into place without lifting it or dragging it along. The front water drain plug is conveniently accessible, minimizing mess when manually defrosting.
Overall, the design and build quality is excellent for a freezer at this end of the market.
Interior Layout & Storage
Inside, the Igloo has a 3.5 cubic feet capacity, which can comfortably hold around 100–120 pounds of frozen food. That’s enough room for several bulk meat packages, frozen vegetables, and meal prep containers — making it suitable for small families or anyone needing extra freezer space for occasional bulk storage.
The interior is lined with aluminum, which improves thermal retention and resists wear over time. It includes a removable wire basket that rests near the top, providing quick access to smaller items like frozen vegetables or ready meals.
Performance
This chest freezer maintains a temperature range between -15˚F and 0°F, which is suitable for preserving meats, frozen meals, and long-term storage. The cooling is consistent throughout the interior, with no noticeable warm zones based on typical usage patterns.
It features an adjustable thermostat with a range from 0 (warmest) to 7 (coldest). This allows for simple operation, even for those unfamiliar with changing temperature settings. The control dial is located at the front exterior for convenient access.
Many buyers report that the freezer reaches freezing temperatures quickly after setup. It stabilizes within a few hours, making it practical for same-day use. The stay-open lid design also helps reduce temperature loss during loading and unloading.
The freezer has a D-Type refrigeration tube, which provides greater surface area than standard tubing. This helps improve heat exchange efficiency, resulting in faster initial cooling and more stable interior temperatures over time — an important feature when storing large or perishable items.
Noise levels are minimal. The manufacture touts the quiet operation of this freezer. Most people find it quiet enough for open living spaces like apartments or kitchen diners. It runs steadily without frequent cycling or noticeable vibration.
Energy Efficiency
The Igloo Chest Freezer uses 192 kWh per year, which translates to an estimated annual cost of $27. This is about average for compact freezers in the 3.5 cubic feet class.
Its power consumption is low enough to appeal to energy-conscious households. For those looking to reduce energy expenses without sacrificing freezing capability, this model offers a practical balance between performance and cost.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact deep size fits well in small spaces
- Quiet operation suitable for shared living areas
- Stay-open lid improves usability during loading
- Efficient D-Type tubing for faster cooling
- Easy mobility with rolling wheels
Cons
- Limited cold-weather range — minimum operating temp is 23°F
- No interior light
Final Thoughts
The Igloo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer meets the mark for providing deep, efficient cold storage. Its interior offers surprising depth for bulky frozen items, while features like the stay-open lid and rolling wheels make access and placement simple. With reliable performance and quiet operation, it’s a space-smart solution for apartment kitchens, basements, or backup food storage.
Compare to Similar Chest Freezers
Looking for a compact chest freezer and comparing options?
This side-by-side comparison highlights how the Igloo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer compares to two similar models from Midea and R.W.FLAME. Each has a 3.5 cubic feet capacity but offers different features, energy use, and usability details that may suit specific needs better. Use the table below to help you decide which one is the best fit for your home.
Feature | Igloo (3.5 cu. ft.) | Midea MERC04 (3.5 cu. ft.) | R.W.FLAME RW58100B (3.5 cu. ft.) |
Capacity | 3.5 cu. ft. | 3.5 cu. ft. | 3.5 cu. ft. |
Defrost Type | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Energy Star Certified | No | No | No |
Annual Energy Use (kWh) | 192 kWh | 193 kWh | Not specified |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 18.88″ x 21.88″ x 32.5″ | 21.5″ x 17.6″ x 33.5″ | 22.05″ x 21.18″ x 32.6″ |
Storage Basket | Yes | Yes | Yes (2 baskets) |
Adjustable Thermostat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | Not specified |
Who It’s Best For
Igloo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer
Best for small households or apartments seeking a compact, easy-to-move freezer with user-friendly features for daily use.
Midea MERC04C4BAWW 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer
Ideal for people who want flexibility to switch between freezer and refrigerator modes, especially in shared or multi-use spaces.
R.W.FLAME RW58100B-N 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer
Suited for those prioritizing organization and access, thanks to its dual removable baskets and slightly wider interior layout.
FAQ: Igloo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer
This freezer is labeled garage and basement ready, but it requires a room temperature of at least 23°F (–5°C) to operate correctly. It may not perform reliably in unheated garages in cold climate regions during winter months.
No, this model does not include interior lighting, which may be a drawback for use in dimly lit spaces like basements.
The wheels are designed for easy movement but do not have locking mechanisms. Placing the appliance on a flat surface helps keep it stable.