I have very limited space and an under-counter fridge with a freezer that simply doesn't freeze food, so I really needed a small freezer. I'm a researcher by training, so I needed to do a little research before making a purchase.

First, I read about optimal temperatures for refrigeration (under 40 F) and freezing (under 0 F) on www.fsis.usda.gov. Then I read reviews on ConsumerReports.org that suggested that in general, compact freezers don't keep adequately low temperatures. After reading these 2 items, I had a lot of misgivings about purchasing such a small freezer. However, the Summit cube freezers were described by the manufacturer as having a minimum temperature of -20 C (about -4 F), as well as being approved for medical use, so I decided to take a chance.

Once I received the freezer, I placed a thermometer that goes to -40 F inside the freezer to see if it really gets as cold as promised, and it does!! I've only had the freezer for about 2 weeks now, but so far so good.

The only thing I don't like about the freezer is that the adjustable temperature control is on the back of the unit, and until I got the setting right, I had to keep pulling it out from the wall to tweak it. But, once I got it right (set at about 5 for the temperature I wanted), hopefully I'll rarely need to move it out.

Of the three cube freezers I was considering (Avanti, Haier, and Summit) the Summit was the most expensive. But given that it freezes to a true 0 F and below, I'm happy. For someone considering a cube or compact freezer purchase, I would recommend Summit.

Let's face it. I am not Martha Stewart. Every member of my family, including myself eat different things at different times. We therefore, have a huge investment in our grocer's freezer, so we have to have one in our own too. We have a nice refrigerator, and an additional freezer. But this portable, upright freezer that is handy and easy to squeeze in is a nice extra when we need room after a huge sale.

The Sunpentown Upright Freezer UF-160 is 1.6 cubic feet and pretty deep. You can use this at home, give to a college student or someone who shares an apartment, or if you are going camping this time of year and have electric hookup. It is 1.6 cubic feet and can hold leftovers that you want to freeze, vegtables or fruit that you pick out of your garden. You can store it in a garage for extra brews for the boys football games, if you are having a party, a family get together or are like me and stock up at the grocery store on double coupon day!


OUTDOOR OR INDOOR?


This can be used indoors or outdoors. When we go camping, whether it is in a tent, or a cabin, we do sit it outside with the lock and key that came with it. It is not hard to transport, and is not too heavy to carry or to have sit on a countertop, picnic table or other surface. The door opens like a fridge, with a reversable door and inverted handle. It has one wire shelf, with it giving you two story storage. Storage is the key word here. There is not a lot of it. You can fit quite a few frozen meals, a gallon of ice cream, a few bags of chicken wings and some ice cubes with the ice cube tray that comes with it. It is not bad, and certainly great to have in temporary or last minute event situations. My main issue with the space is that because it is deep, rather than tall, you have to dig through quite a bit of things to find what you are looking for. It means a lot of mess and prep to get something quick on the grill. I like having things in my sight, so as long as you aren't stuffed to the gills, it should be ok.

It has a manual defrost, and we have not had any problem with frost or losing any food. The thermostat is adjustable if you have any problems. It stands on front legs that keep it steady, weighs 50 lbs, is 19.84" W X 19.45" D X 20.10 " H, so it is not awkward in it's appearance. The voltage is 115 V/60 Hz and runs quietly with a noise level of 39. It does not run the electricity bill up very much.


WHY IS MY LIFE BETTER OR WORSE FROM THIS PRODUCT?


It is better when traveling, or when in need of extra room, such as when the grocery store has a sale on frozen foods. There could be more room inside, but for such a small appliance, it is good to hold a few days worth of food! The things I do not like about it, is that sometimes it is hard to get odd shaped items to stay in place without shoving them all in, the door doesn't always stay shut and it is hard to clean with the limited elbow room. We use this for various acceptions, and one way or another, it is fine. It is not something I can't live without, but is also nice to have. Since I shop at a bulk food distributor, GFS, I need all of the space I can get! This is great for active families, single people who have roommates, or, if you have a large enough vehicle, for taking with you on roadtrips!