Best Freezer for Breast Milk

The best freezer for breast milk is one that allows you to store your breastmilk long term at a consistent temperature!

Other factors that you will want to consider when choosing the best freezer for breast milk storage for you include adjustable shelves or drawers, energy efficiency, and capacity.

But why is a freezer for breast milk important?

Storing breast milk properly is essential to preserving its safety and quality. Improper storage will make breast milk unsafe for your baby to consume.

Whilst storing breast milk in the fridge for a few days is a great option, many breastfeeding moms will have a steady supply of breast milk and will need an option to store their breast milk longer term.

That’s where freezing your breast milk is a fantastic option.

Not only is freezing the best way to preserve expressed breast milk, but it means you have a freezer stash of frozen milk for whenever it is needed.

Yet having a reliable freezer is a must. It’s the only way to guarantee your breast milk is stored safely for long periods.

In this guide, I’ll discuss the key features, pros and cons, of my top picks for freezers for best milk so you can easily make an informed choice on what is the best breast milk freezer for you.

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My Top Pick
Best Mini Freezer
Best Budget
4.6
4.5
4.5
Pros:
  • Large 3.0 cubic feet capacity
  • Energy Star certified
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Manual defrost system for easy clean and maintenance
  • Reversible door
  • Quiet
  • Adjustable Legs
  • Child lock
Pros:
  • Compact
  • Energy Star rated
  • Removable flat slide-out wire shelf
  • Efficient temperature distribution
  • Lockable
  • Recessed handle
  • Reversible-swing door
Pros:
  • Budget friendly
  • Large 2.7 cubic feet capacity
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Balanced hinge-style door
  • Energy saving
  • Quiet
  • Easy to drain out & clean
My Top Pick
4.6
Pros:
  • Large 3.0 cubic feet capacity
  • Energy Star certified
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Manual defrost system for easy clean and maintenance
  • Reversible door
  • Quiet
  • Adjustable Legs
  • Child lock
Best Mini Freezer
4.5
Pros:
  • Compact
  • Energy Star rated
  • Removable flat slide-out wire shelf
  • Efficient temperature distribution
  • Lockable
  • Recessed handle
  • Reversible-swing door
Best Budget
4.5
Pros:
  • Budget friendly
  • Large 2.7 cubic feet capacity
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Balanced hinge-style door
  • Energy saving
  • Quiet
  • Easy to drain out & clean

Best Freezer For Breast Milk Storage

1. Midea Upright Freezer 3.0 Cubic Feet

Midea is an excellent company that keeps customer satisfaction as their most important duty, so you know this freezer will keep your breast milk frozen.

I love this freezer for breast milk because of its energy efficiency, compact size, and ease of use!

This upright freezer has three cubic feet of storage, the perfect size for storing plenty of milk or food later. It holds up to 150 pounds of food, and it has a small footprint, making it an excellent option for small apartments or basements.

It also comes with three fixed shelves, which make it easy to organize and access your frozen items.

One of the standout features of the Midea freezer is its energy efficiency. It is Energy Star certified, which means that it meets the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This can result in significant savings on your energy bills over time.

The freezer is designed with a mechanical control with an adjustable thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature to your desired level. It also has a manual defrost system, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.

The Midea WHS-109FW1 is also built to be durable and reliable. It features a solid exterior construction and a reversible door that can be adjusted to open from the left or right side, depending on your needs. The freezer is also designed with leveling legs that allow you to adjust the height for optimal placement.

In terms of noise, the Midea freezer is relatively quiet compared to other upright freezers on the market. It produces 42 decibels of noise, which is about the same as a normal conversation.

Dimensions: 19.7w x 21.3d x 33.9h inch

Pros

  • 3.0 cubic feet capacity
  • Energy Star certified
  • Removable Wire Shelf
  • Adjustable legs
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Manual defrost system for easy clean and maintenance
  • Reversible door-left or right swing
  • Quiet
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Inconvenient placement of the thermostat
  • The freezer is not frost-free, so it requires manual defrosting
Our Top Pick
Midea 3.0 Cu Ft Upright Freezer
$224.99 $202.99

This 3.0 cubic feet capacity freezer comes with three fixed shelves, including a removable wire shelf, so there is plenty of room to store your breast milk and more!

Best of all, this freezer it is Energy Star certified so you know you won't be spending a fortune on your energy bills!

The freezer is also designed with a mechanical control with an adjustable thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature to your desired level and it has a manual defrost system, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.

You'll also love that the door is reversible so you can place it where it suits.


04/15/2024 02:03 pm GMT

2. Whynter 1.1 Cubic Feet Upright Freezer

If you don’t want a large freezer for breast milk, the Whynter Upright Freezer is an great mini freezer option! It comes with energy-efficient external temperature control system wrapped in a budget-friendly price. It’s one of the most energy-efficient options on this list, using less energy than a single light bulb!

This freezer has a glossy black exterior with an internal capacity of 1.1 cubic feet. This makes it the smallest on our list, but it only weighs 42 lbs. While that’s not necessarily a portable size, it is excellent if you don’t want to store a ton of breast milk.

Here are some of the features I like about the Whynter Upright Freezer.

  • Whynter added reversible door hinges so that you can open the freezer from either side. It also comes with a child lock option that prevents your kids from opening the freezer and leaving the door open.
  • This freezer has an overall sleek look with the recessed handle.
  • An adjustable thermostat lets you set the ideal temperature for your breast milk storage.
  • It comes with a removable wire shelf, making it easy to organize your breast milk bottles or storage bags based on their storage dates.

Dimensions: 18.75w x 17.75d x 19.5h inch

Pros

  • Budget-Friendly
  • Compact size makes it ideal for small spaces
  • Energy Star rated for energy efficiency
  • Reversible door allows you to open it from either side
  • Adjustable thermostat allows you to set the temperature according to your preference
  • Removable shelf makes it easy to organize and access your foods
  • Lock ensures the safety of your contents

Cons

  • Small size may not be suitable for larger families or households
  • No built-in temperature alarm
04/19/2024 11:03 am GMT

3. Kismile 2.7 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer

Kismile Chest Freezer is a high-quality, budget-friendly freezer that meets your needs without maxing out your bank account. It’s a highly functional freezer that works fast and keeps your milk at a safe temperature.

This freezer has 2.7 cubic feet of storage space, so it’s perfect for those lacking in space. However, that is large enough to store breast milk and other foods you might need around the house in storage.

Kismile added all sorts of features you want to have in a chest freezer. Let’s take a look at some of them that you might appreciate.

  • It has recessed handles that make it easy to lift the lid on the freezer.
  • An adjustable 7-grade temperature control lets you pick the temp you want for your breast milk.
  • A red and green light lets you know when the power is on and when it is running.
  • You can drain out the water quickly when defrosting and cleaning the freezer.
  • Kismile has an overall compact design that won’t take up too much space, so you can keep it anywhere you want in your home.

Dimensions: 19.37w x 17.72d x 32.83h inch

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Compact
  • Energy-efficient and low noise
  • Large capacity
  • Adjustable thermostat control
  • Balanced hinge-style door
  • Easy to drain out water

Cons

  • Chest freezers can be hard to organize, especially when everything is stacked on top of each other
04/24/2024 08:03 pm GMT

4. Arctic King 5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer

Another great freezers for storing breast milk is the Arctic King 5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer. The size of this freezer is excellent; it takes up minimal space no matter where it is stored.

Arctic King includes a removable storage basket, allowing you to efficiently arrange and store your milk. When it comes to cleaning, a removable basket is ideal, and it has an easy-to-access defrost drain system that makes cleaning the interior and gasket so easy.

Arctic King offers five cubic feet of storage space despite having a smaller footprint. Let’s look at some of the other features you may appreciate about it.

  • It has a front-mounted adjustable thermostat with a range of temperatures, so you can adequately store your breast milk.
  • This model is energy efficient and only uses 218 kWh of energy each year. That means it won’t run up your electricity bill.
  • It’s a durable, well-made freezer with a recessed handle and modern look.

Dimensions: 24.9w x 21.7d x 33.5h inch

Pros

  • Energy Efficient
  • Modern Design
  • Easy to Clean Interior
  • Defrost Drain
  • Removable Storage Basket
  • Ample storage space
  • Efficient temperature regulation and excellent heat insulation
  • Super quiet operation suitable for small rooms
  • Reliable customer service

Cons

  • Several complaints about the freezers arriving daily
  • No interior light
04/15/2024 09:03 am GMT

5. Midea Chest Freezer 7.0 Cubic Feet

The Midea MRC070S0AWW is a 7.0 cubic foot chest freezer that is huge; it gives you tons of space to store breast milk and all the frozen foods you want for your family. Midea uses a D+ system that makes this an efficient freezer with excellent cooling abilities. Their cooling system has cooling pipes and a well-designed insulation layer that keeps food at a consistent temperature.

There is a lot to appreciate about this chest freezer for breast milk. First, it has a built-in door hinge that lets you open the door widely from 45 degrees to 75 degrees. So, you don’t have to hold the lid open as you dig for the next breast milk bag.

Let’s look at some of the other features I like about the Midea Chest Freezer.

  • Even though this is a larger freezer, they maintain a modern look with a recessed handle for convenient opening and modern finishes.
  • It has an excellent defrost drain system, so it’s easier to defrost and clean the freezer periodically.
  • The control system has an adjustable thermostat that lets you manually regulate the internal temperature. This ensures you keep your milk and food at the optimal temperature.
  • Midea includes a removable hanging wire storage basket to keep your breast milk well organized and later use it to store frozen vegetables and other things.
  • The freezer has adjustable legs that you can level at different heights, depending on where you want to keep the freezer.

Dimensions: 32.1w x 21.7d x 33.5h inch

Pros

  • Comes with a 1 Year Warranty
  • Defrost Drain for Easy Cleaning
  • Adjustable Thermostat
  • Compact Design
  • Lots of Storage – 7 Cubic Feet
  • Hinge-Style Door Remains Open from 45 to 75 Degree Angles
  • Hanging Wire Storage Basket

Cons

  • No Power-On Light Indicator
04/15/2024 03:03 pm GMT

6. Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer

Koolatron offers an excellent compact chest freezer for storing breast milk and frozen foods. It features a swing-top lid to easily access your items, and it’s easy to organize with baskets to keep your milk storage bags.

The freezer features 3.5 cubic feet of storage space for all of your frozen foods or breast milk. A removable basket at the top of the freezer holds small items, and it’s great for your breast milk storage bags.

Here are several things parents like about the Koolatron Freezer and why I think it is one of the best small chest freezer for breastmilk.

  • An efficient compressor keeps your breast milk and foods frozen at proper temperatures. It uses a CFC-free coolant to maintain those temperatures.
  • An external thermostat allows you to adjust your freezer’s temperature with ease.
  • After cleaning, Koolatron has a leak-proof external plug to allow the water to drain out. This defrost drain makes cleaning out the water a breeze.

Dimensions: 20.75w x 22.25d x 33.25h inch

Pros

  • Easy to Organize
  • Leak-Proof Drain
  • Manual Defrost with Easy-Access Drain
  • Three Sizes Available
  • Removable Storage Basket
  • Thermostat 
  • Convenient Stay-Open Lid
  • High storage capacity 
  • Programmable, reliable, and energy-saving 

Cons

  • Not Very Quiet
  • Chest freezers make it harder to access breast milk
04/14/2024 03:03 pm GMT

7. Danby 3.8 Cu. Ft Chest Freezer

If you want a chest freezer with an extended warranty, you’ll appreciate the Danby 3.8 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer. This freezer is energy efficient, created with foam insulated cabinets. It’s a medium-sized freezer with 3.8 cubic feet of storage; you’ll have plenty of space for plenty of milk bags.

Danby offers different storage configurations, including adjustable wire baskets. You have plenty of space to keep frozen breast milk storage bags in an orderly fashion. It has a flip lid that keeps the inside of the freezer at an ideal temperature.

Here are some other features I like about the Danby Chest Freezer.

  • A thermostat is on the front of the freezer to ensure your freezer stays at an ideal temperature for breast milk.
  • It has a front-facing defrost drain to help keep your chest freezer clean.
  • Danby includes a five-year warranty that covers any damage or problems that may arise with your freezer.

Dimensions: 23w x 26d x 35h inch

Pros

  • Adjustable Wire Basket
  • Good Insulation
  • Included Thermostat
  • The freezer has a sleek and narrow build, enabling it to save much-needed space

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Manual Defrost Only
  • Legs Aren’t Adjustable

8. Techomey Chest Freezer 7.0 Cubic Feet

My final pick for the best freezer for breast milk is Techomey Chest Freezer. It has seven cubic feet of storage, a large capacity even though from the exterior it looks like a small deep freezer.

Technomey is a fast cooling freezer with a manually adjustable thermostat to keep the internal temperature between 7℉ and -4℉. That ensures your milk stays at the perfect storage temperature with a high-quality compressor-based cooling system that is energy efficient. It uses 0.5 kilowatts per hour, so it’s one of the most efficient models available.

Here are some other features of the Techomey Chest Freezer.

  • The freezer is whisper quiet with a noise level below 40 dB.
  • It has a built-in hinged door that lets you open your freezer and search for what you need without holding the door open the entire time.
  • Techomey includes a stainless steel wire basket for holding breast milk or other small food items.
  • You’ll notice dual lights – red for power and green for the compressor operation. This allows you to ensure the freezer is functioning correctly.
  • A drain outlet allows for quick removal of water after defrosting.

Dimensions: 35w x 22d x 33.3h inch

Pros

  • Energy Efficient
  • Fast Cooling
  • Noiseless
  • Includes Stainless Steel Basket
  • Drain Outlet for Defrosting

Cons

  • Not easy to move
04/23/2024 05:03 pm GMT

How to Pick the Best Freezer for Breast Milk

Freezers come in a variety of sizes with different features. If you’re solely using the freezer to store breast milk, I put together some factors to help you pick the right one.

The Type of Freezer

Have you ever wondered why the freezer attached to your refrigerator is not called a deep freezer like the stand-alone one in your basement? Deep freezers have more insulation, allowing the food to stay inside for long-term storage.

If you plan to store your breast milk for months, you need a deep freezer, and they have two styles: upright freezers and chest freezers. Each one has pros and cons to consider.

Chest Freezer

This type of freezer is shaped like a chest, so it’s a cube or rectangular. It’s ideal for large capacity storing, and it keeps food at a stable temperature, avoiding freezer burn.

However, the biggest problem is finding things stored inside the freezer. It ends up like a black hole with surprises at the bottom you forgot about until six months to a year later.

On the other hand, they tend to be more affordable than upright freezers.

Upright Freezer

On the other hand, Upright freezers look like regular refrigerators; you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference from the outside. However, when you open it up, it’s all freezer space.

This freezer style has two main benefits. First, they take up less space, so if you don’t have a lot of space to spare for a freezer, go with an upright. Second, they are much easier to organize; you are less likely to lose things inside of them.

However, you may notice these freezers tend to be more expensive and are less energy efficient. 

Size of the Freezer

Another one of the factors to consider is the size of the freezer, but it may be hard to figure out how much space you need.

Think about how much milk you want to have on hand. Some families want a large stash, like a three to six-month supply. Assuming that babies drink an average of 900mL per day, a six-month breast milk supply would be around 163L.

However, if you only want to store a month or two worth of milk, you won’t need as much space. You should also consider how you’ll use the freezer after it no longer holds milk solely.

Storage Configuration

Something else to consider is the storage configuration. For example, it’s nice when freezers include baskets or partitions to keep your breast milk (or food) storage well organized.

Temperature Controls

Look to see if the freezer has external temperature controls that allow you to ensure your frozen breast milk is at the right temperature. However, this isn’t a requirement, but it is a bonus feature.

Ease of Cleaning

You’ll have to clean your freezer from time to time, so having an easy-to-clean freezer makes your life a lot easier. Look for ones with an auto-defrost option and an outlet drain.

Portability

Do you want the freezer to be portable and easy to move? Some freezers have a set of caster or rollers at the base to make it easier to move around your basement.

Noise Level

Something else to consider is the noise level; appliances often make noises. For example, most chest freezers create less noise than upright freezers, but always read reviews since this is not always true. Ideally, you want a freezer with less than 45 dB noise level.

Warranty

Any appliance you buy should come with a warranty for the product. For example, look for a freezer with a three to five-year warranty, ideally to cover anything that might go wrong when using it to store your breast milk.

Our Top Pick
Midea 3.0 Cu Ft Upright Freezer
$224.99 $202.99

This 3.0 cubic feet capacity freezer comes with three fixed shelves, including a removable wire shelf, so there is plenty of room to store your breast milk and more!

Best of all, this freezer it is Energy Star certified so you know you won't be spending a fortune on your energy bills!

The freezer is also designed with a mechanical control with an adjustable thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature to your desired level and it has a manual defrost system, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.

You'll also love that the door is reversible so you can place it where it suits.


04/15/2024 02:03 pm GMT

FAQs

What kind of freezer do you use for breast milk?

Ideally, a dedicated standalone freezer is best for storing breast milk. A chest freezer or an upright freezer with adjustable shelves or drawers is recommended. These freezers provide consistent low temperatures, ensuring the safe preservation of breast milk.

How Long Can Breast Milk Last In A Deep Freezer?

Breast milk can last in the deep freezer for up to 12 months, as long as it is stored at 0℉ or lower. However, it typically is best when used within six months.

What is the best storage for breast milk in the freezer?

The best storage containers for breast milk are BPA-free breast milk storage bags or breast milk storage containers designed for freezing. These containers are airtight, prevent leaks, and are specially designed for the purpose of storing breast milk. Make sure to label your milk storage bag or container with the date to ensure you use the oldest milk first (first in, first out).

Is it better to freeze breast milk flat or upright?

Freezing breast milk flat in storage bags is generally recommended for breastmilk storage in a freezer. This method allows you to maximize freezer space and makes it easier to stack and organize the bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer until they are frozen, then you can stack them upright for more efficient storage. Make sure to use a tray or flat surface when initially freezing the bags to prevent spills or leaks.

Can Breast Milk Get Freezer Burn?

Frozen breastmilk can get freezer burn, which happens when moisture leaves the frozen food, causing ice crystals to form on the food’s exterior. Breast milk isn’t safe from freezer burn, but you can reduce the possibility by storing it properly and rotating through the bags based on their age.
The good news is that freezer burn doesn’t ruin breast milk; it’s still safe to consume for your baby. Freezer burn doesn’t lead to unsafe food for consumption, but it might not be as hydrating since it causes the milk to lose moisture.

How do you prevent freezer burn from breast milk?

To prevent freezer burn, which can affect the quality of breast milk, I recommend using airtight breast milk storage bags or containers. Ensure you squeeze out excess air before sealing the bags or containers. Then store breast milk in the back of the freezer, away from the door, to minimize temperature fluctuations. Use breast milk within the recommended storage duration (usually 6-12 months in a standard freezer).

Related Posts

Final Thoughts on Best Breast Milk Freezer

If you plan to build a breast milk stash, then I highly recommend investing in a dedicated standalone freezer, whether chest or upright, due to its ability to maintain consistent low temperatures which is crucial for preserving the nutritional value of breast milk.

Thankfully, when it comes to choosing the best freezer for breast milk storage, there are some great option available to ensure the safety and quality of the stored milk as well as fit your budget and storage space.

Additionally, I think it’s worthwhile considering a backup power source for emergencies and opt for an energy-efficient freezer to reduce operating costs.

With the right freezer and proper storage practices, you can confidently store breast milk for extended periods, providing your baby with the nourishment they need even when direct breastfeeding is not possible.

My Top Pick
Best Mini Freezer
Best Budget
4.6
4.5
4.5
Pros:
  • Large 3.0 cubic feet capacity
  • Energy Star certified
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Manual defrost system for easy clean and maintenance
  • Reversible door
  • Quiet
  • Adjustable Legs
  • Child lock
Pros:
  • Compact
  • Energy Star rated
  • Removable flat slide-out wire shelf
  • Efficient temperature distribution
  • Lockable
  • Recessed handle
  • Reversible-swing door
Pros:
  • Budget friendly
  • Large 2.7 cubic feet capacity
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Balanced hinge-style door
  • Energy saving
  • Quiet
  • Easy to drain out & clean
My Top Pick
4.6
Pros:
  • Large 3.0 cubic feet capacity
  • Energy Star certified
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Manual defrost system for easy clean and maintenance
  • Reversible door
  • Quiet
  • Adjustable Legs
  • Child lock
Best Mini Freezer
4.5
Pros:
  • Compact
  • Energy Star rated
  • Removable flat slide-out wire shelf
  • Efficient temperature distribution
  • Lockable
  • Recessed handle
  • Reversible-swing door
Best Budget
4.5
Pros:
  • Budget friendly
  • Large 2.7 cubic feet capacity
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Balanced hinge-style door
  • Energy saving
  • Quiet
  • Easy to drain out & clean
best freezer for breast milk storage