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Specifications
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Free, confirm-first email when the price drops on Koolatron 3.1 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Compact Upright Freezer With Adjustable Temperature Control (best partner price today: $425.49).
The Koolatron KTUF88 is an upright freezer with a 3.1 cubic foot (88 liter) capacity and a white steel finish. It features a manual defrost design and comes with three pull-out basket shelves for organizing frozen items. The unit has a space-saving flat back and a reversible door that can swing from either the left or right side to accommodate different installation layouts.
This compact upright freezer is suited for apartments, condos, and cottages where space may be limited. The flat back design allows it to sit flush against a wall, and the reversible door provides flexibility in placement depending on room layout and traffic flow. Because it uses manual defrost, periodic maintenance will be required to remove ice buildup. Before purchasing, confirm that the dimensions fit your intended space and that standard electrical requirements are met.
The Internet’s Verdict
92%positive
4.5★ weighted·across 13 ratingsHow We Score It
Gathering the reviews
We continuously collect owner reviews and public discussions from major retailers and community forums, de-duplicate them, and set aside anything we can’t tie to a verified purchase.
Calculating the average
Averaged across every source we found (Amazon, AJ Madison, and other retailers). Each source counts in proportion to how many ratings it has, so a store with thousands of reviews moves the number more than one with only a handful.
✓ Updated regularly · No manufacturer input
What owners talk about most
“Bought this when the virus came out so we could stock up on items. The small size makes it easy to move about and install. The power cord is rather short so you need to locate it close to an outlet. Quiet operation and the baskets are a nice touch. Good value for the money.”
Owners Answer
The questions shoppers ask, answered from real owner reviews and discussions across the web — not the manufacturer spec sheet. See the spec FAQ below for the official numbers.
Most reviewers report the freezer operates very quietly. One reviewer noted occasional rattling from the cooling tubes at startup that can be resolved with minor adjustments, but once addressed, the unit runs quietly. The majority of owners consistently praise its quiet, unobtrusive operation.
The unit must stand upright and remain unplugged for at least two hours after delivery before being plugged in. This allows the compressor oil to settle properly. This instruction is included in the manual and is important to follow for proper operation.
The freezer has a capacity of 3.1 cubic feet. While compact, reviewers consistently report it holds more than expected for its size and is well-suited for overflow storage or supplemental freezing needs. The unit includes three removable baskets that help organize and maximize the available space.
Yes, the freezer needs adequate space around it for proper ventilation and cooling performance. Reviewers recommend not placing it in a tight or confined space, as airflow is necessary for the unit to function efficiently.
When the door remains closed, the freezer maintains frozen food very effectively during extended outages. One reviewer reported that food stayed frozen solid after a power outage lasting over 10 hours, demonstrating good insulation and thermal retention.
This is not a frost-free model, so some frost buildup is normal. However, reviewers report minimal ice accumulation with proper use over months of operation. Excessive frosting can occur if the baskets are overloaded, which restricts airflow; maintaining proper loading helps minimize frost buildup.
The power cord is relatively short, so the freezer should be located close to an electrical outlet. Additionally, the unit should not be used in an unheated garage or non-climate-controlled space; it is designed for indoor, temperature-controlled environments.
Yes, reviewers consistently praise its compact, lightweight design, which makes it easy to move and position. Installation is straightforward, requiring only that you follow the setup instructions (particularly the two-hour settling period before plugging in) and ensure it is placed on level ground.
Fit & facts
Research done. Amazon has the best price today — $425.49
View DealSpecifications
Side-by-Side
How this upright freezer stacks up against close alternatives on Fridge.com.
| Spec |  Koolatron Compact Upright Freezer, 3.1 cu ft (88L), White, Manual Defrost Design, Space-Saving Flat Back, Reversible Door, 3 Pull-Out Basket Shelves, for Apartment, Condo, Cottage Koolatron · KTUF88 |  COSTWAY |  SPT |  Danby · DUFM032A3WDB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $425.49 | $279.99 | $294.99 | $441.48 |
| Capacity (cu ft) | 3.1 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
| Width | 21 | 20 | 19.38 | 20.7 |
| Height | 33.75 | 31 | 33.75 | 32.7 |
| Depth | 19.75 | 20.5 | 21.13 | 22.5 |
| Finish | White | — | — | — |
| Top features |
| — | — | — |
| Where to buy | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal |
What Owners Say
13 ratings
Vraiment très pratique avec les paniers à chaque étages même s'il est léger. La boîte était défonçée sur un côté mais ça n'a pas magané mon congélateur. Je ne sais pas à quelle température je dois le mettre. Seul bémol léger le mettre à niveau mais j'ai réglé ça très vite. Très…
Great quality, reliable function
Sometimes this little freezer will start to rattle or as I call it the "60 cycle hum". The top cooling tubes will rattle causing a huge hum. I've taken to wedging small pieces of plastic under them to stop it. It's annoying but it works. Once you've figured that out it's quiet…
Have only had it a few weeks, but so far it has been great. It is very quiet. I was very glad I had read the reviews or I would not have known:#1. Do not plan to put it in a tight space; It needs some room around it (duh, it's a freezer).#2. After delivery it needs to stand…
Très bon congélateur . Personnellement aucun problèmes de glace. Suivi les instructions à la lettre . Mis à 4 et ça fonctionne bien. Pas bruyant du tout. Les paniers sont très pratiques, on peut mettre de petits contenants et ça reste en place
Convinced? Amazon has it for $425.49
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Sourced and aggregated by Fridge.com.
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Brand Background
Koolatron has carved out a distinctive niche in the refrigeration market since its founding in 1983 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Originally known for pioneering portable thermoelectric coolers, the brand has expanded its focus considerably, and Fridge.com currently tracks 45 active products across the Koolatron lineup. The catalog reveals a strong emphasis on freezer solutions, with 17 chest freezers and 16 upright freezers representing the bulk of available models. This freezer-heavy portfolio positions Koolatron as a practical choice for consumers seeking supplemental frozen storage without premium pricing. Beyond freezers, the brand offers wine coolers, beverage centers, compact refrigerators, and standalone ice makers, reflecting its roots in specialized cooling for travel, recreation, and space-constrained environments. As a value-tier manufacturer, Koolatron appeals to budget-conscious shoppers who need reliable secondary cooling appliances rather than primary kitchen refrigerators. The brand maintains an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 points across its product range, suggesting generally positive consumer reception. For those exploring affordable freezer options or compact cooling solutions, Koolatron remains a relevant contender worth considering.
Before You Buy