Maytag - 16 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer with Power Loss Assist - White

This new Maytag model is the 'upscale' companion to the near-identical Whirlpool product. It replaced a 20 year old Frigidaire commercial unit of the same capacity. The best word to describe these new Whirlpool twins is "Flimsy". The listed product weight should have been the giveaway. For triple the price (even after two decades), we were expecting at least a similar build quality. Don't. The sheet metal on the Maytag is paper thin, the back is completely unprotected from impacts, and you can nearly see through the paint. We were concerned that removing the warning stickers covering the thing would detach the paint. If you put anything substantial on the lid, or bump the sides with your knee, it will likely scratch or dent it. These are made in Italy, not the USA. A major build downgrade from the old US-made models, IMO. At least it's not from the PRC. The delivery truck was a rental, and they dented and scratched one side delivering it (easy to do, frankly), and also turned it nearly upside down getting it off the truck. That forced a 24 hour wait before turning it on to allow the refrigerant oil to settle. The good news is, it works, it runs quietly, and quickly reaches a maximum freeze temp of around -10F. That is adequate for a deep freezer, but not the -20F of what it replaced. The interior walls are just adequate, but of similar lighter gauge material. Dropping heavier items (hams, turkeys) will likely dent it. The 'sturdy' metal baskets are not all that robust, but should be ok for lighter items. The lid seems to seal well, and an internal gravity-mechanical switch inside the lid turns the lamp on with a clumsy clunk. While we usually shy away from extended warranties, the 5-year Geek Squad coverage option is an excellent idea on these newer appliances, like this Maytag freezer. If the interior build quality is anything like the external build on these freezers, you may need it. We'll be happy if we get 10 years out of this one. Hate to use a tired old cliche, but in the case of these new Whirlpool freezers, they really don't make them like they used to. Flimsy build quality, and especially so at the price point. And no, I don't want to reach out on Facebook to a manufacturer rep to talk about it.

Maytag 16 Cubic Feet is an excellent chest freezer. It has lots of room, has two baskets for organization items, and has a dial on the bottom to change it from freezing to refrigeration. I haven't had the need to defrost it yet but it seems to be a straight forward task. Delivery was on schedule. Highly recommend!

I like this product. Has lots of room and is nice that it can also be used as a refrigerator! I have added little baskets to separate each items (chicken, pork, beef, vegetables) for my convenience) easier to get at.