10 Best Freezers for Breast Milk 2024 – Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on October 26, 2024 by CHANDRAMANI

During breastfeeding days, Moms usually have extra pumped milk which the baby didn’t consume all at once. So, they can store and freeze Breast Milk in the freezer for future usage. A freezer for breast milk helps you conveniently store breast milk for your child in a hygienic environment.

According to the Office on Women’s Health of the  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Breastmilk must be immediately frozen after pumping if it won’t be used within 4 days of refrigeration.

Breast milk feeding is very important for your child’s health. Over 820000 children could be saved yearly if all children 0-23 months were optimally breastfed. (Source- WHO).

How long can refrigerated breast milk be left out at room temperature?

The refrigerated breast milk should not be left out at room temperature for more than 4 hours.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Freezer for Breast Milk

Before you choose a freezer check out the important factors to consider to ensure that the milk stays safe and at the proper temperature:

• Capacity: Depending upon the amount of breast milk you need to store you can choose the size of the freezer. If we assume the largest consumption, 900 ml per day, then it becomes 162 liters in six months and you will need a freezer with a capacity of approximately 6 cubic feet for that. Since a 6 cu ft freezer is rare, you can buy a 7 cu ft chest freezer. A tiny amount of breastmilk, between 60 and 120 milliliters (ml) in each bottle or bag, should be frozen and kept. Between the ages of 1 month and 6 months, an infant can consume an average of 25 oz (750 mL) of liquid per day. Babies’ milk consumption varies, but a normal range is 19 to 30 ounces per day (570-900 mL per day)
• Energy Efficiency: Always look for energy star certified freezer or A+ rated types as these lower your power bill and ultimately cut your power bills.
• Temperature Control: A freezer with temperature control located at an easily accessible position such as the front side is great.
• Portability: If you travel frequently, you should look for Portable Freezers to carry breast milk along with you.

Chest Freezer vs Upright Freezer for Breastmilk?

Breast milk can be consistently stored in chest freezers at lower temperatures for a longer amount of time, even during power outages, and they offer more space than upright freezers because they don’t have shelves. In addition, they outperform uprights in terms of energy efficiency, cost, and noise. They make it difficult for cold air to escape, protecting the stored food from freezer burn.

The chest freezer’s drawbacks include that you have to bend your body to reach its contents, difficulty organizing food, and increased floor space requirements.

In Uprights Breast milk can be kept on shelves and upright freezers are simple to manage. They are useful in compact homes because of their upright standing, they take up relatively little floor area. Additionally, it’s simple to obtain and keep your breast milk thanks to the front-facing door. However, every time you open the door, cold air quickly escapes through it.

Best Freezer for Breast Milk Storage

1. hOmeLabs 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer

This 3.5-chest freezer is an energy-efficient, silent, and modern finish model. It comes from the house of home labs, a well-known brand in US homes.

You can adjust the temperature from 10.4 °F to -0.4 °F with the front-mounted thermostat. Below the thermostat, there is a power indicator as well. To make it easier for the defrosted water to drain, the defrost drain is situated to the left of the thermostat.

It has a detachable storage basket that makes it simple to arrange the freezer. The door opens to a height of 50.5 inches.

You can set them down on uneven terrain with ease because of the adjustable feet.

Specifications

• Capacity– 3.5 Cubic Feet.
• Temperature Range: 10.4 °F to – 0.4 °F
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Amps: 0.8A
• Product Dimensions: ‎21.42 x 19.21 x 33.31 inches
• Product Weight: ‎47.3 pounds
• Door Hinges: Reversible

2. Midea WHS-109FW1, 3.0 Cubic Feet (Best Upright freezer for breast milk)

This freezer is the perfect option if you’re seeking for a contemporary, space-saving freezer. It is a cheap freezer with a tonne of features. It is among the best-selling freezers because of this.

It is the ideal upright and small freezer for dorm rooms, kitchens, offices, and homes for keeping frozen food, ice cream, and breast milk.

Your food is protected from office or roommates with a built-in lock that comes with provided keys. The cabinet is 33.9″ H x 19.7″ W x 18.5″ D in size. For additional storage choices, there are two permanent shelves and a wire drawer that can be removed.

The thermostat’s range of adjustment is from -11.2° to 8.6° F.

Specifications

• Capacity– 3.1 Cubic Feet.
• Temperature Range: -11.2° to 8.6° F
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Amps: 0.8A
• Cabinet Dimensions: 33.9″ H x 19.7″ W x 18.5″ D
• Product Weight: 57.2 pounds
• Door Hinges: Reversible

Also read: Garage Ready Upright Freezer

3. Euhomy Mini Freezer Countertop, 1.1 Cubic Feet (Best mini freezer for breast milk)

This freezer is ideal for you if you’re seeking for a smaller freezer to store breast milk because it is loaded with functions.

You may easily install it anywhere because it is portable and small. 17.4 x 17.6 x 19.5 inches are the dimensions.

The door can be installed to open with either a left or right swing, depending on your preference, because it is reversible. Additionally, the legs are movable, allowing you to change the freezer’s height.

The temperature can be changed from -7.6°F to 6.8°F (- 14°C to – 22°C) via the dial at the back.

Because it is an energy-star-rated freezer, it uses less energy and lowers your electricity expenses.

Specifications

• Capacity– 1.1 Cu. ft.
• Temperature Range:-7.6℉ to 6.8℉（- 14℃ to – 22℃）
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Amps: 0.8A
• Total Dimensions: 17.4″L x 17.6″D x 19.5″H
• Product Weight: 31 pounds
• Door Hinges: Reversible

4. Koolatron 3.5 Cubic Feet

The ideal chest freezer for freezing breast milk is this Koolatron compact model. It has a 3.5 cu ft capacity and is also available in 5 cu ft and 7 cu ft sizes.

One detachable wire basket that it includes makes it easy to keep tiny, often-used things close at hand and properly organize your contents.

This appliance has an energy star rating, which indicates that it is power-efficient, reduces your electricity costs, and uses coolant without CFCs.

With its front-facing thermostat, you may set the temperature anywhere between 0°C and -24°C (32°F and -11.2°F). A power indicator that shows the appliance is on can be found below.

For cleaning the freezer and making it simple for the defrosted water to escape, there is a defrost drain at the front.

Specifications

• Capacity– 3.5 Cubic Feet.
• Temperature Range: 0°C and -24°C (32°F
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage: 120V
• Cabinet Dimensions: 22.25 x 20.75 x 33.25 inches
• Product Weight: 60 pounds
• Shelf Type: 1 Basket

5. Northair Chest Freezer – 3.5 Cu Ft

One of the top freezers for storing breast milk is this one. Due to its quiet compressor, it is ideal to keep even next to a baby.

Large amounts of breast milk can be kept together for a longer period of time in this chest freezer due to its size.

It is spacious enough to hold a sizable amount of food while still being small enough for the modern home. It is small and portable, measuring 21.18 x 21.77 x 30.94 inches.

Three detachable wire baskets make for simple arranging.

Breast milk is safe for a longer period of time thanks to its deep freezing action. With its externally mounted thermostat, you may control the temperature between -4°F and 6.8°F. The freezer also has a power and run indication that shows when it is turned on and operating.

It only uses 0.6 kWh per day and is energy-efficient. With its ability to hold itself open at angles between 45° and 90°, the stable lid makes it simple to access the chest freezer without using your hands.

For easy drainage of the defrosted water, there is a defrost drain on the front side.

Specifications

• Capacity– 3.5 Cu. ft.
• Temperature Range:-4°F and 6.8°F
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Total Dimensions: 21.18 x 21.77 x 30.94 inches
• Weight: 50.7 pounds

Also Read: The Best Chest freezer for Keezer

6. Whynter CUF-301SS Upright Freezer (Best 2.1 Cu ft)

For storing breast milk, this 2.1 cu ft freezer is ideal. When operating, it makes very little noise and is virtually silent.

As an upright freezer, it can be placed in almost any place and takes up very little room. There are 27.5 x 20 x 17.5 inches of space available.

It has a swing door that may be fixed to open with either a left or right swing, depending on your preference. It can be placed anywhere in the room thanks to this capability.

The Recessed handle gives the door a flush finish. Two of the shelves are detachable, making cleaning simple.

For preventing your children from gaining unauthorized entry to your freezer, you receive a cylinder lock with two keys, making it suitable for kids.

The mechanical thermostat’s mechanical control ranges from -11° to 10.4°F to control the temperature.

Specifications

• Capacity– 2.1 cu ft
• Temperature Range:-11° to 10. 4°F
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Amps: 0.8A
• Total Dimensions: 27.5 x 20 x 17.5 inches
• Product Weight: 44 pounds
• Door Hinges: Reversible
• Shelves: 2 Removable shelf
• Defrost: Manual

Also read: What Ideal Temperature Should a Freezer be set at

7. Arctic King 5 cu ft

This freezer is small and takes up very little room in your home. L 24.9″ x W 21.7″ x H 33.5″ are the dimensions.

For correctly organizing your breast milk, there is a detachable basket that also makes cleaning very simple.

It has a defrost drain for cleaning, and a recessed handle makes opening it simple.

In addition to being extremely energy-efficient, this 5.0 cu ft chest freezer uses just 218 kilowatts of power annually.

You can choose the ideal temperature based on your demands with external temperature control.

Specifications

• Capacity– 5 Cubic Feet.
• Temperature Range: -4°F and 6.8°F
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Amps: 0.8A
• Cabinet Dimensions: L 24.9″ x W 21.7″ H 33.5″
• Product Weight: 61.9 pounds

Also read: Best Portable Freezers

8. Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star 3.0. ft.

This freezer is the ideal choice for you if you want something a little bit larger than the smallest freezer described above. Breast milk, ice cream, and frozen food all keep well in it.

You can lock your food with the use of the security lock feature, which contains two keys. This upright little freezer has a freestanding design. The item’s outside measurements are 5.75 x 13.63 x 7.88 inches.

Because it is an energy-star-rated freezer, it uses less power. The temperature ranges from -10° to -2°F. The strong compressor cools more quickly.

The reversible door can be installed to swing either left or right at your pleasure.

The recessed handle gives the door a flush finish.

Specifications

• Capacity– 3.0 Cubic Feet.
• Temperature Range:-10° -2°F
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Amps: 0.8A
• Total Dimensions: 27.5 x 20 x 17.5 inches
• Product Weight: 57 pounds
• Door Hinges: Reversible

Reasons to Buy

• Sleek stainless steel reversible swing door
• Cylinder lock and two keys
• two removable shelves
• Powerful compressor cooling
• Recessed handle
• Energy Star rated

Reasons to Avoid

• Defrosting is needed(but Auto defrost is not common at this price)

Also, check out Best freezer for Meat Storage

9. Kismile 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer

This Kismile free-standing chest freezer measures 3.5 cubic feet. Breast milk, meat, aquatic items, and cold beverages all store well in it.

This small freezer is ideal for pubs, RVs, business break rooms, and dorm rooms.

The temperature can be controlled via the 7th-grade thermostat between 6.8 and -7.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

The door’s hinge-style opening is simple between 45 and 90 degrees. For ease of opening, the door includes a recessed handle. For keeping smaller goods conveniently accessible and sliding effortlessly, one can see items underneath, there is a hanging wire basket.

A red power-on light indicates that your freezer is on but not yet frozen, while a green power-on light indicates that the freezer is operational.

Specifications

• Capacity– 3.5 Cubic Feet.
• Temperature Range: 6.8 ℉ to -7.6 ℉
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Amps: 0.8A
• Cabinet Dimensions: 21.18”(W)*21.77”(D)*30.94”(H)

10. Midea MRC04M3AWW 3.5 cu ft

This is a deep chest freezer from Midea with a 5 cu ft capacity.

The freezer has a load capacity of 245/40 HQ and measures 24.7″ X 21.7″ X 33.5″ Breast milk, frozen foods, ice cream, and other items can all be stored in it well.

You may simply pack and unpack your favorite foods because the freezer door opens at intervals of 45 to 75 degrees. There is a detachable basket that has been made to be completely accessible.

Its thermostat allows you to control the temperature between -12 and -28 degrees Celsius.

Specifications

• Capacity– 3.5 Cubic Feet.
• Temperature Range: -12 to -28 Degrees
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Rated Voltage/Frequency: 115V/60Hz
• Amps: 0.8A
• Cabinet Dimensions: 20.59 x 22.2 x 33.5 inches
• Product Weight: 54.7 pounds

Conclusion

The best freezers are chest models because they use less energy, operate quietly, and keep cold air from escaping when the door opens upside down.. hOmeLabs 3.5 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer The ideal size for storing breast milk and is of 3.5 cu ft. It operates quietly, and has a strong compressor, a removable basket, adjustable legs, and a defrost drain. It is also energy efficient, meaning that it will save your power bills by using less energy.

An Upright freezer is easy to organize and access food because it has shelves and takes less floor space, Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer. The ideal selection is 3.0 cubic feet. The fact that you receive a lock with two keys is the most prominent feature. It is simple to organize food in and features removable shelves, a reversible door, and adjustable feet.

How to choose the Right freezer for Breast Milk

You should look for the following before choosing the right freezer.

• Size– It is sized in cubic feet. Generally speaking, a volume of 3 to 5 cu ft is ideal for storing breast milk. If you need to store more, you can choose 7 cu ft.
• Noise– The freezer shouldn’t be loud because it will impede both your and your baby’s ability to sleep. Comparing chest freezers to upright freezers, the former are quieter and more silent when operating.
• Energy star rating– Before purchasing an appliance, check the energy star rating as this will lower your electricity bills.

Why Freeze Breast Milk?

• Convenience: Freezing breast milk allows you to build up a reserve for times when you can’t breastfeed directly, such as when you return to work or need to be away from your baby.
• Extended Shelf Life: Freshly expressed breast milk can be refrigerated for a limited time, but freezing it extends the shelf life significantly. Frozen breast milk can remain safe and nutritious for up to 12 months or more.
• Nutrient Preservation: Freezing breast milk better preserves its nutrients and immune-boosting properties compared to refrigeration. This is especially important if your baby is premature or has specific health concerns.
• Reducing Waste: Freezing breast milk helps reduce waste, ensuring that every drop of your liquid gold is utilized.

How to Freeze Breast Milk

• Choose the Right Containers: Use breast milk storage bags or BPA-free breast milk storage containers. Use containers that can sustain freezing.
• Express Milk Safely: Wash your hands and use clean, sterilized equipment for expressing milk. Store freshly expressed milk in the refrigerator for a few hours to cool it down before freezing.
• Portion Sizes: Freeze breast milk in small portions (2-4 ounces) to minimize wastage which is a suitable amount for one-time feed for the baby.
• Air Removal: Squeeze out excess air before sealing the storage bag or container to prevent freezer burn and maintain milk quality.
• Labeling: Mark the breast milk with the date, so you can use the oldest milk first (first in, first out).
• Freeze Quickly: Place the containers in the back of the freezer where temperatures are the most consistent. Make sure not to overcrowd the freezer, as good air circulation is essential.
• Thawing: To thaw frozen breast milk, place it in the refrigerator overnight or run the container under warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may harm the milk’s quality.
• Temperature Check: Always check the temperature of thawed milk on your wrist before feeding it to your baby. It should be at body temperature or slightly warmer.

Tips for Breast Milk Storage

• Always keep breast milk out of the freezer door and in the back of the unit where temperature fluctuations are the least.
• Since the milk will expand when frozen, leave about an inch between it and the top of the container.
• Milk should be kept in freezer bags since they are clean and safe to keep milk for a longer time.
• To help you remember, always write the date of pumping on the freezer bags.
• Only keep enough milk in one bag to feed your baby once, then store the rest.
• Utilize the oldest pumped and frozen milk first, or the “first in, first out” rule.
• It can be kept for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, around 6 months in the freezer for best results, and up to 12 months is fine.
• Breastmilk that is at ambient temperature is safe to consume up to 4 hours after pumping (up to 77°F).
• After pumping, you can store breastmilk in a cooler or insulated cooler packed with ice packs for up to 24 hours. The breastmilk must be chilled or frozen after 24 hours in a fridge or freezer respectively.
• According to the center for disease control and prevention never put thawed human milk back in the freezer.
• Before using the pumping bottle to express breast milk, it must be sterilized.

• Store it in the refrigerator if you want to store it for short period, it is safe to use for up to 4 days.
• Freeze it by storing it in the freezer. Breast milk is safe in the freezer for up to 12 months
• Use cooler packs if you are traveling or take breast milk in a mini-fridge. Upon reaching the destination use it, refrigerate or freeze it.

FAQ

CHANDRAMANI

Hi, I am Chandramani Bhushan. I have worked in the home appliances industry for more than 5+ years where my primary work was to check the performance and quality. I am also the owner of many home appliances in my home and love to share my experience through this blog.

I started this blog in 2020 to help users find solutions related to freezers, refrigerators, and other home appliances. Also, through this blog, I help people find the right option by giving a detailed guide and help them decide on a product.