Best Freezer for Breastmilk Storage (Our Top 6)

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What are the Benefits of Freezing Breast Milk? 

Breast milk is known for its amazing properties and how it is specifically tailored for your child. While many women may not make enough milk to need a freezer or even want one, others may be building a freezer stash to go back to work, desires to be a breast milk donor, or feel like it is just the best choice for their family. Check out how to pump and create a milk stash, if this is you.  

With all the many wonderful properties contained in breastmilk, it does need to be taken care of for disease control. If not immediately refrigerated or used, breast milk can go bad, losing its precious nutrients and can be unsafe to consume. Investing in a freezer will allow you to freeze milk as soon as you express it. This will lower milk waste, save you money in the long run, and give you peace of mind knowing your child’s food source is safe. 

How Do You Properly Store Breast Milk? 

The best practices for breastmilk storage per the CDC’s storage guidelines, fresh milk can remain out on a counter at room temperature for up to 4 hours if it isn’t too hot (for me in Arizona in the summer that likely wouldn’t work). Or it can be stored for later use in the back of the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If it is a deep freezer that can maintain a temperature of 0*F (-18*C), or colder, then breastmilk can be stored for up to 12 months, although 6 months may be better for quality purposes. Never refreeze milk again after it has been completely thawed, unless you plan to use leftover milk for something other than feeding (such as a milk bath to soothe skin conditions).   If this is the case label it appropriately.

If you need a better visual here it is in a table format. PC:CDC

Please note, if you have a power outage, try to not open the freezer door. They will stay colder for longer and will usually be all right if it is a quick reset. If you are worried about your milk, check each bag. If there are still ice crystals present then your breastmilk is still OK and can be frozen solid again. 

If you are using breastfeeding and want to track ovulation to prevent another pregnancy too soon, see our article all about it! 

Quick Tips on Storing Breast Milk in a Freezer

These tips are taken from the Mayo Clinic and CDC guidelines. 

• Only use containers that are designed for breastmilk: clean, capped food-grade glass container or hard plastic container that are not made with the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). You can also use special plastic breast milk storage bags and breast milk containers.
• Label breast milk bags or storage container with tape or directly on container with permanent marker with the date, amount of milk, and time you pumped
• Try storing milk in smaller amounts around 1-2 oz so that you can easily reheat without wasting
• Don’t overfill your container as breast milk expands as it freezes
• Store milk at the back of the freezer and fridge, if possible, to keep it cold and at a consistent temperature.
• Always use oldest milk first: first in=first out
• As a general rule, for every 25-30 six ounce milk storage bags, you’ll need 1-1.5 cubic feet of space in a freezer
• If freezing milk for long term storage in breastmilk storage bags, try to do an initial freeze flat, so you can more easily stack or stand the bag upright afterward
• Avoid opening the door of your freezer too often, to avoid temperature fluctuations and avoid ice build up

How to Choose the Best Freezer for Breastmilk? 

There are many options on the freezer market, how do you know which one is best for you? Keep in mind that freezers come in about three options: Upright, chest, and portable. We’re going to describe each one and the pros and cons of each, to help you narrow down your search. 

Upright

Upright freezers typically have a door and shelves on the inside. The biggest pros include: they occupy less floor space, have easy organization through shelves, and you can store breastmilk upright. Cons include: they are more expensive, have more temperature fluctuation because of the door, and are less energy efficient. 

Chest

Chest freezers are more spacious and resemble big square chests, with a hinging lid. Pros include: they are energy efficient, more affordable, and spacious. The cons would be: they take up more floor space, they are harder to organize, and accessibility is more challenging (think putting your whole arm in to get something at the bottom).

Portable

Portable freezers are new and are similar to vacation coolers. The pros include: they are great for working Moms on the go, portable, lightweight, and they only need batteries or electricity. Cons include: they are pretty pricey for their size, small sizes, not very energy efficient.  

Traveling? Read our article on traveling with frozen milk, here. 

 Here are a few other things to consider when it comes to freezers, so you can make the best decision for your family. 

• What kind of space do you have? If you have limited space you may want to consider an upright freezer or portable freezer as they take up the least amount of floorspace. 
• What kind of organization do you want? If you are wanting to be more organized and have things readily accessible, again, the upright freezer and portable freezers may be what you are looking for. 
• Are you looking for energy saving? Many freezers will eat at your energy bills, so look into those with energy star ratings. If you are looking for energy saving, chest freezers generally are the way to go. 
• Low Maintenance? Chest freezers and portable freezers are the best option as you can easily clean them or manually thaw them out. Some of the newer models of upright freezers have frost free systems, you just have to pay for them.  
• Grow with your family? The chest freezer and upright freezers will be able to grow with your family the most, especially if you go up a size. If you don’t end up using the freezer for breast milk, you can use it for food. It’s a great investment to have. 
• Other factors to consider are temperature control; portability; storage size; and garage vs. indoor freezers

Top 6 Freezers for Breastmilk

Below you’ll find the 6 freezers in varying budgets and best overall. Remember that freezers come in all shapes, sizes, and can include lots of bells and whistles and this by no means is a comprehensive list. It is important to answer the questions above to find what you are looking for and what will suit your family best, including your budget. 

Keep in mind the price points during publication date, as they are subject to change.

Best Compact Budget Upright Freezer

 Whynter Mini Small Upright Freezer

Best Overall Upright Freezer 

Frigidaire Upright Freezer

Best Budget Friendly Chest Freezer 

Northair Chest Freezer 

Best Overall Chest Freezer  

Koolatron Large Chest Freezer

Best Value Portable Freezer

 Alpicool Portable Mini Freezer

Best Overall Portable Freezer

Whynter 45 Quart Portable Fridge/ Freezer 

Final Thoughts

Being able to comfortably store breast milk is essential if you are: a working Mom on the go, wishing to have a breast milk supply on hand, or even pumping regularly. Knowing what type of freezer and options are important to you will help you narrow down your search. Hopefully this article can help you make an informed decision on storing your breast milk to ensure your precious little one gets the best nutrition for their growth and development.