Whirlpool’s 16-cubic-foot chest freezer with baskets carries a suggested retail of $699.
By Alan Wolf, YSN
Just in time for the holidays, when consumers stock up on foodstuffs for big family gatherings, Whirlpool has introduced two new chest-style freezers that can convert to refrigerators when more fresh food storage is needed.
The new Whirlpool-branded models, WZC5216L and WZC5116L, feature 16-cubic-feet of storage capacity and bright LED interior lighting so consumers can easily find the contents inside. Helping that along is shelving in the former unit and baskets in the latter, while both provide a counterbalanced lid that can remain in the open position; smooth-gliding bottom rollers; built-in drains; and freezer-to-fridge conversion.
But demand for standalone freezers goes beyond gathering groceries for holiday meal prep, as last year’s run on the category showed. As a result of the pandemic, 53 percent of consumers now regularly make larger stock-up grocery purchases, Whirlpool said, citing data from market research firm Mintel.
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“We know food storage can become overwhelming at times, especially during the holiday season when we’re cooking more often and sometimes making larger meals and portions,” said Katie Sadler, Whirlpool kitchen brand manager. “That’s why we’re thrilled to bring our consumers a new storage solution that adapts to their needs and alleviates this stressor. Our new chest freezers can easily be converted to refrigerators based on storage needs.”
The pieces, available now in white, carry suggested retails of $699 for the basket model and $729 for the shelf version.
