If you’re shopping for a new freezer, you’ve probably come across Midea and Insignia—two brands that offer solid choices at different price points.
Midea, a Chinese brand and one of the world’s biggest home appliance manufacturers, offers garage-ready and convertible freezers.
On the other hand, Insignia, Best Buy’s in-house brand which mainly produced in various factories across Asia, sticks to basic models at unbeatable prices.
So, are you after premium features or just a reliable freezer that gets the job done? Let’s break it all down and help you find the best fit!
Affordability
Price is one of Insignia’s biggest advantages, as Best Buy’s in-house brand keeps costs pretty low.
Their freezers generally start around $150-$500, making them a great budget option. Even larger models like the 7.0 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer can be found for under $200 on sale, offering one of the best price-to-capacity ratios on the market.
Midea, on the other hand, offers a wider range of price points, starting from $250 budget-friendly models to $700+ premium frost-free and convertible freezers. While Midea provides more features per dollar, it is more expensive overall than Insignia.
Winner: Insignia – Delivers great value without extra frills.
Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient freezer can save money in the long run, and Midea takes a noticeable lead in this category.
Many Midea freezers are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they consume less electricity while maintaining high performance. The Midea 17 cu. ft. Convertible Upright Freezer, for example, has an annual energy consumption of 438 kWh/year, which is lower than many competing models. The use of inverter compressors in select models also makes them more energy-efficient, as they adjust cooling output rather than running at a constant speed.
Insignia freezers, in contrast, offer a few ENERGY STAR® certified models but generally consume more energy compared to Midea. Many of their units use conventional compressors, which are less efficient and more power-hungry over time. However, since Insignia freezers are typically smaller and simpler, they do not necessarily waste energy—they just don’t optimize it as effectively as Midea’s inverter-based models.
Winner: Midea – Better energy-saving and optimization technology.
Features & Innovation
Midea freezers stand out with convertible technology, frost-free operation, and better organization features. Select models allow users to switch between fridge and freezer modes, making them ideal for changing storage needs. Digital temperature controls, interior lighting, and removable baskets add convenience.
Insignia freezers, while simpler, still include basic features like adjustable temperature dials and LED lighting. However, they lack advanced options like frost-free operation, convertible functions, and digital displays.
Winner: Midea – More advanced features and convenience.
Build Quality & Durability
Build quality is a major factor in a freezer’s long-term reliability, and both Midea and Insignia have their strengths and weaknesses.
Midea freezers often feature reinforced door hinges, removable storage baskets, and stainless steel finishes, making them visually appealing and functionally durable.
Their compressors generally have a better reputation, with some models covered under a 2-year warranty, suggesting stronger long-term reliability.
Insignia freezers, while built with simpler materials and more plastic components, are often considered reliable for their lifespan. Many Insignia freezers perform consistently for years, especially in garage or backup freezer setups.
However, the build materials feel more basic, and elements like door seals and hinges may not hold up as well to frequent, heavy use compared to Midea’s.
Winner: Midea – A slight advantage in overall build quality.
Products Variety
Midea offers a much wider selection of freezers, including upright, chest, convertible, and garage-ready models. Their lineup includes compact units as small as 3 cu. ft. and large-capacity models over 21 cu. ft.. Automatic defrost (frost-free) models are available, reducing maintenance.
Insignia, in contrast, focuses mainly on chest freezers and a few upright models. While their selection is more limited, they offer the most essential sizes, including compact (3.5 cu. ft.), mid-size (7 cu. ft.), and large (21 cu. ft.) freezers. However, they do not have convertible models, and most require manual defrosting.
Winner: Midea – More variety, frost-free options, and convertible models.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose Midea if you want:
✔️ Advanced cooling technology for uniform freezing
✔️ Energy-efficient models with inverter compressors
✔️ Frost-free operation & digital controls
✔️ A variety of freezer types and sizes
Choose Insignia if you want:
✔️ A budget-friendly freezer for essential use
✔️ Reliable long-term performance
✔️ A simple, no-fuss option
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Midea comes out on top as the comparison winner.
However, it all comes down to what matters most to you.
Whether you’re looking for advanced features or a reliable, budget-friendly freezer, both brands have their strengths—so choose the one that best fits your needs!
