[mcv]

I've only ever had standup fridges, but long ago I had a free-standing one, whereas the past decades it's been integrated fridges, and I notice those integrated fridges are just terrible; way more ice accumulation in the freezer section, and the fridge running more and more loudly. And this is a top brand, A+ energy rated fridge. I suspect that because of the way they're integrated into the kitchen, they have a much harder time getting rid of their heat. And maybe the door doesn't close quite as reliably?

I suspect the big problem with chest freezers/fridges for most homes is their shape. People want a flat counter on everything that they can leave stuff on, while still being able to access the fridge, so a fridge opening from the top isn't going to fit anywhere. But I've been thinking: how about a chest fridge that slides out? That way it can disappear underneath cupboards or counters, while you can still access them without having to clean up your counter top.

[bluebill]

I have a chest freezer converted to a fridge. If I had the skills (I don't), I would make the lid so that it can rise vertically at the push of a button. That is, hydraulics, at the push of a button the door would lift vertically and all the shelves (I would have built if skilled and the shelves would be grates so as not to trap cold air and bring it up out of the box) would rise with it. The top of the lid could be a work surface when closed.

There is the issue of cleanup and condensation. That is something would would need to be solved or at least be made easy to clean.