When I had to buy a freezer a couple of years ago, I did buy an upright - simply because I could not bend and lift at that awkward of an angle required of chest freezers. Also, looking ahead to the day when I might be "out-to-there" pregnant (no, I'm not currently!) I did want something for ease of use. I did get the manual defrost, for it keeps things colder, longer. It also forces me to keep things tidy by going through it seasonally.
I have a Frigidaire upright I bought from Home Everything online. They had FREE SHIPPING to my driveway where my DH and Dad wrestled it into the basement.
True, the door and top shelves are the first to unthaw if a door is left ajar, and your floor DOES need to be absolutely level as with any upright freezer.
Westie is brilliant with the mulit-uses for the flat top of a chest freezer.
Since I purchased my new upright freezer two years ago, my dad has since given me a small chest freezer. It comes in really handy for those sizes of beef and things that are packaged. I would second the idea of using milk crates or wire baskets for organization. You have to stay organized or go insane.
Enjoy your new freezer! I was so thrilled when I got mine!
