Keeping a chest freezer outside

[Chris Craig]

Any thoughts as to how a chest freezer would fare if kept outside year round?  I'll be keeping it on a temperature controller with a small ceramic heater inside, but I'm not sure if the extreme cold will harm the compressor.

I realize I'll have to figure out a way to keep as much moisture as I can from the compressor.

[Richard]

For what it's worth (anecdotal) - my in-laws keep a chest freezer outside year-round, it seems to be fine.

That said it's in a shed, but there's no door, so it's essentially outside with a roof over it. I figure if you keep the water off it you'll be fine... the manual probably has something to say about the idea.