Who is this guide for?

Households with a large seasonal harvest

You freeze much of your home-grown fruit and vegetables over a short period. Capacity and the amount the appliance can freeze in 24 hours are especially important, provided you have a suitable room for it.

Households that prepare meals in advance

You store portions in labelled containers and bags. Drawers or separate compartments can make it easier to find a meal without having to move everything else.

Households with limited space

You’re considering a narrow kitchen, an under-counter space or an unheated room. Check the dimensions, how the door or lid opens, the clearances specified in the manual and the ambient temperature range allowed for the model you choose.

What should you look for?

Choose a format based on how much you need to store and how often you need to access your food. Then check that the appliance can be installed and used in your chosen room.

Chest freezer

Consider it: for a harvest or batch cooking that calls for plenty of storage space.

Bear in mind: it takes up a lot of floor space, and you’ll need to organise the contents to reach food at the bottom.

Upright freezer

Consider it: if you regularly access stored portions and want to keep different types of food separate.

Bear in mind: drawers can restrict the space available for large bags or unusually shaped items.

Compact or under-counter freezer

Consider it: as extra storage when space is limited and you don’t have much to store.

Bear in mind: its smaller capacity may not be enough for the size of your harvest or the number of meals you prepare.

Large fridge freezer

Consider it: if you’re also replacing your fridge and want more freezer space without installing a separate appliance.

Bear in mind: only part of its total capacity is for freezing, so compare the freezer compartment’s capacity separately.

What to consider What to check Who is it important for?
Capacity and freezing performance Net capacity in litres and freezing capacity in kg/24 h, especially if you’ll be adding a lot of fresh food at once. When my harvest comes in, I want to be able to fit it all in without running out of space. Around 33% of consumers would put this storage need first.
Access to portions The size and layout of the drawers or baskets, and how easy they are to access once the appliance is installed. If I prepare several meals in advance, I want to find a portion without emptying the freezer. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise easy, organised access.
Where you’ll put it Dimensions, clearance needed to open the door or lid, and the model’s specified ambient temperature range. In a narrow kitchen or an unheated room, I first need to make sure the appliance will fit and work there. Around 25% of consumers would put this compatibility ahead of other factors.
Power cuts and energy use Stated storage time in the event of a power cut, in hours, and annual energy consumption in kWh. Compare models with similar capacities and formats. If I’m storing a harvest or prepared meals for a long time, I take possible power cuts and ongoing energy use into account. Around 17% of consumers would make this their main concern.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing capacity before measuring the space

    A chest freezer needs enough room for its lid to open upwards; an upright freezer needs space for the door to open and the drawers to slide out. So even an appliance that suits your storage needs can be awkward to use in the room you’ve chosen.

    Measure the space and the delivery route, then check the manual for the clearances needed.

  • Assuming any model will work in a garage

    The climate class indicates the ambient temperature range an appliance is designed for. If a model can operate in a very cold room, this should be stated for that specific model number; don’t assume it based on the format.

    Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the model’s specifications. Check separately whether it is rated to operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C.

  • Comparing litres without thinking about storage

    Open space can accommodate food in different shapes, but portions at the bottom of a chest freezer can be harder to find. Drawers make it easier to organise food, but their dimensions can limit what you can fit inside.

    Think about where your usual containers will go, and check the baskets, drawers or storage compartments in the model you’re considering.

  • Looking only at the energy label

    Energy consumption doesn’t tell you whether the capacity, storage time during a power cut or installation requirements suit your food and your room.

    Compare annual energy consumption between models with similar formats and capacities, then check storage time, dimensions and climate class separately.

Brands to consider for these needs

Bosch

The GSN58AWCV is worth considering if you’re looking for a large upright freezer where organising portions matters as much as capacity.

  • Bosch lists a capacity of 366 L, adjustable storage areas and 13 h of storage time during a power cut for this model.
  • Its stated dimensions of 1 910 × 700 × 780 mm need to be checked against the available space and door clearance. These specifications don’t apply to every Bosch upright freezer.

Whirlpool

The WHM4612 chest freezer is worth considering for storing a large seasonal harvest.

  • The model’s product information highlights its large capacity, baskets and stated storage time, making it useful for comparing options for a substantial stock of food.
  • Check its exact dimensions and the space needed to open the lid before choosing this format. Don’t assume the model’s features apply to the whole brand.

Haier

The H4F272WCH1 upright freezer has drawers and is rated for use in certain unheated rooms.

  • Haier lists four drawers and says the H4F272WCH1 can operate at an ambient temperature as low as −15 °C.
  • This specification applies to this model only. Check the manual against the actual temperatures in the room and follow the installation clearances.

Beko

Some Beko chest freezers are worth considering if you plan to keep the appliance in a cold room.

  • Beko states that some Freezer Guard models can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C.
  • This feature and other specifications vary by model. Check the product details and manual for the chest freezer you’re considering.

Joybuy products

Products suited to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a freezer is suitable for my garage or cellar?

Compare the actual temperatures in the room with the ambient temperature range specified for the model. Bosch, for example, outlines the ranges for climate classes SN, N, ST and T. Some Haier and Beko models are also rated to operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C. Always check the exact model number and its installation requirements.

Should I check how long food stays frozen during a power cut?

Yes, especially if you plan to store a large harvest or lots of prepared meals. Compare the stated storage time for the models you’re considering and read the conditions that apply. In its own testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C during a simulated power cut.

Is the energy label enough to choose between two freezers?

No. It helps you compare energy ratings and annual consumption, but it doesn’t replace checking usable capacity, storage time during a power cut and the permitted ambient temperature. ADEME presents the label as a guide to help you choose; compare energy use between appliances with similar formats and capacities.