Households that often take out individual portions
If you store labelled containers and take them out regularly, being able to see and reach the different compartments may matter more than having one large, open space.
Who are these types of freezer for?
Households building up a large stock
If you want to store batches or large dishes in a suitable cellar, pantry or utility room, compare a chest freezer’s capacity with the floor space it takes up and how easy it is to reach items at the bottom.
Households short on space
If you want a modest increase in storage without installing a large separate appliance, consider a tabletop freezer or the freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer.
What sets each type apart?
Upright freezer
Consider one if: you organise portions and often take them out of drawers or compartments.
Bear in mind: drawer sizes may limit how you store large dishes.
Chest freezer
Consider one if: you store large containers or batches and have a suitable room.
Bear in mind: the floor space it takes up and the less direct access to items stored at the bottom.
Tabletop or under-counter freezer
Consider one if: you need extra capacity but have limited space for an appliance.
Bear in mind: the more limited storage capacity, and check that it works with the containers you use.
Fridge-freezer
Consider one if: you’re also replacing your fridge and the freezer compartment has enough room for your portions.
Bear in mind: the stated total capacity includes the fridge section too.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the net freezer capacity with your tubs, bags and dishes. For a fridge-freezer, exclude the fridge section. | When portions build up between cooking sessions, there needs to be room for both the existing stock and new containers. Around 31% of consumers rank usable capacity as their top priority. |
| Access to portions | Check the size and ease of use of the drawers or baskets, as well as access to items stored at the bottom. | If you often take out a portion, you’ll want to find it without moving all the other food. Easy everyday access is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and location | Measure the space and the clearance needed to open the appliance. Check that the room’s temperatures are within the range permitted for the model. | In a small kitchen or another room, you’ll first need to know whether the appliance can be installed where you plan to put it. This is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Power-cut storage time and electricity use | Check the model’s stated storage time in hours and annual energy consumption in kWh/year. | If you keep several weeks’ worth of meals in reserve, you’ll want to know how long the freezer stays cold during a power cut and how much energy it uses. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Relying on a fridge-freezer’s total capacity
The freezer section may be much smaller than the capacity stated for the whole appliance. For its KNT6ME18S4 built-in fridge-freezer, Electrolux lists 62 L of freezer space out of a total of 248 L.
Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone with the containers you want to store in it.
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Installing a freezer in a cellar or garage without checking the temperature
The climate class and instruction manual specify the room temperatures the model is designed for. A claim that a particular appliance can be used in very cold rooms does not apply to all freezers.
Check the room temperature throughout the year, then compare it with the range specified for the exact appliance you’re considering.
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Choosing a chest freezer without planning how to organise it
Its open space can take a variety of containers, but portions stored at the bottom can be hard to find.
Plan to use baskets, labels and a simple inventory. If you often take out small portions, compare it with an upright freezer with drawers too.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption or how long the freezer will stay cold during a power cut. Que Choisir assesses the latter separately in its freezer testing protocol.
For models with similar capacities and intended uses, compare their consumption in kWh/year and stated storage time in hours.
Brands to compare
Liebherr
The range includes chest and upright freezers to compare according to your storage needs and where you plan to put the appliance.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 497 L and dimensions of 82 × 167 × 71 cm for the CFe 2500 Pure chest freezer. The brand also states that this model’s FrostProtect feature works down to −15 °C.
- These specifications don’t apply to the whole range. Check the details for the chest freezer you choose and allow enough space to open it.
Beko
The range includes upright, chest and tabletop freezers.
- Beko lists a capacity of 177 L, climate class SN-T and a stated storage time of 9 h for the RFNM200T40WN upright freezer.
- No Frost and Freezer Guard are available on selected models. Check that the model you choose has these features and confirm the permitted temperatures.
Bosch
Depending on the model, the range of upright freezers offers different options for organising the interior.
- Bosch highlights features including a BigBox compartment for some large containers and alarms on selected models.
- These features don’t tell you how long the freezer stays cold during a power cut or whether it’s suitable for a garage. Check the specifications for the exact model.
Electrolux
The range includes freezers and built-in fridge-freezers for fitted kitchens.
- Electrolux lists 212 L of freezer capacity for the EUN7NE18S, compared with 62 L of freezer capacity out of a total 248 L for the KNT6ME18S4 fridge-freezer.
- These two models have different uses and capacities. If you’re choosing a built-in appliance, check the dimensions of the housing space too.
Joybuy models to suit your space and storage needs
These models include a fridge-freezer to combine fresh and frozen food storage, chest freezers for different stock sizes, and a compact upright freezer for extra capacity. Before you choose, compare the space you have with the freezer capacity you need.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want to combine fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. The 360 L capacity is for the whole fridge-freezer, so check the space available in the freezer compartment separately. The model name specifies Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
A chest freezer option if you have enough floor space and clearance to open the lid. The model is listed with a removable basket, a switch between fridge and freezer modes, and an E energy rating. If you plan to install it in another room, check the permitted room temperature range.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
A chest freezer for extra capacity, rather than a large stock of portions. The product name specifies a removable basket, a four-star rating and an E energy rating. Check the space needed to open the lid and the storage time during a power cut if that’s a concern.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
A compact upright option when space is limited. This freestanding model is listed with drawers, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the exact interior layout, as well as the dimensions and clearance needed, if you’re considering installing it under a worktop.
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AUCMA, 95 L convertible chest freezer
A chest freezer for extra capacity if you don’t need a large stock. The 95 L model is listed with a removable basket, a switch between fridge and freezer modes, and an E energy rating. Before installing it in a cellar or garage, check the room temperature range specified for this model.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity do I need for prepared meals?
Start with your containers and how much you want to store between cooking sessions, then compare their size with the net freezer capacity. Include your other frozen food in the calculation too. For a fridge-freezer, don’t count its total capacity as freezer space.
Can I install a freezer in a cellar or garage?
Yes, as long as the room’s actual temperatures stay within the range permitted by the climate class and instruction manual for the exact model. Some appliances are specifically rated for use in cold rooms, but this doesn’t apply to all freezers.
What should I compare on the energy label?
For appliances covered by the rules in France, compare the energy rating and stated annual consumption, ideally between models with similar capacities and intended uses. Model details are also available in the European EPREL database. Check the net freezer capacity and storage time separately.
How do I compare storage time during a power cut?
Check the stated storage time in hours for each model you’re considering rather than estimating it based on whether it’s a chest or upright freezer. In its own testing protocol, Que Choisir measures how long it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C when the appliance is disconnected from the power supply. Bear the stated method in mind when comparing test results with product specifications.