If you often take out pre-prepared portions, choose an upright freezer with drawers for easy access. For large batches and bulky containers, consider a chest freezer instead, provided you have enough room to open it and reach the bottom. A large fridge freezer can save you adding another appliance, but only if its freezer compartment has enough space for your supplies. Whichever you choose, check the dimensions, the permitted ambient temperature range and the specifications of the exact model.
If you prepare several meals in advance, drawers can help you keep portions separate and find the one you want without moving everything else. UFC-Que Choisir highlights ease of access as one of the main differences between freezer styles.
If you buy in bulk or use large containers, the open space in a chest freezer is worth considering. You’ll also need enough floor space and be happy to search for items stored at the bottom.
A large fridge freezer could save you adding a separate freezer. However, compare the capacity of its freezer compartment with the quantities you usually store: the appliance’s total capacity won’t tell you how much freezer space you’ll have.
Consider it if: you regularly take out portions and want to organise them across several drawers.
Bear in mind: the drawers can limit the space available for some large containers, although an upright freezer takes up less floor space than a chest freezer.
Consider it if: you store large batches and have a spacious spot for the appliance.
Bear in mind: it opens from the top, and items at the bottom are less easy to reach.
Consider it if: you’re already replacing your fridge and its freezer compartment has enough room for your prepared meals.
Bear in mind: the stated total capacity is shared between the fridge and freezer compartments, so it doesn’t represent the space available for frozen meals.
Whether you’re storing prepared meals or buying in bulk, first decide what matters most for the way you use your freezer. Then check that your chosen appliance is suitable for the room where you plan to install it.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Drawer or compartment layout, and access to the contents once the appliance is installed. | If I regularly take out a prepared meal, I want to find the portion I need without moving the other containers; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Freezer capacity | The capacity of the freezer compartment and whether it can accommodate your container sizes. | If I freeze large shops or family meals, I mainly want enough room for bulky containers; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Location | Dimensions, clearance for the door or lid, and the permitted ambient temperature range. | If space is limited or the room is unheated, I need to be able to install and use the appliance in the conditions it’s designed for; around 25% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Everyday use | Annual energy consumption in kWh, stated noise level and defrosting method. | If the appliance is near a living area or needs regular maintenance, I pay attention to noise, energy use and defrosting; for around 17% of consumers, this would be their main concern. |
An appliance may offer the right capacity but still obstruct a walkway or stop a drawer, door or lid from opening fully. UFC-Que Choisir notes that chest freezers are generally wider and deeper than upright models.
Measure the space and the delivery route, then allow enough clearance to open the appliance and access its contents.
The climate class corresponds to a range of ambient temperatures. A feature designed to make certain appliances suitable for cold rooms doesn’t apply to every freezer.
Compare the room’s possible minimum and maximum temperatures with the permitted range for the exact model.
The European Commission says the label also shows annual energy consumption, storage capacities and noise. The rating letter alone doesn’t help you compare appliances that aren’t suited to the same storage needs.
Compare kWh/year for models with a format and capacity that suit the way you’ll use them. If noise could be an issue where you plan to put the appliance, check that too.
Frost-reduction features vary between models. They aren’t guaranteed by an upright or chest design, or by the brand alone.
Check the defrosting method listed for the model you’re considering and what maintenance it involves.
Beko offers a range of upright freezers, including No Frost models and, depending on the model, a reversible door or a feature designed for cold rooms.
Liebherr offers chest freezers, with StopFrost technology available on some models, as presented by the brand.
Whirlpool offers drawer-style upright freezers, including large-capacity models with No Frost fan-assisted cooling.
Haier’s French range includes upright and chest freezers.
These appliances illustrate three options to consider: add an upright freezer to organise portions, install a chest freezer for bulky batches, or replace your main fridge with a fridge freezer. Before you choose, compare the capacity available for frozen food and the installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to organise portions in a dedicated freezer and access them regularly.
The product name lists a 161 L capacity, drawers, No Frost, a reversible door hinge, an alarm and a C energy rating.
Check its dimensions and the permitted ambient temperature range for the room you have in mind; the stated internal temperature settings don’t replace this check.
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Worth considering for bulky batches, if you’re happy with top access and less compartmentalised storage.
This model is listed as convertible between fridge and freezer modes, with a total capacity of 291 L, a removable basket, a five-level control and an E energy rating.
Confirm the available capacity in freezer mode and the permitted ambient temperature range, especially if you plan to use it in an unheated room.
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Worth considering if you’re already replacing your main fridge and want to keep to a single appliance.
The stated total capacity is 495 L and the energy rating is E. For your prepared meals, compare the capacity of the freezer compartment separately with the quantities you store.
Also check the dimensions and the permitted ambient temperature range for the intended location.
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Worth considering when replacing a fridge freezer, if the freezer space is sufficient for your usual portions.
The product name lists a total capacity of 333 L and a C energy rating. Check the freezer compartment capacity separately, as well as the clearance needed to open the appliance.
The T climate class listed for this model should be checked against the ambient temperature range in your room.
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Worth considering if you want extra freezer space in a separate appliance and top access suits the way you store food.
The product name lists a capacity of 140 L, a basket, a counterbalanced lid, temperature control and an E energy rating.
Check the clearance above the chest freezer and the permitted ambient temperature range for its location.
As well as the energy rating, compare annual energy consumption in kWh, the capacity of the freezer compartments and the noise level. According to the European Commission, these details are all shown on the label. They’re more useful when comparing appliances for the same needs than the rating letter on its own.
Yes, provided the room’s temperature stays within the permitted ambient range for the model you choose. Check its minimum and maximum limits before you buy: a feature listed for a model designed for cold rooms doesn’t automatically apply to other appliances.