Households that prepare portions in advance
If you take out different meals and ingredients throughout the week, the drawers in an upright freezer can make them easier to organise and access. Check that the layout suits the containers you use.
Which type is right for you?
How much you need to store matters, but how often you take food out and the space you have available can also affect your choice.
Households that need to store larger quantities
For bulk shopping, a chest freezer offers an open space you can organise. You’ll need to set aside floor space for it and check that the room temperature is suitable for the model you choose. UFC-Que Choisir notes that some chest freezers hold up to 600 L; this doesn’t apply to every model.
Households short on space
A compact or under-counter freezer can provide extra storage when there’s no room for a larger appliance. Compare its usable capacity with how much you want to keep, rather than assuming it can replace a dedicated freezer.
What should you compare?
First decide what you need the appliance for, then compare models against the amount you want to store and the space you have in mind.
Upright freezer
Worth considering: if you regularly take out a variety of portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: check the size and opening of the drawers, especially if you use bulky containers.
Chest freezer
Worth considering: if you’re stocking up in larger quantities and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: the open space needs to be organised so you can find items stored at the bottom.
Compact or under-counter freezer
Worth considering: if you need extra storage in a limited space.
Bear in mind: work out how much extra space you usually need: this type can fill up quickly after a bulk shop.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you also need to replace your fridge.
Bear in mind: the total capacity isn’t the same as the space available for frozen food.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacity in litres with the size of your portions and bulkier items. For a fridge-freezer, check the freezer compartment separately: Electrolux lists a total capacity of 375 L, including an 89 L freezer compartment, for its KNG8TD75S. | I want enough room for my usual shopping and prepared meals without the appliance being full after the first stock-up. |
| Storage and access | Check the size and opening of the drawers in an upright freezer, or the baskets and access to the bottom of a chest freezer. Also make sure you have enough room to open the door or lid. | If I take out portions several times a week, I want to find them without having to move the whole stock of food. |
| Location | Measure the appliance, the clearance it needs and the route into the room. Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with those permitted for the model. | I’m interested in a cellar, utility room or garage only if the freezer I choose can operate at the temperature there. |
| Energy use and power cuts | Check the energy label and kWh/year; ideally, compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. Look separately at the stated storage time during a power cut and the defrosting requirements. | If I’m storing a large quantity, I want to know how much energy the appliance uses and how long I have to respond to a power cut. |
What should you watch out for?
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Choosing capacity before measuring the space
A chest freezer may offer plenty of room inside but take up more floor space than the room allows, or leave too little clearance to open the lid.
Measure the space, the clearance needed to open it and the delivery route before choosing a model.
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Assuming every freezer is suitable for a cold garage
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. Beko and Liebherr state that some appliances can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to their entire ranges.
Compare the room temperature with the range shown on the product page or in the manual for the exact model.
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Confusing total capacity with freezer capacity
The Electrolux KNG8TD75S fridge-freezer is listed with a total capacity of 375 L, including 89 L for the freezer. The total figure alone doesn’t tell you how much space is available for frozen food.
For a fridge-freezer, compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment with the amount you expect to store.
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Focusing only on the energy rating or defrosting
These details don’t replace checking annual energy consumption in kWh, storage time during a power cut or the internal layout. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses how freezers perform in a simulated power cut.
Compare these criteria separately across models that suit your capacity and location requirements.
A few brands and models to consider
These examples illustrate different choices of type and installation. The specifications quoted apply to the models listed, not to every product in each range.
Beko
Beko offers chest freezers, which may be worth considering if you’re looking for a dedicated freezer.
- Beko states that some appliances with Freezer Guard can operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- Check this feature on the exact model before planning to install it in an unheated room.
Whirlpool
The range includes upright freezers with drawers, for organising food you use regularly.
- Whirlpool lists a total capacity of 404 L and 11 h of storage time during a power cut for its WHFF 6403 W4E upright freezer.
- These figures apply to this model only. Before choosing, compare its usable space and storage time with your needs.
Electrolux
The built-in models let you consider two different options: adding a freezer or replacing your fridge as well.
- Electrolux lists a freezer capacity of 212 L and 10 h of storage time during a power cut for its KUN7NE18S built-in freezer.
- Its KNG8TD75S fridge-freezer has a stated total capacity of 375 L, but only 89 L in the freezer compartment. Make sure this is enough for the amount you want to store.
Liebherr
The CFd 2505 Plus chest freezer is an example of a dedicated storage option for a location you’ll need to check carefully.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 359 L and says FrostProtect allows this model to be used at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- This installation temperature range applies to this model only. Also check its dimensions and the conditions in the manual.
Options available on Joybuy
These options offer three ways to organise your food: replace your fridge as well with a fridge-freezer, organise food in an upright freezer or add a chest freezer. Compare the capacity available for frozen food and the space each appliance needs.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too: the stated 360 L capacity is for the whole appliance, not just the freezer compartment. The model name lists Total No Frost, energy rating E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the freezer capacity and the permitted ambient temperature range for your chosen location.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer
An upright freezer to consider if you want to organise portions and ingredients: the product title lists three freezer drawers, a reversible door and energy rating C. Check its dimensions, climate class, annual energy consumption and storage time during a power cut to see if it’s right for your room and the amount you want to store.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer with basket
This chest freezer can provide extra storage, with the included basket helping you separate some items in its open compartment. The product title lists a counterbalanced lid, adjustable feet and energy rating E. Measure the space needed to open the lid and check the model’s permitted ambient temperature, annual energy consumption and storage time during a power cut.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a freezer in a cellar or cold garage?
Yes, as long as the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the temperature of the room. Beko and Liebherr state that some models can be used at temperatures as low as −15 °C. Check the product details or manual for the appliance you’re considering.
Does storage time during a power cut matter if you’re keeping pre-prepared meals?
Yes. It helps you compare how long frozen food is stated to stay frozen during a power cut. Check the figure and the conditions for each model; UFC-Que Choisir assesses this by simulating a power cut in its tests.
Can a large fridge-freezer replace a dedicated freezer?
Not necessarily: only the capacity of its freezer compartment tells you how much room it offers for frozen food. For example, Electrolux lists a total capacity of 375 L, including an 89 L freezer compartment, for the KNG8TD75S. A fridge-freezer is mainly worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and its freezer capacity is enough for your needs.
Should you prioritise No Frost or reduced frost build-up?
If defrosting is a concern, check the feature listed for each model and what it means for maintenance. Don’t base your choice on this alone: also compare capacity, energy consumption, storage time during a power cut and the internal layout.