If you regularly store large quantities, choose a chest freezer for bulky items if you have enough floor space; opt for an upright freezer if you want to find food easily by category. A large fridge-freezer is better suited to more modest freezing needs. In every case, compare the freezer compartment capacity, dimensions, installation requirements and stated power-cut storage time.
If you buy in bulk or cook large batches, check that the usable capacity can accommodate your largest containers. A chest freezer offers more open space, but you’ll need to plan how to store food placed at the bottom.
If you separate ready meals, vegetables and other foods so you can find them quickly, the drawers in an upright freezer may matter more than a large, undivided space.
For a cellar, garage or utility room, compare the room temperature with the range specified for the model and follow its ventilation instructions. If power cuts are a concern, also check its stated storage time in hours.
To choose between a chest freezer, an upright freezer and a fridge-freezer, start with the quantity and size of the food you want to freeze, then consider how often you’ll need to find it. The available space and risk of power cuts may also affect your choice of model.
| Criterion | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and food sizes | Usable capacity of the freezer compartment; space for your bulkiest containers. | If I regularly freeze large batches, I want to be able to store my containers without stacking everything; around 34% of consumers would prioritise capacity and bulky food. |
| Access to food | Layout of drawers, baskets or dividers; access to items stored at the bottom. | When I often take food from my freezer, I’d rather be able to find each category without moving everything else; access and organisation would come first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Installation and power cuts | Permitted temperature range for the room, ventilation requirements and stated storage time in hours. | If the appliance is going in an unheated room or I’m concerned about power cuts, I need to be able to choose a suitable model; around 25% of consumers would put these conditions first. |
| One appliance | Capacity of the fridge-freezer’s freezer compartment, separate from its total capacity. | If I freeze moderate quantities, I’d rather look at one appliance for both chilling and freezing; this would be the main requirement for around 8% of consumers. |
A chest freezer provides open space for large items, but takes up floor space and can make food at the bottom difficult to reach. The drawers in an upright freezer make it easier to separate items, but limit the size of some containers.
Measure the space and check how far the lid or door opens, then compare the stated internal dimensions with the sizes of the items you actually store.
Whether an appliance can be used in an unheated room depends on the exact model. A feature stated for certain models does not apply to every freezer from the same brand.
Compare the room’s seasonal temperatures with the range specified for the model and check the manual for the clearance needed for ventilation.
Stated figures vary by model: Bosch gives 12 h for the GSN58AWEV, while Whirlpool gives 26 h for the WHCF2044. These figures do not apply to all upright or chest freezers.
Compare the storage time in hours for each model you’re considering and follow the manufacturer’s instructions if a power cut occurs.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. A commercial warranty is separate cover, and its benefits should be checked independently.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its terms, exclusions and cover with the legal rights that apply to your purchase.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity upright freezer with separate storage areas.
Worth considering for a chest freezer if baskets and stated storage time are important to your decision.
Worth considering if you’re thinking of putting a chest freezer in an unheated room or storing bulky food.
These models show two ways to add extra freezer capacity: a 291 L chest freezer for larger quantities, and 161 L or 140 L models to compare if organisation or more modest storage is your priority. Check that each model’s capacity, location and installation requirements suit your household.
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For bulky provisions, this chest freezer offers open storage space; use its freezer mode for this purpose.
Stated capacity of 291 L, removable basket, five-level digital control and defrost water drain. Before installing it in a garage or cellar, check the permitted temperature range; also check its storage time in the event of a power cut.
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This upright freezer is suited to a household that wants to keep food separate, provided 161 L is enough for its storage needs.
Its listed features include three freezer drawers, No Frost and an alarm. Before choosing a location, check its dimensions, the permitted temperature range for the room and its storage time in the event of a power cut.
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This chest freezer is better suited to adding a moderate amount of extra storage than to regularly holding very large quantities.
Stated capacity of 140 L, storage basket and counterbalanced lid. If you plan to put it in an unheated room or are concerned about power cuts, check the permitted temperature range and storage time for this model.
Compare the room’s lowest and highest temperatures with the range specified for the exact model. Also check the manual for ventilation clearances and instructions to follow before switching it on for the first time.
Compare the stated times in hours for the models you’re interested in, rather than assuming storage time based on the appliance type alone. In its test protocol, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without a power supply; bear in mind the method used for each figure you compare.
Check the energy rating and annual consumption stated for the model you’re considering, rather than looking at the rating letter alone. ADEME points out that large household appliances must display an energy label, both in shops and online.
When replacing a refrigeration appliance, ADEME says you can hand the old one to the retailer or delivery company. For a new purchase from a business, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods; check the terms of any commercial warranty offered separately.