If you need to store large quantities of food, start by looking at a chest freezer, provided you have enough floor space and a suitable room for it. An upright freezer makes it easier to access individual portions regularly, while a large fridge-freezer may be a better fit if you also need more room for fresh food without adding a second appliance. Whichever you choose, compare freezer capacity, overall dimensions and installation requirements separately.
If you often reach for a particular dish or portion, easy access and organisation matter just as much as capacity. Depending on the space available, it’s worth comparing an upright freezer with drawers against a larger fridge-freezer.
For large packs or substantial food stocks, a chest freezer offers an open storage space worth considering. Remember to allow room to open it, and think about how you’ll find food stored at the bottom.
If you’re short of space for both fresh and frozen food, compare a large fridge-freezer before adding a separate appliance. The capacity allocated to each compartment will be key.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between upright and chest freezers in terms of capacity and ease of access, among other things. First decide whether your priority is generous storage, easy access to individual portions or replacing your main appliance.
Consider it: for storing large quantities of food in a room where the freezer can be installed.
Bear in mind: it takes up more floor space, and you’ll need to organise the contents so you can find what you’re looking for.
Consider it: if you organise food into portions and need to access them regularly.
Bear in mind: the drawers may not have enough room for some larger containers.
Consider it: if your current appliance is also short of space for fresh food.
Check: a large overall capacity doesn’t guarantee a freezer compartment big enough for your food stocks.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storing large quantities | Net freezer capacity, dimensions and clearance for opening; baskets if you choose a chest freezer. | When bulk shopping includes large packs, you need to be able to store them without losing track of what you have. Around 40% of consumers put storage capacity first. |
| Access to individual portions | The size and layout of the drawers or baskets, and whether your usual containers will fit. | If you often reach for a prepared meal, quickly finding the right portion becomes a priority; around 30% of consumers prioritise easy everyday access. |
| Replacing your main appliance | Fridge and freezer capacities separately, dimensions, noise and annual energy consumption in kWh. | If fresh food also takes up too much space, adding a freezer alone won’t meet all your needs. Replacing the main appliance comes first for around 30% of consumers. |
A chest freezer can hold bulky food stocks, but finding portions at the bottom takes more organisation. If you regularly use prepared meals, the interior layout may matter more than the overall capacity.
Measure your usual containers and check the drawers, baskets and clearance needed to open the door or lid.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model, not simply on whether it’s a chest freezer. A room that’s too cold or too warm may fall outside the recommended installation conditions.
Monitor the room temperature throughout the year, then compare it with the climate class or temperature range in the manual for your chosen appliance.
You can’t compare two appliances designed for different uses based on their energy rating alone. Capacity, annual consumption, noise and how long food stays frozen during a power cut may also influence your choice.
Compare the annual kWh consumption and compartment capacities on the label, then check the model’s product information for other useful features.
The range includes upright freezers worth considering if organising individual portions is a priority.
Its ranges include both upright and chest freezers, with features that vary from model to model.
Chest freezers in the range are worth considering for bulk shopping, provided you choose a suitable capacity.
These appliances illustrate three ways to meet a household’s needs: replace your fridge-freezer, add a chest freezer or choose an upright model to organise frozen food. Before comparing models, check the capacity specifically allocated to freezing and make sure you have a suitable place to install it.
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Worth considering if you want to replace your main appliance rather than add a separate freezer.
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Another option if you need more room for both fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
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Worth considering if bulk shopping justifies a separate appliance and you have enough floor space.
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An upright model is worth considering if you want to organise portions and access them from the front.
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Worth considering if this capacity matches your food stocks and you want extra freezer space, rather than assuming it will provide very large-scale storage.
For household fridges and freezers covered by the scheme in the European Union, the European Commission lists energy ratings on a scale from A to G. Compare annual consumption in kWh and compartment capacity too, then check the dimensions in the model’s product information.
Yes, if the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the temperatures in the room. Don’t assume it’s suitable just because it’s a chest freezer: check the climate class or installation conditions in the manual.
Bosch and Liebherr describe No Frost on equipped models as a way to prevent frost build-up and avoid manual defrosting. Check that the feature is included on the specific model you’re considering.
ADEME describes a Repair Bonus that applies to certain freezers repaired by a certified professional. Before arranging a repair, check whether the appliance and repairer are eligible, along with the terms of the scheme.