Households stocking up in a big way
If you freeze bulk buys, home-grown produce or large meals, the available capacity and room for bulky items will help you choose between a chest and an upright freezer.
Who is this choice for?
Households that use their frozen supplies every day
If you regularly take out portions and prepared meals, being able to see and separate your food matters just as much as the overall capacity.
Households with a cold room or limited space
Whether it’s going in a garage, cellar, utility room or small kitchen, measure the space and check that the model’s specified ambient temperature range is suitable for the room.
Which factors should you prioritise?
To choose between the different types, start by thinking about how you store and retrieve food. UFC-Que Choisir highlights capacity, footprint and access to food as key differences between chest and upright freezers; always check the specifications of each individual model.
Chest freezer
Worth considering: for bulky items and supplies you don’t need to access as often.
The trade-off: it takes up floor space, and food stored at the bottom is less easy to reach.
Upright freezer
Worth considering: if you sort your supplies into categories and regularly take out portions.
The trade-off: you’ll need to allow for its height, and the storage space will vary depending on the model’s drawers.
Small under-counter or tabletop freezer
Worth considering: when space is your main concern and you only need a small amount of extra storage.
The trade-off: its limited capacity makes it less suitable for storing large quantities of bulky items.
Large-capacity fridge freezer
Worth considering: if you’d like to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
The trade-off: before deciding against a separate freezer, check that the freezer section can really hold all your supplies.
| Factor | What to check | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the net capacity in litres and the dimensions of the storage compartments with the size of the quantities you buy. | If I freeze home-grown produce or bulk buys, I want to be able to store everything without running out of space. Capacity would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Access to food | Consider the drawers or baskets and how the door or lid opens, based on how often you’ll use the freezer. | If I want to find my prepared portions every day, I need compartments that are easy to look through; access would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Suitability for the room | Measure the space and clearance needed to open the freezer, then check the ambient temperature range in the model’s manual. | In a cold cellar or small kitchen, I first need to be able to fit and operate the appliance; around 19% of consumers would put this suitability first. |
| Everyday running and power cuts | Compare kWh/year, noise in dB and the stated storage time during a power cut for models of a similar type and capacity. | I want to keep an eye on energy use and noise while also considering power cuts and my frozen supplies; these factors would be the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a chest freezer based on capacity alone
The right capacity won’t help if the freezer won’t fit where you want to put it or its lid can’t open far enough.
Before comparing capacities, measure the access route, width, depth and clearance needed to open the lid.
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Assuming any freezer will work in a garage
Whether a freezer can operate in an unheated room depends on the specific model, not just whether it’s a chest or upright design.
Compare the room’s actual temperatures with the ambient temperature range listed in the product specifications or manual.
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Relying on the energy rating alone
Two appliances with different capacities or designs won’t necessarily meet the same storage needs.
When comparing similar models, consider the energy rating alongside kWh/year and net capacity. The European Commission describes EPREL as a way to look up standardised product information.
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Treating the stated storage time during a power cut as a guarantee in every situation
How long food stays frozen during a power cut depends on the test conditions and how the appliance is used. In its testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long food stays below −9 °C during a simulated power cut.
Compare the stated storage times, keep the door closed during a power cut and follow the appropriate food storage advice.
Brands to know
These examples of product ranges and models can help you identify which specifications to compare; they don’t apply to every model from each brand.
Liebherr
The brand’s range includes chest freezers for households looking for extra storage space.
- According to Liebherr France, the CFd 2505 chest freezer has a total capacity of 359 l, and its FrostProtect function allows it to operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- For any other Liebherr chest freezer, check its capacity, dimensions and permitted temperature range separately.
Beko
The range includes upright freezers, with some models designed for use in unheated rooms.
- Beko France states that the B1RFNE314W can operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- Don’t assume this means another Beko upright freezer will be suitable for your garage: check its manual, dimensions and noise level.
Whirlpool
The brand offers upright freezers that make it easy to organise your supplies with vertical storage.
- Whirlpool France lists a total capacity of 404 l and a stated noise level of 38 dB for the WHFF6403W4E.
- These figures apply to this model only. Check the capacity, dimensions and noise level of any other model you’re considering.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Which type should I choose if I open the freezer often?
An upright freezer is a better fit if being able to find and sort food regularly is your priority, thanks to its vertical storage. However, check the number of drawers, the dimensions and which way the door opens on the model you choose.
Can I put a freezer in an unheated garage?
Yes, if the model’s specified ambient temperature range includes the temperatures in your garage. Liebherr and Beko state that some of the models mentioned here can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to all their freezers.
How should I compare energy use and noise?
Compare the stated kWh/year and dB figures for appliances of a similar type and capacity, taking their energy ratings into account. The European Commission says you can look up standardised product information in the EPREL database if the model is listed there.
What does storage time during a power cut mean?
It indicates how long the freezer can keep food cold under specific conditions; it isn’t a guarantee regardless of how the appliance is used. In its testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir simulates a power cut and measures how long food stays below −9 °C. Avoid opening the freezer unnecessarily during a power cut.
What should I check when it comes to freezer maintenance?
Check the model’s manual to find out how to defrost and maintain it. If you want to avoid manual defrosting, check whether the specific model has a frost-free or low-frost feature, and read the conditions for using it.