Households building up a stock of food
If you buy large packs or freeze home-cooked meals, work out how much space you really need to store and organise them. Que Choisir highlights the large storage capacity available with some chest freezers.
Who is each option for?
Households that often take out small portions
If you regularly need to find a particular meal or ingredient, an upright freezer’s front access and drawers may matter more than a large, open compartment.
Households with an unheated room
If you’re using a cellar, pantry or garage where the temperature varies significantly, compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the operating range of the exact model.
How do chest, upright and fridge-freezer models compare?
First decide whether you need a separate freezer, then weigh up the available capacity against how easy it is to access your food. The space you have in mind for it could rule out a model, whatever its format.
| Consideration | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and floor space | Compare the net capacity, external dimensions and the space needed to open the lid. Que Choisir notes that some chest freezers hold up to 600 L, compared with up to 400 L for larger upright models. | I want to store bulky packs for a long time without running out of room; around 31 % of consumers would make having the right capacity their top priority. |
| Access to food | Check the drawers in an upright or baskets in a chest freezer, as well as the space available for your food packaging. | I often take out small portions and want to find food without moving my whole stock. Easy everyday access would be a priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Room temperature | Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the operating range stated for the exact model. | My cellar or garage isn’t heated, so I need an appliance designed to cope with the temperature changes there. Around 25 % of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Moderate storage needs | Check how much space is available in the fridge-freezer’s freezer compartment and make sure it is not just a small freezer compartment; if kitchen space is a key consideration, also compare the net capacity of an under-counter model. | I’d rather avoid having a second appliance if my shopping fits comfortably in a proper freezer compartment. This would come ahead of other needs for around 19 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing a chest freezer based on capacity alone
A large chest freezer also needs plenty of floor space, room to lift the lid and a clear route to its intended position.
Measure the room and the delivery route before comparing capacities. If you access your food often, consider an upright model too.
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Assuming any freezer will work in a garage
Neither a chest nor an upright design is automatically suitable for a cold room. Beko and Liebherr’s stated low-temperature performance applies to models with specific features.
Compare the ambient temperature range in the manual with the minimum and maximum temperatures in your room.
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Confusing a freezer compartment with a proper freezer
According to Que Choisir, the freezer compartment in a fridge with a single door only offers limited storage for food that is already frozen. It won’t meet the same needs as a dedicated freezer for storing food.
If you want to freeze home-cooked meals or store your shopping for longer, check the specifications of the fridge-freezer’s freezer compartment.
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Forgetting about defrosting
Manual-defrost appliances need to be kept free of ice. Que Choisir recommends defrosting when the layer reaches 3 mm, as it can increase electricity consumption.
Check the cooling system before you buy and follow the manual for maintenance. Unplug the appliance before cleaning or defrosting it.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Beko
Worth considering for installation in a cold room if the model you choose is explicitly equipped with Freezer Guard.
- Beko states that the Freezer Guard models concerned can operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- This capability does not apply to all Beko freezers, so check the model number and its manual.
Liebherr
Worth considering for a chest or upright freezer intended for a cold room, if the model number includes FrostProtect.
- Liebherr says that the FrostProtect models concerned are designed to operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- Check the stated temperature range for the specific model, along with its dimensions and storage layout.
Whirlpool
Worth considering if you’re comparing high-capacity chest and upright freezers, paying particular attention to the interior layout.
- Whirlpool states that its WHFF6403W4E upright freezer has a capacity of 404 L and six drawers.
- The stated depth of 81,3 cm for this model should be checked against the space available; these specifications do not describe the entire range.
Freezers for building up a stock of food
These Joybuy models include chest freezers in different capacities and an upright model with front access. Compare their capacity with your usual shopping; if you plan to put a freezer in an unheated room, check the ambient temperature range for the model you’re considering.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
A chest freezer to consider if you want separate storage for bulky shopping.
Stated capacity of 291 L, a removable basket and five-level digital control. Make sure freezer mode is selected for storing frozen food, and check the ambient temperature range before installing it in an unheated room.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
Worth considering for extra storage rather than very large stocks.
Stated capacity of 99 L, an adjustable thermostat and a removable basket. Make sure this capacity suits your shopping, and check the ambient temperature range before choosing an unheated room.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer
An upright model to consider if you’d prefer compartmented storage to a large, open chest.
Stated capacity of 161 L, with drawers and a No Frost function. Check the exact compartment layout and dimensions before you buy; the freezing temperature mentioned in the title does not tell you the acceptable ambient temperature range.
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AUCMA, 95 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if a separate, moderate-sized freezer suits your shopping needs.
Stated capacity of 95 L, a seven-level thermostat and a removable basket. Check which mode is selected on this convertible appliance, and its ambient temperature range if you plan to put it in a garage.
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TCL CF126EWE0FR, 98 L chest freezer
This chest freezer could provide extra storage if you don’t need a large capacity.
Stated capacity of 98 L, with a basket, counterbalanced lid and temperature control. Measure the space you have in mind and check the ambient temperature range before installing it in an unheated room.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put any freezer in a garage or cellar?
No. The ambient temperature range for the specific model must cover the temperatures in the room. Que Choisir recommends checking the climate class; Beko’s stated performance down to −15 °C for Freezer Guard and Liebherr’s for FrostProtect only applies to appliances with these features.
Can a fridge-freezer replace a separate freezer?
Yes, if you only need to store a moderate amount and it fits in a proper freezer compartment. Check its temperature and usable capacity: according to Que Choisir, the small freezer compartment in a single-door fridge is not suitable for the same long-term storage needs.
How can you keep food easy to reach in a chest freezer?
Sort food into categories and label it with dates, using baskets or tubs. Keep the items you use most often within easy reach. This way, you can make the most of the open compartment without regularly moving your whole stock to reach the bottom.
What temperature should you set a domestic freezer to?
A setting of −18 °C is generally recommended. Que Choisir gives a recommended storage range of between −18 °C and −24 °C. Anses explains that freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but does not destroy most micro-organisms.
When should you defrost a manual-defrost freezer?
Que Choisir recommends defrosting when the layer of ice reaches 3 mm, as it increases electricity consumption. Unplug the appliance before you start, and don’t use a knife to remove the ice.