Households building up a large stock of food
If you buy in bulk or prepare portions in advance, work out how much you need to store and how much room you have in a pantry or cellar that’s suitable for the appliance.
Who is this choice for?
People who often check their food stocks
If you open your freezer regularly, how easy it is to organise and find food without moving other items matters just as much as the stated capacity.
Households with an unheated room
If you plan to put the appliance in a cellar, garage or cold pantry, your choice will also depend on the permitted ambient temperatures for the model you select.
How do chest and upright freezers compare?
If you need more freezer capacity than a fridge freezer can offer, start by working out how much food you need to store. Then consider how easy it is to access your food and whether the appliance is suited to the room.
Chest freezer
Choose this if: having a large stock of food is your priority and you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: reaching food at the bottom takes a little more organisation.
Upright freezer
Choose this if: you open the appliance often and want to organise food by compartment.
Bear in mind: the available capacity depends on the size of the freezer and the space taken up by its drawers.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Food stocks and space | Compare usable net capacity, dimensions, the delivery route and how far the lid opens. | If I buy in bulk, I want more room for food without blocking the way through the pantry. Around 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Access and storage | Check how the drawers open or whether you can reach the bottom of the chest. | When I take out a portion, I want to find it without moving the rest of my food; this is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Room temperature | Compare the room’s temperatures with the permitted ambient temperature range for the exact model. | My cellar or garage can get cold, so I need an appliance that’s suitable for the conditions in that room. This compatibility comes before other considerations for around 20% of consumers. |
| Energy use and power cuts | Compare kWh/year for models with a similar capacity, as well as their stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | As the appliance runs constantly and holds my food stocks, I want to know how much energy it uses and how long food will stay frozen without power. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these questions. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers can hold up to 600 l, while upright freezers generally hold around 200 l, with the largest reaching 400 l. These are useful size guidelines, but they don’t replace comparing the usable capacity and dimensions of two specific models. A compact or under-counter freezer can provide extra storage. A larger fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too and its freezer compartment has enough capacity for your needs.
Mistakes to avoid before installation
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Choosing a chest freezer for capacity alone
A large capacity won’t be practical if the freezer won’t fit through to the room or its lid can’t open fully.
Measure the delivery route, the space where it will go, the clearance above the lid and the room you’ll need to reach food at the bottom.
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Assuming any model will work in a cellar
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the appliance. A claim that certain models are suitable for cold rooms doesn’t apply to every freezer from the same brand.
Compare the possible temperatures in your room with the range shown on the product page and in the manual for the model you’re considering.
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Looking at the energy rating alone
For an appliance that runs continuously, annual energy use and defrosting requirements matter too. How long food stays frozen during a power cut varies by model.
Compare kWh/year for appliances with a similar capacity, check the stated storage time in a power cut and follow the manual for defrosting.
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Assuming a compact model will provide enough extra storage
A compact freezer or the freezer compartment in a fridge freezer can add storage, but may not hold the amount of food you plan to keep.
Estimate how much food you want to store, then compare this with the net freezer capacity of each option.
Brands to consider, model by model
These brands offer features that can help you compare different styles. Always check the details for the specific model you’re interested in.
Beko
Beko offers upright and chest freezers, including some models designed for installation in a cold room.
- According to Beko France, the RFNM200T40WN upright freezer can operate at ambient temperatures as low as -15 °C.
- Don’t assume this temperature applies to other models without checking their product details.
Bosch
Some Bosch upright freezers focus on flexible interior storage.
- Bosch highlights removable Vario Zone drawers and shelves, as well as a Big Box compartment, on the GSN33FWEV.
- Check that the compartment layout suits the food you actually store.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s large-capacity chest freezers are worth considering when storage needs and available space are key factors.
- Whirlpool France lists a capacity of 437 l for its WHM4612 chest freezer.
- A freezer this size requires careful planning for its location and access to the lid; features may differ on other models.
Liebherr
Liebherr offers chest freezers in a range of capacities, with features designed to help reduce frost build-up.
- According to Liebherr, SmartFrost or StopFrost features are included on some chest freezers to reduce frost build-up.
- Claims about suitability for cold rooms apply to appliances with the relevant feature, so check the exact model.
Freezers to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes two chest freezers for different storage needs and an upright freezer for anyone who prefers to organise food by compartment. Compare their stated capacities with the amount you plan to store, and check the installation requirements for each model.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
This chest freezer could suit dedicated food storage if its usable capacity and footprint are right for your room.
- Stated capacity: 291 L; check the usable net capacity before comparing models.
- Removable basket, LED lighting and five-level digital control are listed in the product title.
- Energy rating E. If you plan to keep it in a cellar or garage, check the permitted ambient temperature range. Also check the stated storage time in a power cut if this is a concern.
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Heinrich´s Inox, 161 L upright freezer
This upright freezer is for households that want to organise their food in drawers rather than an open chest.
- Stated capacity: 161 L; drawers and No Frost technology are mentioned in the product title.
- Energy rating C. The -14 °C to -22 °C range in the product title refers to the appliance’s temperature setting, not the permitted ambient temperature in the room.
- Check the dimensions, permitted ambient temperature range, kWh/year and stated storage time in a power cut to make sure it suits your set-up.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
This chest freezer could work as extra storage if its stated 140 L capacity is enough for your food. If you need to store a lot, first compare its usable net capacity with your requirements.
- Storage basket, balanced lid and energy rating E are listed in the product title.
- Allow enough room to open the lid, and check this model’s ambient temperature range, kWh/year and stated storage time in a power cut.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a freezer in a cellar or garage?
Yes, as long as the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the temperatures in that room. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the climate class indicates the room temperatures the appliance can operate in. Also check the product details and manual for your chosen model, rather than assuming that a cold-room suitability claim for other models applies to it.
Is a chest freezer always more practical for storing a lot of food?
No. Its capacity may suit your needs, but an upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to access food you use often. To choose between the two, compare the usable capacity with the food you plan to store, and check that you can open the appliance and reach everything inside.
How do you compare the energy use of two freezers?
Compare their stated annual energy use in kWh for models with a similar capacity and format, then check their energy ratings. For models covered by EU energy labelling, the European Commission also lists declared product details in EPREL.
Do you need to defrost a freezer without No Frost technology?
Yes. Follow the defrosting and cleaning instructions in the manual. UFC-Que Choisir recommends defrosting when frost reaches 3 mm, as build-up increases electricity use. Unplug the appliance before cleaning and never use a knife to remove frost.