Households building up a large stock
If you buy in bulk or store large items, you’ll need enough usable capacity and space to install the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the large capacities available in chest freezers.
Who are these freezer styles suited to?
People who regularly reach for frozen food
If you want to find different types of food quickly, an upright freezer with drawers may be more useful than a large open compartment. Check that you’ll be able to access the compartments easily once the appliance is in place.
Households planning to use a cellar, garage or utility room
If the room isn’t heated, its temperature becomes an important factor. Electrolux recommends keeping to the ambient temperature range specified for the model, as indicated by its climate class.
How do chest and upright freezers compare?
To increase your storage at home, start by considering how much you need to store and how you want to access it. Then check that the style you’ve chosen is suitable for the space and the way you’ll use it.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and size | Compare the usable capacity in litres with the appliance’s dimensions and the clearance needed to open it. UFC-Que Choisir reports that chest freezers can hold up to 600 L, compared with around 400 L for the largest upright models. | When I buy in bulk, I want enough room for the food I plan to store, without finding out that the freezer won’t fit in the room. Around 37% of consumers prioritise having enough capacity. |
| Storage and access | Check the drawers or baskets, and make sure there’s enough space to open the door or lid. | If I open the freezer often, I want to find each type of food without rummaging through the whole stock. Easy access comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Room temperature | Check the model’s climate class and ambient temperature range, along with its ventilation requirements. A model advertised as suitable for cold conditions doesn’t mean other models from the same brand are too. | In an unheated cellar or garage, I need to choose an appliance that can cope with the actual room temperature. Around 18% of consumers put this compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Energy use and power cuts | Check the kWh/year, capacity and noise level on the energy label, then find out how long the exact model can keep food frozen during a power cut. The European Commission explains the information shown on energy labels, while UFC-Que Choisir also tests how freezers perform during a simulated power cut. | For an appliance that runs continuously and holds a large stock of food, I look first at its energy use or how long it can keep running without power. These are the main concerns for around 18% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing a chest freezer based on capacity alone
A large capacity is no use if the appliance won’t fit through the door or there isn’t enough clearance to open the lid fully. UFC-Que Choisir says chest freezers are typically 110 to 140 cm wide and around 70 cm deep.
Measure the access route, the space where the freezer will go and the clearance above the lid before choosing a model.
-
Assuming any freezer will work in a cold garage
The permitted ambient temperature varies by appliance. Beko says the RFNE448E55W can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C, and Whirlpool makes the same claim for the WHM2112. These specifications don’t apply to every model in either range.
Check the room temperature against the climate class and installation conditions for the model you’re considering.
-
Comparing energy ratings by letter alone
The energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you the annual energy use or the available capacity. The European Commission says the label includes information such as kWh/year, capacity and noise level.
Compare all these figures together, and check the information linked to the QR code on the label if needed.
-
Forgetting how long food stays frozen during a power cut
If your freezer holds a large stock of food, the stated time it can keep food frozen without power may affect your decision. UFC-Que Choisir measures this by simulating a power cut and using a temperature threshold set out in its test method.
Check the stated storage time for each model you compare, and the conditions under which that figure applies.
Brands to compare by model
Beko
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity upright freezer, particularly if it’s going in an unheated room.
- Beko lists a 404 L capacity and No Frost for its RFNE448E55W upright freezer.
- Beko’s claim that it can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C applies to this specific model. Check the conditions for the model you choose.
Haier
Haier’s French range includes both upright and chest freezers, so you can compare them based on your available space and preferred layout.
- Haier’s range includes the 301 L H4F306SDH1 upright freezer with four drawers, and the 418 L HCE420E chest freezer.
- Check the energy rating and installation conditions for each model.
Whirlpool
A brand to consider if a chest freezer better suits the way you plan to store food.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 204 L for its WHM2112 chest freezer and says it can operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- This temperature range and capacity apply to the WHM2112, not to every Whirlpool chest freezer.
Freezers to explore on Joybuy
This selection includes chest freezers in different sizes for extra storage, as well as an upright model with drawer storage. The products below have capacities ranging from 95 to 161 L. Compare them with the amount you actually want to store.
Image unavailable
TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
A handy way to add extra storage in a room where you can open the lid from above. The product title lists a capacity of 140 L, as well as a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. If you’re planning to install it in a cold room, check the permitted ambient temperature range.
Image unavailable
AUCMA, 95 L convertible chest freezer
Consider it as extra storage if 95 L is enough for your needs, rather than for a very large stock. The product title describes switchable fridge and freezer modes, a seven-setting thermostat, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Check that it’s suitable for the temperature of the room where you plan to put it.
Image unavailable
Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer
For easy access to food stored in separate compartments, rather than in an open chest. The product title lists a capacity of 161 L, drawers, No Frost and a C energy rating. Measure the space needed to open the door and check the permitted ambient temperature for your chosen location.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
For a little extra storage, depending on the size of your usual stock. The product title lists a capacity of 99 L, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Make sure you have room to access it from above, and check the defrosting and installation instructions for this model.
Image unavailable
TCL CF126EWE0FR, 98 L chest freezer
Add a little extra freezer space if 98 L is enough for your needs. The product title mentions a basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. If switching to fridge mode is important to you, check that this feature is available on the CF126EWE0FR.
Frequently asked questions
Which style should I choose for a large stock of frozen food?
A chest freezer is a good choice if capacity and floor space are your priorities. An upright model makes it easier to access food stored in drawers. UFC-Que Choisir says chest freezers can hold up to 600 L, while the largest upright models offer around 400 L. Always check the capacity and dimensions of the model you’re considering.
Can I install a freezer in any cellar or garage?
No. The room temperature must be within the range permitted for the model. Check its climate class and follow the installation and ventilation instructions. A low-temperature rating for a different model isn’t enough to confirm that it’s suitable.
What should I look for on a freezer’s energy label?
Compare the energy rating, annual energy consumption in kWh, freezer capacity and noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on the labels of relevant appliances. Scan the QR code to look up the model in EPREL.
Does No Frost mean I don’t need to check the installation requirements?
No. Even if a model has No Frost, you still need to follow its permitted ambient temperature range and the clearance requirements in the manual. Check the conditions for your chosen model, particularly if it’s going in an unheated room.