Add a standalone freezer when your fridge freezer’s compartment regularly no longer provides enough space: a chest freezer is ideal for large stocks, while an upright freezer makes sorting and everyday access easier. A larger-capacity fridge freezer or an under-counter model is more suitable when space is limited or you only need a moderate amount of extra storage. Compare the usable capacity, footprint, energy label, climate class and storage time of the exact model.
You regularly buy large quantities, multipacks or bulky food and have suitable floor space available. In that case, a chest freezer is worth considering for its generous capacity and open compartment, as highlighted in UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide.
You often freeze portions, boxes and assorted bags, and want to keep them organised without having to search at the bottom of a chest. An upright freezer with drawers or removable shelves generally makes this much easier.
You have limited floor space or are looking for additional capacity rather than a large standalone stockpile. An under-counter freezer or a larger-capacity fridge freezer may be suitable, after checking the actual freezer volume.
Start by estimating what you really freeze, then check whether the format will remain practical in your room and suit your storage habits.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the net freezer volume in litres, not just the external dimensions. According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers can hold up to 600 L; upright freezers are often around 200 L and can reach 400 L in the largest models. | I want to store multipacks or bulky food without running out of space. If I only need a little extra capacity, the freezer compartment of a fridge freezer may be more suitable. |
| Access and storage | Check the number of drawers, baskets, compartments and removable elements. Also test, on paper, whether the door or lid can open fully and whether you can reach food placed at the back. | I want to find portions and bags sorted by category quickly. An upright freezer provides front access; a chest freezer is better suited to large packages if I can organise its compartment. |
| Installation and storage time | Consider the power-cut storage time, climate class, net volume, noise level and kWh/year together. The European Commission explains that the A to G energy label provides this information, among other details, for the appliances concerned. | I need to be able to install the appliance in the intended room without obstructing ventilation. I also check that the model’s temperature range matches the room and that its stated storage time meets my expectations. |
A chest freezer can offer substantial capacity while requiring more floor space and making food at the bottom harder to reach. An upright freezer makes organisation easier, but may not provide the same volume.
Measure the space available, make a list of the formats you actually store and check how the lid or door opens before comparing capacities.
Storage time depends on the model. The official product sheets cited for the Whirlpool WHM4612 and Bosch GSN58VWEV show different figures: 32 hours and 12 hours respectively.
Check the storage time in hours, freezing capacity and climate class on the product sheet for the exact model; do not apply figures from another appliance in the same brand’s range.
The temperature, humidity and available airflow around the appliance must comply with the installation instructions and the climate class specified for the product.
Check the rating plate and instructions before buying, then allow the clearance requested by the manufacturer around the chosen model.
The A to G class alone does not tell you the appliance’s size. The label also shows annual consumption, storage volume and noise level.
Compare appliances of a similar format and volume by looking at kWh/year, net volume, noise level and energy efficiency class together.
Worth considering for a large-capacity chest freezer designed for building up substantial stocks.
Worth considering for a large-capacity freestanding upright freezer when front access and zone-based organisation are priorities.
Worth considering for a compact under-counter appliance, an integrated model or a fridge freezer when you only need a more limited amount of extra storage.
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers designed to increase freezer capacity in a kitchen, rather than standalone freezers intended for very large stocks.
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A well-organised extra-capacity option for a narrow kitchen, with a separate 75 L freezer compartment and three drawers.
Width of 54 cm, height of 176 cm, reversible door, stated storage time of 10 hours and freezing capacity of 3.5 kg/24 h. The stated climate range is 16 °C to 38 °C: check the location and ventilation clearance.
This model is not a replacement for a large standalone freezer.
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A four-door fridge freezer for households looking for generous total capacity and flexible freezer compartments.
Stated total volume of 444 L, two freezer drawers that can be combined, stated consumption of 289 kWh/year, stated noise level of 40 dB and energy efficiency class E.
With its stated dimensions of 838 × 653 × 1775 mm, check access through doorways, the installation location, ventilation and the freezer compartment’s net volume before buying.
It becomes a sensible choice when you regularly run out of freezer space and need a separate stock of frozen food. According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers can offer much greater capacity than an upright freezer or a fridge freezer compartment; a fridge freezer is more suitable for a moderate additional need in a limited space.
An upright freezer with drawers or storage zones is generally more suitable, as it provides front access and allows food to be separated. A chest freezer remains ideal for large packages and substantial stocks, provided you can reach the food stored at the bottom.
Check the model’s instructions, airflow around the appliance, distance from heat sources and the climate class shown on its rating plate. The location must match the temperature range specified for that class.
Compare the number of hours stated for each exact model and, where available, the testing method. The official product sheets for the Whirlpool WHM4612 and Bosch GSN58VWEV state 32 hours and 12 hours respectively; these figures do not allow conclusions to be drawn about other references.
For household refrigeration appliances covered by the European framework, the label has used an A to G scale since 1 March 2021. The European Commission states that it provides information including the energy efficiency class, annual consumption, storage volume and noise level.