To add plenty of freezer space at home, a chest freezer is a good choice if you have enough floor space and need to store large quantities. An upright freezer makes it easier to access frequently used portions that you’ve sorted into compartments. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these two styles, but your choice also depends on the room temperature, available space and annual energy consumption. A compact model is better suited to limited space than to a need for substantial storage.
If you buy in bulk or prepare several meals in advance, check the usable capacity, freezing capacity and stated storage time in the event of a power cut. UFC-Que Choisir highlights capacity and freezing performance as key criteria to compare.
If you store a variety of portions and open the freezer frequently, access to drawers or baskets may matter more than maximum capacity. Also check how much room you need to open and remove them.
The permitted ambient temperature range must cover the temperatures in the room. Beko states that an SN-T climate class starts at 10 °C; operation below that temperature must be expressly approved for the model you choose.
If you want to significantly increase your storage space, first choose between the open capacity of a chest freezer and the compartmented access of an upright model. Other styles suit different needs.
Consider it if: you store large quantities and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: access from the top means you’ll need to organise your food to find smaller portions.
Consider it if: you open the appliance frequently and want to sort food into drawers.
Bear in mind: the compartmented layout may limit space for some bulky containers.
Consider it if: space is very limited and you only need a small amount of extra capacity.
Bear in mind: its capacity generally won’t meet the same need for substantial storage as a large chest or upright freezer.
Consider it if: you’re also replacing your fridge and want a single appliance to do both jobs.
Bear in mind: only part of its capacity is reserved for freezing, so it won’t provide standalone extra freezer space.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacity in litres and freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you regularly add large quantities of food. | After a big food shop or preparing several meals, I want to be able to store and freeze everything that won’t fit in my current appliance. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this need for extra space and bulk freezing. |
| Access and storage | Check the drawers or baskets, access to the bottom of the freezer and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. | When I often take out small portions, I want to find them without moving all the other food. Easy access is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Room temperature | Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the ambient temperature range stated for the exact model. | If my garage or cellar isn’t heated, I need to be able to install an appliance that’s suitable for the temperatures it actually reaches. Around 20% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Continuous use and maintenance | Compare kWh/year and noise levels between models of similar capacity, then check how they defrost. | As an appliance runs all the time, I want to take its energy consumption, noise and maintenance time into account. These factors come first for around 20% of consumers. |
Beko gives the SN-T range as 10 to 43 °C. On its own, this doesn’t guarantee the appliance will work in a room where the temperature drops below 10 °C.
Check the room’s temperatures and look for an ambient temperature range that is explicitly compatible with the model you’re considering.
Its open space can hold a variety of food, but smaller portions can be difficult to find or reach. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of ergonomic design and access to compartments.
Plan how you’ll organise the food using baskets or boxes. If you often take out portions, also compare how easy an upright freezer is to access.
The letter doesn’t tell you the whole story: annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and noise also matter, especially when appliances have different capacities.
Compare these details between models with similar capacities and uses. The European Commission explains that the QR code on the label gives you access to detailed information about the model.
Frost build-up means more maintenance and can increase electricity consumption. UFC-Que Choisir recommends defrosting when the layer reaches 3 mm.
Check the defrosting method before you buy and follow the care instructions. Don’t use a sharp tool to remove frost.
These examples highlight features to compare depending on the style and installation location; they don’t cover every model from each brand.
Chest and upright freezers, with some models designed for installation in colder rooms.
A brand to consider for drawer-style upright freezers when keeping food organised is important.
Chest freezers to consider for storing large quantities, including when the room temperature needs particular attention.
Chest freezers to consider for extra storage in an unheated room.
These chest freezers and this upright model can add extra freezer capacity at home. The 99 l and 141 l chest freezers are better suited to compact extra storage than to holding very large quantities. Choose the style that best fits the space you have and how you want to access your food.
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This chest freezer is suited to households looking to add plenty of storage space, with convenient access from the top.
The product name indicates fridge or freezer modes, an E energy rating, LED lighting and a removable basket.
If you plan to install it in a garage or cellar, check the permitted ambient temperature range. If you freeze large quantities at a time, also compare its freezing capacity and storage time in the event of a power cut.
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This upright freezer is a good choice if you want separate compartments for regularly accessing different portions.
The product name mentions drawers, No Frost protection, an alarm, a C energy rating and a stainless steel finish.
The stated temperature range for the inside of the appliance doesn’t tell you which ambient temperatures it can operate in. Check the conditions in your room, along with annual energy consumption and freezing capacity.
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This chest freezer is better suited to providing extra capacity than storing very large quantities.
The product name indicates top-opening access, fridge or freezer modes, an E energy rating and a removable basket.
If you plan to install it in an unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperature range for this model.
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This 99 l model is worth considering for compact extra storage rather than for storing very large quantities of food.
The product name mentions a removable basket, adjustable thermostat, sliding lid and an E energy rating.
Allow for manual defrosting and check the ambient temperature range, annual energy consumption and storage time in the event of a power cut, based on where you’ll install it and how you’ll use it.
Choose a model with an ambient temperature range that covers the temperatures your garage actually reaches. Beko states that the SN-T climate class corresponds to 10–43 °C. Below 10 °C, check that the specific model is explicitly designed for cold conditions rather than assuming it is suitable based on this climate class alone.
Compare the energy rating, kWh/year, capacity and noise level, preferably between appliances with similar capacities and uses. The European Commission states that the energy label for fridges and freezers uses a scale from A to G and includes a QR code linking to information about the model.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends defrosting when the layer of frost reaches 3 mm. Follow the appliance instructions and don’t use a knife to remove frost, as this could damage the cooling circuit.
In France, take your old freezer to an appropriate waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection scheme rather than putting it in household rubbish. The Ministry for Ecological Transition explains how this collection and treatment system works. Contact the retailer, your local authority or a collection point to find out how to drop it off or arrange a collection.