Who is this choice for?

Households building up large food stocks

If you buy in bulk, freeze home-grown produce or prepare meals in advance, compare the freezer’s capacity with the floor space available and the size of your containers.

People who want to find food quickly

If you open your freezer often, easy-to-reach drawers and compartments may matter more than maximum capacity. Check that you’ll also be able to fit in your largest dishes.

Households planning to install a freezer outside the kitchen

If you’re putting it in a cellar, garage or utility room where the temperature varies, check the room temperature against the range permitted for the specific model before choosing its capacity.

What should you look for?

If you want more freezer space at home, start by comparing chest and upright models based on the space you have and how often you need to access your food. If you only need a little extra storage, compare their capacity with that of a compact model or a fridge-freezer.

Chest freezer

Consider one if: you want plenty of storage and have enough room for the freezer and its lid to open.

The trade-off: you’ll need to keep things organised to reach food at the bottom.

Upright freezer

Consider one if: you want to organise food in drawers and access it regularly without using as much floor space.

The trade-off: drawer sizes may limit how easily you can store larger packs.

Factor What to check Who is it for?
Capacity and size Compare the net capacity, external dimensions and clearance needed to open the freezer. If you want to store large shops or home-grown produce, you’ll need enough space without blocking access through the utility room; around 31% of consumers would put this need first.
Access and organisation Check how your dishes and packaging will fit in the drawers or baskets provided, and whether you can reach the food at the back. If you use your frozen food often, being able to find it without moving everything else becomes a priority. This would be the top consideration for around 31% of consumers.
Installation location and power cuts Check the model’s permitted ambient temperature range against the temperature of the room, then look up its stated storage time during a power cut. If you’re putting it in a cellar or garage where temperatures vary, the first thing to know is whether the appliance can operate there; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility and the ability to keep food frozen during a power cut.
Extra freezer space Compare the freezer capacity you actually need with the stated annual energy consumption of each model you’re considering. If your food stocks are modest, you may prefer to avoid a large separate appliance and accept more limited capacity; this would be the priority for around 13% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing based on capacity alone

    A large chest freezer may not fit through the door, or it may leave too little room to open the lid and move around.

    Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance required for the model before ordering.

  • Assuming every model is suitable for a cellar

    The climate class specifies the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. A cellar or garage may fall outside that range.

    Check the lowest and highest temperatures the room could reach, then compare them with the range stated for the specific model.

  • Buying a chest freezer without planning how to organise it

    The open interior can accommodate large packs, but smaller items placed underneath can be harder to find.

    Check which baskets are included and plan to use bins for different food categories, keeping the items you use most within easy reach.

Brands to consider for these formats

Bosch

The range includes upright freezers that let you organise food across several levels.

  • Bosch states that the GSN58AWEV has a capacity of 366 L, with removable drawers and shelves.
  • These features apply to this model. Check its dimensions and climate class to make sure it’s suitable for your room.

Beko

Beko describes some upright freezers in its range as suitable for installation in unheated rooms.

  • Beko states that the RFNM200T40WN has a capacity of 177 L and can operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C.
  • This temperature range doesn’t apply to every model. Compare it with the temperatures where you plan to install yours.

Whirlpool

The range includes chest freezers worth considering if storage capacity is your priority.

  • Whirlpool offers a 437 L chest freezer with storage baskets.
  • With a large chest freezer, you’ll also need to check its width, the route into the room and the space needed to open the lid.

Liebherr

The chest freezer range combines horizontal storage with features designed to limit frost build-up.

  • Liebherr describes StopFrost as a system that reduces frost build-up on the models that include it.
  • Check the interior layout and permitted ambient temperature range for each specific model.

Haier

Haier’s chest freezer collection gives you several storage capacities to compare.

  • Depending on the model, the collection includes capacities ranging from around 196 L to 696 L.
  • Check the dimensions and annual energy consumption of the model you choose rather than assuming them from its capacity.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a freezer in an unheated cellar or garage?

Yes, as long as the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the temperature in the room. Bosch explains that a climate class defines the operating conditions; Beko, for example, states that the RFNM200T40WN can operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to other models.

What should I compare on a freezer’s energy label?

Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh/year, energy efficiency class, freezer capacity and noise level of the models you’re considering. The European Commission also provides declared data for models registered in its EPREL database.

What does the stated storage time during a power cut mean?

It indicates how long the freezer can keep food cold without a power supply, under the conditions used for the measurement. In its test procedure, UFC-Que Choisir also measures how long food stays below -9 °C. If power cuts are a factor in your decision, compare the figures for the specific model.

Does a commercial warranty replace your statutory warranty?

No. In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual; a commercial warranty is separate. Before taking one out, check its duration, exclusions and the additional cover it offers beyond your statutory rights.