For a separate freezer to support your family’s food storage, choose a chest freezer if you mainly store large items and have enough room to open the lid. An upright freezer is better suited to frequent access and organising food by category. If the freezer compartment in a large fridge freezer can hold everything you plan to store, check its usable capacity before making space for a separate appliance. In every case, check the dimensions, power-cut storage time and the model’s permitted ambient temperature range.
If you buy in bulk or freeze large portions, make sure the usable capacity suits the food you plan to store. With a chest freezer, also check that there’s enough floor space and that you can easily reach items at the bottom.
If you want to find prepared meals and ingredients throughout the week, take a look at the layout of the drawers, shelves or baskets. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how access and storage options differ between formats.
If you’re installing the appliance in a garage, cellar or outbuilding, the permitted ambient temperature range for the model matters more than whether you choose a chest or upright freezer. Compare it with the temperatures the room actually reaches.
First decide whether you need a separate appliance. Then choose a format to suit the size of the food you store and how often you access it.
Consider it: for large items, if you have enough room to load the appliance from above and open the lid fully.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to organise food at the bottom so it’s easy to find.
Consider it: if you often take out small portions and want to organise them in easy-to-reach compartments.
Bear in mind: make sure each drawer has enough space for your containers and largest items.
Consider it: if you want more freezer capacity without installing a second appliance.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment must be large enough for your actual food stock. Don’t assume its capacity from the appliance’s total volume.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and footprint | Compare the usable capacity with the food you plan to store, then measure the space and clearance needed to open the appliance. | If I freeze large batches, I want enough room for them without choosing an appliance that blocks a walkway or can’t be opened properly. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise this extra storage capacity. |
| Organisation and access | Check the drawers, shelves or baskets, and make sure your containers will fit. | If I take out portions several times a week, I want to find each type of food quickly. Easy access and organisation are the main priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Where you’ll install it | Check the model’s permitted ambient temperature range and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. | If I’m putting the appliance in a cellar or garage, I need to know whether the room temperature is suitable. Around 21 % of consumers put this compatibility ahead of other criteria. |
| Storage time and continuous running | Compare the stated storage time in the event of a power cut with the annual consumption in kWh shown on the label or product information. | If a power cut could put my food stock at risk, I check the storage time before comparing storage features. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise this protection and information on continuous running. |
The right capacity doesn’t guarantee the freezer will fit through your doors, or that you’ll be able to open its lid or door once it’s in place.
Measure the delivery route and the installation space, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual.
As Bosch explains, the climate class indicates the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. A feature listed for one model doesn’t necessarily apply to an entire range.
Compare the room’s temperatures with the range specified for the exact model, including during the coldest and warmest seasons.
A chest freezer can hold large items, but food at the bottom takes more organising if you often take out small portions.
Compare it with the access offered by an upright freezer with drawers, or plan sections and labels to organise the chest freezer.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, storage time is how long food remains frozen in the event of a fault or power cut. It can’t be inferred from the format, and annual energy consumption also varies by model.
For appliances with similar capacities, check the stated storage time and energy label information before choosing.
The range includes upright freezers, with features and installation requirements that vary by model.
Bosch offers upright freezers with storage features that vary from model to model.
The range includes chest freezers with features designed to address frost or installation in an unheated room.
These chest and upright models suit different needs for separate food storage. Compare their capacity and layout with the food you usually store, then check the installation requirements and storage time of your chosen model.
Image unavailable
This chest freezer is suited to food stocks that fit within its 95 L capacity. Its removable basket keeps smaller items within easy reach. It switches between freezer and fridge modes, and has a seven-level control, an E energy rating and a stated consumption of 165 kWh/year. Check its storage time in the event of a power cut, permitted ambient temperature range and the space needed to open the lid.
Image unavailable
For organising portions in a separate appliance, this upright freezer combines three drawers and two shelves. The product information lists No Frost, a C energy rating and a temperature setting range of −14 °C to −22 °C. This setting range doesn’t indicate the permitted ambient temperature in the room. Check the dimensions, storage time in the event of a power cut and annual consumption before choosing.
Image unavailable
This 60 L upright freezer may suit you if a small separate freezer is all you need. Compare its capacity with the food you plan to store. The description lists two shelves and a bottom drawer, despite the sales title mentioning three drawers. It measures 44,5 × 47,5 × 84,5 cm, has a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the clearances, storage time in the event of a power cut and permitted ambient temperature range.
Image unavailable
If you store large items, compare the stated 291 L capacity with your food stock and check how easy it is to reach items stored beneath the removable basket. This convertible chest freezer measures 1 100 × 597 × 872 mm. Its product information lists an E energy rating and consumption of 226 kWh/year. Allow enough clearance for the lid, and check the storage time in the event of a power cut and the permitted ambient temperature.
Image unavailable
This 99 L chest freezer has a removable basket for separating smaller items. Check that the rest of your food stock will fit in the available capacity. Its product information lists an E energy rating and recommends manual defrosting when frost exceeds 5 mm. Before installation, check the space needed to open the lid, storage time in the event of a power cut and permitted ambient temperature range.
Yes, provided the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the conditions the room actually reaches. Check the climate class or the information for the specific model: suitability stated for some appliances doesn’t apply to them all.
No. On models with this feature, No Frost helps prevent frost from building up, but you still need to make sure the door closes properly, keep the seals clean and follow the maintenance and ventilation instructions in the manual.
Set the appliance according to its manual and make sure it maintains a suitable freezing temperature. Anses highlights the importance of keeping food at a low temperature. If there’s a power cut, follow the applicable food safety advice for the food in question rather than relying solely on the appliance’s stated storage time.