For large stocks of food or bulky containers, consider a chest freezer. If you regularly need to find individual portions and ingredients, an upright freezer with compartments may suit you better. An under-counter model can help when space is tight, while a fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too. Whichever you choose, check the usable freezer capacity, the space available, the room temperature range the appliance can handle and its stated power-cut storage time.
If you keep prepared meals and ingredients separate to use throughout the week, look at the drawer layout of an upright freezer or the freezer compartment of a fridge freezer. Capacity alone won’t tell you how easy it will be to find your containers.
For bulk buys or bulky containers, a chest freezer gives you an open space to consider. You’ll also need enough floor space and a way to organise your food so you can reach items at the bottom.
If you don’t have room for a tall upright or chest freezer, compare an under-counter model with a fridge freezer. Measure the space, then check the capacity set aside for frozen food rather than just the appliance’s total capacity.
Start by considering the size of your food stock and how often you need to access it. Then see how each format would work in the room where you plan to put it.
Worth considering : for large stocks of food or bulky containers, if you have enough floor space.
Keep in mind : the open space calls for an organised storage system so you can find food at the bottom.
Worth considering : for separating portions and regularly accessing ingredients in drawers or compartments.
Keep in mind : check the usable capacity and make sure there’s enough room to open the door and pull out the drawers.
Worth considering : for extra freezer space when your kitchen can’t accommodate a chest or tall upright model.
Keep in mind : check its freezer capacity against the size of your containers and make sure the door can open beneath the worktop.
Worth considering : if you’re replacing your fridge too and want to avoid buying a separate appliance.
Keep in mind : the total capacity of the fridge freezer isn’t the same as the capacity of its freezer compartment.
| What to consider | What to check | How it affects my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and access | Compare the usable freezer capacity with the size of your containers and the interior layout. Que Choisir highlights the difference between the open space in chest freezers and the compartments in upright models. | I freeze portions that I take out often, so easy-to-navigate compartments matter as much as the stated capacity. |
| Location | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the clearances required in the instructions. Make sure there’s enough room to fully open the door or lid and pull out the drawers. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to open the appliance and take food out without moving anything else. |
| Room temperature | Compare the room’s ambient temperatures with the permitted range for the specific model. Beko and Liebherr state that some chest freezers can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every model. | If the appliance is going in a cellar, garage or very warm room, its suitability for that space will affect my choice. |
| Power cuts | Check the stated storage time in hours for each model: Beko states 41 h for the HSM27050, compared with 9 h for the Bosch GSN33VWEP. These figures are for two different appliances, not all chest or upright freezers. | I want to know the stated time that the specific appliance I’m considering will keep food frozen, rather than assume it based on its format. |
| Energy and frost | Compare the energy rating and stated annual consumption of appliances with a similar capacity and format. Separately check the frost management system and the maintenance instructions. | I’d rather look at day-to-day use and defrosting before choosing an appliance that will be running continuously. |
A large capacity doesn’t guarantee that your portions will be easy to organise and retrieve : the shape of your containers and how you access the interior make a difference to everyday use.
Make a list of the foods you usually freeze. Look at the drawers if you need to sort things regularly, or plan to use baskets and labels if you choose a chest freezer.
The ambient temperature range stated for the model is especially important in a garage, cellar or conservatory. The cold-weather performance stated for some Beko and Liebherr chest freezers doesn’t apply to every freezer.
Note the room’s usual highest and lowest temperatures, then compare them with the permitted range in the product details and manual for the model you choose.
Stated storage times during a power cut vary by model: Bosch gives 9 h for the GSN33VWEP, while Beko gives 41 h for the HSM27050.
Check the storage time in hours for the model you’re considering. If you need an alarm, check specifically whether it has this feature.
In France, the DGCCRF states that the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory when a trader sells goods to a private individual. Any additional commercial warranty is separate.
Before taking out an extended warranty, check exactly what it covers, what’s excluded and how to make a claim.
The specifications below apply to specific models : they don’t automatically apply to every product from the same brand.
These two freestanding upright freezers offer different capacities and dimensions to compare.
The HSM27050 chest freezer is one model to consider for storing food at home in a cold room.
The CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer gives you a chance to consider the capacity and floor space this format requires.
These options cover three ways to build up your frozen food supply : replace your fridge too, choose a chest freezer for larger containers or add an upright freezer, including a compact model. Compare the space required and freezer capacity with the way you plan to use it.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too : check that the freezer compartment has enough room for your portions. The model title lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone ; also check the ambient temperature range and clearance needed for installation.
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Another option if you also need to replace your fridge : the title lists a 70/30 split, which you can compare with the freezer capacity you need. It lists a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost ; check the depth, clearances and room conditions before installation.
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If you want a separate appliance for storing frozen food, this chest freezer with a top-opening lid has a stated capacity of 291 l and a removable basket. The title says it can be used as either a fridge or freezer : check the settings, floor space needed, ambient temperature range and power-cut storage time. E energy rating stated.
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Worth considering if you want to keep meals and ingredients separate in an upright freezer : the title lists drawers, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check its dimensions, permitted ambient temperature range and power-cut storage time for the space you have in mind.
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For extra freezer space rather than storing large quantities, this model has a stated capacity of 60 l, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the exact interior layout, as well as door clearance, the ambient temperature range and power-cut storage time.
Yes, as long as the ambient temperature range stated for the model covers the temperatures in that room. Check the usual lowest and highest temperatures : Beko and Liebherr state that some specific chest freezers can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every appliance.
Compare the stated time in hours for the models you’re considering. Don’t assume that every appliance in a particular format has the same storage time. Bosch states 9 h for the GSN33VWEP upright freezer, while Beko states 41 h for the HSM27050 chest freezer.
Yes. The DGCCRF states that the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France ; this is separate from any commercial warranty.
Old freezers are classed as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), as outlined by the government departments responsible for ecological transition. Ask your local authority or retailer about suitable collection or take-back options.