Households that stock up in bulk
A chest freezer can be a good choice for bulk shopping, home-grown produce or batch-cooked meals, as long as you have enough floor space. Also think about how you’ll find food stored at the bottom.
Which option is right for you?
How often you use your freezer and where it will fit at home matter just as much as its stated capacity.
Households that reach for frozen food every day
If you often separate portions, bags and meals, an upright freezer’s drawers make it easier to stay organised. Check that they can open fully and be removed where you plan to put the appliance.
Households replacing their main appliance
If both your fridge and freezer compartments are too small, compare a larger fridge freezer with adding a separate freezer. Check the capacity of each compartment, not just the total capacity.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by working out what your current appliance lacks. Then measure the space and compare the specifications of models that will fit there.
Chest freezer
Consider it if: you want plenty of freezer storage and have enough floor space.
The trade-off: you’ll need to organise the space so you can reach food stored at the bottom.
Upright freezer
Consider it if: you open your freezer often and want to keep different types of food separate.
The trade-off: compare its capacity with the amount of storage you need; Que Choisir puts upright freezers at around 200 L on average, while chest freezers can hold up to 600 L.
Larger fridge freezer
Consider it if: you also need more space for fresh food or have to replace your main appliance.
The trade-off: a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee that the freezer compartment will hold everything you need.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and dimensions | Compare the usable freezer capacity with the extra space you need. Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the access route and clearances specified in the manual. | I want to increase my freezer storage without blocking the way or choosing an appliance that’s too large for the room. |
| Access to food | Check that the door or lid can open fully, that drawers can be pulled out and that food can be organised inside the chest. | If I often take out small portions, I want to find them without moving everything else around. |
| Room temperature | Compare the ambient temperatures where the appliance will be placed with the climate class or temperature range specified for the exact model. Electrolux advises keeping to the recommended temperature and allowing air to circulate around the appliance. | If it’s going in a cellar or garage, I need to know whether the appliance is suitable for the temperatures it will actually be exposed to. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the energy label and product information; according to ADEME, the label’s QR code links to information registered in EPREL. Also compare the stated noise levels on a like-for-like basis. | If the appliance will be near living areas, noise matters to me as much as its stated energy consumption. |
| Power cut performance | Check the stated storage time during a power cut and how it was measured. Que Choisir’s test procedure simulates a power cut and measures how long food stays below −9 °C. | Before choosing, I want to know the stated or measured time and how it was determined. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based only on the number of litres
An appliance may fit in the room but still leave too little space to open its lid, door or drawers.
Measure the access route and the space where it will go, then check the manual for the opening clearance and ventilation space required.
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Assuming any freezer will work in a garage
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. For example, Beko states that its HSM27050 chest freezer can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C; this does not apply to other appliances.
Compare the room temperature with the operating range given in the documentation for the model you’re considering.
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Relying on the energy rating alone
An energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food, how easy it is to reach or what installation conditions are required.
Use the label and the product information available through EPREL to check the model’s details, then consult the manual for installation guidance.
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Overlooking power cut performance and day-to-day use in a second appliance
Capacity doesn’t tell you how easy it is to reach food or how the appliance performs during a power cut. Que Choisir’s test procedure also looks at opening, storage, noise and power cut performance.
If any of these factors matter to you, compare the model’s specifications. For test results, check that the methods used are comparable.
Which brands should you consider for each type?
These examples highlight features to look for in specific models; they don’t represent every range from each brand.
Beko
The HSM27050 chest freezer is a useful example of what to check for a cold room: Beko France states that this model has a 284 L capacity, can operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C and has a 41-hour storage time during a power cut.
- Model-specific details for the HSM27050 to check against your room and storage needs.
- The stated suitability for temperatures down to −15 °C should not be assumed for other Beko freezers.
Liebherr
The range of freestanding upright freezers includes different capacities and features, depending on the model. Liebherr France describes its FrostProtect models as being designed for ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- Comparing models helps you find the capacity and defrosting method you’re looking for.
- Check that the model you choose has the features you need and is suitable for the ambient temperature.
Electrolux
Electrolux France’s installation guidance advises allowing air to circulate around a refrigeration appliance and keeping it within the recommended ambient temperature.
- This guidance can help you check the space before choosing a model.
- It doesn’t confirm that a particular model is suitable for your garage, cellar or alcove.
Appliances to compare on Joybuy
This selection includes a fridge freezer, chest freezers and an upright freezer. Compare them depending on whether you’re also replacing your fridge, stocking up in bulk or prioritising easy access to portions.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door fridge freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you also need more fridge space or are replacing your fridge. The title states a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of the freezer compartment separately, along with the installation clearances.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
For storing a large amount of frozen food, this chest freezer has a stated capacity of 291 L and a removable basket. The title says it can switch between refrigeration and freezing, has a five-setting control and an E energy rating. Check the permitted ambient temperature and allow enough space to open the top.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, No Frost
If you want to keep the food you use regularly separate, this upright freezer has a stated capacity of 161 L, three drawers, No Frost technology and a C energy rating. Compare its capacity with your needs, and check the dimensions, drawer clearance and permitted ambient temperature.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
If you need a smaller extra freezer rather than a large storage space, this chest freezer has a stated capacity of 99 L, a removable basket, a four-star freezer rating and an E energy rating. Allow room to open it from the top and check the installation requirements in the manual.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Consider this chest freezer if you’re looking for an extra 140 L of capacity rather than a very large storage space. Its title mentions a basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. Confirm the capacity in the model’s documentation and leave enough space to open the lid.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a freezer in a garage or cellar?
Yes, as long as the room’s ambient temperature stays within the range specified for the model and you can follow its installation instructions. Electrolux advises keeping the appliance within its recommended temperature range. The minimum temperature of −15 °C stated by Beko for the HSM27050 or by Liebherr for its FrostProtect models does not apply to all freezers.
What should you measure before delivery?
Measure the access route and the space where the appliance will go, then check the manual for the clearance needed for ventilation and to open the door, drawers or lid. Electrolux advises allowing air to circulate around the appliance, so measuring its overall dimensions alone isn’t enough to plan the installation.
Is the energy label enough to compare two freezers?
No. It helps you check energy information, but you’ll still need to compare freezer capacity, access to food and installation requirements. According to ADEME, the QR code lets you view the product information registered in EPREL. Check the model’s manual as well.
How can you compare power cut performance?
Check the stated time for each model and find out how it was measured before comparing the figures. In its test procedure, Que Choisir simulates a power cut and measures how long food stays below −9 °C.
When should you choose a larger fridge freezer instead of a second freezer?
A larger fridge freezer is worth comparing if you’re also short of space for fresh food or are already replacing your fridge. If you only need more freezer storage, compare the fridge freezer’s freezer capacity with that of a separate appliance that’s suitable for your room.