For long-term storage of large quantities of frozen food, choose a chest freezer if you have enough floor space and can organise the food stored at the bottom. An upright freezer is better suited to food you access frequently, thanks to its drawers. A large fridge-freezer is a better fit if you need plenty of fridge space, as long as its freezer compartment is genuinely large enough.
If you store large quantities of food that you don’t access every day, start by comparing freezer capacity with the floor space available. A chest freezer can accommodate bulky items, but you’ll need a system for organising everything.
If you need to find different types of food easily, access to drawers or baskets matters just as much as the stated capacity. Check that the storage is still practical when all the compartments are full.
If you’re considering a cellar, garage, unheated utility room or warm kitchen, compare the room temperature with the range allowed for the model. If you’re concerned about power cuts, also check the stated storage time during a power failure.
Consider one: for large or bulky quantities, if you have enough floor space to install and open the freezer.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom is harder to find, so baskets and rotating your stock can help.
Consider one: if you open the appliance often and want to sort food by category in drawers.
Bear in mind: compare each model’s freezer capacity with the amount you need to store. Don’t assume the drawers will easily accommodate large items.
Consider one: if you still need plenty of fridge space and can’t install a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: some of the total capacity is taken up by the fridge, so check the freezer capacity separately.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the net freezer capacity in litres with the maximum amount you need to store. Then measure the space available, including room to open the door or lid. | When I buy in bulk, I want to store everything without relying on the space reserved for fresh food. Around 42% of consumers would put freezer capacity at the top of their list of needs. |
| Access to food | Check the layout and how easy the drawers or baskets are to use, as well as access to food at the bottom. | If I regularly take food from different categories, I want to find what I need without emptying part of the freezer. Easy access and organisation would be the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Installation and power-cut protection | Check the permitted ambient temperature range, the stated storage time during a power failure in hours, and the information on the energy label. | If the room is very cold or hot, or I’m concerned about power cuts, I need to know whether the model suits the location and how long it can keep food cold without power. This would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
The stated capacity of a fridge-freezer includes the section for fresh food. This total doesn’t tell you whether your frozen food will fit in the freezer compartment.
Check the net freezer capacity and compare it with the space your stock takes up when it’s at its largest.
A cellar, garage or warm kitchen may fall outside the ambient temperature range specified for a particular model. Not all freezers are suitable for use in an unheated room.
Estimate the highest and lowest temperatures in the location, then compare them with the climate class and temperature range stated for the exact model.
The open space can hold food in a variety of shapes, but items covered by other food can be difficult to find.
Keep frequently used food near the top and organise the rest in baskets or clearly defined sections.
This figure varies by model and refers to how long the freezer can keep food cold without power. In its freezer testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir measures the time it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C.
Compare the stated storage times in hours for the models you’re considering, and check the testing conditions before choosing between two appliances.
Worth considering if you need a chest freezer for a cool or unheated room, provided the product information for your chosen model confirms its operating range.
Worth considering if you need an upright freezer with drawers and an interior layout that makes it easy to organise food regularly.
Worth a look if you’re after a large upright freezer with several drawers, but make sure you have enough space to install it.
Worth considering among chest freezers if frost build-up and how the lid closes matter in everyday use.
This Joybuy selection includes an upright freezer with drawers for food you access regularly, and a larger-capacity chest freezer for storing more. Compare their capacities with the amount you need to store and check the conditions in your room before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to organise your food in drawers and 161 l is enough freezer space for your needs.
The product name lists No Frost technology, a reversible hinged door, an alarm, a temperature setting range of −14 °C to −22 °C and a C energy rating. Before installing it in an unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperature range. Also check the dimensions and storage time during a power failure.
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Worth considering if you need more storage space, have enough floor space and are happy to access the freezer from the top.
The product name lists a switchable fridge and freezer function, a removable basket, LED lighting and an E energy rating. Plan how you’ll find food stored beneath the basket. If you’re considering a garage or cellar, check the permitted ambient temperature range and storage time during a power failure.
No. A chest freezer is a good choice if you have enough floor space and are happy with how easy it is to access food at the bottom. UFC-Que Choisir says some chest freezers have a capacity of up to 600 l. If you take out food from different categories every day, also compare how easy it is to organise an upright freezer with drawers.
Compare the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, freezer capacity and noise levels of appliances that are suitable for the amount you need to store. The European Commission says this information appears on the energy label for fridges and freezers. Capacity in litres is still essential if you want to avoid choosing an appliance that’s too small.
Yes, if the ambient temperature range specified for the model covers the actual conditions in the room. Check the climate class and any information specific to the model you’re considering. Don’t assume that a feature or suitability claimed for one appliance applies to every model from the same brand.
It’s the time the freezer can keep food cold without power, based on testing conditions that you should take into account when comparing models. In its testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C. Check the stated figure for each appliance you’re considering.
No. On models with this feature, No Frost relates to frost management, not every aspect of maintenance. Check the manual for cleaning and installation instructions, then ask the retailer or manufacturer about the warranty conditions and availability of any parts that matter to you.