Households that batch-cook meals
If you freeze several portions at a time, easy-to-scan compartments and dated containers will help you find each meal and keep track of what has been stored the longest.
Who is an extra freezer for?
Households that buy frozen food in bulk
If you need to store large packs or family-sized portions, compare the usable capacity with the floor space available. Also consider how you’ll reach items stored underneath others.
Households with a garage, cellar or cold pantry
Moving your food reserves out of the kitchen can free up space, provided the actual temperatures in that room stay within the operating range specified for the appliance.
What should you consider when comparing formats?
First decide whether you need an additional appliance or a replacement for your main fridge. Then compare how easy it is to access food, how much freezer space you need, and how much room you’ll need to install and open the appliance.
Upright freezer
Consider this if: you often take out different portions and have more vertical space than floor space.
Bear in mind: the door needs enough room to open so you can access the drawers.
Chest freezer
Consider this if: a large storage capacity is your priority and you have room for a lid that opens upwards.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom will be easier to reach if you organise it in baskets or sections.
Small under-counter freezer
Consider this if: you need a modest amount of extra storage and have a suitable space underneath a worktop.
Bear in mind: its limited capacity may not be enough for bulk frozen food shopping.
Large fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you’re also replacing your fridge and the new freezer compartment will meet your needs.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s total capacity is not the same as its freezer capacity.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Number and size of compartments; space for your containers. | I prepare several meals and want to find the one I’m looking for without moving my whole stockpile. Around 31% of consumers could make easy access their priority. |
| Storage capacity | Net capacity and internal dimensions for bulky packs. | I need my bulk frozen food shop to fit in the appliance, even if items at the bottom take longer to reach. Capacity could be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Size and space | Appliance dimensions, clearance for the door or lid, and ventilation requirements in the manual. | I want to add a few portions without obstructing the way or taking up useful space. For around 23% of consumers, keeping the new appliance’s footprint small would be the main priority. |
| Replacing the fridge | Net capacity of the freezer compartment alone and the space needed for the new appliance. | I also need to replace my main fridge, so I’d rather check whether a fridge-freezer can meet both needs. Around 15% of consumers could prefer replacing their fridge over buying an extra appliance. |
Whatever your main priority, installing an appliance in an unheated room requires a separate check. Bosch states that climate class SN-T corresponds to an ambient temperature of 10 to 43 °C. This alone does not cover a cellar or garage that drops below 10 °C. Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the stated range for the model you’re considering.
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a chest freezer for its capacity without organising what’s inside
A chest freezer can hold a large stockpile, but portions buried beneath other products can be difficult to find and use in the right order.
Set up sections or use baskets, and date your portions. If you choose a different meal every day, consider upright freezers with compartments too.
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Assuming climate class SN-T is enough for a cold garage
According to Bosch, the SN-T range is 10 to 43 °C. This does not prove that an appliance is suitable for a room where the temperature falls below 10 °C.
Check the room temperature throughout the year and look for an explicitly stated minimum temperature that the model can handle.
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Confusing a fridge-freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
The Whirlpool WB70E973W product information listed a total capacity of 462 L, including 153 L for the freezer. Relying on the 462 L figure would overestimate the space available for frozen food.
Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment with that of a dedicated freezer, then consider whether you really need to replace your current fridge.
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Relying on freezing to make up for storing food too long
Anses points out that domestic freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying but does not destroy most microorganisms.
Freeze portions soon after preparing them, label them with the date and follow the appropriate defrosting instructions for each type of food. Do not refreeze food once it has thawed.
Brands to consider for your needs
Beko
The range includes upright, chest and compact freezers; some Freezer Guard models are designed for cold rooms.
- Beko states that the relevant Freezer Guard models can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- This limit does not apply to every Beko model. Check the specifications of the model you choose and the temperatures in your room.
Liebherr
Its chest, upright and compact formats give you options to consider, including for installation in an unheated room.
- Liebherr states that the relevant FrostProtect freezers can operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- Check that this feature is listed for the model you’re considering and that the room stays within its stated operating range.
Bosch
The brand offers upright freezers and fridge-freezers, with features that vary by model.
- Some Bosch models offer features such as NoFrost, VarioZone or BigBox to make maintenance and organisation easier.
- Bosch states that climate class SN-T covers 10 to 43 °C, so it is not enough to justify installing an appliance somewhere below 10 °C.
Whirlpool
Its chest and upright freezers, as well as fridge-freezers, let you compare separate storage with replacing your main appliance.
- Whirlpool generally presents chest freezers as a format for storing larger quantities and upright models as a vertical option that takes up less floor space.
- For a fridge-freezer, check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately from the total capacity.
Extra freezers on Joybuy
This selection includes upright freezers for organising portions, chest freezers for building up a stockpile, and a small upright model for modest extra storage. Compare their capacity with the food you usually store. If the appliance will be in an unheated room, always check the ambient temperature range for the specific model.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want to organise portions in an extra upright freezer.
The title lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, No-Frost, an alarm and a reversible door. Check the dimensions and ambient temperature range before choosing where to put it.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
Its chest format and stated capacity make it a good option for storing larger quantities, if you have room to open the lid upwards.
The title lists a capacity of 291 L, fridge and freezer modes, a five-level digital control and a removable basket. Check the ambient temperature range before installing it in a garage or another cold room.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
This compact capacity is best for modest extra storage rather than regularly storing large shops.
The title lists a capacity of 60 L, freestanding installation, a reversible door and adjustable temperature. Measure the space, including the required clearances, and check the ambient temperature range if the room is cold.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Worth considering for a medium-sized extra stockpile, as long as you plan how to reach food stored at the bottom.
The title lists a capacity of 140 L, a counterbalanced lid and adjustable temperature. Check whether a basket is included, then make sure there is enough clearance for the lid and check the appliance’s ambient temperature range.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
This 99 L chest freezer could suit a modest storage need. Compare its capacity with the size of your usual shops.
The title mentions an adjustable thermostat and a removable basket. Allow enough space around the freezer and check its ambient temperature range before installing it in a cold room.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a freezer in an unheated garage or cellar?
Yes, provided the ambient temperature range stated for the model covers the temperatures the room actually reaches. Bosch states that climate class SN-T corresponds to 10–43 °C; for a colder room, look for explicit confirmation that the model you’ve chosen is suitable. Liebherr and Beko state that the relevant FrostProtect and Freezer Guard models can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C, but this does not apply to their entire ranges.
Is a chest freezer better than an upright freezer for bulk shopping?
A chest freezer is worth considering if storage capacity is your priority and you have enough floor space. Whirlpool presents this format as a good choice for storing larger quantities. However, an upright freezer can be more convenient if you need to find different portions every day. Compare the net capacity and ease of access of the models you’re considering.
Do you need NoFrost to store prepared meals?
No. NoFrost mainly affects how you maintain models that include it. It doesn’t replace organising and dating portions, or following food storage and defrosting guidelines.
When should you freeze prepared meals?
Freeze them soon after preparation rather than waiting until they’re nearing the end of their storage life. Anses explains that domestic freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying but does not destroy most microorganisms. Once thawed, eat the food promptly and do not refreeze it.