If your fridge’s freezer compartment is full, start by considering how much extra space you need and how often you’ll want to find specific foods. A chest freezer is ideal for storing larger quantities if you have enough floor space, while an upright model makes it easier to organise food by category. A table-top freezer is suited to more modest needs in a smaller space. A large fridge freezer is mainly worth considering if you need to replace your fridge as well. For each model, check its dimensions, climate class and annual energy consumption.
If you buy or prepare large quantities, compare the usable capacity and the stated storage time in the event of a power cut. A chest freezer or a large upright model could suit your needs, depending on the space available and how you plan to organise your food.
If you often open the freezer to grab a portion or a meal, an upright model’s drawers make it easier to organise food by category. Some models also have adjustable compartments for bulky items.
A table-top freezer can provide extra storage in a small kitchen. Just make sure it has enough capacity for your needs: this format may not be large enough to replace a bigger freezer.
Choosing between adding a freezer and replacing your fridge freezer depends first on which appliance is short of space. Once you’ve decided, compare how easy it is to access your food and how much room you really have.
Worth considering: if you need to store large quantities and have a suitable spot on the floor, with enough room to open the lid.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom can be harder to reach, so you’ll need to organise it carefully to find things easily.
Worth considering: if you access your food often and prefer to organise it in drawers.
Bear in mind: usable capacity and space for bulky items depend on the model’s layout.
Worth considering: when space is limited and you only need a modest amount of extra storage.
Bear in mind: its capacity may be too limited for storing large quantities.
Worth considering: if your current fridge is also short of space or needs replacing.
Bear in mind: you’ll be replacing your existing appliance rather than adding separate freezer storage. Only part of its total capacity is dedicated to the freezer.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and power-cut performance | Compare the net capacity in litres and the stated storage time in the event of a power cut for each model. | When I buy a large amount of food or batch-cook, I want enough room and also check how long the freezer is said to keep food frozen during a power cut. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this need for storage and power-cut performance. |
| Organisation and access | Check the drawers or baskets and the space available for bulky items. | If I often take out individual portions, I want to find them without rummaging through the other food. Easy, organised access would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance and the access route, and check the clearances specified in the manual. Make sure its climate class suits the location. | In a small kitchen or a restricted space, my first priority is finding an appliance I can install and open properly. This would be the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption | Check the kWh/year on the energy label and compare appliances with a capacity suited to your needs. | Before adding an appliance that will run continuously, I want to be able to assess its annual energy consumption. Around 14% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
An appliance may have the right capacity but still not fit through a doorway or leave enough room to open it. For example, Bosch’s GSN58VWEV upright freezer measures 1 910 × 700 × 780 mm, according to Bosch.
Measure the space, the route the appliance will take on delivery and the clearances specified in the manual for the model you’re considering.
The temperature in the room must be within the appliance’s specified operating conditions. Beko states that the FSE1174N has an SN-ST climate class and a minimum operating ambient temperature of 5 °C.
Compare the possible temperatures in your garage, cellar or conservatory with the climate class and the manual for the exact model.
Storage time during a power cut varies by model: Beko states 43 h for its HSM35050 chest freezer, while Bosch states 12 h for its GSN58VWEV upright freezer. These figures don’t apply to all chest and upright freezers.
If power cuts are a concern for your stored food, compare the stated storage times of the models you’re considering.
ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously. To choose an appliance that suits your needs, consider its energy rating alongside its annual energy consumption and the capacity you need.
Compare kWh/year figures for models with a suitable capacity, then check the noise level and installation requirements too.
Its chest and table-top models let you compare a horizontal freezer with an appliance designed for a smaller space.
Its upright freezers focus on front access and, depending on the model, storage solutions such as Big Box or Vario Zone.
Its upright freezers and large fridge freezers offer two different options: add extra storage or replace your fridge as well.
These appliances show several ways to add storage, from a compact upright model to a larger chest freezer. The four-door fridge freezer suits a different need: replacing your fridge as well.
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An option to consider if you’d prefer to organise food in an upright freezer rather than stack it in a chest freezer.
The product name lists a capacity of 161 L, drawers, No Frost protection, an alarm and a reversible door hinge. Check its dimensions, climate class and stated storage time before choosing where to put it.
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This compact model is suited to modest extra storage rather than storing large quantities.
The product name mentions three drawers, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the model’s dimensions and installation requirements for your chosen spot.
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This chest freezer could suit you if you prefer a horizontal layout but don’t need the capacity of a large appliance.
The product name lists a removable basket, an adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Make sure you have room to access it from above, and check the model’s storage time and climate class.
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This chest freezer is suited to storing larger quantities, provided you have enough floor space and room above the lid.
The product name lists switchable fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Check that the freezer mode suits your needs, as well as the dimensions and installation requirements.
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Consider this four-door fridge freezer if you also want to replace your fridge; it won’t give you a separate freezer.
The product name lists a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with your storage needs, then measure the space and delivery route.
No, the type of freezer alone doesn’t determine how long it will keep food frozen. Compare the stated figure for each model: Beko gives 43 h for its HSM35050 chest freezer, while Bosch states 12 h for its GSN58VWEV upright freezer. These examples don’t let us draw conclusions about all models.
Yes, as long as the temperature in the room is compatible with the climate class of your chosen model and you follow the installation instructions. Whirlpool says the climate class is shown on the rating plate and in the technical specifications. Also check the clearances required for the exact model.
Check their annual energy consumption in kWh/year on the energy label, bearing in mind the capacity you need. The A to G rating also helps you compare them. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, and that its energy consumption in use depends in particular on its size and how it is used.
Consider replacing it if your fridge is also too small or needs to be changed. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately: for example, Whirlpool states that the WHK26494X6E has 150 L of freezer space out of a total 490 L. That’s not the same as having 490 L of freezer storage.