If your fridge’s freezer compartment is no longer big enough, choose a chest freezer for bulk buys or bulky food if you have floor space, an upright freezer for easy access to everyday essentials, or a compact model for a little extra storage in a tight space. Before ordering, check the dimensions and opening clearance, then the permitted ambient temperature, power-cut storage time and connection instructions for the specific model.
If bulk buys, prepared meals or bulky food are overflowing from your current freezer, a chest freezer is worth considering. However, weigh its capacity against the floor space available and how easy it is to reach food stored at the bottom, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you want to organise bags and dishes, then find a portion without moving everything else, an upright freezer with drawers is worth considering. Check the layout of the model you choose, especially if you also store large containers.
A compact or under-counter appliance can add to your existing freezer compartment when you only need a modest amount of extra storage. Measure the space, the route to it and the clearance needed to open the door before choosing a size.
Choose one if: bulk buys or large containers are your priority and you have floor space available.
The trade-off: access from the top may mean moving food to reach items at the bottom.
Choose one if: you want to organise food in drawers and regularly take out portions.
The trade-off: the compartments may make it harder to store very large items; also allow room for the door to open.
Choose one if: you need a modest amount of extra storage in a space with limited height.
The trade-off: there’s less capacity for bulk buys.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the usable capacity in litres with the amount you usually store, and check that you can reach everything in the compartment if you’re considering a chest freezer. | If bulk buys or prepared meals are already filling your fridge’s freezer compartment, having more space matters more than being able to sort items easily; around 40% of consumers would prioritise capacity. |
| Organisation and access | Check the layout of the drawers or baskets and whether there’s enough room for the containers you use. | When preparing everyday meals, being able to find a portion quickly matters more than filling a large compartment; around 30% of consumers would make easy access their priority. |
| Size and clearance | Measure the access route and the space available, check how far the door or lid opens, and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. | If the only available space is under a worktop or in a narrow passage, the appliance must be able to fit and open there; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this constraint. |
| Installation conditions | Compare the room temperature with the range permitted for the model, check that there’s an accessible socket, and compare the stated storage time in hours. | In an unheated cellar or garage, being able to use the model at the room temperature is crucial; around 10% of consumers would put installation conditions and storage time at the top of their list. |
A large chest freezer can take up a lot of floor space, while an upright freezer needs enough height and room in front of the door. The capacity in litres won’t tell you its dimensions.
Measure the delivery route and the space where it will go, then check the opening clearance and any gaps required in the model’s manual.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model, not just its design. Beko and Whirlpool state that certain specific models can be used at temperatures as low as −15 °C; this doesn’t apply to their other appliances.
Compare the minimum and maximum temperatures in your room with the range specified for the model you’re considering.
Two freezers won’t necessarily meet the same storage needs. The energy label and model information also let you compare annual energy consumption, capacity and noise; storage time during a power cut is a separate consideration.
Compare these features across models with a capacity that meets your needs, rather than deciding on the rating alone.
A Bosch manual prohibits the use of multi-socket adaptors, extension leads and adaptors for the appliance it covers. If the socket is too far away, you may need to reconsider where you plan to put the freezer.
Find an accessible socket and follow the connection instructions in the manual for the freezer you choose.
A brand worth considering if you’re looking for an upright freezer and want to compare storage, capacity and power-cut storage time model by model.
A brand to consider if you want to compare chest freezers with different capacities and installation requirements.
A brand worth considering for upright or compact models, depending on the space available and the room temperature.
This selection includes compact upright freezers and chest freezers for extra storage. First, choose based on the capacity and access you need, then check that the model’s installation requirements are suitable for the space you have in mind.
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For a modest amount of extra storage when floor space is limited; be sure to check the available height and door clearance.
Reversible door, adjustable temperature and energy efficiency class E, according to the product title.
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For extra storage with access from the top; make sure there’s enough room to open the lid where you plan to put it.
Fridge and freezer modes, a seven-level thermostat, removable basket and energy efficiency class E, according to the product title. Check the ambient temperature range before installing it in a cold room.
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For organising food in an upright freezer rather than a chest; measure the space and door clearance before choosing this capacity.
Drawers, reversible door hinge, alarm and energy efficiency class C, according to the product title.
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For extra chest freezer storage if access from the top suits the way you organise food; check there’s enough room to open the lid.
Adjustable thermostat, removable basket, sliding lid and energy efficiency class E, according to the product title. If the cooling technology matters to you, check the details for this specific model.
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For storing more than the smaller chest freezers featured here; make sure you can reach the food at the bottom of the compartment.
Storage basket, counterbalanced lid, adjustable temperature and energy efficiency class E, according to the product title.
No. Whether it’s a chest or upright model, that alone doesn’t mean it’s suitable for a cold room. Compare the room temperature with the climate class or ambient temperature range stated for the specific model; Beko and Whirlpool say that only certain models can be used at temperatures as low as −15 °C.
Check the manual for the model you choose rather than assuming a multi-socket adaptor will be suitable. A Bosch manual prohibits multi-socket adaptors, extension leads and adaptors for the appliance it covers, so find an accessible socket before deciding where to put the freezer.
Compare the energy efficiency class, annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and noise levels across models that offer similar storage. The European Commission lists these features in the energy information for freezers; check power-cut storage time separately.
Wait until the appliance has reached the required temperature, as set out in its manual, before filling it. Whirlpool advises waiting 24 hours after delivery before plugging in the models covered by its guidance; follow the instructions for the model you’ve bought when setting it up.