People who prepare meals in advance
If you often take out individual portions, drawers or separate compartments can make it easier to find tubs and bags without shifting your whole stock. Check that the layout works for the containers you use.
Who is an extra freezer for?
Households that like to stock up
For bulk buys or lots of portions, match the usable capacity to the size of your containers. Baskets in a chest freezer can keep smaller items separate, but you’ll also need to allow for its floor space.
People with a small kitchen or an alcove
If your available space dictates the style, measure the access route, door opening and installation space before choosing a capacity. For a built-in appliance, the housing must match the requirements for that specific model.
What sets the different styles apart?
Upright freezer
Worth considering: if you often access your meals and want to organise them in drawers in a relatively tall, narrow space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room to open the door and remove the drawers, and larger containers must fit in the compartments.
Chest freezer
Worth considering: if you store bulky items and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: it’s harder to reach items at the bottom, although baskets can help you organise smaller products.
Compact or under-counter freezer
Worth considering: if you need extra storage for a small kitchen or a limited space.
Bear in mind: the capacity may limit how much you can buy at once. A built-in model must fit its housing exactly and be installed according to the instructions.
Once you’ve settled on a style, compare your storage needs with the space you have and the model’s features, rather than choosing on the basis of the stated capacity alone.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and access | Drawer or basket layout; space needed to open and remove compartments. | If I regularly take out prepared portions, I want to find each container without moving the rest of my stock. Around 37% of consumers would prioritise easy everyday access. |
| Storage capacity | Usable capacity in litres; container dimensions and available floor space. | For bulk buys, I want to fit several bags or large containers without cramming the food in. Capacity would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Suitability for the space | Dimensions, door opening and ventilation requirements in the instructions; the model’s ambient temperature range. | In a small kitchen, an alcove or an unheated room, I need an appliance that suits both the space and its temperatures. Around 18% of consumers would put this suitability first. |
| Ongoing use and power cuts | Energy consumption in kWh/year, noise in dB(A) and stated storage time during a power cut. | If I keep a large stock of food, I want to factor in electricity use and understand what the stated storage time means. These aspects would come first for around 18% of consumers. |
What should you watch out for before installation?
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Choosing a chest freezer without allowing for the lid to open
A large capacity is little use if the appliance won’t fit through the access route or its lid can’t open once it’s in place. Que Choisir highlights that chest freezers take up more floor space.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check how much clearance is needed above the model you’ve chosen.
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Assuming every model will work in a cold garage
The climate class sets the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. Beko says some models can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every freezer.
Compare the temperatures in the room with the range given on the product page and in the instructions for the exact model.
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Comparing capacity alone
Two appliances with a similar usable capacity may have different installation requirements, annual energy consumption and stated storage times during a power cut.
Compare kWh/year, noise levels and storage times for models suited to your space. Also check that they have the features you actually need.
Electricity use continues all year round, so it’s worth considering alongside storage capacity.
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Leaving collection of your old appliance until delivery day
In France, the DGCCRF reminds retailers of the obligation to take back an equivalent old appliance free of charge when you buy a new one.
If you’re replacing a freezer, ask how and when the old appliance will be collected before placing your order, especially if access to your home is limited.
Brands to consider, model by model
These ranges give you examples of features to compare. Always check the details of the model you’re considering.
Beko
The chest freezer range includes models designed for different installation locations.
- Beko says some Freezer Guard models, including the HSM27050, can operate at a minimum ambient temperature of −15 °C.
- This temperature range doesn’t apply to the whole range. Check the exact model, along with its capacity and stated storage time during a power cut.
Whirlpool
The range includes freestanding chest freezers for keeping meals and frozen food in reserve.
- Whirlpool’s product information for the WHCF 204 4 states a capacity of 204 L and a storage time of 26 h during a power cut.
- These figures apply to the WHCF 204 4, not to every chest freezer from the brand. Check the baskets and dimensions, too.
Electrolux
The range includes built-in freezers and models with frost-management technology.
- Electrolux lists the built-in LUB3AE88S at 98 L, with a housing height of 880 mm.
- For a different housing, check the installation diagram and ventilation instructions for the model you choose.
Bosch
The range includes freestanding and built-in upright freezers with different storage layouts.
- Bosch features transparent drawers for organising food. The GSN54EWCV is listed with a usable capacity of 328 L.
- The capacity and layout of the GSN54EWCV aren’t representative of every Bosch upright freezer. Check the drawers and door clearance for the model you choose.
Extra freezers available on Joybuy
This selection includes a compact upright freezer for storing portions, as well as chest freezers with different capacities for stocking up. Compare their size with your available space and the capacity you need.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
For extra storage when you want to keep portions separate.
The product title lists three drawers, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the required clearances before considering installation under a worktop, and check the recommended ambient temperature range.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
For storing bulk buys if you have enough room on the floor and above the lid.
This model is described as having fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket, LED lighting, a five-level digital control and an E energy rating. If you plan to keep it in an unheated room, check its ambient temperature range.
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AUCMA, 95 L convertible chest freezer
For extra storage if a 95 L chest freezer is the right size for the food you want to keep.
The product title lists fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket, a seven-level thermostat and an E energy rating. Allow room to open the lid and check the ambient temperature range before installing it in a garage.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
For compact extra storage when you want to keep a few smaller items separate in a basket.
The product title lists a 99 L capacity, a removable basket, a sliding lid and an E energy rating. The model description calls for 10 cm of ventilation clearance and manual defrosting when the frost layer exceeds 5 mm, so bear this in mind when choosing where to put it.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
For a mid-sized stock of frozen food, if your space can accommodate a chest freezer.
The product title lists a 140 L capacity, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. Measure the clearance needed to open the lid and check the recommended ambient temperature range for the room where you plan to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a freezer in a cold garage?
Yes, as long as the model’s recommended ambient temperature range covers the temperatures in your garage. The climate class defines this range under European regulations. Beko lists a minimum temperature of −15 °C for some models only. Check the product information and instructions for the freezer you’re considering.
What should you measure before ordering an under-counter model or a chest freezer?
Measure the installation space, delivery route and clearance needed to open the appliance. For a built-in model, follow the installation diagram and ventilation instructions in its own manual. For example, Electrolux specifies an 880 mm housing for the LUB3AE88S; this measurement won’t necessarily suit other models.
What does the stated storage time during a power cut mean?
It’s a stated duration based on specific test conditions, which you should check before comparing models. In its simulated power-cut test, Que Choisir measures how long food stays below −9 °C. Don’t assume the stated duration is guaranteed in every situation.
Can your old freezer be collected when you buy a new one in France?
Yes. The DGCCRF reminds retailers that they must take back an equivalent used appliance free of charge when you buy a new one. Ask about the practical arrangements before placing your order, especially if the freezer needs to be collected from your home.