Households stocking up in bulk
If you buy in bulk, cook ahead or store bulky food, a chest freezer could be a good fit in a suitable room, provided you’re happy with less compartmentalised storage.
Who is an extra freezer for?
Anyone who wants to find food quickly
If you open your freezer often and like to sort food by category, an upright model with drawers can make everyday organisation easier. Look beyond the stated capacity when comparing models.
People with limited space
If you only need a little extra storage under a worktop or in a small kitchen, check the model’s dimensions, ventilation requirements and usable capacity together.
How do the different types compare?
Chest freezer
Worth considering: for storing large quantities, if you have a suitable room with enough floor space.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom of a large, less compartmentalised freezer can be harder to find.
Upright freezer
Worth considering: if you want to sort food into drawers and access it frequently, without needing the width of a chest freezer.
Bear in mind: make sure the drawers can accommodate the types of food you usually store.
Under-counter or table-top freezer
Worth considering: when you need a small amount of extra storage and have limited space.
Bear in mind: storage capacity is more limited. A niche is only suitable if the model’s installation and ventilation requirements allow it.
| Factor | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the stated capacity with the floor space available, then check access to the bottom of a chest freezer and whether it has baskets. | If I store large items, I want to significantly increase my storage without losing sight of how much space the appliance takes up; around 36% of consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Everyday organisation | Check the drawers or compartments, how they open and whether they can accommodate the types of food you usually store. | If I open the freezer often, I want to sort food so I can find it quickly; around 29% of consumers put organised access first. |
| Limited space | Measure the niche or available space and check the door fitting and required clearances. | With a small kitchen, I’m looking for extra storage that will genuinely fit in the space I have, even if capacity is limited; this is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Installation conditions and power cuts | Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the conditions in the manual, then check the stated storage time during a power cut for the models you’re considering. | If the room temperature varies significantly or I’m concerned about power cuts, I need to be able to choose an appliance suited to these conditions; around 14% of consumers prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing based on capacity alone
A spacious chest freezer takes up more floor space, while a large, less compartmentalised interior can make some foods harder to find.
Measure the space, think about the types of food you store and check the baskets, drawers and access to the bottom before comparing models.
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Installing a chest freezer without checking the room temperature
In a garage, cellar or utility room, the ambient temperature may fall outside the range allowed for your chosen model. A feature advertised for one model doesn’t necessarily apply to others.
Check the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures against the climate class or the conditions specified in the manual.
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Forgetting about ventilation and installation requirements
External dimensions alone won’t confirm that an appliance will fit and work in the intended location. Air circulation, the niche and the door fitting also matter.
Allow for the clearances specified by the manufacturer, and if you’re choosing a built-in model, check the niche and door-fixing system.
If the space isn’t suitable, you may need to move the appliance or modify the cabinet.
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Assuming capacity determines storage time during a power cut
A large freezer doesn’t necessarily keep food frozen for longer during a power cut. UFC-Que Choisir assesses this separately from capacity.
If power cuts are a factor in your decision, compare the stated or documented storage time for each model you’re considering.
Brands to consider by freezer type
Bosch
Worth considering for drawer-style upright freezers, whether freestanding or built-in, especially if you want to compare storage features.
- Bosch’s guide highlights the clearances needed to allow air to circulate around its upright freezers.
- According to Bosch’s documentation, the brand no longer sells chest freezers, so its upright models don’t cover both types in this comparison.
Liebherr
A brand to consider if you’re choosing between a chest freezer for extra storage and an under-counter model.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 248 l and FrostProtect to −15 °C for the CFd 2085 chest freezer; its SUFNc 375i under-counter model is listed at 80 l.
- These capacities and features apply to the specific models mentioned, so check the installation requirements for the one you’re interested in.
Whirlpool
Worth considering for a high-capacity upright freezer, with drawers, dimensions and storage time during a power cut to compare model by model.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 404 l, six drawers and a storage time of 11 h for the WHFF 6403 W4E.
- Whirlpool gives this model an E energy rating; its specifications don’t represent every upright freezer in the range.
An extra freezer to consider on Joybuy
This upright model offers extra storage with separate compartments. If you’re planning to store large quantities, compare the capacity and floor space required by a chest freezer before making your choice.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 l white upright freezer
If you need a little extra storage organised into compartments rather than space for large quantities, this model could be a good fit, provided the installation location meets the requirements in its manual.
Three drawers, reversible door, freestanding and E energy rating.
Before installing it under a worktop or in an unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperatures and ventilation clearances specified for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a chest freezer in a garage or cellar?
Yes, as long as the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures stay within the range permitted for your chosen model. Check this range in the manual: the FrostProtect feature rated to −15 °C that Liebherr lists for the CFd 2085 doesn’t automatically apply to other chest freezers.
Do I need to leave space around an upright freezer?
Yes, follow the clearance requirements in the appliance manual. Bosch recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and back of its upright freezers to allow air to circulate, but this guidance doesn’t replace the instructions for the model you buy.
Do all freezers keep food frozen for the same length of time during a power cut?
No. Storage time needs to be compared model by model, regardless of capacity. In its testing, UFC-Que Choisir measures, among other things, how long it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power. Check the stated storage time for the appliances you’re comparing.
Is the energy rating enough to help me choose a freezer?
No. On its own, it doesn’t tell you about storage, the space the appliance takes up or how long it will keep food frozen during a power cut. For a new model, check its energy label and product information, then compare these details with the dimensions and installation requirements you need.