Households that store food in bulk
If you prepare or buy lots of meals and frozen food, and have a spare room, start by comparing the available capacity, floor space required, stated power-cut storage time and the temperatures the room can reach.
Who is each type suited to?
Households that take food out every day
If you need to find portions, bags and meals quickly, look at access to the drawers and how well the compartments help you separate different foods. These factors may matter more to you than maximum capacity.
Households with limited space
If your current freezer is overflowing but you have no room for a large appliance, compare a compact or under-counter model with the freezer compartment of a potential new fridge-freezer. The latter is most suitable if you need to replace your fridge too.
What sets the different types apart?
Start by considering how much extra capacity you need and how often you’ll take food out, then check the space available. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between chest freezers, which are designed for larger capacities, and upright freezers, whose compartments make food easier to access. A compact model is suited to more modest extra storage needs.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the net capacity, dimensions and clearance needed to open the appliance; also check its stated power-cut storage time. | For storing bulk buys or large meals, I want plenty of space without blocking the way. Around 36% of consumers would make capacity their top priority. |
| Everyday access | Check the drawers, whether they can be opened fully in the intended location, and whether the compartments suit your containers. | When I take portions out regularly, being able to find each item without emptying the appliance matters most. Easy access would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Small footprint | Measure the space and check the door clearance, then compare the net capacity with the installation instructions. | If there’s little room in my kitchen for another appliance, I’m happy to have less storage space if it means I can fit it in. Around 21% of consumers would put footprint first. |
| Replacing the fridge-freezer | Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, annual energy consumption in kWh and the dimensions of the new fridge-freezer. | I also need to replace my fridge, so I’d rather check whether one new appliance can meet both needs. Replacing the fridge-freezer would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a chest freezer based on capacity alone
A large chest freezer needs floor space, with enough room to open the lid and reach the food. Its capacity won’t be much use if the appliance gets in the way.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the lid, then follow the clearances specified in the model’s instructions.
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Assuming any freezer will work in a cellar or garage
As Beko France explains, a climate class indicates the range of room temperatures an appliance is designed for. The chest or upright format alone won’t tell you whether a specific model is suitable for your room.
Find out the lowest and highest temperatures the room typically reaches, then compare them with the range specified for the exact model.
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Comparing only the letter on the energy label
A freezer runs continuously, the ADEME points out. The letter alone doesn’t give you enough information to compare the annual energy consumption of two appliances with different capacities and features.
Check the kWh/year figure and compare models whose capacity and intended use genuinely match your needs.
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Confusing the total fridge-freezer capacity with its freezer capacity
The total capacity includes the fridge section too. For example, Whirlpool France lists a total capacity of 394 L for the WHSP70T121, of which 99 L is for the freezer.
Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone with the extra amount you want to store, especially if your current fridge is still working.
Brands to consider for each type
The features mentioned below apply to the specific models or ranges listed, not to every appliance from each brand.
Bosch
Worth considering for an upright freezer if organisation and easy access to food are your priorities.
- Bosch Électroménager France lists the GSN58AWCV as having removable Vario Zone drawers and shelves.
- For any other model, check the net capacity, dimensions, climate class and stated power-cut storage time separately.
Liebherr
Worth considering among chest freezers if you have room to store bulky containers.
- Liebherr describes StopFrost on the CFd 2505 Plus as a feature designed to reduce frost build-up. This is the brand’s description of this model.
- If you take food out regularly, plan how to organise it so you can still reach anything stored at the bottom of the freezer.
Beko
Worth considering when comparing a chest freezer with a compact model to suit your storage needs and available space.
- Beko France states that its HSM35050 chest freezer has a capacity of 350 L and a power-cut storage time of 43 h. These figures apply to this model.
- For a compact model, check the net capacity and the installation and room-temperature requirements for your chosen appliance.
Whirlpool
Worth considering if you’re comparing a separate chest freezer with replacing your fridge-freezer.
- For the WHSP70T121 fridge-freezer, Whirlpool France lists a total capacity of 394 L, including 99 L for the freezer.
- A fridge-freezer’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much frozen food it can hold. Check the capacity split for each model.
Haier
Worth considering when comparing drawer-style upright freezers with chest freezers.
- Haier France’s catalogue lists upright freezers from 226 to 301 L and chest freezers from 196 to 696 L, depending on the model.
- These catalogue ranges don’t replace checking the capacity, climate class and dimensions of the model you choose.
Extra freezers on Joybuy
These models offer different capacities and ways to access your food. Compare chest freezers if storage capacity is your priority, and upright models if you want to keep foods separate or save space. If you’re thinking of replacing your fridge-freezer instead, compare the capacity of its freezer compartment separately.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you want extra chest freezer storage and have room to open the lid. The product title lists switchable fridge and freezer modes, an E energy rating, five-level digital controls and a removable basket. Check the climate class and stated power-cut storage time for the intended location.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
Worth considering for a small amount of extra storage if you want to organise food in drawers. The title lists three drawers, a reversible door, adjustable temperature settings and an E energy rating. Before considering an under-counter installation, check the dimensions, required clearances and the model’s room-temperature range.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer, stainless steel
Worth comparing if you take meals out regularly and prefer to store them in an upright appliance. The title mentions a No Frost function, LED display, alarm and C energy rating. Measure the space needed to open the door and access the storage compartments. Also check the climate class and stated power-cut storage time.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
Worth considering for some extra chest freezer space rather than storing large bulk buys. The title lists a removable basket, adjustable thermostat, sliding lid and E energy rating. Make sure there’s room to open the lid, and check the defrosting instructions, climate class and stated power-cut storage time.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Worth comparing if you’re looking for chest freezer storage with a basket to keep some food separate. The title lists a counterbalanced lid, adjustable temperature settings, adjustable feet and an E energy rating. Check the space needed to open the lid, as well as the climate class and stated power-cut storage time for your room.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a freezer in a garage, cellar or utility room?
Yes, provided the room temperature stays within the range specified for the exact model. Check its climate class in the product details and instructions; don’t assume it’s suitable just because it’s a chest or upright freezer.
Chest or upright freezer: which should I choose if I also store prepared meals?
A chest freezer is worth considering if capacity and space for large containers are your priorities. An upright freezer is better suited to keeping portions separate and easy to find. In either case, compare the net capacity and how easy it is to reach the food with the space you have available.
How do I compare the energy consumption of two freezers?
Compare the annual consumption figures shown in kWh for appliances with similar capacities and uses, as well as their energy labels. The letter alone isn’t enough to help you choose between a small extra freezer and a large chest freezer.
What should I check about the warranty and after-sales service?
Find out who the retailer is, keep your receipt and check the support terms for the model you choose. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity through the retailer. Any commercial warranty is separate and has its own terms and conditions.