If you’re only short of freezer space, compare an upright freezer, where drawers make frequently used portions easy to find, with a chest freezer for a top-access bulk store. If you’re also short of fridge space, a larger fridge freezer could save you from adding another appliance. However, check how much extra freezer capacity you’ll actually gain, how much room you have and the features of the model you choose.
How often you reach for frozen food matters just as much as how much you need to store.
If you regularly need to find portions, prepared meals and bags of food, compare upright freezers with drawers. If you’re also short of space for fresh food, measure the extra capacity a new fridge freezer would provide instead.
A chest freezer is worth considering for bulky packs or food you don’t need to access as often. Check its floor space, whether the lid can open freely and how its baskets will keep some items within easy reach.
If you’re thinking of using a garage, cellar or cold utility room, check the ambient temperature range allowed in the instructions for the exact model. Don’t assume it’s suitable based on its chest or upright design, or on the brand.
First, work out whether you’re short of space for frozen food alone, or for fresh food too. Then compare how easy the food is to access and any constraints of the space you have in mind.
Worth considering: if you want to find frequently used portions and bags of food easily in front-access compartments.
Things to consider: the appliance’s height, the clearance needed to open the door and the space available for larger packs.
Worth considering: if you want to stock up on groceries or store bulky items with top access.
Things to consider: you’ll need enough floor space and a way to organise the baskets, as items at the bottom are harder to reach.
Worth considering: if both your fridge and freezer are short of space, or if you’d rather not have two appliances.
Things to consider: you’ll need to replace your main appliance. Compare its freezer capacity with what you already have, not just its total capacity.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and access | Compare usable freezer capacity, then consider front or top access. Check the layout of the drawers or baskets and, if you freeze a lot of fresh food at once, the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | I want to find portions I use often easily, or have room to store bulk buys. The total capacity of a fridge freezer doesn’t tell me how much extra room I’ll have for frozen food. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, delivery access routes and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. In an unheated room, check the minimum ambient temperature and the installation instructions for the exact model. | The appliance needs to fit in the room, open without obstruction and work at the temperature of the intended location. |
| Electricity, noise and power cuts | Check the kWh/year on the energy label and the noise level in dB(A) for each model. Also compare the stated storage period during a power cut. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol simulates an outage and measures how long food stays below −9 °C. | I’ll consider that the appliance will run continuously, especially if it’s near a living area or will hold a large stock of food. |
| Maintenance and support | Check whether your chosen model has a NoFrost system and read its maintenance instructions. Look for the manual, support options and parts for the exact model number. | I’d like an appliance that’s easier to maintain, but I also want to know who to contact about this model if there’s a problem. |
A chest freezer can hold plenty of food, but items at the bottom may be harder to reach. Upright freezer compartments, on the other hand, may not suit every large pack.
Make a list of the food you’ll reach for often and the items you’ll keep in reserve, then check the model’s internal dimensions and stated layout.
The permitted ambient temperature range varies by model. A specification for one model doesn’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Before choosing a location, compare its possible temperature range with the operating range and installation instructions in the manual.
These figures are specific to the models being compared. Capacity and proximity to a living area may also affect which features matter most to you.
Note the dB(A), kWh/year and stated storage time for each appliance, then compare them with its capacity and intended use.
A freezer needs to fit through doors and corridors before it can be installed. Replacing a fridge freezer also means arranging for the old one to be taken away.
Measure the delivery route and ask the retailer what delivery, installation and collection options are available for your order.
The specifications below relate to specific models featured by their manufacturers, not every freezer from each brand.
Two models give you a chance to compare a chest freezer with an upright one.
An upright freezer to compare based on the space available and its stated noise level.
An example of a chest freezer to consider for storing frozen food.
A model to consider if you’re thinking of replacing your main fridge freezer.
These options include chest freezers for storing a stock of food, upright freezers for extra, easy-to-access space and a fridge freezer to compare if you’re also short of room for fresh food. Check their capacities and installation requirements against your current appliance and the space you have in mind.
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Worth considering for storing frozen food if top access suits the way you shop and cook. The product title lists a removable basket, LED lighting, five-level digital control and the option to switch between fridge and freezer modes. Measure the space needed to open the lid, and check the permitted ambient temperature in the manual if you plan to put the appliance in a cold room.
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Compare this model if you’d like to store portions separately in a front-opening appliance. The product title lists a reversible-hinge door, an alarm and a temperature setting range of −14 °C to −22 °C. This refers to the appliance’s temperature, not the ambient temperature it can operate in. Check the dimensions and door clearance before installation.
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Worth considering if you need extra space but not a large stock-up freezer, provided you can open the lid from above. The product title lists a removable basket, a seven-level thermostat and the option to switch between fridge and freezer modes. Think about how you’ll reach items beneath the basket, and check the ambient temperature range if you plan to put it in a cold location.
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Its stated capacity makes this a small extra freezer rather than a large store for bulk buys. The product title mentions a reversible door, but the information about the internal layout varies. Check the compartment arrangement if it’s important for how you plan to organise your food. Also measure the clearance needed to open the door.
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This option replaces your main fridge freezer rather than adding a second freezer, so it’s worth comparing if you’re also short of space for fresh food. The product title lists a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost technology and Wi-Fi. Before choosing, compare the freezer compartment’s capacity separately with that of your current appliance.
First, compare which compartments are short of space. If you only need more room for frozen food, look at a separate freezer. If you’re also short of space for fresh food, a larger fridge freezer could meet both needs. In that case, work out the extra capacity by comparing the freezer compartments of both appliances, not their total capacities.
Yes, if the ambient temperature range and installation conditions for the exact model are suitable for your garage. Check the manual: another model’s suitability, even from the same brand, isn’t enough to go on.
Check the dB(A) rating and stated storage time during a power cut for each model, then take its location and the amount of food you plan to store into account. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol simulates a power cut and measures how long food stays below −9 °C. Check the method used for the figures you’re comparing.
Look for the manual, warranty terms, support contact details and parts for the exact model. Beko, for example, offers support and spare parts services. Check what’s available for the model and retailer you’re considering.