For a household that buys in bulk, start by choosing a format based on the space you have, how much food you need to store and how you want to access it. A chest freezer is well suited to large quantities, provided there’s room to open the lid and the room is suitable; an upright makes it easier to organise food in drawers, while an under-counter model is better as a handy extra. A large fridge-freezer may be enough if you’re replacing your fridge too and its freezer compartment meets your needs.
If you buy in bulk or prepare meals in advance, consider how much usable space there is for your containers, not just the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between the open space in a chest freezer and the drawer storage in an upright.
If space is tight, check that the door can open fully and that you can remove the drawers and reach the food. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking access before you buy.
For a utility room, cellar or garage, compare the room’s actual temperatures with the ambient temperature range stated for the specific model. A feature advertised for some appliances designed for cold rooms does not apply to every freezer.
For family food stocks, start with a format that makes it easy to store and find your food, then check the installation requirements and the specific model’s features. UFC-Que Choisir outlines the storage differences between chest and upright freezers; the label introduced by the European Commission can help you compare capacity, energy use and noise levels.
Consider it: for large quantities or bulky food, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom takes longer to find, and you’ll need enough space to open the lid fully.
Consider it: if you access frozen food often and prefer to organise it in drawers.
Bear in mind: drawers can limit the space available for some large dishes; also check there’s room to open the door.
Consider it: as an extra freezer when your kitchen can’t accommodate a full-height appliance.
Bear in mind: this format isn’t designed for the same level of bulk storage; compare its usable capacity with your usual shopping needs.
Consider it: if you also need to replace your fridge and can fit your food stocks in the freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s total capacity isn’t the same as its freezer capacity; compare the volume of the freezer compartment separately.
| Feature | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable storage | Compare the freezer capacity and the layout of the drawers or baskets with your shopping needs and larger containers. | If you freeze family meals or bulk buys, you need to be able to store them without losing access to the rest of your food stocks; around 36% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Space and access | Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. | In a narrow kitchen, an appliance that’s easy to use every day matters more than its stated capacity alone; around 29% of consumers would prioritise this consideration. |
| Room temperature | Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the ambient temperature range stated for the model. | If you’re storing food in an unheated cellar, garage or utility room, first check that the appliance is suitable for the space; around 21% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Energy use, noise and power cuts | Compare kWh/year and dB, then check the stated storage time during a power cut separately. | If the appliance is near a living area or you’re concerned about keeping food frozen during a power cut, these features become key; around 14% of consumers would put them first. |
A large dish might not fit in a drawer, even if the total capacity looks sufficient. Conversely, an open chest needs to be organised so you can find food at the bottom.
Make a list of the containers you usually use and check the layout of the drawers, baskets and accessible areas.
According to Beko, the climate class indicates the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for; claims made for a particular range don’t apply to every model.
Check the room temperature at different times of year and make sure it falls within the range stated in the documentation for your chosen model.
Energy use and keeping food cold during a power cut are two separate considerations. UFC-Que Choisir also tests storage time during a power cut separately.
Compare kWh/year for appliances with similar formats and capacities, then check the noise level and power-cut storage time for the specific model separately.
An appliance may fit in the room but still prevent you from opening its door fully, removing a drawer or reaching the food.
Check the dimensions with the door or lid open, the clearance specified in the manual and the route to the intended position.
Worth considering if you’re installing the appliance in a room where the temperature varies. Check the ambient temperature range for the specific model.
Worth considering for bulk storage in a chest freezer, especially if your chosen location requires an appliance rated for use in a cold room.
Worth considering if you’re looking for an upright where food organisation and access to the drawers matter as much as capacity.
Start with the food and containers you want to freeze after your shopping trip. Then check whether they fit in the drawers or baskets, or how you’ll find them in a chest freezer; the stated capacity doesn’t tell you how easy the food is to access.
Yes, as long as the room temperature stays within the ambient temperature range stated for your chosen model. If the room gets very cold, look for a model specifically rated for that temperature rather than assuming it’s suitable based on its format or brand.
Compare the model’s annual energy use in kWh, freezer capacity and noise emissions. The European Commission says this information appears on the labels for fridges and freezers; also check the power-cut storage time separately.
Check the storage time stated for the specific model; don’t try to work it out from the energy rating. UFC-Que Choisir measures this separately in its freezer tests.
Follow your model’s manual for defrosting and cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir recommends removing the frost when it reaches 3 mm and not scraping it with a knife, which could damage the appliance.