To add plenty of freezer storage, consider a chest freezer if you have enough floor space and a suitable room. For everyday access to individual portions, an upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to keep things organised. A large-capacity fridge freezer is a better choice if you also need more fresh food storage without installing a separate appliance. In that case, check the capacity of the freezer compartment rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
If you store groceries, family-sized portions or large packs, usable capacity is especially important. If you plan to put the appliance in a pantry, cellar or garage, also check that its specified ambient temperature range is suitable for the room.
If you often look for particular bags or portions, drawers and vertical storage may matter more than a large open compartment. However, check that there is enough room for bulky packaging.
If you need to increase both fresh and frozen food storage without adding a separate freezer, consider a large-capacity fridge freezer. Its dimensions and freezer capacity should match your needs.
First decide whether you mainly need more freezer space, organised everyday access or a single appliance for both fresh and frozen food. Que Choisir highlights the large capacity of chest freezers compared with the more compact dimensions of upright models. You should still compare each model’s installation requirements and features.
Consider one if: you need to store large quantities or bulky packs and have enough floor space in a suitable room.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom of the compartment can take more organising to keep within easy reach.
Consider one if: you often take out individual portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: the drawers may not suit your largest packs.
Consider one if: you also need more space for fresh food and want to keep just one appliance.
Bear in mind: some of the total capacity is taken up by the fridge, so it won’t meet your need for extra freezer storage.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare usable freezer capacity in litres, then check the appliance dimensions against the space available. | If I’m storing family groceries or large packs, I prioritise the space actually available for frozen food. Around 37% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Access to food | Look at the drawers or baskets, and check there’s enough room to open the door or lid fully. | When I take out portions every day, I want to find them without having to move other food around. Around 27% of consumers prioritise easy access. |
| Space and room temperature | Measure the space and access routes, then compare the room’s usual temperature with the range specified for the model. | If the kitchen is cramped or the appliance needs to go in an unheated room, I need to be able to install it in suitable conditions. Around 27% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Everyday use | Compare the stated power-cut storage time in hours, noise level in dB and annual energy consumption in kWh across similar models. | If it’s near a living area, I pay attention to noise. I also want to know how long it is stated to keep food frozen during a power cut, as well as its energy consumption. Around 9% of consumers put these everyday considerations first. |
For a fridge freezer, total capacity includes the fridge compartment. So a large appliance may not offer as much freezer space as you need.
Compare usable freezer capacity and measure the width, depth and height of the model you’re considering.
The climate class indicates the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. A low-temperature operating feature, if specified, applies to particular models, not the entire category.
Check the room’s usual temperatures, then consult the model’s climate class and installation requirements in the manual.
The number of litres doesn’t tell you the noise level, annual energy consumption or stated storage time during a power cut.
Compare these figures for the specific models you’re considering, taking their style and capacity into account.
Anti-frost features have different names and specifications depending on the model. You shouldn’t assume that every appliance needs the same maintenance.
Check the type of cooling used by your chosen model and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
Beko offers upright and chest freezers, so you can compare vertical storage with an open-compartment design.
The upright freezer range includes models with features worth exploring for organised family storage.
Liebherr’s chest freezer range is worth exploring for horizontal storage. Pay close attention to each model’s installation and maintenance requirements.
Bosch offers large-capacity fridge freezers to consider if you want to keep your fresh and frozen food storage together.
This selection includes fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food together, an upright freezer for organising food in drawers, and chest freezers for extra freezer space. First compare how much freezer capacity your household needs with how much room you have for the appliance.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one four-door appliance. The model name specifies a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the freezer compartment capacity separately before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want a dedicated freezer with drawer storage. The product title specifies a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers and No Frost protection. Check its dimensions and installation requirements against the space you have in mind.
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Consider this if a three-door fridge freezer suits your fresh and frozen food storage needs. The stated 360 L is the total capacity, so compare the freezer compartment capacity with the amount of food you store. The product title also mentions Total No Frost and an energy rating of E.
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Consider this for extra chest freezer storage if you have enough room to open the lid. The product title mentions a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an energy rating of E. Plan how you’ll organise food stored at the bottom.
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Consider this as extra storage if 99 L is enough for your groceries, rather than if you’re looking for a very large capacity. The product title specifies a removable basket, a sliding lid and an energy rating of E. Check that the room meets the model’s installation requirements.
Choose a chest freezer if your priority is storing large quantities in a suitable room; an upright freezer if you often take out and organise individual portions; or a fridge freezer if you also need more fresh food storage without adding another appliance. In each case, compare usable freezer capacity and dimensions with your actual needs.
Only if the room’s temperature falls within the conditions specified for the model. Check its climate class and manual. If certain models are specified for low-temperature operation, that doesn’t mean every freezer is suitable.
Check the noise level in dB and annual energy consumption in kWh for each model, then compare appliances of a similar style and capacity. These figures are particularly important if your freezer will be near a living area.
Compare the stated storage time in hours on the specific model’s product details. Don’t assume it based on the appliance’s size or style. For example, Whirlpool states 11 h for its WHFF 6403 W4E upright freezer; this figure doesn’t apply to other models.