Households that buy in bulk
You want to store large packs and build up reserves. If you choose a chest freezer, check that you can reach food at the bottom, that you have enough floor space and that the room’s temperature is suitable.
Who is this choice for?
Households that often dip into their reserves
You regularly take out different items and want to find them easily. The drawer layout and the size of the packs they can hold matter just as much as the stated capacity.
Households without space for a large chest freezer
You need to choose between a small separate freezer and the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer. Measure the available space and compare the freezer compartment’s capacity alone with your needs.
What should you compare when storing a big food shop?
Chest freezer
Consider one if: you buy in bulk, store large packs and have enough floor space, as well as room to open the lid.
Bear in mind: access to items at the bottom and defrosting. If you’re keeping it in a cellar or utility room, check the temperature range allowed for the specific model.
Upright freezer
Consider one if: you often take out different portions and want to keep them separate in drawers.
Bear in mind: large packs need to fit in the drawers, and the door must be able to open in the space you have.
Under-counter freezer
Consider one if: you already have a fridge and a smaller additional appliance is enough for your usual reserves.
Bear in mind: its capacity is lower than that of the larger chest and upright models featured here. Don’t assume a freestanding model can be built under a worktop.
Fridge-freezer
Consider one if: you also need to replace your fridge and the freezer compartment is large enough for your maximum reserves.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s total capacity is not the same as the space available for frozen food. Compare the compartments separately.
| Criteria | What to check before you buy | Who cares most about it |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | The capacity of the freezer compartment alone and the space you can actually use with your usual food packs. | If I’m building up reserves from bulk buys, I check that the packs will fit in the appliance. Around 31% of consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Access and organisation | The layout of the drawers or baskets and how easily you can reach items stored at the bottom. | If I often take out different portions, I want to find them without moving all the other food. Around 25% of consumers prioritise access and organisation. |
| Location | The appliance’s dimensions and the access route, whether the lid or door can open, ventilation and the ambient temperature range. | If the available space or the temperature in my utility room limits my options, I check these conditions before ordering. Around 19% of consumers prioritise how well the appliance fits in the room. |
| Stated storage time in the event of a power cut | The time stated for the model and whether it has a temperature alarm. | To keep my reserves safe in the event of a power cut, I compare the stated storage time for specific models. Around 13% of consumers prioritise cold retention. |
| Energy consumption | kWh/year and frozen capacity, comparing appliances on a like-for-like basis. | If I want to compare the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously, I check the kWh/year for a suitable capacity. Around 12% of consumers prioritise energy consumption. |
Mistakes to avoid before choosing
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Confusing a fridge-freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
The Bosch KGN39VLCT has a stated capacity of 260 l for refrigeration and 103 l for freezing: only the second figure is the space available for frozen food.
Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with the size of your maximum stock.
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Assuming any chest freezer is suitable for a cold cellar
The permitted ambient temperature range depends on the model, and you also need enough room to open the lid. For the Beko HSM27050 and Liebherr CFd 2085 Plus, manufacturers state that they can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C; this feature is not available on all chest freezers.
Measure the route to the location, the installation space and the room temperature, then check these against the documentation for your chosen model.
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Assuming reduced frost means no defrosting
LowFrost and systems described as reducing frost do not necessarily mean that defrosting is automatic. The Electrolux LUB3AE88S, for example, is listed as requiring manual defrosting.
Check the defrosting method stated for the exact model, regardless of the technology’s marketing name.
If it needs manual defrosting, allow time for this maintenance.
Brands and models to consider
Beko
The HSM27050 chest freezer is worth considering if you want to build up reserves, particularly if the appliance will be used in a cool room.
- Beko states that the HSM27050 has a capacity of 284 l, a minimum operating ambient temperature of −15 °C and a storage time of 41 h in the event of a power cut.
- Beko describes MinFrost as reducing frost, not eliminating the need to defrost. The manual says not to obstruct air circulation; also check the maximum permitted temperature and required clearances.
Bosch
The GSN36VWEP and KGN39VLCT models are examples of an upright freezer with drawers and a fridge-freezer respectively.
- Bosch states that the GSN36VWEP freezer has a capacity of 242 l, No Frost and a storage time of 9 h in the event of a power cut.
- The KGN39VLCT’s freezer compartment has a stated capacity of 103 l, out of a total capacity of 363 l. These two models suit different needs and are not representative of the entire brand.
Liebherr
The CFd 2085 Plus chest freezer and Fd 1404 Pure freestanding under-counter freezer are examples of different capacities and formats.
- Liebherr states that the CFd 2085 Plus has a capacity of 248 l and FrostProtect down to −15 °C, compared with 107 l for the Fd 1404 Pure.
- SmartFrost and StopFrost are described as technologies that reduce frost, not as eliminating all maintenance. Check the manual for the version you choose.
Electrolux
The LUB3AE88S is worth considering if you’re looking for a freezer to fit into a suitably sized niche.
- Electrolux’s product specifications state that the LUB3AE88S has a capacity of 98 l and requires an 880 mm installation niche.
- This is a built-in model, not a freestanding under-counter freezer. It is also listed with LowFrost and manual defrosting. Its capacity suits different needs from those of a large chest freezer.
Joybuy products for these needs
This selection includes separate freezers and fridge-freezers, so you can compare dedicated storage with an all-in-one appliance.
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Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 l
Worth considering if you’re looking for one appliance for both chilled and frozen food and want to check its ambient temperature range.
Stated total capacity: 444 l. SN-T climate class: 10 to 43 °C. Total No Frost.
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AUCMA, 291 l convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a chest freezer that can switch between fridge and freezer modes to organise your reserves.
Stated capacity: 291 l. Stated annual energy consumption: 226 kWh. Removable basket and 5-level digital control. Stated dimensions: 1100 × 597 × 872 mm; at least 10 cm of ventilation clearance required.
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Samsung RF48A401EB4, class E
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want a freezer compartment organised into several sections.
Stated total capacity: 488 l, including 159 l for the freezer. It has 4 shelves and 2 drawers. Stated dimensions: 83,3 × 179,3 × 74 cm; freestanding.
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Heinrich’s, 161 l upright freezer
Worth considering if you’d rather spread your food across several drawers than store it in a chest freezer.
Stated capacity: 161 l. No Frost, 3 freezer drawers, 2 drawers and an alarm. Stated temperature range: −14 °C to −22 °C.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 l chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate chest freezer with a basket to help organise some of the contents.
Stated capacity: 140 l. Storage basket, counterbalanced lid and temperature control. Stated dimensions: 637 × 556 × 846 mm; wheels mentioned in the description.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fridge’s freezer compartment enough for freezing food from a big shop?
Not necessarily: it depends on the compartment’s specifications. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between storing food that is already frozen and freezing food, and states that a four-star compartment can freeze food. Check the star rating and your appliance’s manual.
How should you set up and maintain a freezer?
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends setting it to −18 °C. Follow the model’s manual for ventilation, cleaning and defrosting too: LowFrost or SmartFrost does not necessarily mean that defrosting is automatic.
What warranty applies after buying from a business in France?
According to the DGCCRF, the legal guarantee of conformity applies through the seller to covered faults for two years from the date the goods are delivered. A commercial guarantee may be offered in addition, but it does not replace the legal guarantee. Check delivery and installation terms separately.
What can you compare using a freezer’s energy label?
For appliances covered by EU rules, the label shows information including the A–G class, energy consumption in kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise level. Compare the frozen capacity of a separate appliance with the freezer compartment alone in a fridge-freezer, not its total capacity.
What should you do with your old freezer when replacing it?
The documentation from the Ministry responsible for ecology describes a ‘1 for 1’ take-back scheme for an old household appliance of the same type when you buy a new one. Ask the seller about collection and delivery arrangements before placing your order.