If you store a lot of food and have enough floor space, it’s worth comparing chest freezers. If you often take out individual portions, an upright freezer with drawers makes organising food easier. An under-counter model is better suited to occasional extra storage, while a fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too. In every case, check the usable freezer capacity, the minimum and maximum room temperatures, installation clearances, stated power-cut storage time and the specific model’s kWh/year figure.
If you keep bulky provisions and can set aside floor space for a chest freezer, also think about how easily you can reach food at the bottom and whether the room temperature is suitable. Que Choisir points out that ease of use matters just as much as capacity.
If you often take out frozen meals or ingredients, easy-to-navigate compartments may be more practical than one large open space. Que Choisir highlights the importance of ease of use when choosing a freezer.
If you need compact extra storage or are also replacing your fridge, measure the space and distinguish the total capacity from the space set aside for freezing.
Worth considering: if you store bulky provisions and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: access to food at the bottom, the space needed to open the lid and whether the room temperature is suitable for the model you choose.
Worth considering: if you often take out portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: check that the drawers fit your containers and compare the stated power-cut storage time for the specific model. Bosch states 9 h for the GSN36VWEP.
Worth considering: if space is tight and you need extra storage rather than a large freezer.
Bear in mind: capacity is more limited: the Bosch GTV15NWEB has 83 l of usable capacity and measures 850 × 560 × 580 mm.
Worth considering: if you’re also replacing your fridge and the freezer compartment meets your needs.
Bear in mind: compare the freezer capacity, not just the total capacity. The Bosch KGN39VLEB has an 89 l freezer compartment.
| Feature | What to check before buying | Who should pay attention to it |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | The usable capacity and dimensions of the freezer compartment, rather than the total capacity alone. | If I want to store lots of provisions, I compare the space actually available for frozen food; around 26% of consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Access and organisation | The number of drawers and how easy they are to use, the size of your containers and access to food at the bottom. | If I often take out meals or ingredients, I want to find them without having to reorganise the whole freezer; around 21% of consumers prioritise access and organisation. |
| Installation location | Dimensions, door or lid clearance, the clearances specified in the manual, and the minimum and maximum permitted temperatures for the model. | If the appliance is going in a cellar, utility room or garage, I check that the room is suitable for the model; around 21% of consumers put installation suitability first. |
| Energy consumption | Energy rating, kWh/year and the freezer capacity shown on the UK energy label or the model’s product information. | As a freezer runs constantly, I compare its annual energy consumption with the capacity I need; around 16% of consumers make electricity use their priority. |
| Storage time during a power cut | The number of hours stated for the model and food safety guidance in case food starts to defrost. | If I’m concerned about power cuts, I check the stated storage time for the specific model rather than assuming it from the freezer type; around 16% of consumers prioritise this feature. |
To compare energy consumption, the European Commission recommends checking the energy label, which shows the energy rating, kWh/year and compartment capacities, among other details. A climate class alone isn’t enough to tell you whether an appliance is suitable for a cold room: check the permitted room temperatures and clearances in the manual for the exact model.
The stated capacity includes both the fridge and freezer compartments. The Bosch KGN39VLEB has 279 l of fridge space and 89 l of freezer space.
Compare the capacity available for frozen food with the amount of storage you need.
If the freezer compartment is too small for your provisions, you may need to add a separate freezer.
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you the minimum room temperature at which the appliance can operate.
Check the room temperature and confirm that it falls within the permitted range. Also follow the installation guidance for the specific model.
Technology that reduces frost doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance is frost-free or never needs manual defrosting.
Check the defrosting method stated for the model you’re considering rather than relying on the name of a technology alone.
If the model needs manual defrosting, allow time for the job.
Bosch and Beko list different power-cut storage times for different models: Bosch states 9 h for the GSN36VWEP, while Beko states 41 h for the HSM27050. These figures don’t apply to all upright or chest freezers.
Compare the stated hours for each model and follow Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs guidance if food has defrosted.
Beko’s chest and upright models let you compare bulk storage with everyday access.
The Bosch models mentioned cover a dedicated upright freezer, an under-counter model and a fridge freezer.
The models mentioned let you compare a high-capacity chest freezer with a compact drawer model.
These models cover chest-freezer storage and fridge freezers with a separate freezer compartment. For a fridge freezer, compare the freezer capacity with the amount of storage you need.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want to store frozen food in drawers.
125 l freezer compartment with three drawers. Total No Frost, energy rating E, 271 kWh/year and a stated power-cut storage time of 11 h.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want a separate freezer compartment with sections and drawers.
149 l freezer compartment. Total No Frost, energy rating E, 295 kWh/year and a stated power-cut storage time of 10 h.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want separate access to the fridge and freezer compartments.
Stated freezer capacity of 168 l. No Frost and energy rating E.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a dedicated chest freezer for bulk storage and want to choose between fridge and freezer modes.
Stated capacity of 291 l, removable basket, energy rating E and 226 kWh/year. Allow at least 10 cm of ventilation clearance and use an earthed power supply.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want a separate freezer compartment.
Stated freezer capacity of 192 l. No Frost and energy rating E.
Only if you’ve checked the permitted operating temperature for the model. Compare the temperature range in its manual with the actual room temperatures, and check the required clearances. For example, Bosch gives a range of +10 to +32 °C for climate class SN, while Beko says the HSM27050 can operate at ambient temperatures down to −15 °C. These specifications apply only to the models concerned.
To freeze food, check that the appliance has a four-star freezer compartment. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs distinguishes this from an ice box, which is designed for temporarily storing food that is already frozen, and recommends setting the freezer to −18 °C. Don’t refreeze food once it has thawed.
Compare the kWh/year figures and look separately at the capacity available for freezing. The European energy label shows the energy rating, annual consumption and compartment capacities; its QR code links to information in EPREL.
For goods sold by a trader to a consumer, the statutory guarantee of conformity is separate from any commercial warranty; the DGCCRF states that it lasts for two years. When you buy a new appliance, the retailer must also offer to take back your old one under the ‘one-for-one’ scheme, according to information from the ministries responsible for the ecological transition.