For lots of extra frozen food storage, consider a chest freezer if you have the floor space and can easily reach what’s inside. Choose an upright freezer with drawers if you open it often and want to organise your food. A table-top or under-counter model is better for a little extra capacity, while a large fridge freezer is worth considering if you also need more fridge space or are replacing your current fridge. Before choosing, check the room temperature and dimensions against the instructions, then compare the stated power-cut storage time and energy label.
Capacity isn’t the only thing to consider: the space available and how often you need to access your food matter too.
If you buy in bulk or prepare meals in advance, a chest freezer can give you plenty of storage space. However, make sure you have enough floor space, room to open the lid and a way to organise food stored at the bottom.
An upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to organise food by category. Check that the door can open fully and the drawers can be removed completely in your chosen spot.
A table-top or under-counter model can provide a little extra storage without taking up space like a large appliance. For an integrated under-counter model, check the required recess dimensions, installation and ventilation in the instructions.
Start by working out how much freezer space you need and where the appliance will actually go. You can then compare other features across models that fit the space.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and format | Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment, not the total capacity of a fridge freezer. Consider a chest, upright or compact model based on the quantity and size of the food you store. | Do I store large food shops, or just a few extra frozen items? If I’m also replacing my fridge, I’ll compare the capacity of its two compartments separately. |
| Space and access | Measure the appliance, the delivery route and the space needed to open the door or lid. For an upright freezer, check that the drawers can be removed; for an under-counter model, check the required recess and ventilation. | I want to be able to install the appliance and reach my food without moving things around it. If I open it often, drawers could make it easier to organise. |
| Room temperature | Check the lowest and highest temperatures the room might reach, then compare them with the climate class or temperature range specified for the exact model. ADEME recommends checking the advised ambient temperature for your chosen location. | My freezer will go in a cellar, utility room, garage or kitchen where the temperature can vary, so I need to check it’s suitable before buying. |
| Power cuts | Compare the stated storage times in the specifications for the exact models, using like-for-like figures. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol measures how long food takes to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power. | How long food stays frozen during a power cut matters to me. I won’t assume this from the capacity or whether it’s a chest or upright model. |
| Energy and maintenance | Check the energy rating and annual consumption on the label or product details, taking capacity into account. Also check whether it needs manual defrosting or has a No Frost function. | As the appliance will be running all the time, I want to check its stated energy use and find out what maintenance it needs. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) in the specifications of the models you’re considering, especially if the appliance will be near a living area. | The freezer will be close to an occupied room, so its noise level will be part of my decision. |
A large capacity won’t be much use if the lid is difficult to open or food at the bottom is hard to find.
Measure the space, delivery route and room needed to open the lid. Also plan how you’ll organise food inside the freezer.
An unheated room can reach temperatures outside the operating range specified for a particular model.
Compare the possible temperatures in the room with the climate class or temperature range given in the instructions for the exact appliance.
Beko’s French product page for the HSM22340 states 45 h in its overview but 37 h in its technical specifications. These figures don’t provide a clear basis for comparing it with another model.
Check the product information sheet or instructions for the model, and compare storage times calculated in the same way.
According to Bosch’s specifications, the KGN36VXCT fridge freezer has 103 l of freezer space, compared with 366 l for the GSN58AWEV upright freezer. So a large total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean a large freezer compartment.
If you only need more freezer space, compare the capacity of that compartment with a dedicated freezer before replacing your main appliance.
These models show some of the formats and features you can compare. Details for an individual appliance don’t necessarily apply to the whole brand.
Beko offers chest and upright freezers, including some models with Freezer Guard for use in low ambient temperatures.
Bosch’s specifications make it easy to compare a dedicated upright freezer with a fridge freezer when your main need is more frozen food storage.
The Liebherr SUFNc 375i Prime NoFrost is an example of an under-counter freezer to consider when space for an integrated appliance is a priority.
This Joybuy selection includes four chest freezers with different capacities and an upright freezer with drawers. Compare their format with your available space and how you organise frozen food. If you’re relying on the capacity of a convertible chest freezer for frozen food, make sure you use it in freezer mode.
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Consider this chest freezer if you want to add plenty of storage and have enough space for the lid to open. The product name lists fridge and freezer modes, an E energy rating, a 5-level digital control and a removable basket. Allow for the 10 cm clearance specified for this model, and check the instructions for its ambient temperature range and power-cut storage time.
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The drawer format suits those who want separate storage and regular access to frozen food. The product name lists No Frost, an alarm, a reversible door hinge and a C energy rating. Check the installation dimensions, ambient temperature range and power-cut storage time for this specific appliance.
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This chest freezer is worth considering if you want to compare smaller capacities with the AUCMA 291 L model while keeping top-access storage. The product name lists fridge and freezer modes, an E energy rating, a 5-level control and a removable basket. Allow for the 10 cm clearance specified for this model, and check its operating range and storage time in the instructions.
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This chest freezer could be a good option if you only need a little extra space and top access suits you. The product name lists fridge and freezer modes, an E energy rating, a 7-level thermostat and a removable basket. Check the 10 cm clearance specified for this model, the permitted room temperatures and its power-cut storage time.
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This 99 L chest freezer is better suited to adding a little extra space than storing large quantities. The product name lists an E energy rating, an adjustable thermostat and a removable basket. The description recommends manual defrosting when the frost is more than 5 mm thick. Also check the annual energy consumption, ambient temperature range and storage time for the exact model.
Yes, as long as the room’s possible temperatures stay within the operating range specified for your chosen model and the instructions allow it to be installed there. ADEME recommends checking the advised ambient temperature. For example, Beko states a minimum of −15 °C for its HSM22340, but this doesn’t apply to other freezers.
No. You can’t work out a model’s storage time from its capacity alone. Compare the figures in the technical specifications. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol measures how long food takes to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power.
No. This feature relates to frost and maintenance, but doesn’t tell you on its own about energy use or how long food will stay frozen during a power cut. Also compare freezer capacity, the energy label, annual consumption and installation requirements for the models you’re considering.