For portions you access frequently, a drawer-style upright freezer makes sorting and access easier; for large quantities, a chest freezer prioritises capacity, at the cost of taking up more floor space. Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses, while a compact or under-counter model is mainly suitable as an additional freezer. Then check the net capacity, dimensions, kWh/year, storage time during a power cut and permitted temperature range for the exact model.
If you regularly store portioned meals, bags or frozen food, prioritise drawers, a suitable net capacity and easy access to each compartment rather than simply choosing the largest capacity. Que Choisir highlights the organisational difference between upright and chest freezers.
For bulk purchases, large packs or supplies accessed less often, a chest freezer may be suitable if you have additional space and are happy to organise its contents using baskets or containers.
A compact or under-counter freezer can complement a small kitchen or flat. However, make sure its capacity genuinely matches your stock and that its location meets the manufacturer’s operating requirements.
Start by estimating what you freeze and how often you access it, then measure the space before comparing the specifications of the exact model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and access | Compare the net capacity with the amount you actually freeze. Check the number of drawers, compartments or baskets, depending on the type of food you store. | I want to organise portions by category and find them without moving the entire stock. For large quantities, an open compartment can offer greater flexibility, provided you adopt an effective storage system. |
| Space required | Measure the width, depth and height, then add the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. Also check the door-opening direction and the space needed in front of the appliance. | My freezer needs to fit without obstructing movement around the room. An upright model makes use of vertical space, while a chest freezer needs a dedicated area of floor space. |
| Room temperature | Check the climate class or ambient temperature range for the exact model. Compare it with the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year. | If the appliance is going in a garage, cellar or unheated utility room, I need to check that the room conditions fall within the range specified by the manufacturer. |
| Continuous use and power cuts | Compare the energy class and kWh/year of appliances with similar capacities and formats. If you store a lot of food, also check the stated storage time during a power cut. | I want to assess long-term consumption and know how long my stock can remain frozen during a power cut. The French Ministry for the Economy states that the energy label gives details including the energy class and annual consumption. |
The ambient temperature range varies between models. An appliance designed to operate from 5 °C is not suitable for the same conditions as a model whose manufacturer states that it works down to -15 °C.
Estimate the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures, then check the climate class or operating range in the instructions for your chosen model.
A chest freezer is flexible for storing large quantities, but portions placed at the bottom are less accessible and the appliance takes up more floor space.
Use baskets, labelled boxes or separate areas for different types of food. If you take out portions every day, an upright freezer may be easier to organise.
The energy class alone is not enough to compare appliances with different capacities and formats. According to the French Ministry for the Economy, the label also shows annual consumption.
Compare the class, kWh/year, net capacity, noise level and storage time during a power cut between like-for-like models, then check the full model reference on the product page or in EPREL.
Electricity consumption is ongoing: kWh/year should be considered alongside usable capacity and appliance type.
A freezer is bulky, and collection of your old appliance needs to be arranged with delivery or collection of the new one.
Before confirming your order, check with the retailer how collection works, where the appliance will be collected from and what access conditions apply to your home.
A brand worth considering when comparing upright, chest and compact freezers, particularly if a compact format or use in a cold room is important.
An option to explore if you want an organised NoFrost upright freezer and access portions frequently.
An option to consider for chest freezers designed for substantial food supplies and extended storage during a power cut.
A brand worth considering for an under-counter freezer when fitting an appliance into a smaller space is the priority.
These Joybuy options include upright, chest and under-counter freezers for adding storage for prepared meals, frozen food or household supplies.
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An option for separating portions and frozen foods you access regularly.
161 L, three drawers, two shelves, No Frost protection, LED display, alarm and reversible door; stated temperature range from -14 °C to -22 °C.
Before installing it in an unheated room, check the ambient temperature range, external dimensions and kWh/year.
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This chest freezer is designed for bulk purchases and large packs that require plenty of capacity.
291 L, LED lighting, five-level digital control, removable basket, defrost drain and stated consumption of 226 kWh/year.
Allow for the specified 10 cm ventilation clearance and use containers to organise the compartment; check the ambient temperature range and storage time during a power cut for the intended location.
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A compact addition for a kitchen or flat where a little extra capacity is all you need.
60 L, 44,5 × 47,5 × 84,5 cm, two compartments with flaps, a bottom drawer, reversible door and adjustable feet.
The thermostat is located behind the bottom drawer. Also check the climate conditions, annual consumption and storage time during a power cut for your intended use.
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This format adds capacity for food supplies while remaining more compact than a large chest freezer.
140 L, 637 × 556 × 846 mm, storage basket, front drain, castors, adjustable feet and lid that stays open.
The basket is useful for smaller items, but you should plan how to organise the bottom of the compartment. Check ventilation clearances, kWh/year, storage time during a power cut and climate class before buying.
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An additional storage solution for households short on space but looking to increase their frozen-food capacity.
99 L, 54,5 × 47,6 × 83,5 cm, adjustable thermostat, removable metal basket, sliding lid and castors.
Defrosting is manual when the ice exceeds 5 mm, according to the description. Allow at least 10 cm of clearance and check the climate conditions, kWh/year and storage time during a power cut.
No. A chest freezer is well suited to large quantities and big packs thanks to its open compartment, but it takes up more floor space and needs to be organised into zones or baskets. For regularly taking out meal portions, an upright freezer with drawers is generally more convenient.
No. The climate class corresponds to the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. Compare the product details or instructions for the exact model with the temperatures actually recorded in the room: some models are stated to work down to -15 °C, while Beko gives 5 °C as the minimum operating temperature for the FSE1174N.
At a minimum, compare the energy class and annual consumption in kWh between appliances with comparable capacities and formats. The French Ministry for the Economy confirms that the label includes these details; check them against the product’s full model reference.
Yes, especially if you store large quantities of food or power cuts are a realistic risk. This figure states how long the food is declared to remain frozen during a power cut; it varies between models, with Whirlpool France stating up to 32 hours for the WHM251122.