Adding a standalone freezer makes sense if the lack of space in your fridge freezer is a long-term problem and the room allows you to install and ventilate the appliance as specified for your chosen model. A chest freezer is suited to storing large quantities, but takes up more floor space and makes it less straightforward to reach food at the bottom. An upright freezer makes everyday organisation easier, while an under-counter model is better suited to limited extra storage. If you also need to replace your main appliance, compare the freezing capacity of a larger fridge freezer before planning for two appliances.
You have a utility room, cellar or another suitable space, and want to store more frozen food than your fridge freezer can hold. You’ll need to consider the freezer’s capacity alongside the space required to install and open it.
If you often take out portions or meals, drawers can make it easier to organise your food and find what you need. It’s worth comparing an upright freezer with a chest freezer, provided its capacity meets your storage needs.
An under-counter or compact appliance can add extra capacity in a small space. However, check its freezing capacity before choosing it to solve a long-term lack of space.
Consider it: for storing large quantities, particularly in a utility room or cellar that’s suitable for the appliance.
Bear in mind: it takes up a lot of floor space, and food at the bottom is less easy to reach.
Consider it: if you open your freezer often and want to separate food into drawers.
Bear in mind: there’s less open storage space for bulky items. Also check how much room you’ll need in front of the door.
Consider it: for extra storage when space is limited.
Bear in mind: its smaller capacity may not be enough for storing large quantities.
Consider it: if you also need to replace your fridge or would rather have just one appliance.
Bear in mind: compare its freezing capacity with your actual needs. A large total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough room for frozen food.
To compare these options, first check the freezing capacity you need and the space available. Then look at the installation and operating requirements for the specific model.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and dimensions | Compare the freezing capacity in litres with the appliance’s dimensions, the delivery route and the space needed to open it. | If you want to store large shops without blocking access through the room, the capacity needs to suit the space available. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this balance between storage and size. |
| Access to food | Check the drawers or baskets, the internal height and how easy it is to reach items at the bottom. | When I take frozen food out every day, I want to find the right portion quickly without moving everything else; around 27% of consumers would prioritise easy everyday access. |
| Suitability for the room | Compare the room temperature with the model’s climate class and follow the ventilation clearances specified in its instructions. | Whether it’s in a cellar, garage or fitted space, the appliance needs to work in the room’s actual conditions. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this suitability. |
| Power cuts and everyday use | Compare the stated power-cut storage time in hours, annual energy consumption in kWh, noise and defrosting method across models with a similar format and capacity. | If I want to be better prepared for a power cut while keeping an eye on energy use and maintenance, these features are important in my choice; around 20% of consumers would put them first. |
According to Que Choisir, chest freezers can hold up to 600 litres, but are typically 110 to 140 cm wide and 70 cm deep. You’ll also need enough room to open the lid.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance above the freezer, then check the clearances required in its instructions.
A model’s climate class indicates the ambient temperatures it’s designed for. Installing it outside that range can affect how it works. You can’t tell whether it’s suitable for an unheated room based on the brand alone.
Note the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year, then check the climate class and installation instructions for your chosen model.
The EU energy label also shows annual energy consumption, freezing capacity and noise levels. Que Choisir notes that appliances in the same class can have different energy consumption.
Compare annual kWh with the capacity and format of the models you’re considering. Also bear in mind how long food will stay frozen during a power cut and what maintenance is required.
An under-counter freezer can provide extra capacity, but its more limited volume may not solve a long-term storage shortage.
Work out how much extra capacity you need and compare it with the model’s freezing capacity. If you regularly store large quantities, also consider an upright or chest freezer.
These brands offer different configurations to compare. The features mentioned depend on the specific model and don’t apply across their entire ranges.
A brand to consider for large-capacity chest freezers or installation in an unheated room.
A brand to consider if drawer organisation and the features of an upright freezer are important to you.
A brand to consider for a compact chest freezer when available space matters more than having a very large capacity.
No. The room temperature needs to stay within the range specified for your chosen model. For example, Bosch gives a range of 10 to 32 °C for climate class SN and 10 to 43 °C for class SN-T. Check the class shown on the appliance and the room temperatures throughout the year. Liebherr markets some chest freezers for use in unheated rooms, but this doesn’t apply to all models.
Yes, but the required clearances depend on the model and how it’s installed. Follow its instructions rather than relying on measurements for another appliance. Electrolux says refrigeration appliances need ventilation, and integrated models require suitable openings.
It helps you compare how long it takes for the temperature to rise after the refrigeration system stops. EU regulations define this as the time taken for the temperature to rise from −18 °C to −9 °C under specified test conditions. Check the figure in hours for the specific model, and don’t assume it represents a storage time that applies in every situation.
Look at annual energy consumption in kWh, freezing capacity and noise levels, as well as the energy class. The European Commission lists this information on the label. Compare models with a format and capacity that meet your needs.