Families who buy and store in bulk
You prepare portions in advance or buy in bulk, and your main priority is extra freezer capacity. A chest freezer is worth considering if you have enough floor space and can open the lid easily.
Who are these styles for?
Households that regularly take out meals
You take out portions regularly and prefer to keep them separate in drawers or compartments. As UFC-Que Choisir explains, this storage layout is one of the features that sets an upright freezer apart.
Households replacing their fridge as well
You want to combine refrigeration and freezing in a single appliance. The key figure is the capacity of the freezer compartment, which is different from the total capacity of the fridge freezer.
How do the options compare?
For family meals, first work out how much space you need for frozen food and how often you need to access it. Then check that your chosen style will fit where you plan to install it.
| What to consider | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for batch-cooked meals | Compare the freezer capacity in litres with the appliance’s external dimensions. Also allow space to open the door or lid. | If I freeze lots of portions at once, I want to store them without running out of space. Capacity would be the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Access to portions | Check the layout and usable size of the drawers, compartments or baskets. | When I take out frozen meals regularly, I want to find the right portion quickly. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise this organised access. |
| Two-in-one appliance | For a fridge freezer, check the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, then confirm the dimensions and installation requirements. | If I’m already replacing my fridge, I’d rather check whether one appliance can also hold my frozen meals. This would be the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a fridge freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
The two figures can be very different: Whirlpool lists 153 L for the freezer compartment in its WB70E973W, compared with 462 L for the whole appliance.
Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone with the amount of food you want to store.
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Planning to install a freezer in a garage without checking the permitted temperature
Whether an appliance is suitable for a cold room depends on the model. Liebherr states that some chest freezers fitted with FrostProtect can operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C; this does not apply to every freezer from the brand.
Check the permitted ambient temperature range and the model’s climate class before deciding where to put it.
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Assuming the power-cut storage time from the freezer style alone
Whirlpool lists 36 h for the W3RHS31DW2 chest freezer, but 11 h for the WHFF6403W4E upright freezer. These model-specific figures don’t mean you can rank all chest and upright freezers this way.
Compare the stated storage time for each model with its capacity and interior layout.
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Overlooking energy consumption figures
Two appliances that fit the same space and storage needs can have different annual energy consumption.
When comparing appliances, check the energy label, kWh/year and the model’s details in EPREL, the European Commission’s product database.
Brands to compare by model
Liebherr
A brand to consider for large-capacity chest freezers or certain NoFrost upright models.
- Liebherr offers chest freezers with capacities of 353 L and 497 L.
- Liebherr’s stated operating temperature of down to -15 °C applies to some models fitted with FrostProtect. Check the exact model if you plan to use it in a cold room.
Whirlpool
The brand’s range includes models to compare across chest, upright and fridge freezer styles.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 308 L for its W3RHS31DW2 chest freezer and 404 L for its WHFF6403W4E upright freezer.
- Their stated power-cut storage times differ: 36 h and 11 h respectively. Always compare this figure for each individual model.
Beko
The brand’s chest freezers are worth including when comparing options for storing bulk purchases.
- Beko presents this range as suitable for bulk shopping and meal planning.
- Check the capacity, dimensions, climate class and power-cut storage time of your chosen model.
Electrolux
A brand to consider if you’re looking at a built-in fridge freezer.
- Electrolux lists 62 L of freezer capacity out of a total 269 L for its ENA7CD19S.
- According to Electrolux, this model requires a 1894 × 560 × 550 mm niche. Check the measurements and installation instructions separately for any other model.
Models for all three options
These products show three ways to make more room for family meals: add a chest freezer, choose an upright model with drawers, or replace your fridge with a fridge freezer. Before deciding, compare freezer capacity and installation requirements.
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AUCMA convertible chest freezer, 291 L
Worth considering for storing batch-cooked meals if a chest freezer with a top-opening lid suits your space.
Listed capacity of 291 L, fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket and five-level digital temperature control. If they matter for your installation, check the permitted ambient temperature range and the power-cut storage time for this model.
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Heinrich’s No Frost upright freezer, 161 L, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want to keep portions separate in a dedicated freezer rather than stacking them in a chest.
The product title lists a capacity of 161 L, freezer drawers and No Frost. Measure the space and check the instructions for installation requirements and the permitted ambient temperature.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS four-door fridge freezer, 467 L
Worth comparing if you’re replacing your fridge too and want to avoid having a separate freezer.
The listed total capacity is 467 L, with four doors and Total No Frost. To see how much room there is for meals, check the freezer compartment’s capacity as well as the installation dimensions.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR chest freezer, 140 L
Worth considering if you want extra dedicated freezer space, 140 L is right for your portions and a top-opening lid suits your space.
The product is shown with a storage basket and counterbalanced lid. Allow enough room to lift the lid, and check the model’s permitted ambient temperature range for the room you have in mind.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG three-door fridge freezer, 360 L
Worth considering if replacing your fridge also needs to meet your freezer storage needs.
This three-door model has a listed total capacity of 360 L and Total No Frost. Check the freezer compartment capacity separately, then confirm the clearances and installation instructions before comparing it with a dedicated freezer.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying a freezer?
Measure the space and allow enough room to open the door or lid fully. Then check the appliance dimensions and the ventilation requirements in the instructions. For a built-in model, check the niche dimensions for that specific model.
Can you install a freezer in an unheated garage?
Yes, if the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the temperature in your garage. Check its climate class and instructions: Liebherr states that some chest freezers fitted with FrostProtect can operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C, but this does not apply to other models.
Does a chest freezer always keep food frozen for longer during a power cut?
No, the style alone doesn’t determine a model’s power-cut storage time. Compare the stated times for individual models. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses this by simulating a power cut and measuring how long food stays below -9 °C.
How do I compare the energy consumption of two freezers?
Check the annual consumption in kWh on their energy labels, taking their capacity and features into account too. The European Commission’s EPREL database lets you look up a model’s product details if it is listed there.