Households that prepare large batches
If you cook in advance or buy food in bulk, usable capacity and space for larger dishes are especially important. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the storage capacity of chest freezers in particular.
Which types of household are these models for?
Households that often take out one portion
If you want to find boxes sorted by category or date, easy access to the compartments matters just as much as capacity. Beko describes upright freezers as appliances arranged with drawers and smaller compartments.
Households with limited space
In a small kitchen, an under-counter freezer or a fridge-freezer may meet more modest freezing needs. Compare the space it takes up with the capacity of its freezer compartment alone.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
Chest freezer
Consider it: for storing larger quantities, if you have enough floor space and can open the lid from above.
Bear in mind: smaller portions at the bottom of the chest are less easy to reach.
Upright freezer
Consider it: for sorting portions into drawers and taking them out regularly.
Bear in mind: the drawer size may limit storage space for larger dishes.
Under-counter freezer
Consider it: as an additional freezer when headroom is limited.
Bear in mind: its capacity is less suited to preparing large quantities.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it: if you want both functions in a single space.
Bear in mind: only part of the total capacity is available for freezing portions.
To choose between these types, start with your main constraint, then check the exact model: its freezer capacity, accessibility and installation instructions.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the freezer, not the total capacity of a fridge-freezer. If you freeze a lot of fresh food at once, check the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h too. | When I prepare several meals in advance, I want to store my portions without filling the appliance straight away; around 31 % of consumers would put this kind of storage capacity at the top of their needs. |
| Storage and access | Check the layout and dimensions of the drawers or baskets, as well as how the door or lid opens. | If I often take out just one box, I’d rather find it without moving the other food. Easy access to portions would be a priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Space needed | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the space needed to open the appliance, then compare these dimensions with its usable capacity. | In a kitchen where every bit of space counts, I’m looking for an appliance that leaves room to move around and open the door; saving space would come first for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Installation location | Compare the room temperature with the model’s climate class and follow the ventilation clearances in its instructions. | If I’m installing the appliance in a cellar, pantry or garage, I need to know whether it can operate at the temperatures in that room. This would be the top priority for around 19 % of consumers. |
What should you watch out for?
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Confusing a freezer compartment with a freezer
The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between a freezer compartment, intended for temporarily storing food that is already frozen, and a freezer, which can freeze food. This matters if you want to freeze prepared meals.
Look for a 4-star compartment and check the model’s stated freezing capacity.
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Assuming a freezer will work in any garage
An unheated or very warm room may fall outside the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. Climate class depends on the model, not simply its type.
Compare the room temperature with the instructions for the exact model, and allow for the recommended ventilation clearances.
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Mistaking a fridge-freezer’s total capacity for its freezer capacity
The fridge takes up part of the stated capacity. For example, Whirlpool’s product details for the WHK2 6493 X4E list 340 L for refrigeration and 150 L for freezing.
To work out how much space you need for your portions, compare the freezer compartment capacity alone.
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Choosing a chest freezer without planning how to reach smaller boxes
In a large chest, portions at the bottom can be harder to find than in an upright freezer with drawers.
Check that the baskets suit your boxes, and plan to sort them by category or date.
Brands to consider
Beko
Beko’s product details let you compare chest and upright freezers, including their capacity and operating conditions.
- Beko’s product details for the HSM14540 chest freezer state a capacity of 205 L, climate class SN-T and a minimum operating ambient temperature of −15 °C.
- These specifications apply to the HSM14540. Check the climate range for any other model intended for a cold room.
Bosch
Bosch’s range includes under-counter models to compare when headroom is limited.
- Bosch’s product details for the GTV15NWEB state a usable freezer capacity of 83 L and dimensions of 85 × 56 × 58 cm.
- Before choosing an under-counter model, check its dimensions, climate class and the clearances required in its instructions.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s range includes chest freezers, upright freezers and fridge-freezers. Compare them according to the space available and the freezer capacity you need.
- Whirlpool’s product details for the WHK2 6493 X4E fridge-freezer list 340 L for refrigeration and 150 L for freezing.
- For this model, as with any fridge-freezer, the total capacity does not reflect the space available for frozen portions.
Appliances available on Joybuy
These appliances offer three ways to store portions: a compact upright freezer, chest freezers and fridge-freezers. First, choose the type that suits your available space and how much you need to store.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
A vertical design to consider if you have limited space for storing portions.
The title states that the door is reversible. Check the exact storage layout before buying, as the information on drawers and shelves does not match. Also check the climate class and the clearances required for the intended location.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
Consider comparing this chest freezer if you want a separate appliance for your portions without opting for a large capacity.
The title states that it has a 4-star rating and a removable basket. Consider how easy it will be to reach boxes beneath the basket, and check the climate class for your room.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer, silver finish
Consider this fridge-freezer if refrigeration and freezing need to fit into a single space.
Its title lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, with a width of 54 cm and a 4-star compartment. Low Frost does not mean that defrosting is unnecessary; check the instructions and installation requirements.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L black fridge-freezer
This fridge-freezer gives you another option to compare if you want refrigeration and freezing in one appliance.
The title states that it has a reversible door and Low Frost technology. To see how much space is actually available for your portions, check the freezer compartment capacity separately from the 174 L stated for the whole appliance, as well as the installation requirements.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible fridge-freezer chest
Consider this chest freezer if you’re planning to store a large number of portions and have enough floor space.
The title states that it has a removable basket and can switch between fridge and freezer modes; it cannot do both at once. Before installation, check how much space is needed to open the lid and check the climate class, especially if the room is unheated.
Frequently asked questions
Is a freezer compartment enough to freeze prepared meals?
No, not if you want to freeze fresh food. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between a freezer compartment, intended for temporarily storing food that is already frozen, and a freezer. Look for a 4-star compartment to freeze your portions.
Can I install any freezer in a cellar or garage?
No: the appliance must be suitable for the room’s ambient temperatures. Compare the temperature changes throughout the year with the climate class and instructions for the exact model. Electrolux also recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance and keeping it away from heat sources.