Households that regularly take out portions
You cook in advance and want to keep meals separate, so you can find them without moving the rest of your food. An upright freezer with drawers or adaptable storage is well suited to frequent access.
Which type of household is each format suited to?
Households that stock up in larger quantities
You buy in bulk or store large batches, and have a suitably spacious spot for a freezer. A chest freezer is worth comparing, provided you check its baskets, the room needed to open the lid and its operating temperature range if the space is unheated.
Households replacing their fridge as well
You’d prefer to keep just one appliance. Compare your maximum meal stock with the space available in the fridge-freezer’s freezer compartment, rather than its total capacity.
How do the three options compare?
Upright freezer
Choose this if: you regularly take out portions and want to access different drawers without moving a pile of food.
Bear in mind: this format takes up vertical space. Consider its capacity alongside its depth and the space available.
Chest freezer
Choose this if: you mainly store large batches or bulky items and have a suitably spacious spot.
Bear in mind: access from above calls for a suitable system to help you find the portions you use regularly.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you’re already replacing your fridge and its freezer compartment can hold your meal stock.
Check: a large total capacity may leave much less room for frozen food. For example, LG France lists 93 L of freezer capacity out of the GB6388SSA’s 343 L total.
| Consideration | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Number of drawers or baskets, and options for adaptable storage. | If I regularly take out prepared meals, I want to find my portions without rummaging through the whole stock. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this kind of organised access. |
| Storage capacity | Usable capacity, external dimensions and the space needed to open the door or lid. | When buying in bulk, I want enough room for my batches without choosing an appliance that’s too big for my home. Storage capacity comes ahead of other considerations for around 33% of consumers. |
| One appliance | Capacity of the freezer compartment alone and the layout of its drawers. | If I’m replacing my fridge, I’d rather avoid a second appliance, provided my meals fit in the freezer section. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Going by a fridge-freezer’s total capacity
A significant proportion of that capacity may be taken up by chilled food. For the GB6388SSA, LG France lists 93 L of freezer capacity out of 343 L in total.
Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity separately with the maximum number of portions you’ll store, then check how the compartment is laid out.
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Planning to use a garage without checking the permitted temperature
Whether an appliance can operate in an unheated space depends on the model. Liebherr specifies FrostProtect down to −15 °C for some chest freezers, but not for all freezers.
Check the temperatures your space may reach against the stated operating range or feature of the appliance you’re considering.
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Assuming a larger capacity means easier storage
In a chest freezer, a large stock can be harder to search through if the portions you use often are stored beneath other batches.
Think about how much room your containers and bags will take up, then check the model’s baskets and dividers before you choose.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
An energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you how much space there’ll be for your meals or how easy it is to access your food.
For the appliances you’re considering, also compare usable capacity, dimensions, interior layout and stated storage time in the event of a power cut.
Brands to consider for different models
Liebherr
Worth looking at if you need a high-capacity chest freezer for an unheated space.
- Liebherr lists a 497 L capacity and FrostProtect down to −15 °C for its CFe 2500 chest freezer.
- This operating range applies only to models that explicitly specify it; it doesn’t cover every chest freezer from the brand.
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for an upright freezer with storage that can be adapted to different portion sizes.
- Bosch describes removable drawers and shelves under the name Vario Zone on the GSN58AWEV model.
- Check the drawers and features on the specific model you’re considering; these details don’t apply to every Bosch upright freezer.
Whirlpool
A brand to consider if you’re comparing upright freezers with drawer storage.
- Whirlpool states that the UW8F2DWHBIN2 model can keep food frozen for 24 h in the event of a power cut.
- Compare the stated storage time, capacity and dimensions of the model you choose; this figure doesn’t apply to other models.
LG
Worth considering for a dedicated upright freezer or a fridge-freezer if you’re looking to replace your fridge.
- LG France lists a 313 L capacity for the GF5237PZJZ1 upright freezer and 93 L of freezer capacity for the GB6388SSA fridge-freezer.
- These capacities relate to two different appliances. Always compare the compartment and model that meet your needs.
Appliances to compare on Joybuy
These appliances illustrate the three options covered here: an upright freezer for easy access to portions, a chest freezer for building up a stock, and a fridge-freezer if you’d prefer one appliance. Compare the freezer capacity and layout with the food you plan to store.
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Heinrich´s 161 L stainless steel upright freezer
Worth comparing if you want to keep portions separate in a dedicated freezer. The product title lists a 161 L capacity, three freezer drawers, No Frost and a reversible door.
Check the dimensions, permitted ambient temperature range and stated storage time in the event of a power cut for your chosen location.
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AUCMA 291 L convertible chest freezer
Consider it for storing large batches if access from above suits the way you organise your food. The title lists a 291 L capacity, a removable basket and a function that switches between refrigeration and freezing.
Check that the storage layout will make it easy to find your portions, and allow enough room to open the lid. Also check the model’s operating range.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 495 L black multi-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and would prefer one appliance. The stated 495 L capacity is the total volume, so compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with the amount of food you plan to store.
Also check the layout of the freezer section and the space needed for installation.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR 140 L chest freezer
Worth comparing if a 140 L chest freezer suits the size of your usual batches. The title mentions a storage basket and a counterbalanced lid.
Check that access from above and the interior layout suit how often you take out portions.
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CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L silver fridge-freezer
Worth a look if you want to replace your fridge without adding a separate freezer. The product title lists 74 L of freezer capacity and 153 L of fridge capacity, a width of 54 cm and Low Frost technology.
Compare the 74 L capacity with the maximum number of portions you’ll store, and check the height and depth needed for installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a large fridge-freezer replace a separate freezer?
Yes, if its freezer compartment can hold your maximum stock of portions and lets you organise them the way you want. Compare the capacity dedicated to freezing, not just the total capacity. For example, LG France lists 93 L of freezer capacity out of the GB6388SSA’s 343 L total.
Can you put a chest freezer in an unheated garage?
Yes, provided the model’s stated operating range covers the temperatures in your garage. For example, Liebherr specifies FrostProtect down to −15 °C for some of its chest freezers. Check this feature on the model you’re considering rather than assuming it’s available on every appliance.
Why compare storage time in the event of a power cut?
It helps you compare how well different models keep food cold during a power cut, as long as the figures are based on comparable conditions. UFC-Que Choisir simulates a power cut in its test procedure to measure how long food stays below −9 °C. Also check the conditions attached to the figures stated by manufacturers.
Does No Frost mean you never have to maintain the appliance?
No. No Frost relates to frost and defrosting; it doesn’t replace the instructions in the manual for installing and maintaining the appliance. Check the exact features of your model, then follow its instructions for use.