If you want to build up a large stock of prepared meals, consider a chest freezer if you have a suitable space; if you regularly take out organised portions, an upright freezer may be a better fit. An under-counter model is ideal when space is very limited, while a fridge-freezer saves you from adding a separate appliance – provided its freezer compartment is big enough for your needs. Whatever you choose, check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and permitted room temperature range for the model.
If you store meals in bulk, shop less often or freeze family-sized portions, first work out how many litres of freezer space you need and how much room your larger containers will take up. The capacity must also fit the space available.
If you regularly reach for a particular dish or ingredient, consider the drawers, compartments and how easy it is to access your food. According to Que Choisir, an upright freezer generally takes up less floor space than a chest freezer, which has a more open interior.
If you’re fitting a freezer under a worktop or choosing an appliance for a kitchen with room for just one, measure the space and check the door clearance before you buy. The manual sets out the ventilation clearances required. With a fridge-freezer, compare the freezer capacity in litres rather than the total volume.
Start with the factor that really limits your choice: how much you need to store, how easily you can reach your portions, the space available or the installation requirements.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare usable freezer capacity in litres with the overall dimensions. If you freeze large quantities at once, also check the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If prepared meals and shopping take up a lot of space, having enough capacity matters more than a compact design. Around 25% of consumers make capacity their top priority. |
| Access to portions | Check the size of the drawers or baskets and how easy it is to reach food at the back. | If you regularly take out a dish or ingredient, being able to find each portion without emptying the freezer is key. Around 31% of consumers prioritise organised access. |
| Available space | Measure the appliance, the route into the room, the door clearance and the required ventilation gaps. | In a small kitchen or under a worktop, the appliance needs to fit without obstructing the door or ventilation. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Installation location and power cuts | Check the permitted room temperature range and ventilation requirements. If it matters for your stock, compare the stated power-cut storage time. | If you’re installing the appliance in an unheated room or want to protect a large stock of food during a power cut, the model’s specific requirements become especially important. Around 19% of consumers prioritise this. |
Some of a fridge-freezer’s capacity is reserved for fresh food. The Whirlpool WB70E973W featured by Joybuy has a total capacity of 462 l, including 153 l for the freezer.
Compare the capacity available for frozen food, then check whether the compartments can fit your dishes and portions.
The permitted room temperature range and ventilation requirements vary by model. Beko says that some chest freezers with Freezer Guard can operate in temperatures as low as −15 °C; this does not apply to all its freezers.
Note the usual temperatures in the room and check them against the range stated for the model you’re considering, as well as its ventilation instructions.
Features vary from model to model. Bosch offers NoFrost on some ranges, but its GTV15NWEB under-counter freezer is not listed as NoFrost.
Before deciding whether the maintenance suits you, check the cooling system and defrosting instructions for the specific model.
A large freezer can be difficult to manoeuvre into place, especially if your old appliance needs to be taken away.
Measure the delivery route and check with the seller how delivery and removal of your old appliance are handled.
Worth considering for upright and under-counter models if the interior layout matters to you.
A brand to compare for chest freezers, especially if you’re planning to install yours in an unheated room.
A brand to consider if you’re choosing between a large chest freezer and an appliance that combines a fridge and freezer.
Worth considering for upright and table-top models if the size or frost management features will influence your choice.
This selection from Joybuy includes fridge-freezers for when you don’t want to add a separate freezer, as well as upright freezers and a chest freezer for dedicated storage. Compare their freezer capacity and footprint to find the right fit for your needs.
Image unavailableConsider this if you want to keep fresh food and frozen meals in one appliance. The 467 l refers to the total capacity of this 4-door model, which is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer capacity, dimensions and installation requirements separately.
Image unavailableWorth considering if you’re replacing one appliance rather than adding a freezer. The listing gives a total capacity of 360 l and describes a three-door model with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer compartment capacity and the space required for installation.
Image unavailableConsider this as extra storage rather than for large quantities of prepared meals. This 60 l model is listed with an E energy rating and a reversible door. Check the interior layout, as the information about its drawers and shelves varies.
Image unavailableConsider this if you prefer separate storage with top access. This 99 l chest freezer is listed with an E energy rating and has a removable basket. Allow for the manual defrosting mentioned in its description, and check its dimensions and the conditions in the room where you plan to install it.
Image unavailableWorth considering if you want separate storage in a tall, upright format. This 161 l model is listed with No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the exact interior layout, dimensions and installation requirements before making your choice.
No. Compare the usual temperatures in your garage with the permitted range for the exact model, and follow the ventilation instructions in its manual. Beko says that only some Freezer Guard appliances can operate in temperatures as low as −15 °C; this does not apply to all freezers.
No. The EU energy label uses a scale from A to G, as Your Europe explains. You should also check each appliance’s stated annual energy consumption and compare models with formats and capacities suited to the same needs.
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, according to the Ministry for the Economy. If your appliance develops a fault or does not match its description, contact the seller and explain the problem. This statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty.