Families who open the freezer frequently
If you regularly take out portions, vegetables or ready meals, consider an upright freezer with drawers. It makes it easier to find what you need without moving the rest of your food around.
Who are these formats for?
Households stocking up in bulk
If you buy in bulk or prepare food in large quantities, a chest freezer is worth considering, provided you have enough floor space and a room with a temperature suitable for your chosen model.
Households replacing their main appliance
If you don’t want to install a second appliance, compare fridge-freezers by checking the net capacity set aside for frozen food, rather than looking at the total capacity alone.
What sets these formats apart?
Upright freezer
Consider it if: you open your freezer frequently and want to organise food in drawers.
Bear in mind: the space in each compartment may limit how you store bulky items.
Chest freezer
Consider it if: you need plenty of storage for bulk shopping and have enough floor space for it.
Bear in mind: getting to food at the bottom takes more organisation.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it if: you’re already replacing your main fridge and would rather keep just one appliance.
Bear in mind: the advertised total capacity includes the fridge section too. Check how much space is actually available for frozen food.
To compare models of the same format, start with how much food you need to store, then check how easy it is to access, how much room the appliance needs and what conditions it can operate in.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the usable freezer capacity in litres with your usual shopping, then measure the space needed for the appliance. | I want to store bulk shopping or large batches of food without filling the freezer straight away. Around 33% of shoppers would prioritise this storage space. |
| Access to food | Check the drawers, baskets or compartments, and whether you’ll be able to use them easily once the appliance is in place. | When I take out portions every day, I want to find what I need quickly. Easy access and organisation would be the top priority for around 27% of shoppers. |
| Space required | Measure the space, check how far the door or lid opens and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. | I need more storage without exceeding the space available, possibly by replacing my main appliance. This would be the main consideration for around 20% of shoppers. |
| Power-cut storage time and maintenance | Compare the power-cut storage time in hours, the defrosting method and annual energy consumption in kWh. | I want to factor in power cuts and the time needed for maintenance, not just the size of the storage space. Around 20% of shoppers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing based on litres alone
A large capacity doesn’t guarantee easy access to your food or that the appliance will fit in the room you have in mind. Chest freezers, in particular, need floor space and room to open the lid.
Measure the space and delivery route. Also check that you can fully open the door or lid and use the drawers or baskets.
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Assuming any chest freezer will work in a cold garage
The permitted room temperature depends on the model, not just its shape. You may need to check the temperature carefully before installing a freezer in a cellar or garage.
Compare the room temperature with the climate class or operating range specified in the manual for the exact model.
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Looking at capacity without checking power-cut storage time
Two appliances with similar capacities can have different power-cut storage times and defrosting methods. These factors matter when you plan to keep food in the appliance every day.
Check the model information for power-cut storage time in hours and annual energy consumption in kWh. Also check whether it needs manual defrosting.
For appliances where frost can build up, UFC-Que Choisir says a layer thicker than 3 mm can increase energy consumption by 30%.
Brands to consider, model by model
Bosch
The GSN58AWEV is an example of a high-capacity upright freezer to consider if you want to organise a family-sized stock of food.
- Bosch lists a freezer capacity of 366 l, a 12-hour power-cut storage time and No Frost for this model.
- Its stated depth of 780 mm means you’ll need to check the available space. These specifications don’t apply to every Bosch upright freezer.
Liebherr
The brand offers upright and chest freezers to consider depending on how you want to organise your food and where you plan to install the appliance.
- Liebherr says its FNd 5026 Plus NoFrost upright freezer is designed to operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- This temperature range applies to the model mentioned. For a chest freezer or another upright model, check the permitted ambient temperature in its manual.
Whirlpool
The WHFF 6404 X5E is an example of an upright freezer to consider if capacity and internal storage are your priorities.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 404 l, six drawers, two door balconies and a 17-hour power-cut storage time for this model.
- Compare its dimensions and performance information with those of the other models you’re considering. These figures don’t describe the whole brand range.
Joybuy products for your needs
These products suit three different needs: adding an upright freezer, installing a supplementary chest freezer or replacing your main fridge with a fridge-freezer. Compare their advertised capacities with the amount of storage your household actually needs.
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Heinrich´s, 161 l upright freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want extra compartmentalised storage, rather than a very large freezer for a family-sized stock of food.
The product name lists a capacity of 161 l, No Frost, drawers and a reversible door. Check its dimensions and power-cut storage time before choosing where to put it.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 l chest freezer
Consider it for extra storage: a 99 l capacity won’t meet the same needs as a large chest freezer for bulk shopping.
The product name mentions a removable basket and sliding lid. Bear in mind that this model requires manual defrosting, and check its power-cut storage time.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 l chest freezer
Worth considering if you want extra storage in a chest freezer. Check that 140 l is enough for the amount you plan to store.
The product name lists a storage basket and a counterbalanced lid. Check the dimensions, defrosting method and power-cut storage time before you buy.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 l multi-door fridge-freezer
Consider it if you’re replacing your main appliance rather than adding a separate freezer.
The stated 495 l capacity is for the whole appliance, not just the freezer. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and layout, as well as its power-cut storage time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a chest freezer in a garage or cellar?
Yes, provided the room temperature stays within the operating range for your chosen model. Check its climate class or manual: being a chest freezer doesn’t automatically mean it’s suitable for a cold room.
What should I compare on a freezer’s energy label?
Compare the energy class and annual energy consumption in kWh across the models you’re considering. ADEME recommends using the energy label as a guide. Also consider the usable capacity, as storage space is part of your decision.
Does No Frost mean I won’t need to defrost the freezer manually?
A No Frost model is worth considering if you want to spend less time defrosting, but check the defrosting method specified for the exact appliance. If frost builds up in your model, plan to maintain it regularly in line with the manual.
What warranty applies to a freezer bought from a retailer in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual in France, including new appliances. The DGCCRF confirms that it is mandatory. Keep your receipt, product description and installation documents so you can provide clear details of any lack of conformity.