For getting a portion out every day
If you prepare several meals in advance, accessible drawers can help you keep portions separate and take out the one you need without moving everything else around.
Which type suits each use?
For building up a larger stock
If you store lots of prepared meals, frozen food or large containers, compare the freezer capacity with the floor space available. According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers offer particularly generous capacities.
For adding a little extra freezer space
If you don’t have room for a large appliance, check the capacity of a fridge freezer’s freezer compartment or the dimensions of an under-counter freezer. Also allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions.
What should you check?
First decide whether easy access to individual portions or bulk storage matters more, then rule out any types that won’t fit the space you have. With a fridge freezer, compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, rather than the total capacity of the appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacity with the number of portions you make and the size of your containers. For a fridge freezer, check the freezer capacity separately. | When I need to fit several prepared meals and frozen foods in at once, I first look for enough space for everything I want to store. Around 31% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Access to portions | Look at the layout of the drawers or baskets and check how much room you need to open the door or lid fully. | If I take out a portion almost every day, I want to find it without emptying the appliance. Easy access comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance, the route to its intended position and the required clearances. If the room is cold, check the permitted ambient temperature range. | When space is limited, I need to know that I can install and open the freezer properly before considering its capacity. Around 25% of consumers put space constraints first. |
| Food storage and continuous use | Check that it can maintain −18 °C, its annual energy consumption and, depending on your needs, whether it has a temperature alarm and information about what happens during a power cut. | If I store portions for a long time, I want to monitor the temperature and factor in an appliance that runs continuously. For around 19% of consumers, food storage and continuous use are the main priorities. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on capacity in litres
A spacious chest freezer may be less convenient if you need a portion every day. An upright model that’s easier to look through might, on the other hand, lack space for your stock. The total capacity of a fridge freezer is not the same as the capacity of its freezer compartment.
Work out how many containers you’ll store at once and how big they are, then compare freezer capacity and the interior layout.
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Planning to put it in a garage without checking the model
Permitted ambient temperatures vary between freezers. A feature advertised for a particular chest freezer won’t necessarily apply to other models.
Check the instructions and operating temperature range for the model you’re considering to make sure they’re suitable for the room.
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Comparing energy ratings without considering capacity
An energy rating alone doesn’t show how much two appliances of different sizes and with different uses will consume. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol, for example, measures freezer energy consumption at 25 °C and 32 °C.
Compare annual energy consumption between models of a similar type and capacity, then consider noise levels and the features that are useful for you.
As a freezer runs continuously, its electricity consumption is part of its running costs.
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Assuming freezing will make up for food that has been stored for too long
According to Anses, freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive.
Freeze portions as soon as you’ve prepared them rather than waiting until the end of their storage life, and maintain the cold chain.
Brands to know when comparing freezer types
Bosch
Bosch offers upright and under-counter freezers, worth considering if you want a dedicated appliance for organising portions.
- Bosch mentions preparing meals in advance as one reason you might choose a larger capacity.
- Check the capacity, layout and advertised features of the model you choose, as these vary between appliances.
Liebherr
Liebherr’s range includes chest freezers and fridge freezers, so you can compare both dedicated storage and a combined appliance.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 497 L for the CFe 2500 Pure chest freezer. The brand says this model can operate at an ambient temperature as low as −15 °C.
- These specifications apply to the CFe 2500 Pure. Check the instructions and dimensions of the model you’re planning to install.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool is one of the brands to consider if you’re looking at upright freezers and drawer access is important to you.
- In its test of the UW8F2DWHBIN model, UFC-Que Choisir found good temperature stability.
- The same test raised concerns about energy consumption, opening the door and handling the baskets. It covered a discontinued model, not the brand’s current appliances.
Freezers available on Joybuy
These two dedicated freezers show how different needs can call for different options: an upright model for sorting portions into drawers, and a small chest freezer for extra storage. Compare their capacity with your containers and check the installation requirements before choosing.
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Heinrich´s 161 L upright freezer (stainless steel)
Its drawer storage may suit you if you want to keep portions separate and take them out regularly.
The product title lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, two additional drawers, No Frost, an alarm, a temperature range of −14 °C to −22 °C and an energy rating of C.
Check the instructions to make sure the settings maintain −18 °C for food storage. Also check the dimensions, clearances and permitted ambient temperatures for the intended location.
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CHiQ JR99DWE 99 L chest freezer (white)
This chest freezer could add to your existing freezer space if you prefer open storage and can access its lid from above.
The title lists a capacity of 99 L, an adjustable thermostat, a removable basket and an energy rating of E. The product description states that it can maintain −18 °C or below and requires manual defrosting.
If you plan to keep it in a cellar or garage, check the ambient temperature range allowed in the instructions. Also compare annual energy consumption if it’s important to your decision.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should you store pre-prepared portions at in a freezer?
Aim for −18 °C for home freezing. Anses explains that this temperature stops bacteria multiplying but doesn’t eliminate most micro-organisms. Freeze portions as soon as you’ve prepared them and maintain the cold chain.
Is a chest freezer better than an upright model for storing lots of portions?
A chest freezer is worth considering if storage capacity and room for large containers are your priorities. An upright freezer with drawers, however, can make it easier to find a particular portion. Consider how much you need to store, how often you’ll access it and how much floor space you have.
What should you measure before installing a freezer?
Measure its height, width and depth, the route to its intended position, the space needed to open the door or lid and the clearances required in the instructions. If it’s going in a cellar or garage, also check that the model’s permitted ambient temperature range is suitable for the room.