Households that often take out individual portions
If you cook several meals in advance, drawers and a clear view of the contents make it easier to find a dish without moving everything else.
Who are these formats for?
Households that store large quantities
For bulk buys or large packs, the space available in the room and how the freezer compartment is organised matter just as much as the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir, a French consumer group, highlights the large capacity of chest freezers in particular.
Households short on space
In a small kitchen or outbuilding, check the dimensions, opening clearance, ventilation and climate class before choosing a capacity.
Which features matter for the way you use it?
Upright freezer
Worth considering: if you regularly take out individual portions and want to separate different types of food in drawers.
The trade-off: check that the drawers are spacious enough for your larger dishes.
Chest freezer
Worth considering: for storing plenty of food or bulky packs, if you have enough floor space.
The trade-off: top access means you’ll need to organise the food and leave enough clearance to open the lid.
Compact or under-counter freezer
Worth considering: for a few extra portions when headroom or floor space is limited.
The trade-off: check the usable capacity before relying on this format for bulk buys.
Large fridge freezer
Worth considering: if you’re replacing your main appliance and want fresh and frozen food stored in one place.
The trade-off: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is dedicated to the freezer compartment.
For meal prep and bulk buying, start with your main priority, then check the model’s specifications against the space where you plan to put it.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | How drawers or baskets are arranged and handled, and how easy it is to reach food at the bottom. | If I often take out a prepared meal, I want to find it without emptying the freezer. Easy, organised access would be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Storage capacity | Net freezer capacity in litres and space for your largest containers. | To store bulk buys, I need room for large quantities while still being able to find the oldest items; around 33% of consumers would make this capacity their priority. |
| Space and installation | Dimensions, opening clearance, required ventilation and a climate class suited to the room. | In a cramped kitchen or outbuilding, I first need to be able to install and open the appliance in suitable conditions. This would be the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Energy consumption in kWh/year for a similar capacity, stated power-cut storage time and maintenance requirements. | If the appliance runs all the time, I want to keep its energy use under control and understand its maintenance and power-cut storage requirements; around 20% of consumers would put these points first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a freezer on capacity alone
The stated capacity in litres doesn’t tell you whether your containers will fit in the drawers or whether you’ll be able to reach the bottom of a chest freezer easily.
Measure your usual containers, then look at the drawers, baskets and storage options in the model you’re considering.
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Assuming any freezer will work in an outbuilding
The climate class specifies a range of ambient temperatures. A cellar, garage or conservatory may fall outside the range a particular model is designed for.
Compare the room’s seasonal temperatures with the appliance’s stated climate class. Some Beko models are specified for use in unheated rooms, but this doesn’t apply to every freezer.
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Comparing only the energy rating letter
Two appliances with different capacities may not meet the same needs. ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition, points out that a freezer runs continuously, so its annual energy consumption matters when choosing a model.
Compare the kWh/year shown on the label for models with similar capacities and uses, taking into account the freezer capacity you need.
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Overlooking access and power-cut storage time before delivery
An appliance may fit in the room but still leave too little space for its door, lid or airflow. The stated storage time in the event of a power cut also varies by model.
Measure the delivery route and opening space, follow the manual’s ventilation guidance, and compare the stated storage times for the models you’re considering.
Brands to consider for the format you’re looking for
Bosch
One option to consider when comparing freestanding upright freezers with several storage zones.
- For the GSN58AWCV, Bosch states a freezer capacity of 366 l and a power-cut storage time of 13 h.
- Check the climate class, dimensions and installation instructions for the model you choose: the GSN58AWCV’s specifications don’t represent the entire range.
Beko
One option to consider when comparing chest freezers in different sizes and some models designed for rooms with little or no heating.
- Beko states a capacity of 98 l, a climate class of SN-ST and a power-cut storage time of 13,5 h for its CF100EWN chest freezer.
- The brand states that some Freezer Guard chest freezers can operate down to -15 °C; check this feature on the product page for the model you’re considering.
Electrolux
One option to consider when looking at built-in freezers and LowFrost or No Frost features, depending on the model.
- Electrolux highlights transparent drawers on models that have them, making it easier to see what’s inside.
- For a built-in appliance, follow the instructions for the exact model, especially the ventilation guidance.
Freezers and fridge freezers on Joybuy
These models include chest freezers for storing supplies, an upright freezer for separating portions, and a fridge freezer to consider if you’re also replacing your main appliance. Start by choosing the right format, then check the installation requirements for the model you’ve selected.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering for storing bulk buys if you have room to open a chest freezer from the top.
The title specifies fridge or freezer mode, an E energy rating, a removable basket, LED lighting, a five-level control and a defrost drain.
Check the climate class, power-cut storage time and installation clearances in the product details and manual.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, stainless steel
The drawers may suit you if you want to separate prepared portions and find them easily when you need them.
The title mentions No Frost, a C energy rating, a reversible-hinge door and a temperature setting range of -14 °C to -22 °C.
Before choosing this model, check its dimensions, climate class, annual energy consumption, power-cut storage time and ventilation instructions.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
This chest freezer is an option for extra storage if 99 L is enough for your portions and smaller batches.
The title specifies a four-star freezer rating, an E energy rating, a removable basket and an adjustable thermostat. Allow for manual defrosting as instructed in the product information.
Check the overall dimensions, opening clearance, climate class, annual energy consumption and power-cut storage time before buying.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing your main appliance rather than adding a separate freezer.
The title states a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. The total capacity isn’t the same as the freezer compartment capacity, so check how the space is divided before deciding.
Also check that the climate class is suitable and that your kitchen meets the ventilation requirements.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Worth considering for extra storage if a 140 L chest freezer suits your containers and the space available.
The title mentions a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid, adjustable temperature control and an E energy rating.
Check the clearance needed to open the lid, as well as the climate class, annual energy consumption, power-cut storage time and required ventilation.
Frequently asked questions
Which climate class should I choose for a garage or cellar?
Choose a model whose operating range covers the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures. As a guide to climate classes, Bosch gives SN as 10 to 32 °C, N as 16 to 32 °C, ST as 18 to 38 °C and T as 18 to 43 °C; always check the details for the appliance you choose. Beko states that some Freezer Guard chest freezers can operate down to -15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to all its models.
How much space should I leave around a freezer?
Follow the ventilation diagram and clearance requirements in the manual for the exact model. Electrolux says that air must be able to circulate around the appliance; also measure the space needed to open the door or lid fully.
What should I compare on the energy label?
Compare the energy rating and kWh/year, then consider the energy use in relation to the capacity and how you plan to use the appliance. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so annual energy consumption is a useful factor when comparing two models that suit your storage needs.
Does a No Frost freezer need no maintenance at all?
No. Electrolux says No Frost reduces frost build-up on the models that have this feature, but the drawers, seals and interior still need to be maintained as instructed in the manual. If your chest freezer needs defrosting, follow the appliance-specific instructions before cleaning it.