Households that buy in bulk and have a spare room
If you want to store bulk buys or large portions in a pantry or garage, consider the freezer capacity, the floor space it will take up and the room temperature range the model can handle.
Who are these styles suited to?
Households that want to find frozen food quickly
If you open your freezer often and sort food into categories, look at the drawers, shelves or baskets. A large capacity on paper doesn’t necessarily mean everything will be easy to reach.
Small kitchens that need a little extra storage
If there’s no room for a large appliance, compare all three dimensions, usable capacity and the space needed to open the door or lid. Also consider noise levels if the freezer will be near a living area.
How do the different styles compare?
Choose the style before comparing individual models: a separate freezer adds storage space, while a fridge freezer splits its capacity between fresh and frozen food.
Chest freezer
Consider it: if you buy in bulk and have enough floor space and clearance above the lid.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom takes more organising to reach; check which baskets are included with the model you choose.
Upright freezer
Consider it: if you often reach for frozen food and want to organise it in drawers or on shelves.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough height for the appliance and space in front to open the door.
Under-counter freezer
Consider it: if you only need a little extra storage and have space beneath a worktop.
Bear in mind: check the usable capacity before ruling out a larger style; Bosch, for example, lists 83 l for its GTV15NWEB.
Large-capacity fridge freezer
Consider it: if you’re already replacing your main fridge and also need more room for fresh food.
Bear in mind: the total capacity includes the fridge compartment; compare the litres allocated to freezing separately.
| Criterion | What to check | Who should consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Where it will go | Dimensions and opening clearance; the room temperature range the model can handle. | If I’m planning to put it in a garage or small kitchen, the appliance needs to fit, open properly and work within the expected temperature range. Around 36% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Storage and access | Usable capacity, compartment layout and included baskets. | If I often need to find small portions among bulk buys, I want to reach the food without emptying the compartment. Around 29% of consumers would make easy access their priority. |
| Electricity use | kWh/year shown on the energy label, considered alongside freezer capacity and noise levels. | If I’m adding an appliance that will run continuously, I want to compare its energy use with models offering similar storage. Around 21% of consumers would put this criterion first. |
| Storage time during a power cut | The number of hours stated for each model and the conditions under which it was measured. | If power cuts are a real concern where I live, I want to know the model’s storage time rather than guess based on its style. Around 14% of consumers would put this need first. |
What to avoid before you buy
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Choosing a garage freezer based on its style alone
Both chest and upright freezers need to be suitable for the room temperature where they’ll be installed. Whirlpool says the climate class is one of the specifications to check.
Compare the temperatures the room may reach throughout the year with the range stated for the exact model.
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Comparing only the energy label rating
Two appliances with different capacities may not meet the same storage needs. The energy label also shows annual energy use and other useful details for comparing models, as the European Commission points out.
Compare kWh/year with freezer capacity in litres, and look at models suited to similar storage needs.
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Confusing a fridge freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
Part of a fridge freezer’s capacity is reserved for fresh food. So a large total capacity doesn’t mean you’ll have just as much room for frozen food.
Check the capacity of the freezer compartment alone before deciding whether a fridge freezer will provide the extra storage you need.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your statutory rights
In France, a commercial guarantee is optional and separate from statutory guarantees, according to the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control. Its terms do not replace the rights that apply if goods do not conform to the contract.
Before taking out an extended warranty, read its duration, exclusions and the extra cover it offers beyond your statutory rights.
Brands to consider, model by model
These brands offer models to compare across the styles and features discussed. The specifications mentioned apply to the models listed, not to every product in each range.
Bosch
Under-counter and upright freezers to consider based on the space you have and how you want to organise your food.
- Bosch lists a capacity of 83 l for its under-counter GTV15NWEB and offers flexible layouts on some upright models.
- Check the dimensions and confirm that the features are included with the specific model you’re interested in.
Beko
Chest freezers worth considering, particularly if the temperature in a spare room is a factor in your choice.
- Beko says some of its Freezer Guard chest freezers are designed to operate at room temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- This temperature range doesn’t apply to every model. Check the style and permitted room temperature in the specifications for the model you choose.
Liebherr
A brand to consider for chest freezers if bulk storage and maintenance are important to you.
- Liebherr describes the StopFrost feature on its CFe 2500 Pure chest freezer as helping to limit frost build-up.
- This is the manufacturer’s claim for this model. Check its dimensions, capacity and maintenance requirements before choosing.
Whirlpool
Upright and chest freezers to compare if your household needs more freezer space.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 404 l and annual energy consumption of 292 kWh for its WHFF 6403 W4E upright freezer.
- These figures apply to this model only. Compare capacity, energy use and dimensions for each model you’re considering.
Chest freezers available on Joybuy
These top-opening models are a good fit if you’re looking for a separate freezer for your household’s frozen food. Their stated capacities can help you work out what you need, but remember to allow room to lift the lid and check the permitted room temperature range for your chosen location.
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AUCMA convertible chest freezer, 291 L
Worth considering for bulk buys if you have room on the floor and above the lid.
Stated capacity: 291 L. Switches between fridge and freezer modes, with a removable basket, LED lighting and an E energy rating.
Check the permitted room temperature range and the model’s storage time during a power cut.
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AUCMA convertible chest freezer, 197 L
An option for extra chest freezer storage, with a basket to keep some of your shopping separate.
Stated capacity: 197 L. Switches between fridge and freezer modes, with a removable basket and an E energy rating.
Check the clearance needed to open the lid, the permitted room temperature range and storage time during a power cut.
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AUCMA convertible chest freezer, 95 L
For a small amount of extra storage, if a top-opening chest freezer suits the space you have.
Stated capacity: 95 L. Switches between fridge and freezer modes, with a removable basket and an E energy rating.
Check the permitted room temperature range, storage time during a power cut and the model’s defrosting requirements.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR chest freezer, 140 L
A chest freezer for extra storage, with a basket to keep smaller items together.
Stated capacity: 140 L. Includes a storage basket and counterbalanced lid, with an E energy rating.
Allow enough clearance to open the lid and check the model’s annual energy consumption, permitted room temperature range and storage time in the specifications.
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CHiQ JR99DWE chest freezer, 99 L
A little extra storage with a removable basket, provided you have enough room to open the lid.
Stated capacity: 99 L. 4-star freezing, adjustable thermostat, removable basket and an E energy rating.
Check the defrosting requirements, as well as the model’s annual energy consumption, permitted room temperature range and storage time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put any freezer in a garage or cellar?
No. First check that the model’s permitted room temperature range covers the temperatures the room may reach throughout the year. Whirlpool says you can find the climate class on the rating plate or in the technical specifications. Don’t assume a chest freezer is suitable for a cold room just because of its style.
What should I compare on a freezer’s energy label?
Compare the energy rating, kWh/year, storage capacity and noise level for appliances that meet your needs. The European Commission says the label provides these details, and its QR code links to more information about the model in EPREL.
Do all freezers keep food frozen for the same length of time during a power cut?
No. Check the storage time for each model; you can’t work it out from its capacity or style. Bosch lists 16 h for the GTV15NWEB, while Beko lists 36 h for the CF200EWN. These figures apply to the named models and don’t represent their entire ranges.
What protection applies if a new freezer is faulty in France?
You may be able to rely on the statutory guarantee of conformity by contacting the retailer, provided the relevant conditions are met. The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that the period for new goods is two years. An optional commercial guarantee is additional to statutory guarantees and does not replace them.