Who is a freestanding freezer for?

Households stocking up in bulk

If you buy in bulk, batch-cook or store large items, weigh up the usable capacity against the floor space you can give to the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir highlights chest freezers in particular for their large capacity.

Households that want to find food easily

If you often open your freezer to grab portions or ready meals, the drawers in an upright model can make it easier to keep everything organised. Just check that your usual containers will fit.

Smaller homes needing extra freezer space

If your fridge’s freezer compartment is no longer enough but space is limited, consider an under-counter freezer. Make sure its usable capacity is sufficient for your usual shopping.

Which factors should guide your choice?

Start with a practical question: do you need space for large containers, quick access to portions, or a compact extra freezer in a small space?

Chest freezer

Choose one if: you store large quantities or bulky packaging and have enough floor space.

Bear in mind: finding smaller portions and items at the bottom takes a little more organisation.

Upright freezer

Choose one if: you want to organise portions in drawers and reach them regularly.

Bear in mind: the drawers may limit space for tall or wide containers.

Under-counter freezer

Choose one if: you mainly want extra capacity alongside your fridge freezer in a small space.

Bear in mind: capacity is more limited, so check that it suits your shopping habits.

Factor What to check Who is it for?
Capacity and food sizes Compare the usable capacity in litres with the size of your containers; also consider open storage space or drawers. If I buy in bulk or freeze large dishes, I want enough room for the containers I usually use; around 33% of consumers would make this their top priority.
Access and storage Check how easy it is to reach the bottom of a chest freezer or use the drawers, and allow enough room to open the appliance. If I want to find portions quickly without rummaging, I’d prioritise easy-to-navigate storage; this would be the main concern for around 27% of consumers.
Location and temperature Measure the space and access routes, then compare the room temperature with the climate class and clearances specified in the manual. In a small room or an unheated space, I need a model that suits both the available space and the ambient temperature; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility.
Energy use and maintenance Compare kWh/year for models with similar formats and capacities, then check the defrosting method and stated storage time during a power cut. As a freezer runs continuously, I want to consider its electricity use and the maintenance it requires; around 20% of consumers would put this first.

Things not to overlook

  • Choosing a chest freezer on capacity alone

    A chest freezer may meet your storage needs, but it still has to fit through doorways and leave enough room to open the lid. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this type takes up more floor space than an upright model.

    Measure the space, delivery route and clearance needed to open the lid before settling on a capacity.

  • Assuming any model will work in a cold garage

    A climate class indicates the ambient temperature range an appliance is designed for. Beko says some Freezer Guard models are designed to operate at lower temperatures, but this does not apply to all its freezers.

    Check the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures, then confirm the permitted range in the manual for the exact model you’re considering.

  • Comparing only the letter on the energy label

    The ADEME reminds us that a freezer runs continuously. The energy rating alone won’t tell you the annual energy consumption of two appliances with different capacities.

    Check the kWh/year and compare models of a similar type and capacity. Don’t choose more storage than you need for the way you use it.

  • Forgetting about defrosting and power cuts

    A manual-defrost appliance needs maintenance to deal with ice build-up. The stated storage time during a power cut and any alerts will depend on the model you choose.

    Check the product details and manual for the defrosting method, stated storage time and what to do after a power cut.

Brands to consider by freezer type

Beko

Worth considering if you’re looking at a chest freezer for an unheated room, provided you check the exact model and the room’s actual temperature.

  • Beko offers chest freezers with baskets and says some Freezer Guard models can operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
  • This temperature range does not apply to all Beko models. Check the climate class and manual for the one you’re considering.

Bosch

Worth considering if you want to compare an under-counter model with extra capacity in an upright freezer, using specific models as a guide.

  • According to Bosch Home Appliances France product details, the under-counter GTV15NWEB offers 83 l and measures 85 × 56 × 58 cm, while the upright GSV36VWEV offers 249 l and measures 186 × 60 × 65 cm.
  • These dimensions and capacities apply only to these two models. Remember to allow for the required clearances in your room too.

Whirlpool

Worth considering if you prefer an upright freezer with drawers or are looking for a model with No Frost.

  • Whirlpool describes the WHFF6403W4E as a 404 l upright freezer with six drawers, and the UW8F2YWBIF2 as a No Frost upright freezer.
  • Capacity, drawer layout and defrosting method vary by model, so check the specifications of the one you’re considering.

Freezers on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a freezer in a garage or cellar?

Yes, if the ambient temperature range specified for the model covers the room’s temperatures throughout the year. Beko says some Freezer Guard models can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C, but this does not apply to all freezers. Check the climate class and the manual for your chosen model.

Is the capacity in litres enough to choose between a chest and an upright freezer?

No. Check that your containers will fit and that you’ll be able to reach your food easily. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the chest freezer’s large, open capacity and the upright freezer’s more compact format; how you organise your food matters as much as the stated capacity.

How do I compare the energy use of two freezers?

Compare the kWh/year of models with similar formats and capacities, rather than looking only at their energy ratings. The ADEME points out that freezers run continuously, so also consider how much storage you actually need.

When should I defrost a manual-defrost freezer?

UFC-Que Choisir recommends defrosting it when the ice reaches 3 mm thick. Follow the instructions in the manual, unplug the appliance first and don’t use a knife to remove the ice, as this could damage the cooling circuit.