Portions you reach for every day
If you often take out a particular meal, drawers or separate compartments can make it easier to keep things organised. Just check that the upright freezer and its drawers can open fully where you plan to put it.
Which option is right for you?
The amount you store matters, but how often you look for a particular portion can affect which format is most practical.
Large containers and plenty of food to store
A chest freezer may suit family-sized dishes and bulk buys if you have enough floor space. You’ll also need a way to find smaller portions at the bottom.
A kitchen where space is limited
Before adding another appliance, work out how much room your portions and other frozen food really take up. Your existing compartment or the freezer section of a fridge-freezer may be enough, provided its capacity and accessibility meet your needs.
What should you check?
Start with what you usually store, then compare each format with the space you have and how you use your portions.
Keep your current freezer compartment
Worth considering if: your portions still fit and are easy to find.
Bear in mind: take stock of your other frozen food before relying on space that looks free.
Choose a fridge-freezer
Worth considering if: you’re replacing your fridge too and want a freezer section in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity of a fridge-freezer is not the same as the capacity of its freezer compartment.
Choose an upright freezer
Worth considering if: you often look for a particular portion and want to separate meals into compartments.
Bear in mind: the door and drawers need enough room to open and be removed.
Choose a chest freezer
Worth considering if: you store large containers and have room for a freezer with a top-opening lid.
Bear in mind: small portions at the bottom need to be organised in baskets or tubs.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and space | Compare freezer capacity, not the total capacity of a fridge-freezer. Check the dimensions, floor space and clearance needed to open it. | I want to fit my portions and other frozen food without obstructing the walkway or blocking a door or lid. |
| Access to portions | Check the model’s drawers, shelves or baskets, and whether containers can be removed. With a chest freezer, plan how you’ll find items at the bottom. | I need to be able to reach a particular portion easily, even when the freezer is well stocked. |
| Energy consumption | Check the kWh/year for the exact model alongside its freezer capacity. The energy label, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy, shows annual energy consumption; the energy rating letter alone isn’t enough to compare models. | If I add an appliance that runs all the time, I want its capacity to meet a genuine need. ADEME points out that freezers run continuously. |
| Location | Check the manual for the permitted ambient temperature range and installation clearances. If you’re considering a cellar or unheated garage, don’t assume a chest freezer will be suitable. | My appliance needs to work in the room where I plan to put it, not just fit through the door. |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing capacity without thinking about access
A large chest freezer can hold a variety of containers, but you may need to move other food to reach a small portion at the bottom.
Count your containers and think about how often you’ll take out a portion. If you choose a chest freezer, organise smaller meals in labelled baskets or tubs.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
Appliances with different capacities may not meet the same needs. Freezers run continuously, as ADEME points out.
Compare the kWh/year shown for each model with its freezer capacity and dimensions, then check that the extra capacity will be useful to you.
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Assuming every model is suitable for a garage
The room temperature needs to stay within the range specified for the model you choose. A feature advertised for one model won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Check the permitted ambient temperature range in the manual and consider the actual location, especially if it’s unheated or near a heat source.
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Measuring the appliance, but not its route into your home
A chest or upright freezer might fit in its final position but be difficult to get through a doorway, along a hallway or up the stairs.
Check the dimensions with and without packaging, the route to the room and the space needed to open the appliance. If you’re replacing an appliance, also check the delivery and removal arrangements before ordering.
A few brands to consider
These examples show features to compare model by model; they don’t describe every product in each range.
Beko
The range includes upright and chest freezers, with installation requirements to check for each model.
- According to Beko’s product information, the RFNE448E55W upright freezer has a net capacity of 404 L, fan-assisted cooling and a C energy rating.
- Beko states that Freezer Guard works down to -15 °C on the RFNE448E55W. Check the manual for the model you’re considering rather than assuming this applies to all its freezers.
Bosch
The GSN58VWEV is an example of an upright freezer with compartments for organising portions of different sizes.
- Bosch lists a usable capacity of 366 L, No Frost, Vario Zone, Big Box and an open-door alarm for the GSN58VWEV.
- These features apply to the GSN58VWEV. Check the drawers and features of any other Bosch model separately.
Liebherr
The CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer is a useful example for comparing capacity and suitability for an unheated location.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 281 L and dimensions of 82 × 104 × 71 cm for the CFe 1870 Pure.
- The brand states that FrostProtect works down to -15 °C on this specific model. Also check the other installation requirements in the manual.
Joybuy models to suit your preferred format
This selection includes a fridge-freezer, chest freezers and an upright freezer. Compare their format with the portions you store and the space available. Remember to check the specifications of the model you choose.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge-freezer, 360 L
Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too: 360 L is the total capacity, not the capacity of the freezer compartment. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer capacity and dimensions before deciding where to put your portions.
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AUCMA, convertible chest freezer, 291 L
For larger containers, this 291 L chest freezer has a removable basket. Plan how you’ll organise smaller portions stored underneath. The product name indicates an E energy rating and a five-level digital control. If you’re considering an unheated space, check the permitted ambient temperature range in the manual.
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AUCMA, convertible chest freezer, 95 L
This 95 L chest freezer could be an option if you need a little extra freezer space. Compare its capacity with the portions and other food you need to store. The product name indicates a removable basket, a seven-level thermostat and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for the model you choose.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, chest freezer, 99 L
For extra freezer space, this 99 L chest freezer comes with a removable basket, although it doesn’t divide the whole compartment. The product name indicates four-star freezing, an adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Check the model’s kWh/year and dimensions to compare it with other formats.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer
If you often look for a particular portion, this 161 L upright freezer has drawers to help keep your food separate. The product name indicates No Frost, a reversible door hinge and a C energy rating. Measure the clearance needed to open the door, and check the model’s dimensions and kWh/year.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare the energy consumption of two freezers with different capacities?
Check the kWh/year for each model, then compare its freezer capacity and dimensions. An energy rating letter alone isn’t enough to compare appliances with different capacities. The Ministry of the Economy says that the energy label shows the annual consumption of the appliances concerned. You can also use the European EPREL database to look up specifications for individual models.
Can you put a chest freezer in a garage or cellar?
Yes, if the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the conditions in that space. Check the manual rather than relying on the chest freezer format alone. For example, Liebherr states that FrostProtect works down to -15 °C on the CFe 1870 Pure, but this doesn’t apply to all chest freezers.
Does No Frost affect your choice for prepared portions?
No Frost may be useful if you want to reduce the need for manual defrosting, but it doesn’t replace storage that suits how often you reach for your portions. Check that the specific model has this feature, as well as checking its capacity, compartments and annual energy consumption.
What should you look for on a new freezer’s energy label?
Check the model number, energy rating and annual consumption in kWh, then compare these with the capacity you need. The Ministry of the Economy says that the energy label applies to the new appliances covered by the rules, including those sold online.