Choose a chest freezer if you want to build up a large reserve, or an upright freezer if you want easy access to portions you use regularly. A small freezer is better suited to occasional extra storage; consider a large-capacity fridge freezer if you’re replacing your fridge too. In every case, check the space required and the ambient temperature range supported by the model, especially if it’s going in an unheated room.
If you mainly want extra storage for homegrown produce or bulk buys, a chest freezer could be a good fit, provided you have enough floor space and room to open the lid. Beko and Liebherr, for example, offer chest freezers with capacities of 284 l and 359 l; make sure you compare their dimensions with the space you have available.
If you often open the freezer to take out a meal, the drawers in an upright freezer can make it easier to organise and access your food. Check the drawer layout of the model you’re considering: the total capacity alone won’t tell you how easily your containers will fit.
If you’re placing the freezer in a cellar, garage or tight space, compare the appliance’s dimensions with the space available and check that its operating temperature range suits the room. Beko and Liebherr state that certain models can operate down to -15 °C; this does not apply to their entire ranges.
Choose this if: you mainly want to store homegrown produce or bulk buys that you won’t need to access often.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough floor space and room above the appliance to open the lid.
Choose this if: you want to separate portions and access them regularly from the drawers.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s height and the space needed to open its door must suit the location.
Choose this if: you need extra freezer space but don’t have room for a large appliance.
Bear in mind: its capacity may be too limited for a large harvest or regular bulk buys.
Choose this if: you’re also replacing your main fridge and want both functions in one appliance.
Bear in mind: compare the freezer compartment’s capacity on its own with the amount of storage you need.
Once you’ve decided which type to consider, start with your main storage needs, then check these points for the specific model.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the net capacity with the amount you need to store, then measure the appliance and the route into the room. | If I’m freezing homegrown produce or bulk buys, I mainly want enough storage without needing several appliances. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise capacity. |
| Access to portions | Check the size and layout of the drawers, as well as the model’s defrosting technology. | When I prepare meals in advance, I want to find a portion without having to move everything else. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise easy access and organisation. |
| Suitability for the room | Compare the room temperature with the appliance’s approved operating range and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. | If my appliance needs to fit in a confined space or operate in a cold garage, I first want to make sure the location is suitable. This would be the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Replacing your fridge | Check the freezer compartment’s net capacity separately, along with the dimensions and annual energy consumption in kWh. | If I’m already replacing my fridge, I may want to combine both functions rather than add another appliance. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise combining the two. |
A chest freezer may fit in the room but not through the doorway, or there may not be enough space to open the lid. According to Liebherr, its CFd 2505 Plus measures 82 × 167 × 71 cm and has a capacity of 359 l.
Measure the delivery route, the space where the freezer will go and the clearance needed to open it, then check the dimensions of the model you choose.
The permitted ambient temperature varies by model. A mention of garage use in a product title is no substitute for an operating temperature range specified by the manufacturer.
Check the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year and compare them with the technical specifications or manual.
Beko describes MinFrost, and Liebherr describes SmartFrost or StopFrost, as ways to reduce frost build-up. That’s not the same as a model explicitly equipped with NoFrost to avoid manual defrosting.
Check the technology listed for the model and the maintenance instructions in its manual.
As ADEME points out, a freezer runs continuously, so its energy use matters just as much as its capacity.
Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh for each model, while making sure its capacity genuinely meets your needs.
Worth considering for a chest or upright freezer in a cold room, but only if the model has the Freezer Guard feature.
The brand offers large-capacity chest freezers as well as compact models to consider depending on the space available.
Its chest and upright freezer ranges give you options to consider, whether you need a large storage reserve or drawer organisation.
Worth considering if you need a large upright freezer or, if you’re replacing your main fridge, a fridge freezer.
These models are for adding a separate freezer: an upright model for organising portions, and chest freezers in a range of capacities for building up a reserve. Start by choosing one that suits your needs and available space, then check the installation requirements for the specific model.
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For organising portions you use regularly. The model title lists No-Frost, drawers, an LED display, an alarm and energy efficiency class C.
Check its dimensions and the permitted ambient temperature range before planning to install it in a cold room.
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For building up a large reserve of homegrown produce or groceries. The title lists a switchable fridge and freezer function, a removable basket, five temperature settings and energy efficiency class E.
Allow enough room to open the lid and for the 10 cm ventilation clearance specified for this model. Check its operating temperature range before installing it in a cold garage.
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For extra freezer storage without choosing the 291 l AUCMA chest freezer. The title lists a switchable fridge and freezer function, a removable basket, five temperature settings and energy efficiency class E.
Check the space needed to open the lid, the 10 cm ventilation clearance specified for this model and its operating temperature range if the room is unheated.
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For extra storage if you don’t need a large chest freezer. The title mentions a basket, a counterbalanced lid, temperature control and energy efficiency class E.
Check the space available on the floor and above the lid; if the freezer will be in a cold room, also compare its operating temperature range with the room temperature.
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For extra freezer space, with the option to switch to fridge mode. The title lists a removable basket, a seven-level thermostat and energy efficiency class E.
Consider whether the 141 l capacity is enough for the amount you want to store. Allow for the 10 cm ventilation clearance specified for this model and check its operating temperature range if it will be in a cold room.
No. The model’s permitted ambient temperature range must suit the temperature in the room. Bosch explains that the climate class defines the ambient temperatures an appliance is designed for; the stated ability of certain Beko or Liebherr models to operate down to -15 °C does not apply to other models.
An upright freezer with drawers is a better fit if you often take out portions and want to find them easily. A chest freezer is better suited to a large reserve that you access less often. Also compare the usable capacity and the space needed to open each model.
No. Manufacturers describe models explicitly equipped with NoFrost as avoiding the need for manual defrosting, while features such as SmartFrost, StopFrost and MinFrost are designed to reduce frost build-up. Check the maintenance instructions for the model you choose.
Compare their stated annual energy consumption in kWh, taking into account the capacity you need and where the appliance will go. UFC-Que Choisir’s measurements at 25 °C and 32 °C show why ambient temperature is also an important factor.
Use an earthed socket: UFC-Que Choisir says this is essential. Also follow the model’s instructions for connection, positioning and ventilation.