Households stocking up on frozen food
You regularly buy or prepare food to freeze. The usable space for these supplies matters more than the total capacity shown for a fridge freezer.
Who is this choice for?
People who want to find portions quickly
You open the freezer often and want to sort food into categories. Drawers, baskets and removable shelves are therefore just as important as the stated capacity in litres.
Households with room for just one appliance
You’d rather have refrigeration and freezing in a single appliance. Check the usable capacity of the freezer compartment separately from that of the fridge.
Which features should you prioritise?
If you regularly stock up, start by working out the usable freezer capacity you need, then consider how you like to access your food and how much space you have.
Upright freezer
Consider one if: you open the appliance often and want to keep portions and larger packs in separate areas.
Bear in mind: access depends on the drawers and layout of the model you choose. For example, Bosch says the GSN58AWCV has removable drawers and shelves, as well as a Big Box drawer.
Chest freezer
Consider one if: you want a separate freezer and can set aside floor space, as well as enough headroom to open the lid.
Bear in mind: finding food at the bottom takes some organisation, and the baskets supplied may not suit every need.
Fridge freezer
Consider one if: you also need a fridge and would rather have just one appliance, provided its freezer compartment has enough room for your supplies.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between the two compartments. The Bosch KGN367ICT specifications, for example, list 218 L for refrigeration and 103 L for freezing.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Separate freezer capacity | Compare the net capacity available for freezing with the space the appliance will take up. If you freeze large batches, also check the capacity stated in kg/24 h. | I want to stock up regularly without relying solely on my fridge freezer’s compartment. Around 40% of consumers rank separate freezer capacity as their main requirement. |
| Access and storage | Check the number and size of the drawers or baskets, as well as whether the appliance has removable shelves. | When I take out a portion, I want to find it without moving the rest of my supplies. Well-organised access is the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| One appliance | Check the net capacity of each compartment separately, then measure the space available and how far the doors need to open. | I only have room for one cold-storage appliance, so my supplies need to fit in its freezer compartment. Keeping just one appliance is the main requirement for around 30% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Installing a freezer in a cellar or garage without checking its operating temperature range
The permitted ambient temperature varies by model. ADEME advises checking the climate class for the room where you plan to put the appliance. Beko’s Freezer Guard -15 °C feature is available on certain models designed for unheated rooms.
Compare the room’s usual temperatures with the range specified on the product information and in the manual for the model you’re considering.
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Comparing the total capacity of a fridge freezer with that of a separate freezer
The total figure includes the fridge, so it overstates the space available for frozen food. The Bosch KGN367ICT specifications list 218 L for refrigeration and 103 L for freezing.
Use only the freezer compartment’s net capacity to work out whether your supplies will fit.
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Assuming every chest freezer is organised or defrosted in the same way
Storage depends on the baskets and compartments included with the model. Frost-reduction features such as Liebherr’s StopFrost are available on specific models and don’t mean that defrosting will never be needed.
Check the storage layout and defrosting guidance for the chest freezer you’re considering.
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Assuming how long food will stay frozen during a power cut based only on the appliance type
The stated storage time varies by model: Beko gives 36 h for the CF200EWN. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol measures how long food stays below -9 °C during a simulated power cut.
Compare the stated figures for the models on your shortlist, but don’t treat them as a guarantee that applies in every situation.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Bosch
Worth considering for upright freezers and fridge freezers whose interiors suit the way you use them.
- According to Bosch, the GSN58AWCV upright freezer has removable Vario Zone drawers and shelves, as well as a Big Box drawer.
- These features are specific to this model. Check the drawers, alarm and installation requirements for the appliance you’re interested in.
Beko
Worth considering for chest freezers, particularly if the temperature of the room where you plan to install one needs careful attention.
- Beko lists a net capacity of 198 L, an SN-T climate class and a stated storage time of 36 h for its CF200EWN chest freezer.
- Beko’s Freezer Guard -15 °C feature is available on certain models suitable for unheated rooms. Check that it’s included on the exact model you’re considering.
Liebherr
Worth considering for chest freezers if defrosting is an important factor in your choice.
- Liebherr describes StopFrost as a technology designed to reduce frost build-up on certain chest freezers.
- Don’t assume it’s available on every model or that defrosting won’t be needed. Check the product information and manual for your chosen model.
Joybuy products to suit your needs
These models offer three ways to plan for your frozen food supplies: add an upright or chest freezer, or keep refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Before choosing a type, compare the capacity available for freezing and the installation requirements.
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Heinrich´s 161 L stainless steel upright freezer
Worth considering if you want to keep your frozen food supplies separate and organise them in drawers.
Stated capacity: 161 L; the product title mentions three freezer drawers, No Frost protection and an alarm. Check the dimensions and climate class for your chosen location.
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AUCMA 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if a chest freezer with a top-opening lid suits your space and you plan to use it in freezer mode.
Stated capacity: 291 L; converts between fridge and freezer modes and includes a removable basket. Confirm the net capacity in freezer mode, the space needed to open the lid and the climate class.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS fridge freezer, 4 doors
Worth considering if you’d rather have both functions in one appliance than add a separate freezer.
Stated total capacity: 467 L; four doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E. Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment with your needs and check the clearance required for installation.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG fridge freezer, 3 doors
Worth considering if you’d rather keep refrigeration and frozen food storage in a single appliance.
Stated total capacity: 360 L; three doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E. Check the net freezer capacity separately, then review the installation requirements.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR 140 L chest freezer
Worth considering if you want a separate freezer and a chest-style model suits your available space.
Stated capacity: 140 L; includes a storage basket, counterbalanced lid and energy rating E. Allow room to open the lid and check the defrosting requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a freezer in a garage or cellar?
Yes, as long as the ambient temperature range specified for the model suits the room and its manual allows this type of installation. ADEME recommends checking the climate class. A feature for unheated rooms, such as Freezer Guard -15 °C on certain Beko models, shouldn’t be assumed to come with every appliance.
How much clearance should I leave around a freezer or fridge freezer?
Follow the installation diagram in the model’s manual for ventilation and to allow the door or lid to open. Measure your space using these instructions before ordering, rather than assuming the same clearance applies to every appliance.
How can I compare storage times during a power cut?
Compare the stated storage time for each model rather than estimating it from the appliance’s capacity or type. Beko gives 36 h for the CF200EWN. Test results may use a different protocol, such as that of UFC-Que Choisir, which measures how long food stays below -9 °C during a simulated power cut.
Is the energy rating enough to compare running costs?
No. Also check the annual energy consumption in kWh and compare appliances that meet similar storage needs. Energy use in practice also depends on factors such as where the appliance is installed and how it is used.