Households that like to stock up
If you shop less often or buy in bulk, extra freezer capacity and the space available are key considerations. UFC-Que Choisir points out that how often you shop should influence your choice of refrigeration capacity.
Who is this choice for?
Households that prepare meals in portions
If you store prepared meals and take out different portions, consider how drawers or baskets help you organise and access them. UFC-Que Choisir also asked about home cooking in its 2014 freezer questionnaire.
Households with limited space
If the appliance needs to fit in a kitchen, under a worktop or in a utility room, compare its dimensions and opening clearance, and check the ambient temperatures permitted for the exact model.
What to compare
Upright freezer
Choose this if: you often take out portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: drawers can limit the space available for bulky food. Check the dimensions and allow enough room for the door to open.
Chest freezer
Choose this if: you stock up in bulk and have enough floor space and clearance for the lid.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to organise food carefully to reach items at the bottom.
Compact or under-counter freezer
Choose this if: you need extra freezer space and have a suitable low-level space available.
Bear in mind: it may not have enough capacity for large shops made less frequently. Check the measurements and allow room for the door to open.
Larger fridge-freezer
Choose this if: you also need to replace your fridge and one appliance can meet your refrigeration needs.
Bear in mind: compare the litres in the freezer compartment, not the appliance’s total capacity.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for less frequent shopping | Compare the usable capacity of the freezer compartment in litres, the external dimensions and the kWh/year. | When I shop less often, I want the new appliance to genuinely accommodate the extra food. Around 29% of consumers prioritise having plenty of storage space. |
| Access and organisation | Check the size and number of drawers or baskets, and whether the door or lid can open fully. | If I often take out different portions, being able to find them matters just as much as capacity. Around 23% of consumers prioritise easy access. |
| Available space | Measure the space and access routes, then check the appliance’s dimensions and the clearance needed to open it. | When space is limited, I want to be able to install and open the appliance without blocking the way. Around 18% of consumers prioritise a compact footprint. |
| Cold room | Compare the possible temperatures in the room with the climate class and the conditions stated for the model. | If the appliance is going in a cold utility room, I check that it’s designed for the temperatures it may reach. Around 18% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Continuous running costs | Compare the kWh/year and freezer capacity in litres. Also check which services are included in the offer you’re considering. | When choosing an appliance that will run continuously, I look at its annual energy consumption rather than just its energy rating. Around 12% of consumers put this criterion first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a fridge-freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
The fridge capacity won’t meet your need for frozen food storage. For example, Bosch lists 216 l for the fridge and 89 l for the freezer compartment of the KGN36NWEA.
Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment in litres with the extra space you want for frozen food.
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Assuming an SN-T climate class is suitable for a garage below 10 °C
The SN-T range described by Bosch starts at 10 °C. So this class alone isn’t enough to confirm that a model is suitable for a colder room.
Check the temperatures the room may reach and compare them with the conditions stated for the exact model.
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Choosing based only on the energy rating or reduced frost build-up
The energy label gives the annual energy consumption in kWh, among other details. Technologies such as LowFrost and SmartFrost don’t necessarily mean that defrosting is never needed.
Consider the annual energy consumption, usable capacity and the defrosting method stated for the model together.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The brand’s range includes examples of freestanding upright freezers, compact freezers and fridge-freezers.
- Bosch lists 366 l, adjustable compartments and No Frost for the GSN58AWEV; its GTV15NWEB has a capacity of 83 l.
- These details apply to these models, not the entire range. Check the dimensions and annual energy consumption of the model you choose.
Liebherr
The CFd 2505 Plus chest freezer is an example of a large-capacity model designed for use in places such as a utility room.
- For this model, Liebherr lists a capacity of 359 l, dimensions of 82 × 167 × 71 cm and FrostProtect for ambient temperatures down to −15 °C.
- The brand says SmartFrost reduces the need for defrosting, but doesn’t eliminate it. Also check how much clearance the lid needs.
Whirlpool
The W3RHS37EW1 chest freezer is an example of a model with baskets to help organise your food.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 371 l, three baskets and suitability for ambient temperatures down to −15 °C for this model.
- It has a stated width of 133 cm, and its top-opening lid needs clearance. These specifications don’t apply to every model in the range.
Beko
The HSM14540 is an example of a mid-capacity chest freezer worth considering for a cold room.
- For this model, Beko lists a capacity of 205 l, 202 kWh/year, an SN-T class and, separately, Freezer Guard for ambient temperatures down to −15 °C.
- Check the model documentation for its configuration before buying, and make sure its dimensions suit the space you have in mind.
Electrolux
The LUB3AE88S is an example of a compact built-in freezer, if you have a suitable housing unit.
- Electrolux lists a capacity of 98 l and 177 kWh/year for this model.
- The product information specifies static cooling. LowFrost doesn’t mean frost-free, and a built-in model isn’t automatically a suitable replacement for a freestanding under-counter appliance.
Freezers available on Joybuy
This selection includes chest freezers for stocking up, as well as compact models, both chest and upright, for extra capacity to suit the space you have available.
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Upstreman UF35, 35 L mini freezer
A compact model to consider for extra freezer space where room is limited.
The model name gives a capacity of 35 L, while the description states 31 L. Check the usable capacity listed for the version on offer. The description also mentions a 4-star rating, a reversible door and dimensions of 47.5 × 44.2 × 48.8 cm.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
With a stated capacity of 291 L, this could suit you if you want to stock up and have room for a chest freezer with a top-opening lid.
The description lists a 4-star rating, a removable basket, interior lighting, five-level digital controls and dimensions of 1 100 × 597 × 872 mm. The fridge and freezer modes are switchable, but can’t run at the same time.
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AUCMA, 197 L convertible chest freezer
Consider this 197 L chest freezer if you want extra storage but don’t need the 291 L size.
The description lists a 4-star rating, energy consumption of 197 kWh/year, a removable basket, five-level digital controls and dimensions of 816 × 554 × 848 mm. The fridge and freezer modes are switchable, and the top-opening lid needs clearance.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
A compact chest freezer to consider for extra capacity, as long as you have enough room for the lid.
The title states a capacity of 99 L and a 4-star freezing rating. The product information also mentions a removable basket, a sliding lid and a freezing capacity of 4.5 kg/24 h.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
A compact upright model to consider if you want to organise food in drawers.
The description lists a 4-star rating, a capacity of 60 L, three drawers, a reversible door and dimensions of 44.5 × 47.5 × 84.5 cm. Check the measurements of your space before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is an SN-T climate class enough to install a freezer in a cold garage?
Not if the room gets colder than the range stated for the model. Bosch gives an SN-T range of 10 to 43 °C. If your garage could get colder, check whether the exact model is specifically rated for lower temperatures. Some of the models reviewed are stated to operate in ambient temperatures down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every appliance.
How do you compare the energy consumption of freezers?
Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label, taking into account the usable freezer capacity of each model. The European Commission explains that the energy label for fridges and freezers includes details such as annual energy consumption and capacity. Actual consumption also depends on how and where the appliance is used.
Is a freezer compartment enough for long-term frozen food storage or freezing home-cooked meals?
Not necessarily; the name alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for both uses. France’s Ministry of Agriculture links storage at −18 °C with a 3-star compartment, and freezing fresh food with a 4-star compartment. Check the compartment’s specifications for the use you have in mind.
How should you care for a freezer used to store prepared meals?
Follow the storage guidance and the instructions for your model. France’s Ministry of Agriculture recommends setting the freezer to −18 °C, advises against refreezing thawed food and recommends a thorough clean at least once a year, including defrosting.
Should you look at a fridge-freezer’s total capacity to see if it meets your frozen food storage needs?
No, compare the capacity of the freezer compartment. For example, Bosch lists 89 l of freezer capacity out of a total usable fridge-freezer capacity of 305 l for the KGN36NWEA.