Households that stock up in bulk
You shop in bulk or prepare large batches of food. A chest freezer is worth considering if its capacity suits your needs and you have enough floor space.
Who are these formats for?
Households that regularly check their supplies
You take food out of the freezer regularly and want to keep different types separate. An upright freezer with drawers makes everyday storage and access easier.
Households short on space
You’d like more freezer space but can’t fit a large, separate appliance. A compact freezer or a fridge freezer with a suitable freezer compartment could meet your needs, provided you check its freezer capacity.
Which features should you compare?
Chest freezer
Best for: large food reserves when you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom can be harder to reach, so you’ll need to organise it using baskets or sections.
Upright freezer
Best for: frequent access and organising your supplies in drawers.
Bear in mind: compartment sizes may limit storage for larger containers.
Table-top or under-counter freezer
Best for: extra storage when there isn’t room for a larger appliance.
Bear in mind: its capacity may be too limited for very large shopping trips.
Fridge freezer
Best for: replacing your fridge when there’s no room for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: only the freezer compartment counts towards your freezer storage; the appliance’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much freezer space it offers.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for your supplies | Compare the net freezer capacity in litres with the appliance’s dimensions. If you freeze lots of fresh food at once, also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If your bulk shopping or batch cooking quickly fills your freezer, having room to store more is your first priority; around 33% of consumers would prioritise capacity. |
| Access and organisation | Check the size and layout of the drawers or baskets, as well as the space available for your usual containers. | If you often reach for items in your freezer, being able to find each type of food without moving everything else matters more; around 27% of consumers would put easy, organised access first. |
| Available space | Measure the space, access routes and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. For a fridge freezer, compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone. | You want to increase your freezer storage, but there’s little room in your kitchen or another room for an extra appliance; nearly 20% of consumers would prioritise the appliance’s footprint. |
| Installation and power cuts | Check that the stated ambient temperature range covers the temperatures in the room, then compare the model’s power-cut storage time in hours. | If the appliance needs to go in a cold room or you’re concerned about power cuts, its suitability for the location and power-cut storage time become key considerations; around 20% of consumers would make these their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
A chest freezer can hold a large amount of food, but items at the bottom are less easy to reach. The drawers in an upright freezer make sorting easier, though they may not suit every large container.
Decide whether capacity or everyday access matters more, then check that the appliance’s dimensions work for your space and containers.
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Assuming any model will work in a garage
Whether you can install a freezer in a cellar or garage depends on the ambient temperature range specified for that exact model. A mention of garage use in a product name doesn’t replace checking this.
Find out the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year, then compare them with the product specifications.
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Assuming all freezers stay cold for the same length of time during a power cut
The stated power-cut storage time varies between appliances: Whirlpool France and Beko France give figures of 11 h for the WHFF 6403 W4E and 41 h for the HSM27050 respectively. These figures apply to those specific models.
Compare the stated time for the model you’re considering. If the power goes off, Enedis recommends keeping the freezer door closed unless you need to open it.
Brands to consider, model by model
Beko
If you’re looking for a chest freezer for a potentially cold room, Beko France states that the HSM27050 has a capacity of 284 L, a power-cut storage time of 41 h and works in ambient temperatures down to −15 °C.
- According to Beko France, the HSM27050 has a MinFrost system, indicator lights and a lock.
- Its static cooling system means you’ll need to factor in defrosting; check the dimensions too. These features don’t apply to all Beko models.
Whirlpool
If you’re considering a large upright freezer with drawers, Whirlpool France states that the WHFF 6403 W4E offers 404 L of capacity, six drawers and a stated power-cut storage time of 11 h.
- The six drawers let you organise different types of food in this model.
- The WHFF 6403 W4E measures 70 cm wide, 81.3 cm deep and 191.2 cm high. Measure the space and access route before choosing.
Haier
If you’re considering an upright freezer for a cold room, Haier France states that the H4F226WDH1 has a capacity of 226 L and works in ambient temperatures down to −15 °C.
- Haier France lists Total No Frost and the option to switch between freezer and fridge modes for this model.
- Check the maximum ambient temperature, power-cut storage time and dimensions of the model you choose; these features aren’t available across the entire Haier range.
Products to suit your space and storage needs
This Joybuy selection includes chest freezers in a range of capacities and a fridge freezer. Compare the space you actually have for frozen food with your shopping habits, then check the installation requirements for your chosen model.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you want a chest freezer for bulk shopping. This model is described as switchable between fridge and freezer modes, and comes with a removable basket, LED lighting and a five-level digital control. Before installing it in a cellar or garage, check its ambient temperature range and power-cut storage time.
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AUCMA, 197 L convertible chest freezer
Consider this if you want dedicated extra storage without opting for the 291 L chest freezer. This convertible model has a removable basket and a five-level digital control. Check the space needed for installation, its ambient temperature range and its power-cut storage time if these matter for your room.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge but can’t add a separate freezer. The 467 L refers to the total capacity, so check whether the 156 L freezer compartment is enough for your bulk shopping. This model is described as Total No Frost, with a stated power-cut storage time of 10 h. Also check that its ambient temperature range is suitable for the room.
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AUCMA, 141 L convertible chest freezer
This chest freezer could provide extra storage if 141 L is enough for your shopping. It’s described as convertible and comes with a seven-level thermostat and a removable basket. If you’re stocking up in bulk or installing it in a cold room, check that its capacity and operating temperature range suit your needs.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Compare this as an option for extra storage if you don’t need a large capacity. The model is described as having a basket, a counterbalanced lid and adjustable temperature control. Check whether 140 L is enough for your shopping, and whether its stated ambient temperature range is suitable for the space where you’ll install it.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check that a chest freezer will fit in the room?
Measure the space and the entire route to it, then allow for the lid to open fully and for the clearances specified by the manufacturer. UFC-Que Choisir says chest freezers generally take up more floor space than upright models. Only the dimensions of the model you choose can confirm whether it will fit.
Can a freezer work in a cold garage?
Yes, provided its stated ambient temperature range covers the temperatures the garage actually reaches. Beko France and Haier France state that certain specific models work in ambient temperatures down to −15 °C, but this shouldn’t be assumed of all their appliances.
What does a freezer’s stated power-cut storage time mean?
It’s the stated time for a specific model under defined conditions, not a guarantee that applies equally to all freezers. Whirlpool France gives a figure of 11 h for the WHFF 6403 W4E, while Beko France states 41 h for the HSM27050. Check the specifications for the model you’re considering and, during a power cut, follow Enedis’s advice to keep the door closed unless you need to open it.