Households that prepare portions in advance
If you freeze several home-cooked meals on the same day, check both the space available to store them separately and the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h.
Who are these options suitable for?
Households short on kitchen space
Start by assessing your fridge-freezer’s compartment. If it isn’t enough, measure the space available for a small upright or under-counter freezer, remembering to allow room for the door to open.
Households with a pantry, garage or cellar
A chest freezer can hold bulky supplies if you have enough room. Before choosing a model, compare the room temperature with its stated operating range.
What should you check before choosing?
First decide whether you need to freeze fresh food or simply store products that are already frozen, then compare capacity, access and installation requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing meals | Check that the compartment or appliance is suitable for freezing at −18 °C, then check its freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you’ll be adding lots of meals at once. According to UFC-Que Choisir’s glossary, a four-star compartment is suitable for freezing food. | I want to freeze my home-cooked meals, not just store products that are already frozen for a while. |
| Capacity and storage | Compare the usable capacity with the size of your containers and look at the drawers or baskets. A chest freezer has an open compartment; an upright model makes it easier to separate portions in its compartments. | Drawers would help me find smaller meals; for large containers, I’d look at the space available in a chest freezer. |
| Where to put it | Measure the appliance and the space needed to open its door or lid. Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the range permitted for the exact model. | I need to be able to access the appliance without blocking the way, and know whether it’s suitable for my pantry or garage. |
| Everyday use | When comparing similar appliances, check the annual energy consumption in kWh, stated noise level and stated storage time in the event of a power cut. Also check the model’s defrosting instructions. | If the freezer is near a living area or holds a lot of supplies, these features matter when I’m choosing. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing a freezer compartment with a proper freezer
The freezer compartment in a small fridge may not have the capacity needed to freeze home-cooked meals regularly. A proper freezer compartment could meet this need if its capacity and available space are sufficient.
Check the stated temperature, star rating and instruction manual. UFC-Que Choisir says a four-star compartment is suitable for freezing at −18 °C.
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Choosing by capacity without checking access
A chest freezer needs floor space and room for its lid to open; you’ll need to be able to use an upright freezer’s drawers with the door open.
Measure the width, depth and height, and allow for the necessary clearance before comparing usable capacities.
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Assuming any freezer will work in a garage
The room’s ambient temperature must stay within the range specified for the appliance. A feature advertised for one particular model does not apply to every freezer of the same style.
Compare the room’s lowest and highest temperatures with the climate class or temperature range given in the model’s manual.
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Forgetting how much food you’ll add at once
Storage capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much fresh food an appliance can freeze in a day. The stated storage time answers a different question: how long it will keep food cold in the event of a power cut.
If you prepare lots of portions at once, compare the freezing capacity in kg/24 h; if you keep a large stock, also check the storage time in hours.
What can you learn from the brands?
These examples describe specific models: their features don’t automatically apply to an entire range.
Bosch
The GSN58AWEV is an example of a freestanding upright freezer to consider if vertical storage is your priority.
- Bosch states that this model has a usable freezer capacity of 366 L.
- Check its dimensions and door clearance against the space you have available.
Whirlpool
The W3RHS31DW2 is an example of a chest freezer for storing supplies in an open compartment.
- Whirlpool states that this model has a 36-hour storage time and is specially designed to work in low ambient temperatures.
- Check the applicable temperature range in its specifications and measure the space needed for the freezer and its lid; this feature does not apply to every Whirlpool model.
Electrolux
The EUN7NE18S is a built-in freezer to consider for a kitchen with a compatible housing unit.
- Electrolux states that this model has a net capacity of 212 L and a climate class of SN-N-ST-T.
- Check the housing dimensions: this is not a small under-counter appliance.
Beko
Beko’s guidance helps you tell the drawer storage of an upright freezer apart from the layout of a chest freezer.
- Beko presents an upright freezer as an option for anyone who prefers compartments and drawers.
- For a cellar or garage, check the chosen model’s climate range instead of relying on the style of freezer alone.
Which freezers are available on Joybuy?
This selection includes two chest freezers, a small upright freezer and an upright model: they offer different ways to add capacity when your fridge-freezer’s compartment is no longer enough.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you want to store supplies in a chest freezer. The product name states that it has a 291 L capacity, can switch between fridge and freezer modes, has a removable basket and offers five temperature settings. Check the permitted ambient temperature range for your room and the freezing capacity if you often add lots of fresh portions at once.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
This style could provide extra space for storing separate portions, rather than a large stock of supplies. The product name states that it has a 60 L capacity, three drawers, a reversible door and a freestanding design. If you’re thinking of placing it under a worktop, check its dimensions, the required clearances and the permitted ambient temperature range.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
This 99 L chest freezer is worth comparing if you’re looking for extra storage that’s more compact than a large chest freezer. The product name states that it has a four-star freezing rating, an adjustable thermostat, a removable basket and a sliding lid. Measure the space available and check the climate range before planning to install it in a cellar or garage.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, stainless steel
Vertical storage could suit you if you want to organise portions in drawers. The product name states that it has a 161 L capacity, three freezer drawers, a No Frost function and an adjustable temperature range of −14 °C to −22 °C: to freeze food, choose a setting of −18 °C or lower. Also check the dimensions, climate range and freezing capacity if you regularly fill the appliance with fresh meals.
Frequently asked questions
Is a freezer compartment enough to freeze prepared meals?
Not necessarily: the freezer compartment in a small fridge is mainly for temporarily storing products that are already frozen. A proper freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer could be suitable for prepared meals if its temperature and capacity meet your needs. Check its star rating and instruction manual.
What temperature do I need to freeze food at home?
Aim for −18 °C or lower for home freezing. The Anses explains that at −18 °C, bacterial growth stops, but most micro-organisms survive: you should also follow the instructions for preparation, cooling and defrosting.
Can I put any freezer in a garage or cellar?
No: the room temperature must stay within the range permitted for the model. Compare its minimum and maximum temperatures with the climate class or any specific suitability clearly stated in the product details and instruction manual.
What should I compare on the energy label?
When comparing similar freezers, check the energy efficiency class, stated annual consumption in kWh and noise level; separately, make sure the usable capacity meets your needs. The European Commission presents energy labelling as a guide for the refrigerators and freezers covered by the scheme.