Households that prepare portions in advance
If you often reach for a tub or bag, drawers can help you organise portions and find the one you want without rummaging through a deep freezer compartment.
Who are these options for?
Households building up a large stock
A chest freezer is worth considering for bulk buys or large containers, as long as you have enough floor space and the room temperature is suitable for the model you choose.
Households unsure about adding another appliance
Before installing a separate freezer, check whether your current compartment can hold your usual stock, or whether a fridge-freezer with more dedicated freezer space would meet your needs.
What should you compare?
Upright freezer
Consider this if: you often want to find portions organised in drawers.
Bear in mind: large containers need to fit in the compartments of the model you choose.
Chest freezer
Consider this if: you need extra storage or space for containers of different shapes, and have a suitable room.
Bear in mind: items at the bottom can be harder to reach quickly.
Large fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you want more space for portions without installing a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: only part of the appliance’s total capacity is available for frozen food.
Your current compartment
Keep it if: your regular stock already fits without getting in the way of everyday storage.
Its limitation: reorganising the compartment won’t create more space.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Look at the drawers, shelves or baskets and the space available for your containers. With a chest freezer, consider how you’ll reach items at the bottom. | I often take out a particular portion and want to find it without moving the rest of my stock. |
| Capacity and installation | Compare usable freezer capacity, then check the dimensions, door opening and clearances specified in the manual. If you’re planning to use a cellar or garage, also check the permitted ambient temperature range. | My stock needs to fit in the appliance, but the appliance also needs to fit in the room I have in mind. |
| Energy use and noise | The European Commission says that the label for refrigeration appliances includes information such as energy consumption, capacity and noise. Compare kWh/year figures for models of a similar size and capacity. | If the appliance will run constantly near a living area, its energy use and noise level will influence my choice. |
| Storage in the event of a power cut | Check the model’s stated storage time: you can’t tell this from whether it’s an upright or chest freezer alone. Also follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your planned installation. | I want to know how long it can keep food frozen before storing a large amount in it. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a chest freezer just for its capacity
Its open compartment can accommodate large containers, but portions stored at the bottom may be less convenient to reach regularly.
Think about where your tubs and bags would go in the baskets provided, then compare how easy they are to reach with the drawers in an upright freezer.
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Forgetting about energy use over time
A freezer runs continuously, so it’s worth considering its capacity and annual energy consumption together.
Compare the kWh/year figures on the labels of appliances with a similar capacity and format, rather than relying on the energy rating letter alone.
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Installing the appliance without checking the room
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model, so a cellar or garage won’t automatically be suitable for every freezer.
Check the operating temperature range, dimensions and required clearances in the manual for the space you’ve chosen.
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Comparing old and new energy ratings as if they were the same
An older A+, A++ or A+++ rating isn’t directly comparable with a letter on the current scale.
To compare appliances, check the relevant energy label and weigh up annual energy consumption, freezer capacity and noise.
A guide to the brands
Bosch
Bosch offers upright freezers, including models arranged around drawers and storage zones.
- For the GSN54EWCV, Bosch states a freezer capacity of 328 L and a storage time of 14 h in the event of a power cut.
- Check the dimensions, access to the compartments and the clearances in the manual for this specific model.
Beko
The brand offers chest freezers for building up a stock in a horizontal compartment.
- Beko states a capacity of 298 L and a storage time of 30 h for its HSM29540 chest freezer.
- With the two baskets listed for this model, think about how you’ll organise smaller portions in the compartment.
Whirlpool
The WHFF 6403 W4E is an example of an upright freezer designed for storing a large stock.
- Whirlpool states a total capacity of 404 L and a storage time of 11 h for this model.
- Measure the space and check access to the compartments before choosing an upright freezer of this size.
Liebherr
Liebherr’s range of upright freezers includes models featuring NoFrost technology.
- Capacity and layout vary by model, so choose one to suit the amount you plan to store.
- Check the energy label, dimensions and noise level for the specific model you’re considering.
Options available on Joybuy
These options include standalone freezers, including a compact chest freezer, as well as fridge-freezers. Compare the capacity actually available for frozen food and the layout with the number of portions you want to store.
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Heinrich´s 161 L No Frost upright freezer, stainless steel
A standalone option if you want to keep your portions separate from the food in your fridge. The model name lists a 161 L capacity, No Frost and an energy rating of C. Check the compartment layout, dimensions and stated storage time before deciding where to put it.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door 360 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking to replace your fridge-freezer rather than add a standalone freezer. The 360 L figure is the stated capacity of the whole appliance, so check the freezer compartment capacity separately. The model name lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door 467 L fridge-freezer
Its four-door design is worth considering when comparing fridge-freezers for storing portions without a separate appliance. The stated total capacity is 467 L, with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity available for frozen food and the width required in your room.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
This 60 L model is worth considering for a small, separate stock of frozen food. The title lists three drawers, while the description mentions two shelves with covers and a bottom drawer. Check the layout before deciding how to store your portions. The product name also lists a reversible door and an E energy rating.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
This 99 L chest freezer is worth considering if you want extra storage in a compartment rather than drawers. The model name lists a removable basket, sliding lid and E energy rating. Check that the layout, lid opening and planned position suit the way you’ll use it.
Frequently asked questions
Does a new freezer sold online in France have to display an energy label?
Yes, if the appliance is covered by this requirement. The French Ministry of the Economy confirms that it also applies to online sales. Check that the label matches the model you’re considering.
What should you compare on a freezer’s energy label?
Compare energy consumption, storage capacity and noise levels, which the European Commission lists among the information shown on refrigeration appliance labels. To assess kWh/year, compare models with a similar format and capacity rather than looking at the rating alone.
Can you put a freezer in a cellar or garage?
Yes, provided the model’s specified ambient temperature range covers the temperature in the room. Check this range and the installation clearances in the manual. A feature listed for one particular freezer doesn’t necessarily apply to other models.
Does No Frost mean there’s no maintenance to do?
No. Manufacturers describe No Frost as a feature that avoids manual defrosting, but you should still follow the cleaning, installation and maintenance instructions in the manual for your chosen model.