Households that buy and store in bulk
After a bulk shop or preparing several meals, there may not be enough room in your fridge’s freezer compartment for everything you want to freeze. Usable freezer capacity is the first thing to consider.
Who is this purchase for?
Households short on space
In a narrow kitchen or pantry, the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed to open the door or lid, can determine whether a chest, upright or under-counter appliance will fit.
Households planning to install a freezer outside the kitchen
In a garage or outbuilding, the ambient temperature may fall outside the range suitable for some models. Compare the temperatures in the room with those permitted for the appliance you choose.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
Work out how much freezer capacity you need, then check whether the appliance will fit in the space available. The conditions in the room and the appliance’s performance details will help you narrow down the options.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare usable capacity in litres. If you often add fresh food, also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If bulk shopping fills your current compartment, you’ll need space to build up a supply of frozen food: around 36% of consumers make capacity their top priority. |
| Space and access | Measure the installation space and delivery route, then check the clearance needed to open the door or lid. | In a narrow kitchen, the appliance needs to fit without making food difficult to reach. This is the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Room temperature | Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the climate range for the exact model. | If the freezer is going in a garage or outbuilding, make sure it is compatible with the temperatures there before choosing a format; around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Power cuts and everyday use | Check the stated storage time in hours, energy consumption in kWh/year and noise level in dB. | If you’re storing a large supply of food, the stated time it can keep food frozen without power and its energy consumption matter in everyday use. Around 14% of consumers make these their top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing capacity before measuring up
A chest freezer needs floor space and enough clearance above the lid. For example, Whirlpool states that its WHM4612 is 140,5 cm wide, 91,6 cm high and 69,8 cm deep.
Also measure the delivery route and the space needed to open the appliance fully.
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Assuming any model is suitable for a garage
The permitted ambient temperature range varies by appliance. Liebherr, for example, says its FNd 7026 is designed for temperatures as low as −15 °C; this does not apply to other models from the brand.
Check the temperatures in the room against the specifications for the exact model.
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Confusing total capacity with freezer capacity
A large fridge-freezer splits its capacity between two compartments. Whirlpool, for instance, gives its WFNF82EOXFR a fridge capacity of 223 L and a freezer capacity of 97 L.
If you’re short on space for frozen food, compare the freezer compartment alone with the capacity of a separate appliance.
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Forgetting about storage time and the energy label
Two appliances that fit the space may differ in stated energy consumption, noise, defrosting and how long they can keep food frozen during a power cut.
For every model you’re considering, check the energy label and product details rather than assuming these features based on its format.
Brands to consider when comparing
Bosch
Its upright freezers and fridge-freezers let you compare adding a separate appliance with replacing your existing fridge-freezer.
- Bosch states that its GSN58AWCV upright freezer has 366 L of freezer capacity and can keep food frozen for 13 h during a power cut.
- These figures apply to the GSN58AWCV: check the specifications of any other model.
Whirlpool
The range includes chest freezers and fridge-freezers: two different ways to tackle a lack of space for frozen food.
- Whirlpool states that its WHM4612 chest freezer has a capacity of 437 L and can keep food frozen for 32 h during a power cut.
- The brand gives its WFNF82EOXFR fridge-freezer a freezer capacity of 97 L. Check how the capacity is split before considering a replacement.
Liebherr
Its upright freezers are worth considering if you want to organise food in a vertical appliance.
- Liebherr says its FNd 7026 is designed for ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- Check each model individually to confirm whether it can be installed in a cold room.
Electrolux
Its range guide distinguishes between chest freezers, upright models and compact appliances, depending on the capacity you need and the space available.
- Electrolux recommends chest freezers for storing larger quantities and upright models for keeping food organised.
- For an under-counter appliance, check the model’s capacity and dimensions rather than relying on the format name alone.
Freezers to consider on Joybuy
These appliances illustrate three ways to add freezer space: chest freezers, a small upright freezer and, if you also need to replace your fridge, a fridge-freezer. Compare their freezer capacity and overall size with your needs.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
A separate chest freezer for a modest amount of extra freezer space. The product title lists a capacity of 99 L, a four-star rating, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Check the clearance needed to open the lid and the model’s climate range for the room where you plan to install it.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
For storing larger quantities separately, provided you have enough floor space and clearance above the lid. The title lists a capacity of 291 L, an E energy rating, a removable basket and selectable fridge and freezer modes; these two functions cannot be used at the same time. Check the climate range if you plan to install the appliance somewhere other than a temperature-controlled room.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
For a modest amount of extra space when you’d prefer a door to a lid. The title lists a capacity of 60 L, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the exact interior layout of this version, as well as the space and ventilation required if you plan to place it under a worktop.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
For adding more frozen food storage in a standalone appliance. The title lists a capacity of 140 L, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. Measure the available floor space and the clearance above the freezer; also check the stated storage time if power cuts are a concern.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want to replace your fridge while also increasing your freezer capacity. The title lists a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before comparing it with a separate freezer, check the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, the dimensions and the delivery route.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a freezer in a garage?
Yes, provided the garage temperature stays within the range specified for the model you choose. Bosch, for example, gives a range of 10 to 32 °C for climate class SN; Liebherr says its FNd 7026 is designed for temperatures as low as −15 °C. Check the details for the exact appliance, and don’t assume these specifications apply to every model from the same brand.
How do you compare storage times during a power cut?
Compare the stated times in hours for the models you’re considering rather than estimating them from the capacity or format. Bosch gives 13 h for the GSN58AWCV and Whirlpool gives 32 h for the WHM4612. In its test protocol, UFC-Que Choisir also measures how long food stays below −9 °C during a simulated power cut.
What should you look for on the energy label?
Check the energy rating and annual energy consumption, then compare appliances with similar capacities and formats. ADEME notes that large household appliances must display an energy label. For noise and storage time during a power cut, also check the model’s specifications.