For larger stocks, compare chest freezers if storage space is your priority, and upright models if you want to find food easily in drawers. A table-top or under-counter model is better suited to keeping a smaller backup supply. If you’re replacing your fridge too, compare the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer. Whatever you choose, check the space available, the room temperature, annual energy consumption and the model’s stated storage time during a power cut.
If you buy in bulk or store bulky items, compare the usable capacity and floor space required by a chest freezer and a large upright model. Also consider how easily you’ll be able to reach items stored at the bottom.
If you often open the freezer to take out portions, bags or tubs, take a look at the drawers and baskets. Their layout matters just as much as the total capacity when it comes to keeping your stock easy to see and organise.
In a small kitchen, measure the space needed to open the door and allow for ventilation. If you’re putting it in a cellar or garage, also compare the temperatures the room actually reaches with the range the appliance is designed for.
For a regular supply of frozen food, first choose a layout that suits your shopping habits and available space, then compare the specifications of each appliance.
Worth considering: if you store bulk buys or large items and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: the open space is flexible to organise, but items at the bottom are less easy to reach.
Worth considering: if you often take out portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: compartments make it easier to organise food, but may limit space for very large packs.
Worth considering: if a compact appliance is enough for your backup supply.
Bear in mind: check the actual usable capacity rather than judging it by the appliance’s external dimensions alone.
Worth considering: if the appliance needs to fit under a worktop and you don’t need much storage space.
Bear in mind: the right height isn’t enough on its own: freestanding and built-in models have different installation requirements to check.
Worth considering: if you also need to replace your fridge and would prefer a single appliance.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s total capacity isn’t the same as the capacity reserved for frozen food.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and dimensions | Usable capacity in litres, dimensions without packaging, and the space needed to open the door or lid. | If I buy in bulk, I want to fit my usual quantities inside without blocking the way through the room; around 33% of consumers put this storage capacity first. |
| Room temperature | The minimum and maximum temperatures where the appliance will be kept, then the model’s climate class and ventilation requirements. | In a garage or cellar, I need to know whether the appliance is suitable for the temperatures it will face throughout the year; this compatibility is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Food organisation | The number and size of drawers or baskets, and the space available for large packs. | If I often take out portions, I want to find bags without having to move everything else; around 20% of consumers prioritise this everyday accessibility. |
| Long-term use | Energy consumption in kWh/year, storage time during a power cut in hours, and the model’s defrosting method. | If I’m concerned about power cuts or maintenance, I want to compare these features before choosing a larger capacity; they’re the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
A chest freezer has room for bulky items, but you’ll need to organise things so you can reach food at the bottom. An upright freezer’s drawers make it easier to keep things organised, but divide up the available space.
Make a note of the types of items you actually store, then check the baskets, drawers and usable internal dimensions.
The permitted ambient temperature range depends on the model. Bosch and Beko, for example, specify a range of 10 to 32 °C for climate class SN and 10 to 43 °C for class SN-T. This doesn’t mean that appliances in these classes are suitable for colder rooms.
Note the lowest and highest temperatures where the appliance will be kept, then compare them with its climate class or any clearly stated tolerance to low temperatures.
A chest freezer doesn’t automatically keep food frozen for longer than an upright model: check this figure for each appliance. Annual energy consumption can’t be judged by the type of opening either.
For each model you’re considering, compare the stated storage time during a power cut in hours and energy consumption in kWh/year, as well as the capacity.
A freezer fitting under a worktop in terms of height doesn’t prove that its ventilation or installation type is suitable for the space.
Check whether the model is designed to be freestanding or built in, then check the required clearances, door opening direction and installation instructions.
One to consider when comparing chest freezers or looking for an appliance designed for a cold room.
A brand to consider if an upright layout and frost management are important to you.
A brand to consider when comparing upright and compact models to suit your available space and maintenance preferences.
A brand to look at when comparing large-capacity chest and upright freezers, without assuming that their format determines how long they’ll keep food frozen during a power cut.
This selection includes four chest freezers with different capacities and one upright model with drawers. First choose the type of access that suits your stock, then check the installation requirements and specifications of the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you buy in bulk and want a removable basket for smaller items.
The product title lists an E energy rating, five-level digital controls and a defrost drain. Check the climate class and storage time during a power cut for this model. Also check the instructions for its convertible freezing mode.
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Worth comparing if you want a chest freezer with a basket to keep part of your stock separate.
The product title mentions a counterbalanced lid, temperature control, adjustable feet and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions and required clearances, as well as the kWh/year, climate class and storage time during a power cut for this model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 141 L chest freezer with a removable basket to organise your food.
The product title lists an E energy rating, a seven-level thermostat and a defrost drain. Before installing it in a cold room, check the model’s climate range. Also check its storage time during a power cut and the settings for its freezing mode.
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Worth considering for a smaller backup supply if you prefer a top-opening model and have enough space for the lid.
The product title lists a removable basket, an E energy rating, a seven-level thermostat and a defrost drain. Check the climate class, storage time during a power cut and the instructions for this model’s freezing mode.
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Worth comparing if you’d rather organise your stock in drawers than in an open chest freezer.
The product title lists three freezer drawers, a No-Frost function and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions, kWh/year, climate class and storage time during a power cut to see whether this upright model is suitable for your space.
Start with how much you buy and the size of the packs, rather than using a fixed number of litres per person. UFC-Que Choisir describes chest freezers with capacities of up to 600 L, upright models generally close to 200 L, and smaller table-top or under-counter formats. Then check the usable capacity and layout of the model you’re considering.
Yes, if the model’s stated temperature range covers the temperatures the garage actually reaches. Bosch and Beko’s tables give a range of 10 to 32 °C for climate class SN and 10 to 43 °C for class SN-T. To use an appliance below 10 °C, it must be explicitly designed to tolerate low temperatures.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and noise levels between appliances that meet the same storage needs. The European Commission states that the energy label for the refrigerators and freezers covered also shows their energy efficiency class. Check the model’s specifications separately for its storage time during a power cut.
First, follow your model’s instructions on ventilation, positioning and switching it on. Electrolux recommends leaving space for air to circulate around the appliance and gives guidance on how long to wait before plugging in the appliances covered by its documentation. The instructions for your specific freezer always take priority.
It depends on its cooling system, so check whether the model needs manual defrosting. Liebherr describes NoFrost as a feature that reduces the need for this on equipped models. For an appliance where frost builds up, Electrolux recommends defrosting when the layer reaches around 3 to 5 mm and warns against using sharp objects.