Homes with a separate room
A chest freezer can hold large quantities of food if you have enough floor space and can open the lid fully. In a cellar, pantry or garage, also check the range of room temperatures the model can operate in.
Which type is right for you?
The right type depends as much on the space you have and how often you’ll need to access it as on how much you plan to store.
Homes where frozen food is accessed often
An upright freezer with drawers makes it easy to organise food and find what you need without rummaging through a chest. However, check its freezing capacity, how far the door opens and how much room you’ll need to pull out the drawers.
Smaller homes and extra storage
A top-mounted or under-counter freezer can add to your existing capacity if you only need to store a modest amount. Compare its capacity with what you’ll actually put in it: this type of freezer won’t do the same job as a large chest or upright model.
What should you compare before choosing?
Start by estimating the freezer capacity you need, then see how each type fits your space and the way you access your food. If you’re replacing your fridge too, compare the capacity of its freezer compartment alone with that of a freestanding appliance.
| Consideration | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Type and capacity | Compare the freezer capacity in litres with the amount of food you plan to store, rather than the total capacity of a fridge freezer. Que Choisir’s guide says chest freezers can hold up to 600 l, compared with up to 400 l for the largest upright models; these figures don’t apply to every model. | I want separate storage for a large amount of food: a chest freezer is worth considering. If I’m replacing my fridge too, a fridge freezer may be enough if its freezer compartment offers the capacity I need. |
| Space and access | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the clearance needed to open the appliance. Compare an upright freezer’s drawers with a chest freezer’s main compartment and the top access of a compact model. | If I often need to find different types of food, I’d prioritise easily accessible compartments. If I’m storing large packs, I could consider an open compartment, provided I can reach everything inside. |
| Room temperature | Check the minimum and maximum temperatures where you plan to install the appliance, and compare them with the room-temperature range stated for the model. Bosch explains that a climate class defines the temperatures an appliance is designed for; any claim that it’s suitable for an unheated room should apply to the exact model you’re considering. | My cellar or garage could get cold, so I’ll check that the model is suitable for that room rather than relying on its type alone. |
| Power cuts | Check the model’s stated storage time in hours and don’t confuse it with its capacity. Que Choisir assesses separately how long food stays below −9 °C during a simulated power cut. | If my freezer is out of sight, I want to know how long it can keep food frozen and check whether it has a temperature alarm that suits my needs. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare kWh/year, energy rating and capacity across appliances of a similar type. Also check the defrosting method stated for each model; the European Commission’s public EPREL database lets you look up details including annual energy consumption, dimensions and capacity for listed appliances. | I want to consider the electricity it will use throughout the year and how often it will need defrosting, rather than choosing based on its energy rating alone. |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing a large capacity without checking access
A chest freezer takes up floor space, while an upright model needs enough clearance to open the door and remove the drawers. A generous capacity won’t help much if the appliance or its contents are difficult to reach.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the lid or door before choosing a model.
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Assuming a freezer will work in any unheated room
The permitted room temperature depends on the model. Liebherr says its CFe 2500 Pure is suitable for temperatures down to −15 °C, and Beko gives the HSM27050 the same minimum room temperature; these specifications don’t apply to other models.
Note the lowest and highest temperatures in your cellar, pantry or garage, then compare them with the details on the product information sheet and appliance rating plate.
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Looking only at the energy rating
The letter doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption in kWh or how much food the freezer can hold. Two appliances with different capacities may not meet the same needs.
Compare the energy rating, kWh/year, freezer capacity and dimensions of models of a similar type.
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Assuming all freezers keep food frozen for the same time during a power cut
This varies by model: Bosch and Beko state 13 h for the GSN58AWCV and 41 h for the HSM27050 respectively. These figures apply to each specific model and can’t be inferred from its capacity.
Check the stated storage time for the exact model and see if it has a temperature alarm, especially if you’ll be installing it away from your living areas.
Brands and models to know
These examples showcase specific types and features; their specifications shouldn’t be taken as representative of every model in the brand’s range.
Bosch
The GSN58AWCV is a large freestanding upright freezer to consider if you want to organise your food in vertical compartments.
- According to Bosch’s product information for this model: 366 l of usable freezer capacity, 38 dB, a stated storage time of 13 h and a freezing capacity of 26 kg/24 h.
- These specifications apply to the GSN58AWCV. Check its dimensions and permitted room-temperature range for your chosen location.
Liebherr
The CFe 2500 Pure chest freezer is a useful point of comparison for storing larger quantities, particularly in a room where the temperature may drop.
- Liebherr states that the CFe 2500 Pure has a capacity of 497 l and, thanks to FrostProtect, can operate in room temperatures down to −15 °C.
- Check whether a model is suitable for a cold room on a case-by-case basis; this feature doesn’t apply to every Liebherr freezer.
Beko
The HSM27050 is an example of a chest freezer to consider if you want separate storage in a room that could get cold.
- Beko’s product information for the HSM27050 lists a net capacity of 284 l, a stated storage time of 41 h and a minimum operating room temperature of −15 °C.
- These details don’t mean that other Beko models have the same storage time or permitted room-temperature range.
Options available on Joybuy
This selection includes a freestanding upright freezer, three chest freezers with different capacities and a fridge freezer for anyone replacing their fridge too. Compare each option with the storage capacity you need and where you plan to install it.
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Heinrich´s, 161 l upright freezer, stainless steel finish
An upright freezer to consider if you’d rather organise food in compartments than stack it in a chest freezer.
The product name lists a capacity of 161 l, five drawers, No Frost, a reversible door, an alarm and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions, door clearance, storage time and permitted room-temperature range for your installation.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 l chest freezer
This chest freezer is worth considering for separate storage if top access and the space needed to open the lid suit your home.
The product name lists a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid, an adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Before placing it in a cold room, also compare its annual energy consumption, storage time and permitted room-temperature range.
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AUCMA, 95 l convertible chest freezer
This compact chest freezer could provide extra storage if you only need to store a small amount of food; select the freezer mode if you plan to keep frozen food in it.
The product name lists a fridge-to-freezer conversion function, a seven-setting thermostat, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Check the permitted room-temperature range and storage time if you plan to install it in a cellar or garage.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 l chest freezer
This compact chest freezer is worth comparing for extra storage, bearing in mind that you’ll need to access it from above.
The product name lists a removable basket, a sliding lid, four-star freezing and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, annual energy consumption, storage time and permitted room-temperature range for your chosen location.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 l fridge freezer
This fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too. To assess its storage capacity, compare the freezer compartment with your needs rather than looking at its total capacity of 467 l.
The product name lists four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions and permitted room-temperature range for your chosen location.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a freezer in an unheated cellar or garage?
Yes, as long as the room-temperature range the model is designed for covers the temperatures in that room throughout the year. Check the product information and rating plate: a claim that certain Liebherr or Beko models can operate down to −15 °C doesn’t automatically apply to another appliance.
What should you compare on the energy label?
Check the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh, then compare them with the freezer capacity and dimensions of similar appliances. The European Commission’s public EPREL database lists these details for appliances covered by EU energy labelling.
Why should you check each model’s storage time during a power cut?
Because this varies from one appliance to another and can’t be worked out from its capacity or energy rating. Que Choisir assesses this by simulating a power cut and measuring how long food stays below −9 °C. Check the figure for the specific model you’re considering.
Who should you contact if a new appliance in France doesn’t match its description?
Contact the seller. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity requires the seller to supply goods that match the contract and makes them responsible for any lack of conformity present when the goods are delivered. Keep the product description and your purchase documents so you can explain what doesn’t match.