For storing large shops and plenty of prepared meals, consider a chest freezer if you have enough space; if you regularly look for food stored in drawers, an upright freezer may suit you better. A small under-counter model is best for extra capacity, while a fridge freezer is mainly worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity, not just the total. Whatever you choose, compare the dimensions, annual energy consumption and stated power-cut storage time of the specific model.
A chest freezer has room for bulky containers, while an upright freezer makes it easier to organise bags and boxes you reach for often. Usable capacity matters just as much as how easily you can organise your food.
Measure the space available, including the clearance needed to open the door or lid. An upright freezer makes use of vertical space, while a small under-counter appliance is best for a little extra capacity.
Check that the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the temperature of the room. A chest freezer isn’t automatically suitable for use in a cold room just because of its design.
Start with how much space you need for frozen food, then compare each format with the space available and how often you’ll need to access it.
| Consideration | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the freezer compartment alone, and check whether there’s room for large containers or bags. With a fridge freezer, don’t confuse the total capacity with the freezer capacity. | I want to store several meals and frozen groceries without filling every compartment straight away. |
| Space and access | Measure the width, depth and height, plus the clearance needed for the door or lid. Que Choisir says chest freezers are typically 110 to 140 cm wide and 70 cm deep; also check the baskets or drawers on the model you’re considering. | If I open the appliance often, I want to be able to find a portion without moving all my other food. |
| Energy use and noise | The European energy label shows details including annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level. Compare these figures for appliances with similar capacities and uses, rather than looking only at the A to G rating. | An appliance that runs continuously should match the energy use I’m looking for; if it’s in a living space, noise levels matter too. |
| Power cuts | Check the stated storage time in hours for the exact model. To interpret an independent test, check how it was carried out: Que Choisir, for example, measures how long food stays below −9 °C in a simulated power cut. | If I’m storing a lot of food, I want to know how long the specific appliance I’m considering is said to keep it cold. |
| Installation location | Check the climate class and any specific information about the minimum permitted ambient temperature. Compatibility stated for one model doesn’t necessarily apply to the whole range. | In a cold cellar or garage, I need a model confirmed as suitable for the temperature in that room. |
A large chest freezer needs plenty of floor space, and its contents may be harder to reach. The drawers in an upright freezer make it easier to organise food, but they need to fit the size of your containers.
Measure the space, allow for the lid or door to open fully, and check the size and ease of use of the baskets or drawers.
Whether an appliance can run in a cold room depends on the specific model, not just its format. For example, Liebherr says some models featuring FrostProtect are suitable for temperatures as low as −15 °C. This figure doesn’t apply to other appliances.
Compare the room’s minimum temperature with the ambient temperature range explicitly stated for the model you’ve chosen.
The letter rating on its own doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption of two appliances with different capacities.
Check the kWh/year, freezer capacity and noise level on the label too, then compare appliances suited to similar needs.
Whirlpool lists a 36-hour storage time for the W3RHS31DW2 chest freezer and 11 hours for the WHFF6403W4E upright freezer; Bosch lists 9 hours for the GSN29EWEV upright freezer. These stated figures apply to those specific models and don’t mean that all chest freezers outperform all upright freezers.
Check the stated storage time for the model you’re considering. If you look at an independent test, check how it measured how long the appliance keeps food cold.
These brands offer several formats in France; the features mentioned apply to the specific models listed.
Bosch offers a range of freestanding and built-in upright freezers.
Liebherr offers chest and upright freezers, as well as built-in models.
Whirlpool offers chest, upright and built-in freezers, giving you several formats to consider.
These Joybuy options include fridge freezers for replacing your fridge too, as well as chest freezers and a small upright freezer for extra storage. Before you choose, compare the capacity actually reserved for frozen food.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too: of the 467 L total capacity, 156 L is for the freezer, with two drawers. The model features Total No Frost, an E rating, 290 kWh/year and a stated 10-hour storage time. Its stated dimensions are 83.3 × 65.0 × 181.5 cm; check the installation clearance and whether 156 L is enough for your frozen food.
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If you want to keep chilled and frozen food in one appliance, this model offers 125 L of freezer space across three drawers, out of a total capacity of 360 L. It features Total No Frost, an E rating, 271 kWh/year and a stated 11-hour storage time. Its stated dimensions are 185 × 59.5 × 66.7 cm; check the door clearance and whether 125 L of freezer space meets your needs.
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For bulk shopping or bulky containers, this chest freezer offers 291 L of capacity and a removable basket. Its stated energy consumption is 226 kWh/year, and its dimensions are 1100 × 597 × 872 mm. Make sure you have enough room to open the lid. If power-cut storage time or installation in a cold room will influence your choice, check the stated storage time and permitted ambient temperature range for this model.
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This 60 L freestanding model is for extra capacity rather than a large supply of groceries. It features a reversible door, an E rating and measures 44.5 × 47.5 × 84.5 cm. Check the clearance and ventilation before placing it under a worktop. The title lists three drawers, while the description mentions two covered shelves and a bottom drawer; confirm the exact layout before buying. Also check the kWh/year, storage time and permitted ambient temperature range if these matter to you.
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For a little extra freezer space, this chest freezer offers 99 L of capacity, a removable basket and measures 54.5 × 47.6 × 83.5 cm. Its stated freezing capacity is 4.5 kg/24 h. It needs to be defrosted manually when the ice build-up exceeds 5 mm, so allow time for this and make sure you have room to open the lid. If needed, also check the kWh/year, storage time and suitability for the temperature of your chosen location.
Consider a chest freezer if you mainly store bulky items and have enough floor space. Que Choisir says some chest freezers hold up to 600 l. If you open your freezer often, an upright model may make it easier to organise food in drawers; check that they’ll fit your containers.
For appliances covered by the scheme in the European Union, the label includes details such as the A to G rating, annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level, according to the European Commission. When choosing between two appliances, compare their kWh/year and freezer capacity, taking account of similar capacities and uses.
Yes, as long as the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the temperature of the room. For example, Liebherr says some models featuring FrostProtect are suitable for temperatures as low as −15 °C. Don’t assume this applies to another freezer without checking its specifications.
No. When a manufacturer lists NoFrost for a specific model, the feature relates to frost and defrosting; it doesn’t tell you about usable capacity, energy consumption, noise or storage time during a power cut. Compare these features separately for the models you’re considering.