If you regularly take portions out of the freezer, choose an upright model with drawers to keep everything organised. A chest freezer is better suited to larger quantities or bulky containers, provided you have room for it. If you only need a little extra space, first compare the freezer capacity of a larger fridge freezer. Whichever type you choose, check the usable capacity, the space needed to open it and whether the appliance is suitable for the room temperature.
If you regularly take a meal from your freezer, an upright model’s drawers make it easier to separate portions and find what you’re looking for. Check how the drawers are arranged and how much space you’ll need with the door open.
A chest freezer can hold a large stock or bulky containers if you have enough floor space. Before choosing a model for an unheated room, compare the room’s temperatures with the appliance’s climate class. Whirlpool notes that this information is included in the appliance specifications.
If your current freezer is only slightly short on space, check the freezer capacity of a larger fridge freezer before considering a second appliance. It’s the capacity of the freezer compartment, not the advertised total, that tells you how much room you’ll have for meals.
Consider it if: you regularly take out portions and want to organise them across several drawers.
Allow for: space in front of the door to access and remove the drawers.
Consider it if: you store a lot of portions or bulky containers and have enough floor space.
Allow for: baskets or an inventory to help you find food stored at the bottom.
Consider it if: your extra meals will fit in a larger freezer compartment and you’d rather not install a separate appliance.
Allow for: comparing the freezer capacity alone, as the total capacity also includes the fridge.
| Criterion | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the freezer capacity alone, the size of your containers and the space available. According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers can hold up to 600 L; upright models are generally around 200 L, while the largest can hold up to 400 L. | I want to store my portions and frozen food without choosing an appliance that’s too bulky for the room. |
| Access to food | Check how the drawers, compartments or baskets are arranged, then consider how much room you’ll need to open the door or lid and reach the contents. | If I take out a prepared meal almost every day, I’d rather be able to find it without moving all my other food. |
| Installation | Measure the space and check the manual for ventilation clearances. For a cellar, garage or another room with variable temperatures, check the range permitted by the model’s climate class. | My appliance needs to open and have enough ventilation where I plan to install it. |
| Everyday use | For the models you’re considering, compare annual energy consumption, noise in dB(A), stated power-cut storage time and freezing capacity, taking usable capacity into account. | If it’s near a living area, noise matters to me. I also want to know how the appliance performs during a power cut. |
A chest freezer can take up a lot of floor space, while an upright model needs room in front of the door so you can access the drawers.
Measure the space, the route to the room and the clearance needed for the door or lid. For an upright model, also check that you’ll be able to remove the drawers once it’s installed.
The climate class indicates the ambient temperatures an appliance is designed for. Whirlpool also explains that ventilation clearances allow heat to escape.
Check the room’s temperatures, the appliance’s climate class and the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
An energy rating letter doesn’t tell you how much you can store, how noisy the appliance is or how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
First compare models that suit the capacity you need, then look at their annual energy consumption, noise level, stated storage time during a power cut and internal layout together.
Anses says that at -18 °C, home freezing stops bacteria from multiplying, but most microorganisms survive.
Label portions with the date and follow Anses guidance on freezing and defrosting prepared food.
Bosch offers upright freezers, including models with drawers and storage features designed to help keep food organised.
Whirlpool offers both chest and upright freezers, so you can compare two different storage layouts within the same brand.
Beko offers chest and upright freezers, with some models specified as suitable for use in a cold room.
These Joybuy options include one upright freezer, two chest freezers and two fridge freezers. Compare freezer capacity and installation requirements according to how much food you need to store, rather than looking at the total capacity alone.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to organise portions in an upright freezer. The product title lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, a No Frost system and a C energy rating. Before installing it, check its dimensions, climate class and stated storage time during a power cut.
Image unavailable
This fridge freezer is worth considering if you’d rather not add a separate freezer. Its stated capacity of 467 L covers the whole fridge freezer. It also features Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with the amount of food you need to store, and check the manual for installation clearances.
Image unavailable
For storing a variety of containers, this chest freezer has a stated capacity of 291 L, a removable basket and a defrost water outlet. It’s described as convertible between fridge and freezer modes and has an E energy rating. Check the space needed to open the lid, the ventilation requirements and the climate class if you plan to install it in a cellar or garage.
Image unavailable
This fridge freezer is another option if the extra portions you need to store will fit in an integrated freezer compartment. Its product title lists a total appliance capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and the clearances specified in the manual.
Image unavailable
If you’re looking for a 140 L chest freezer, this model includes a storage basket and a counterbalanced lid, according to its product title. It has an E energy rating. Measure the clearance needed to open the lid, and check the climate class, annual energy consumption and stated storage time during a power cut to compare it with other models.
An upright freezer is a better choice if you regularly take out portions organised by category. A chest freezer suits larger stocks or bulky containers, provided you have enough floor space and a way to find food stored at the bottom.
Yes, as long as the room’s actual temperatures stay within the range specified for the model. Check its climate class on the rating plate or in the technical specifications. Choosing a chest or upright model alone doesn’t mean it’s suitable for an unheated room.
Follow the clearance instructions in the manual for your chosen model. As guidance specific to its freestanding appliances, Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind to allow heat to escape. These clearances don’t replace the instructions for a different appliance.
Start with the freezer’s usable capacity, then compare annual energy consumption, noise, freezing capacity and stated storage time during a power cut. With a fridge freezer, don’t confuse the appliance’s total capacity with that of the freezer compartment alone.
No. Anses says that at -18 °C, home freezing stops bacteria from multiplying, but most microorganisms survive. Label your portions with the date and follow its guidance on freezing and defrosting. Don’t refreeze food once it has thawed.