If you’re planning to stock up on food, consider a chest freezer if you have enough floor space; an upright freezer makes it easier to organise your food and access it regularly. A small under-counter model can provide extra storage, while a fridge freezer is worth comparing if you also need to replace your fridge. In every case, check the freezer capacity, where the appliance will go and the energy consumption of the specific model.
If you buy in bulk or batch-cook, start by working out how much freezer space you need, then check how much room the appliance will take up. Bosch and Whirlpool present chest freezers as an option for larger stocks, provided you have a suitable place for one.
If you open your freezer regularly, drawers and separate compartments may matter more than a large space that’s difficult to search through. Check the interior layout of each upright model.
If there’s little room in your kitchen for an extra appliance, measure the available floor space and, if relevant, the under-counter gap. Make sure the door can open and that there’s enough ventilation clearance for the planned location.
Worth considering: for larger food stocks, if you have a dedicated area of floor space.
Bear in mind: food stored at the bottom is less easy to reach; you’ll also need enough room to open the lid.
Worth considering: if you check your food stocks regularly and want to organise food across several drawers.
Bear in mind: compare its usable capacity with that of a chest freezer that would also fit your space.
Worth considering: if you want a little extra freezer space and have a suitable spot in your kitchen.
Bear in mind: it may not have enough capacity for a large family food stock.
Worth considering: if you also need to replace your fridge and want both functions in one appliance.
Bear in mind: only part of its total capacity is available for frozen food.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the usable freezer capacity in litres with the floor space required. For a fridge freezer, distinguish freezer capacity from total capacity. | If you’re storing bulk buys or meals prepared in advance, the freezer needs to hold the amount you expect without taking over the room; around 36% of consumers would make capacity their priority. |
| Access and organisation | Check the drawers or baskets and how easy it is to reach food stored at the bottom. | If you take food out often, being able to find it without emptying the freezer becomes essential; around 29% of consumers would put access and organisation first. |
| Installation | Measure the space, access route and opening area; check the required clearances and the climate class of the model you choose. | In a compact kitchen or a room where the temperature varies, the appliance needs to fit and work in its intended location; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this requirement. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Check the kWh/year figure, then find out what type of cooling the model uses and what defrosting it requires. | If the appliance is on all the time, keeping energy use and maintenance to a minimum may matter most; this would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
A chest freezer can offer plenty of storage, but it may take up more floor space. You’ll also need to be able to open the lid and leave the clearances required for the appliance.
Measure the width, depth and height, the delivery route and the lid-opening area before comparing capacities in litres.
According to Whirlpool, the permitted ambient temperature range depends on the model’s climate class. The suitability claimed for the Whirlpool WHM2112 chest freezer at temperatures down to −15 °C does not apply to other appliances.
Compare the room’s temperatures throughout the year with the range shown on the rating plate, in the product specifications or in the manual for the model you’re considering.
A freezer runs continuously, as ADEME points out. Its energy rating letter doesn’t replace the declared annual energy consumption, especially when you’re comparing models with different capacities.
Check the kWh/year figure and usable capacity of appliances that genuinely meet your needs, then consider their cooling type and noise level.
Total capacity includes both the fridge and freezer compartments. For example, Electrolux lists a total capacity of 269 L for its ENA7CD19S, including 62 L for the freezer compartment.
Compare the amount you plan to store with the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone before ruling out a dedicated freezer.
Bosch’s range includes freestanding and built-in upright freezers. It’s worth exploring if you prefer vertical storage.
Whirlpool’s range lets you compare chest, upright and built-in models side by side before settling on a type.
Electrolux built-in fridge freezers are worth comparing if you’re also replacing your fridge and need an appliance to fit a cabinet space.
These models include fridge freezers, upright freezers and a compact option for extra vertical storage. Before choosing, compare the freezer capacity and the space each appliance needs.
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Worth considering if you want a fridge and freezer in one appliance. First check whether the freezer compartment has enough capacity for the amount you plan to store.
Listed capacity: 282 L; energy rating E. This figure is for the whole appliance, not the freezer alone.
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Worth comparing if you’re replacing your fridge and also need freezer storage; check the freezer compartment’s capacity and layout separately.
Listed capacity: 495 L for the appliance; energy rating E.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a built-in appliance and want to keep a freezer compartment. Check the cabinet dimensions and how much space will actually be available for your food.
Listed capacity: 249 L for the appliance; TwinTech No Frost and energy rating E.
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This dedicated freezer is worth considering if you want extra vertical storage rather than a replacement fridge. Measure the space where you plan to put it before choosing this type.
Listed capacity: 161 L; No Frost function and energy rating C.
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Worth considering for a little extra storage if space is limited; check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and interior layout before planning to install it under a counter.
Listed capacity: 60 L; reversible door and energy rating E.
Yes, as long as the model’s recommended ambient temperature range covers the temperatures in the room throughout the year. Whirlpool says this depends on the appliance’s climate class: check the rating plate or manual, and don’t assume all chest freezers can cope with the same conditions.
Check both, but use the kWh/year figure to compare the declared annual energy consumption of appliances with similar capacity. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so the energy consumption of the model you choose matters as well as its rating letter.
It may be, if the net capacity of its freezer compartment is enough for the food you want to store. Don’t rely on the total capacity: for example, Electrolux lists 62 L of freezer space out of 269 L total for its ENA7CD19S. If you’re stocking up in bulk, compare this with the capacity of a dedicated freezer.