For storing large quantities or bulky containers, start by comparing chest freezers. If you regularly take out portioned meals, an upright freezer with drawers will make them easier to organise. A large fridge-freezer could save you from buying a separate appliance, provided its freezer compartment has enough room for your usual stock. In every case, check the available space, defrosting requirements, energy consumption and stated power-cut storage time.
If you regularly freeze portions to enjoy later, with dates marked on them, take a look at the layout of an upright freezer with drawers. However, the number of drawers alone won’t tell you whether they have enough capacity or usable space.
If you buy in bulk or store large containers, it’s worth comparing a chest freezer with an upright model. Gitem describes chest freezers as suitable for bulky foods. Check that the floor space they take up and their basket layout will work in your room and suit your habits.
If space is tight, compare your usual stock with the capacity of the freezer compartment alone in a large fridge-freezer. Its total capacity includes the fridge, so it won’t answer this question.
Consider one if: you prioritise bulk buys and large containers over easy access to individual portions; Gitem highlights this use for chest freezers.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom takes more sorting, and the cabinet needs plenty of floor space.
Consider one if: you often take out portioned meals and want to keep them separate in drawers.
Bear in mind: drawer dimensions and the space needed to open the door can make it harder to store large dishes.
Consider one if: its freezer compartment can hold your stock without the need for another appliance.
Bear in mind: the fridge-freezer’s total capacity alone won’t tell you how much space is available for frozen food.
Once you’ve chosen a style to consider, compare each model with the amount of food you freeze, how often you use it and where you’ll put the appliance.
| What to consider | What to check | What consumers say |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Net freezer capacity and the dimensions of any large containers you need to store. | When I freeze large batches, I want to store them without sacrificing the space I need for the rest of my food; around 31% of consumers would prioritise usable capacity. |
| Access to portions | The size and layout of the drawers or baskets, and the space needed to open the door. | If I regularly take a meal out of the freezer, I want to find it without moving several containers. Easy access and organisation would be priorities for around 31% of consumers. |
| Storage time during a power cut | The stated time in hours and the test conditions for the exact model. | With several weeks’ worth of meals in the freezer, I want to know how long it will stay cold during a power cut; around 19% of consumers would put this storage time first. |
| Maintenance and energy consumption | Annual energy consumption in kWh and the model’s defrosting method. | If I add another appliance, I want to factor in its maintenance and electricity use; around 19% of consumers would put these considerations ahead of the others. |
This figure includes the fridge compartment too, so it doesn’t show how much room there is for frozen meals. EPREL product sheets list the compartments separately.
Estimate how much space your food takes up and compare it with the freezer capacity of the model you’re considering.
It may have room for a large container, but smaller portions stored at the bottom can be harder to find.
Check which baskets are supplied or compatible and plan how to organise your portions. If you take them out often, compare an upright freezer with drawers.
Without an organised layout, you may need to move some of your food to find a meal.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. Beko and Liebherr advertise features for cold rooms on some appliances, but not across their entire ranges.
Before choosing a cellar or garage, check the permitted ambient temperature in the manual for the exact model.
Two appliances with suitable capacity may need different levels of maintenance. A feature that reduces frost doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance is No Frost.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh and check the exact defrosting method stated on the product sheets for the models you’re considering.
Haier’s range includes upright and chest freezers, which you can compare based on the capacity and layout you’re looking for.
Beko offers upright freezers, some of which have model-specific storage or installation features.
Liebherr offers upright and chest freezers with different frost management systems.
Electrolux also offers built-in freezers for households that need to fit the appliance into a niche.
Yes, if its freezer compartment can hold your usual stock. Compare its capacity separately from that of the fridge; EPREL product sheets list the compartments for the model in question separately.
No, these names refer to different features. According to the manufacturers concerned, No Frost prevents frost from building up to the point where manual defrosting is needed, while SmartFrost aims to reduce frost build-up. Check the product sheet and manual for the exact model.
Compare the stated storage time in hours for each model, taking its test conditions into account. In its simulated power-cut test, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long food stays below −9 °C. Check which criterion is used before comparing two figures.
Pack food in a way that’s suitable for freezing and organise portions so you can find them easily. The Ministry of Agriculture highlights the importance of wrapping every item placed in the freezer. When comparing appliance layouts, consider the size of your containers and how you’ll organise them.