Choose an upright freezer if you want to see, sort and retrieve portions frequently from drawers; a chest freezer is better suited to storing a large supply of bulky products if you have enough floor space. A large fridge freezer is mainly worth considering when replacing your main appliance, provided its freezer capacity genuinely meets your needs.
If you are short of space in your fridge freezer but frequently need to access portions, ready meals and bags, the drawers in an upright freezer make sorting much easier. According to UFC-Que Choisir, you should still check the dimensions and the clearance needed to open the door.
A chest freezer may be a good choice if you regularly buy in bulk, store bulky products or prepare lots of portions in advance. It requires enough floor space and a storage system to keep everything accessible.
A large fridge freezer can save you from installing a second appliance if your fridge also needs replacing and you do not need a dedicated reserve of several hundred litres.
Choose this if: you open the freezer often and want to separate bags, boxes and portions by drawer.
Bear in mind: you need clearance in front of the door and drawers that remain easy to handle.
Choose this if: your priority is a substantial reserve of frozen food, homemade dishes or bulky packaging.
Bear in mind: it requires more floor space, top access and organisation by zones or baskets.
Choose this if: you are already replacing your main fridge and your freezer needs are fairly modest.
Compare: the net freezer capacity, which may still be considerably lower than that of a dedicated appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and footprint | Compare the net freezer capacity in litres, the H × W × D dimensions and the clearance required for the door or lid. UFC-Que Choisir states that chest freezers can hold up to 600 L, while upright models generally hold around 200 L and can reach 400 L. | I want to store my regular purchases without obstructing the walkway, floor space or designated location. |
| Access and storage | Look at the drawers, shelves, adjustable sections or baskets. For a chest freezer, plan how you will organise large packages and products you use frequently. | I want to find everyday portions quickly without moving my entire stock. |
| Power cuts and installation room | Compare the stated power-cut storage time, expressed in hours, on each model’s product information page. Also check the minimum and maximum permitted ambient temperatures if the appliance is intended for a garage, utility room or cellar. | I want a time buffer in the event of a power cut and a model that is compatible with the actual temperature of the room. |
| Energy use and labelling | Compare the current A to G energy rating and annual consumption in kWh/year between models with similar capacities and formats. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that refrigeration and freezing appliances sold in France must carry an energy label. | I want comparable data so I can choose an appliance that runs continuously. |
A chest freezer can offer plenty of capacity but requires more width and depth. An upright freezer, meanwhile, needs enough space in front of the door to open it and use the drawers.
Measure the delivery route, installation area, lid or door clearance and access to the drawers before ordering.
A fridge freezer may appear spacious because of its total capacity while offering limited freezer space. According to Whirlpool France, the WHK22372X5EA1 has a total capacity of 370 L, including 118 L dedicated to freezing.
Always compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone with the quantities you plan to store regularly.
The room temperature must remain within the range specified by the manufacturer. The fact that one model is advertised as working down to a certain temperature does not automatically apply to other appliances.
Check the instructions or technical specifications for the exact model and compare its temperature limits with the actual conditions in your garage, cellar or utility room.
Storage times vary by model: the examples given by Beko, Bosch and Whirlpool range from 10 to 36 hours. Capacity alone therefore does not provide a basis for comparing this protection period.
If power cuts are a risk in your home, compare the storage time in hours on the product information pages for your shortlisted models.
A brand worth considering for an upright freezer with drawers and adjustable sections.
A brand to consider for a large-capacity chest freezer, particularly in a compatible unheated room.
A useful brand for comparing a very large upright freezer with a fridge freezer designed to replace your main appliance.
These Joybuy options include upright and chest freezers for adding extra frozen-food storage, with capacities suited to different storage needs.
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For households that regularly want to organise portions and bags in separate compartments.
Advertised features include 161 L capacity, three drawers, two shelves, LED display, alarm and reversible door. Check the dimensions, power-cut storage time and permitted ambient temperature before installation.
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A moderately sized additional reserve for a location that allows top access.
Advertised features include 140 L capacity, storage basket, balanced lid, castors, adjustable feet and front drainage. Check that the lid can open fully, as well as the storage time and ambient temperature range.
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An additional solution for keeping a small supply of frozen food in a limited space.
Advertised features include 99 L capacity, removable basket, sliding lid, adjustable thermostat and castors. Stated dimensions: 54.5 × 47.6 × 83.5 cm; defrosting is manual.
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For adding compact storage with a basket for items you need to retrieve more frequently.
Advertised features include 98 L capacity, basket, balanced lid, castors, adjustable feet and temperature control. Check the dimensions, storage time and room temperature conditions.
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A compact format for separating a few portions when space is very limited.
Advertised features include 60 L capacity, three compartments, mechanical thermostat, reversible door and adjustable feet. Stated dimensions: 44.5 × 47.5 × 84.5 cm; check that this capacity matches your storage needs.
Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the lid fully and reach the bottom. UFC-Que Choisir states that chest freezers commonly occupy around 110 to 140 cm in width and 70 cm in depth, but the exact dimensions to use are those of the model you choose.
No. Check the instructions or technical specifications for the minimum and maximum permitted ambient temperatures for the exact model. Beko France, for example, states that the HSM46740 can operate down to -15 °C, but this feature cannot be assumed for all appliances.
Compare the storage time in the event of a power cut, expressed in hours, on each model’s product information page. Beko, Bosch and Whirlpool state 36 hours for the HSM46740, 14 hours for the GSN54EWCV and 10 hours for the WHK22372X5EA1 respectively; these figures are specific to each model.
Yes. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that refrigeration appliances, including freezers, must carry an energy label in France. The European EPREL database also allows you to view the main declared parameters for registered models before they are placed on the market in the European Union.