Households that prepare meals in advance
If you regularly freeze portions or buy frozen food, a dedicated space can make it easier to keep your supplies separate. The right type depends on how much you need to store and how often you take food out.
Who are these options for?
Households with a pantry, cellar or garage
You can put a chest or large upright freezer in another room, provided there is enough space to use it and the temperature stays within the range specified for the model. ADEME recommends checking the climate class for the intended location.
Households short on space in a small kitchen
If a chest freezer would take up too much floor space, compare the freezer capacity of an under-counter model with that of a larger fridge-freezer. Also check how much room you need to open the door and access the compartments.
How do the different types compare?
First, work out whether you need more freezer capacity, easier access or more room in the space itself. Then compare the dimensions, ambient temperature range and energy label details of the models that meet your needs.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the capacity available for freezing, in litres, and check there is room for your bulkiest packaging. | If I want to store bulk shopping or several prepared meals, I need a separate freezer space rather than just the total capacity of a combined appliance. Around 31% of consumers put this need for capacity first. |
| Storage and access | Look at the drawers or baskets and consider how easy it is to reach food at the bottom of a chest freezer. | When I take out different portions often, I want to find them without having to move the rest of my food. Around 31% of consumers put ease of access above other criteria. |
| Room and temperature | Measure the space and clearance needed; compare the model’s ambient temperature range with the temperature of the room. | In a small kitchen or an unheated room, I need to be able to install and use the appliance in the intended spot. Around 23% of consumers put this installation constraint first. |
| Everyday use | Compare the kWh/year figure, the noise level shown on the label and the model’s defrosting method. | If the appliance will be near living areas, its energy use, noise and maintenance all matter to me. These aspects are the top priority for around 15% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the stated capacity
A large capacity doesn’t guarantee that the freezer will fit in the room or that you’ll be able to reach your food easily. In particular, a chest freezer needs enough space for you to open the lid and reach the bottom.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check that the door or lid can open fully and that the drawers can be removed.
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Putting a freezer in a garage without checking its operating range
Whether an appliance is suitable for a cold room depends on the exact model, not just its brand or type. ADEME recommends checking the climate class against the room temperature.
Compare the minimum and maximum ambient temperatures in the manual with those at the intended location.
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Comparing an old A+++ rating directly with the current scale
Since March 2021, the new energy label for refrigerating appliances has used a scale from A to G, as ADEME explains. An old rating therefore can’t be read in the same way as a current one.
To compare models, check their current energy labels, particularly the kWh/year figure, freezer capacity and noise level.
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Making No Frost your only deciding factor
A defrosting feature alone won’t tell you whether the capacity suits your meals, how much space the appliance takes up or how noisy it is. UFC-Que Choisir assesses several of these features separately in its tests.
First check the model’s capacity, dimensions, kWh/year figure and noise level, then decide how important defrosting is for the way you’ll use it.
Brands to compare by model
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for an upright freezer with a layout that can accommodate food in different sizes.
- Bosch’s GSN58EWDV has removable Vario Zone drawers and shelves, a Big Box compartment and No Frost.
- These features apply to this model: check its dimensions, capacity, energy use, noise level and climate class before comparing it with another model.
Beko
Worth comparing if you’re choosing between a chest freezer for bulk shopping and an appliance for a room that isn’t heated much.
- Beko says its RFNM200T40WN, fitted with Freezer Guard, can operate at an ambient temperature as low as −15 °C.
- Don’t assume the same temperature range applies to other Beko models: check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
Liebherr
Worth a look if you need a large-capacity chest freezer, particularly if you need to check the permitted ambient temperature for its location.
- Liebherr quotes a capacity of 497 litres and FrostProtect down to −15 °C for the CFe 2500 Pure.
- According to Liebherr, this model measures 82 × 167 × 71 cm. Allow space to open it, too, and check its operating range is suitable for your room.
Whirlpool
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a large-capacity upright freezer or want to explore the defrosting features of a specific model.
- Whirlpool quotes a capacity of 404 litres and energy use of 292 kWh/year for the WHFF 6403 W4E. The brand also lists the UW8 F2C XBI N 2 with a capacity of 259 litres and Total No Frost.
- Capacity and features differ between these models: compare the energy label and layout of the one you’re considering rather than focusing on the brand alone.
Freezers to consider on Joybuy
These models provide separate freezer storage: the chest freezers suit different capacity needs, while the upright options let you compare compartment storage and the space they take up in a small kitchen. Check the installation dimensions and ambient temperature range of each model against the room where you plan to put it.
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AUCMA, 95 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you want to add 95 L of freezer space without buying a large chest freezer. Check that this capacity is enough for your meals and shopping.
The product name lists a convertible fridge-freezer function, a 7-level thermostat, a removable basket, a defrost drain and an E energy rating. If you plan to keep it in a cold room, check the model’s ambient temperature range.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
This 99 L chest freezer is worth comparing with other small-capacity dedicated storage options. Allow enough room to open the lid.
The product name lists a removable basket, sliding lid, four-star rating and E energy rating. It needs to be defrosted manually; also check its ambient temperature range against the room where you plan to put it.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, stainless steel
If you want to organise portions in an upright appliance, compare its 161 L capacity with your needs and make sure there’s room to open the door.
The product name lists drawers, a reversible door, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions and ambient temperature range for your chosen location.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Compare this 140 L chest freezer with smaller models if your meals and frozen food need more freezer space.
The product name lists a storage basket, counterbalanced lid, temperature control and E energy rating. Also measure the space needed to open the lid and check the ambient temperature range before choosing a room.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
For a small kitchen, its 60 L capacity could provide separate freezer storage, as long as it meets your needs.
The product name lists a reversible door and E energy rating. Check the exact compartment layout: the title and product description don’t present it in the same way. Also confirm that it’s suitable for under-counter installation and check its ambient temperature range.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a freezer is suitable for my garage or cellar?
Compare the model’s recommended ambient temperature range with the temperatures in the room. ADEME recommends checking the climate class. Low-temperature suitability quoted for certain models, such as the Beko RFNM200T40WN or Liebherr CFe 2500 Pure, doesn’t automatically apply to other models from those brands.
What should I compare on the energy labels of two freezers?
Look at the freezer capacity in litres, annual energy use in kWh, energy rating and noise emissions, bearing in mind the capacity and type you need. The European Commission lists these details among the information shown on the labels for refrigerating appliances.
Is a chest freezer always more practical for a large family’s food supplies?
No. A chest freezer can hold bulky food, but you’ll need to make sure its top-opening lid and floor space work for your home. UFC-Que Choisir notes that some chest freezers have a capacity of up to 600 litres. If you often take out different small portions, compare these with the ease of organising food in an upright freezer with drawers.
Is No Frost enough to choose between two models?
No. First check that each model has the right capacity and dimensions, and is suitable for the ambient temperature where you plan to install it. Then compare the kWh/year figure, noise level and interior layout. The defrosting feature doesn’t replace these other criteria.