If you want to build up a large stock of frozen food, first decide whether you’d prefer the capacity and flexible storage of a chest freezer or the more organised access offered by an upright model. A fridge freezer could save you from having to install a second appliance, but you’ll need to compare the capacity of its freezer compartment alone with your needs. In every case, check the space available, the room temperature and the specifications of the exact model.
If you buy in bulk, batch-cook or store large packs, start by working out how much usable freezer space you really need. Que Choisir distinguishes between the open storage space of a chest freezer, which suits bulky items, and the sometimes less convenient access to food stored at the bottom.
If you want to keep food sorted and find items quickly, look at the layout of an upright freezer’s drawers and shelves. Configurations vary by model, so also check that you can reach the food in every compartment.
In a narrow kitchen, utility room or garage, measure the access route and the space needed to open the appliance before choosing a format. Also check that the model’s climate class is suitable for the room temperatures throughout the year; an unheated garage isn’t automatically suitable.
For a larger household, choose the format before considering the features: work out how much food you need to store and how often you’ll need to access it, then see which appliances fit the available space.
Consider it: if you need plenty of space for different-sized packs and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to organise the bottom carefully if you often need to take food out.
Consider it: if you want to sort food into categories and regularly access the drawers.
Bear in mind: the compartments limit the shape of items you can store, so check the space needed for the door to open.
Consider it: if fitting the appliance under a worktop is your priority and another appliance already holds most of your frozen food.
Bear in mind: its compact size leaves limited space for a large household’s frozen food.
Consider it: if you’re also replacing your fridge and want both functions in one appliance.
Bear in mind: only part of the total capacity is for frozen food, so compare the freezer compartment separately.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the freezer compartment’s net capacity with the space taken up by the packs you usually store. Don’t confuse the total capacity of a fridge freezer with that of its freezer compartment. | If I freeze bulk buys and large dishes, I want enough usable space even when the freezer is full. Around 31% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Access to food | Check the size and layout of the drawers, baskets or shelves, as well as access to the bottom of a chest freezer. | If I take food out of the freezer often, I want to find what I need without moving everything else. Easy access is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Installation | Measure the delivery route, the appliance and the space needed to open it. Check the manual for ventilation requirements and make sure the climate class suits the room. | If the appliance needs to fit in a utility room or work in a room where the temperature varies, I need to make sure it’s suitable for the space first. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this requirement. |
| Everyday running | Compare energy consumption in kWh/year for similar capacities, and check the stated power-cut storage time for the exact model. Check how any test was carried out. | As my freezer will be running all the time, I want to check its energy consumption and how long it’s said to keep food frozen during a power cut. These are the main concerns for around 19% of consumers. |
A spacious chest freezer can hold large packs, but items at the bottom will be harder to reach. Que Choisir also recommends checking how easy the drawers are to use and whether every compartment is accessible.
Think about where you’ll keep food you use each week and items you’re storing for longer. Then compare the layout of an upright freezer with the baskets in the chest freezer you’re considering.
The recommended ambient temperature range depends on the climate class and sometimes on a model-specific feature. A chest freezer in a range designed for garages doesn’t mean that other models are suitable too.
Compare the minimum and maximum temperatures in your room with the information on the product page and in the manual for the exact appliance.
Freezers run continuously, ADEME points out. When choosing between appliances of different sizes, the rating letter alone won’t tell you as much as their annual energy consumption and net capacity.
Compare the kWh/year figures for models with a similar format and capacity, then check the noise level if the appliance will be near your living areas.
The stated storage time during a power cut varies by model and testing method. Figures published for two upright freezers don’t represent all upright models, let alone chest freezers.
Check the figure for the model you’ve chosen. If you’re looking at an independent test, find out how the time taken to warm up was measured.
These ranges give you a useful comparison of formats and capacities; the features mentioned apply to the specific models listed.
Haier France’s range includes large-capacity chest freezers and upright freezers.
The Bosch GSN54EWCV upright freezer is an example of a freestanding model with compartmentalised storage.
Whirlpool’s upright freezers focus on making frozen food easy to see and organise.
Some Beko chest freezers are described as suitable for use in cold rooms.
This Joybuy selection includes two chest freezers, an upright freezer and a fridge freezer. Compare usable freezer capacity and ease of access against the space available in your home; a fridge freezer’s total capacity doesn’t represent the space available for frozen food.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a chest freezer and can reach food stored at the bottom.
The product name lists convertible fridge and freezer functions, an energy rating of E, LED lighting, five temperature settings and a removable basket. Check the climate class for the room where you plan to keep it.
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Worth a look if organised compartments matter more to you than having a very large freezer.
The product name lists three freezer drawers, a reversible door and an energy rating of C. Compare the 161 L capacity with the amount your household wants to store, then measure the space where you plan to put it.
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Consider it as extra freezer capacity rather than assuming it will hold all the frozen food a larger household needs.
The product name lists a storage basket, counterbalanced lid, temperature control and an energy rating of E. Check the manual to see how much space you’ll need to open the lid.
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Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want both functions in one appliance.
The product name lists a total capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately: the total capacity isn’t the space available for your frozen food.
Yes, as long as the model’s recommended temperature range covers the room’s temperatures all year round. For example, Bosch gives a range of 10 to 32 °C for climate class SN and 10 to 43 °C for SN-T. Beko states that only certain models with Freezer Guard can operate down to -15 °C. Check the specifications of the appliance you’ve chosen rather than relying on its format alone.
Measure the appliance, the delivery route and the space needed to fully open its door or lid. Then check the manual for the ventilation clearances required; these depend on where you plan to install it.
Compare the figures for the exact model and bear in mind how they were measured. Bosch lists 14 h for the GSN54EWCV and Whirlpool 24 h for the UW8 F2D WHBI N 2; these figures apply to those specific appliances and aren’t typical of all upright freezers. In its test procedure, Que Choisir measures how long it takes for the freezer temperature to rise from -17 °C to -9 °C without power.
No. Also check annual energy consumption in kWh and usable freezer capacity, ideally comparing appliances with similar capacities. The European EPREL database lets you look up the declared specifications of the models concerned; ADEME points out that freezers run continuously.
No. Manufacturers describe No Frost as a feature that helps limit frost build-up and the need for manual defrosting, but you should still check the drawer layout, access to food and how easy the appliance is to clean. Usable capacity remains important when storing food for a family.