Start by choosing the format based on the space available and how you want to access your food: an upright freezer makes it easier to organise items in drawers, while a chest freezer prioritises capacity for a suitable utility room or other additional space. A compact model is suitable for limited extra storage; consider a larger fridge freezer if you also need more space in the fridge.
If you cook several portions in advance or regularly add food after your shop, prioritise drawer access, flexible storage and a capacity suited to your actual stock rather than focusing on total volume alone.
A chest freezer can be suitable for storing large quantities in an additional room, provided you check its footprint and the ambient temperature range specified for the model.
To add storage without installing a very wide appliance, consider a slim upright freezer or an under-counter model, depending on how much capacity you are missing and the dimensions actually available.
Measure the space before comparing models, then choose the storage format and features that match how often you use the appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity in litres with your usual stock, the freezing capacity in kg/24 h and the space available for bulky items. | I want to add large shops and prepared portions without buying an appliance that is difficult to fill or organise. |
| Access to food | Check the drawers, compartments, baskets and removable parts. A chest freezer requires a different organisational approach from an upright model. | I want to find meals and frequently used frozen food quickly, without having to move everything else. |
| Installation | Check the overall dimensions, ventilation clearances, door-opening direction and climate class or permitted temperature range. | My freezer must fit in my kitchen, cellar or garage without obstructing the opening of the door or lid. |
| Everyday use | Compare the energy label, stated consumption, noise level in dB(A), storage time during a power cut and defrosting requirements. | I want an appliance suited to continuous operation, particularly if it is installed near a living area. |
A large chest freezer may offer plenty of litres while being impractical for portions used every week, whereas a small under-counter model will only solve a limited shortage of space.
List what you will freeze most often — meal boxes, bags of frozen food, large cuts or bulk purchases — before choosing between an upright, chest or under-counter freezer.
The room’s ambient temperature is part of the appliance’s operating conditions. An unheated garage or cellar may require suitability that is explicitly stated for the model.
Note the usual minimum and maximum temperatures in the room, then check the climate class or low-temperature function in the instructions for the exact model.
These figures relate to different uses: adding large quantities of food, keeping food cold during a power cut and installing the appliance near a living area. They are not determined by capacity or energy class.
For each shortlisted model, compare the kg/24 h figure, storage time, dB(A), alarms and consumption at a similar capacity.
An energy class shown without a complete reference, consumption figure or associated product sheet does not allow for a reliable comparison. The DGCCRF has reported labelling irregularities relating to energy labels.
Check that the complete reference, energy label and product information sheet correspond to the product offered. If there is any discrepancy, consult the manufacturer’s information and the EPREL entry where available.
The freestanding upright range is aimed in particular at households looking for drawer storage and generous capacity in a vertical format.
Beko offers upright and chest freezers, including some models designed for installation in lightly heated rooms.
The brand offers both large-capacity chest freezers and under-counter formats for kitchen spaces.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in upright freezers, including ventilated-cooling models for fitted kitchens.
Joybuy options for increasing storage for meals, frozen food and other foods, including a drawer-style upright freezer and several chest freezers with different capacities.
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A vertical option for organising portions and regularly used frozen food.
Advertised features include 161 L, three drawers, two shelves, No Frost, Fast Freeze function, an alarm and a reversible door. Check the dimensions, climate class, storage time and freezing capacity before installation.
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A chest freezer for storing larger quantities of food and frozen portions.
Advertised features include 197 L, a removable basket, five-level digital controls, switchable refrigerator/freezer mode and a defrost drain. Plan how to organise the compartment and check the ambient temperature range.
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An intermediate capacity for supplementing an existing freezer without moving up to a large chest freezer.
Advertised features include 141 L, a removable basket, a seven-level mechanical thermostat, 38 dB and a defrost drain. Storage in a chest compartment requires suitable containers or an organised system.
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A compact extra freezer for frozen food and portions when floor space is limited.
Advertised features include 95 L, a removable basket, a seven-level thermostat, switchable refrigerator/freezer mode and a defrost drain. This capacity may be limited for regularly storing large quantities.
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A compact extra freezer for portions and frozen food in a small space.
Advertised features include 99 L, a removable metal basket, sliding lid, adjustable thermostat, castors, 39 dB and a stated freezing capacity of 4.5 kg/24 h. A 10 cm ventilation clearance is required.
No. A chest freezer prioritises capacity, but it requires more floor space and organisation using baskets or containers to make portions easy to find. An upright freezer with drawers is often more convenient if you open the appliance frequently; a chest freezer is better suited to large stocks in a suitable room.
No. Check the climate class or ambient temperature range in the model’s instructions. For example, Beko states that the RFNE448E55W is suitable down to −15 °C with Freezer Guard, while Liebherr states that FrostProtect allows operation down to −15 °C for the CFe 2500 Pure; these features do not automatically apply to other models.
Compare usable capacity, drawers or baskets, freezing capacity in kg/24 h, storage time during a power cut, noise level and the energy label. Que Choisir assesses freezing performance, temperature stability, storage time, ease of use and noise, among other factors.
Yes. The French authorities state that refrigeration appliances are covered by energy labelling requirements, including when sold online. Check that the label, complete reference and product information sheet correspond exactly to the product offered.