If you regularly take portions from your freezer, an upright model with drawers is a practical choice. For larger batches, consider a chest freezer if you have enough floor space. A compact freezer can provide extra capacity, while a fridge freezer makes most sense if you’re also planning to replace your fridge. Whatever you choose, compare the usable freezer capacity, how easy it is to access your food and the installation requirements.
If you regularly take meals from your freezer, an upright model’s drawers can help you keep dishes, ingredients and other frozen food separate. Que Choisir also points out that smaller portions are easier to store and defrost.
A chest freezer is worth considering for bulky containers or large quantities, as long as you have enough floor space. If you’re placing it in a cellar, utility room or garage, also check that the room temperature is suitable for the model you choose.
A compact freezer can hold a few portions without taking up as much space as a larger appliance. Check its usable capacity and how much food it can freeze in 24 hours, though, especially if you prepare several meals at once.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and access | Compare the usable freezer capacity, then check the layout of the drawers, shelves or baskets. With a chest freezer, think about how you’ll reach portions stored at the bottom. | I want to keep labelled meals separate from ingredients and find a portion without having to move everything else. |
| Location | Measure the appliance, the route to its final position and the space needed to open it. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and the permitted ambient temperature range. | My appliance needs to fit in the kitchen or another room, while remaining easy to access and suitable for that room’s temperatures. |
| Energy and maintenance | Compare the energy rating and annual energy consumption shown on the European energy label. Check the defrosting method and, if the appliance will be near a living area, its noise level. | I want to know the stated energy consumption and how much maintenance to expect from an appliance I’ll use all year round. |
| New batches | Don’t confuse storage capacity with freezing capacity, which is given in kg/24 h. Compare the latter with the amount you typically add at one time. | Some days I prepare several dishes to freeze, so I need an appliance that can handle batches of that size. |
| Power cuts | Compare the stated power-cut storage time in hours for the models you’re considering, and check the conditions it applies to. It doesn’t replace checking the food after a power cut. | I keep a supply of meals in the freezer and want to consider how long they’ll stay cold if the power goes off. |
A large chest freezer won’t be practical if its lid can’t open properly or the appliance blocks a walkway.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the appliance. Follow the clearances in the manual; Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm above and behind cooling appliances.
The climate class describes the ambient temperatures an appliance is designed for. An unheated or very warm room may fall outside that range.
Note the temperatures the room reaches throughout the year and compare them with the conditions specified for the exact model.
Usable capacity tells you how much the freezer can hold; freezing capacity in kg/24 h is a separate consideration, especially when you’re adding a large batch of meals.
Check both figures and compare the freezing capacity with the size of your usual batches.
The defrosting method affects the maintenance required. The appliance’s location must also allow for the recommended ventilation.
Check whether the model has No Frost or needs manual defrosting, then follow the manual’s instructions on clearances and door-seal care.
These examples show a range of types and capacities ; their features don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Beko offers a range of upright freezers, including the B5RFNE315G.
The range includes upright freezers and compact under-counter models.
The CFe 2500 Pure is an example of a large-capacity chest freezer.
This Joybuy selection includes standalone freezers in several formats, as well as fridge freezers. If you’re considering a fridge freezer, check how much space is set aside for frozen food if your main aim is to store prepared meals.
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Consider this if you’re also replacing your fridge and want to store portions in the same appliance. The model is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that the freezer compartment has enough capacity for your food, and make sure the installation requirements suit your space.
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This standalone format offers extra storage separate from your fridge. It’s listed as having No Frost. If you plan to organise portions by category, check the exact interior layout, as well as the dimensions and climate class, before choosing where to put it.
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If you need extra chest freezer space, the removable basket can help keep smaller items within easy reach. Allow for access from above and check that the layout suits how often you take portions out.
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This compact capacity is better suited to a few extra portions than to storing a large supply. Check the exact compartment layout before planning how to organise your food, and make sure there’s enough clearance in your chosen location.
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Consider this model if you’re also planning to replace a built-in fridge. It’s listed with TwinTech No Frost. Before buying, check the freezer compartment’s capacity against the number of portions you plan to store, and make sure the dimensions fit your housing unit.
Que Choisir generally recommends setting a domestic freezer to −18 °C. Also follow the storage instructions for the dishes and ingredients you put inside.
Yes, as long as the ambient temperature range the model is designed for covers the temperatures your garage actually reaches. Check the climate class to confirm this, and consult the manual for the exact appliance rather than relying on the type of freezer alone.
The European energy label lets you compare factors such as energy-efficiency class and stated energy consumption for the appliances covered. Consider these figures alongside the freezer capacity you need, and don’t assume that a larger total capacity means more space for frozen food.