If you regularly freeze prepared portions, an upright freezer makes it easier to organise and access them; a chest freezer is a good choice if you need more storage and have enough floor space. A fridge freezer is better suited to replacing both your fridge and freezer at the same time. If you’re considering a small freezer compartment built into a fridge, check that its capacity is enough for all the portions you want to store at once.
The number of portions you want to store and how often you take them out matter just as much as the space available for your appliance.
If you cook several meals in one go, make sure you have enough room for all the containers you’ll be storing at the same time. Drawers can make it easier to organise meals and ingredients you reach for often. E.Leclerc’s Observatory of New Consumer Trends describes this kind of advance preparation as storing food in the fridge or freezer, so not every prepared meal needs to go in the freezer.
If your fridge is still working and you’re only short of freezer space, compare a separate freezer with the freezer capacity you’d get by replacing your fridge. A fridge freezer’s total capacity also includes its fridge section.
An upright freezer makes use of vertical space, while a chest freezer needs more floor space and room to open its lid. If you’re planning to keep it in a cellar, garage or unheated utility room, also check that the model’s climate class is suitable for the room’s temperatures. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference in space requirements between upright and chest freezers.
First, estimate how many portions and other frozen foods you need to store, then compare this with the model’s freezer capacity. You can then compare the format, installation requirements and energy label details to narrow down the appliances that suit your needs.
| Feature | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the capacity of the freezer compartments in litres, not the total capacity. For a fridge freezer or a small built-in freezer compartment, distinguish between the fridge and freezer sections; the European Commission lists them separately in EPREL. | I want to be able to store my prepared portions and other frozen food at the same time. If only my freezer stock is growing, I may not need to replace the whole fridge. |
| Storage and access | Check the number and layout of the drawers, shelves or baskets. In a chest freezer, think about how you’ll reach food at the bottom; in an upright freezer, check that your containers will fit in the compartments. | I often take out individual portions, so being able to organise and reach them matters more to me than having one large open space. If I’m storing large containers, I’d check they’ll fit in the appliance I choose. |
| Location | Check the external dimensions, the route to the installation space and the clearance needed to open the appliance. In an unheated room, compare the model’s climate class and temperature range with the conditions there, and follow the instructions for ventilation. | A chest freezer could suit my needs if I have enough floor space for the unit and room to open its lid. In a smaller kitchen, I’d see whether an upright freezer or a single appliance would be easier to fit. |
| Energy and noise | Check the exact model’s energy label for its A to G rating, annual consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level. Compare kWh/year between appliances of a similar format and capacity, rather than looking at the rating letter alone. | As this appliance will be running all the time, I want to compare its stated energy consumption. If it’s near my living areas, its noise level will also affect my choice. |
Part of that capacity is for fresh food, so even a large appliance may offer less freezer space than you expect for your portions.
Estimate how much you need to store at once, then compare it with the capacity listed for the freezer compartments only. European energy label information and EPREL show these capacities separately.
Its width, depth and top-opening lid can make it tricky to install or reach portions stored at the bottom.
Measure the appliance, the space where it will go and the route to get it there. If you’re planning to keep it in a cellar or another unheated room, check the model’s climate class. Organise the freezer using baskets or food categories.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for your meals, the stated annual energy consumption or the noise level.
Compare the kWh/year, freezer capacity and noise level on the energy label or in EPREL for models with a similar capacity and format.
No Frost and other anti-frost systems affect how you maintain the appliance; they don’t replace the space needed for your containers or make them easier to access.
Choose the capacity and interior layout first, then check the anti-frost feature listed for the specific model.
These brand examples show different configurations you can compare. The features listed apply to the models mentioned, not every appliance from each brand.
Worth considering if vertical storage and the option to move interior fittings are important for your portions.
A chest freezer worth considering if you have plenty of floor space for storing extra food.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for upright freezers with drawers in different capacities.
Worth considering if you need a fridge freezer, particularly a built-in model, to handle both refrigeration and freezing.
This Joybuy selection includes chest freezers, an upright freezer and fridge freezers. First choose the type of appliance that suits your portions and available space, then check the details of the model you’re interested in.
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If you’re building up a stock of portions in a chest freezer, compare its stated capacity of 291 L with the amount you plan to store and check how much room you’ll need to open the lid. The product description lists fridge and freezer modes that can be selected separately, not used at the same time; its stated energy rating is E. Before installing it in an unheated room, check the ambient temperature range allowed for this model.
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An upright freezer is a good option if you want to access portions stored in separate compartments regularly. The model name lists a capacity of 161 L, No Frost and an energy rating of C. Check its external dimensions, annual energy consumption and installation requirements before deciding where to put it.
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This fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge. Its stated capacity of 467 L is the total capacity, so check the freezer capacity separately to find out how many portions you can store. The model name lists Total No Frost and an energy rating of E; also check its dimensions to make sure it will fit.
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This model combines a fridge and freezer in one appliance, so it’s worth considering if you need to replace both. Its stated total capacity is 360 L, but you’ll need to compare the freezer compartment capacity with the number of portions you plan to store. The model name lists Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and an energy rating of E; also check that the doors can open fully in your chosen location.
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If you want extra freezer space without choosing a large chest freezer, compare its stated capacity of 99 L with the number of portions you need to store. The model name lists a removable basket, adjustable thermostat and an energy rating of E. Measure the space and check access to the lid; if you’re placing it in an unheated room, check the model’s climate class.
Count the portions and containers you want to store at the same time, then compare that amount with the freezer compartment capacity, not the capacity of the whole fridge. The energy label and EPREL product sheet list the fridge and freezer capacities separately for each model.
Yes, as long as the ambient temperature range allowed for the model suits the room and you follow the installation instructions. Check its climate class, measure the floor space and allow enough room to open the lid. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these points when choosing a chest freezer.
Check the annual energy consumption in kWh, storage capacity and noise level, as well as the A to G rating. The European Commission includes these details on the energy labels of relevant appliances. To compare models, look at ones with similar capacities and formats, and check the exact model’s product sheet in EPREL.
Measure the appliance’s external dimensions and the doors and corridors it will need to pass through, as well as the space required to open an upright freezer door or a chest freezer lid. Then check the chosen model’s instructions for installation and ventilation requirements.