Joybuy Insights

How to Choose a Small Freezer to Optimise Your Space

Whether you live in a studio, an apartment, or are simply looking for a supplement to your refrigerator, a lack of space for freezing food is a major challenge. Stocking up on homemade meals, taking advantage of deals on frozen goods, or preserving vegetables from your garden... all of this can quickly become mission impossible. A small freezer is the ideal solution to gain flexibility without having to redesign your entire kitchen.

At Joybuy, our mission is to help you navigate the multitude of available models. This guide focuses on the criteria that truly matter: footprint, noise level, energy consumption, and everyday convenience.

How to Choose the Right Small Freezer?

Before you start, take a moment to define your needs. Here are the key points to check to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Dimensions and Capacity: Making Every Inch Count

First things first: take out your tape measure and measure the available space. A slimline freezer (often less than 50 cm wide) can slip into a nook or under a countertop. Capacity, measured in litres (L), is just as crucial. For a single person or a couple, a supplementary freezer of 60 to 85 litres is more than enough. For a small family, a model over 100 litres will be more suitable. Also, consider the interior layout: an upright freezer with transparent drawers allows you to see everything and easily access your food, unlike a chest freezer where items tend to pile up at the bottom.

2. Noise Level and Energy Class: For Your Comfort and Your Wallet

If the freezer is intended for an open-plan kitchen or a studio, noise becomes a primary concern. A freezer is considered silent if it's below 40 decibels (dB), equivalent to a library. Models around 38-39 dB are virtually unnoticeable.

When it comes to consumption, the European energy label (from A to G) is your best friend. A well-rated appliance (for example, D or E on the new scale) will lower your electricity bill in the long run.

3. Practical Features: The Reversible Door and Cooling Type

The reversible door is a simple feature, but it can be a real lifesaver. It allows you to choose the opening direction (left or right) to perfectly fit your room's layout.

Finally, there are two main types of cooling:

  • Static Cooling (Manual Defrost): This is the most common technology in small models. Reliable and budget-friendly, it does require manual defrosting once or twice a year, as soon as the layer of frost reaches about 5 mm.
  • No-Frost Cooling: More modern, this technology prevents frost build-up and frees you from the chore of defrosting. It also ensures a more consistent temperature but is more common in larger-volume models.

Our Small Freezer Recommendations

Now for our top picks! Here are models that shine for their size-to-performance ratio and perfectly meet the needs of users looking for a compact and efficient freezer.

CHiQ JR63DSD: The Ultra-Quiet Compact

CHiQ JR63DSD 63L Upright Freezer

  • Its key feature: At only 47 cm wide, it's one of the narrowest models on the market. Its 38 dB noise level makes it almost inaudible—a major advantage for a living space.
  • Highlights:
    • 63-litre volume with 2 adjustable drawers.
    • 4-star freezing for optimal preservation.
    • D energy class for controlled consumption.
    • Reversible door for maximum installation flexibility.
  • Who is it for? Perfect for students, couples in apartments, or as a supplementary freezer in an office or pantry.

COMFEE RCU60WH2(E): The Organisation Pro

COMFEE RCU60WH2(E) 60L Vertical Freezer

  • Its key feature: Its interior is designed for organisation. With its two flap-down shelves and a bottom drawer, it's easy to separate and find every type of food.
  • Highlights:
    • 60-litre volume in a compact frame (47.5 cm wide).
    • 4-star freezing, down to -24°C.
    • Adjustable thermostat (3 settings).
    • Reversible door and adjustable feet for perfect stability.
  • Who is it for? For those who want quick access and impeccable storage, even in a small space.

CHiQ 85L: The Perfect Balance of Capacity and Footprint

CHiQ 85L Cabinet Freezer

  • Its key feature: This mini freezer manages to offer a comfortable 85-litre capacity while maintaining a compact footprint (55 cm wide). It's the perfect balance for those who need a little extra room.
  • Highlights:
    • Generous volume organised across multiple levels.
    • Discreet at 39 dB.
    • Adjustable temperature with 4 levels (from -18°C to -24°C).
    • Reversible door and integrated handle for a sleek design.
  • Who is it for? For small families or those who buy groceries in bulk and need a reliable backup.

CHiQ JR122WSD: Versatility and No-Frost Convenience

CHiQ JR122WSD 122L 4-Star Freezer

  • Its standout feature: No-Frost technology, which ends the chore of defrosting. Its convertible function, allowing it to be turned into a standard refrigerator, gives it unparalleled versatility.
  • Highlights:
    • Very comfortable 122-litre volume.
    • No-Frost technology with Multi-Airflow for a consistent temperature.
    • Quiet Inverter compressor (39 dB).
    • Convertible mode (freezer/refrigerator) via an electronic control panel.
  • Who is it for? For those who demand maximum convenience and versatility. A high-performance, maintenance-free appliance, ideal for a primary or secondary residence.

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection highlights compact and high-performing models, but perhaps your needs are different. If you're looking for more volume or specific features, feel free to explore our full catalogue.

? Discover our full range of upright freezers to find the perfect model for you.

Your Questions About Small Freezers

What is the ideal capacity for a small freezer?

It all depends on your household size and how you use it. For a single person or a couple using it as a supplementary unit, 30 to 60 litres is plenty. For a small family or for storing larger quantities of food, a capacity of 80 to 120 litres will be more suitable.

How many decibels (dB) is a silent freezer?

An appliance is considered silent under 40 dB. The models in our selection, between 38 and 39 dB, are particularly discreet and fit seamlessly into a living space.

Should I choose a manual defrost or an automatic (No-Frost) model?

Manual defrost (static cooling) is the standard for entry-level models, which are more compact and economical. It's an effective solution but requires a bit of elbow grease. No-Frost technology prevents frost build-up and offers unparalleled user comfort. It's the hassle-free choice, and worth prioritising if your budget allows.