With living spaces becoming increasingly compact, the need for a secondary freezer is often felt—whether you're a student in a studio, a couple in an apartment, or a family needing extra storage. A compact upright freezer is a practical solution for preserving food without sacrificing precious floor space. As Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my role is to provide you with clear benchmarks to help you make an informed choice, away from sometimes confusing marketing claims.
Before making a decision, it's helpful to consider a few technical specifications that will make all the difference in your daily life. Here are three key points to consider based on current standards.
If your appliance is intended for an open-plan kitchen, a studio, or a laundry room near living areas, the noise it generates is a primary factor. A quiet upright freezer is one with a noise level below 40 decibels (dB). For comparison, a quiet conversation is around 30-40 dB. A model rated at 38 dB, for example, will remain unobtrusive and won't disturb your peace. Remember to check this information on the product label.
Since 2021, the European Union has implemented a new energy rating system, ranging from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). Don't be surprised to no longer see models rated A+, A++, or A+++. The scale has been revised to be more demanding and clearer. An appliance now rated D or E often corresponds to an old A++ model. Choosing an energy-efficient freezer with a good rating on this new scale ensures you can control your energy costs in the long run.
The number of stars indicates the appliance's freezing capability. A 4-star freezer is the only type capable of freezing fresh food and storing it at a temperature of -18°C or lower for an extended period (up to 12 months). Models with 1, 2, or 3 stars are "freezer" compartments that can only store already-frozen products for a limited time and cannot freeze fresh food. For versatile use, the 4-star certification is therefore a must-have.
Taking these performance, quietness, and efficiency criteria into account, one model caught our attention for its excellent balance.
Why we recommend it
The CHiQ JR63DSD freezer precisely meets the needs of users looking for an additional storage solution that is powerful and discreet. Its upright design and slim 47 cm width allow it to fit easily into a kitchen, pantry, or even an office without taking up too much space. It combines the three essential qualities : 4-star performance for safe freezing, very quiet operation at 38 dB, and a D energy class compliant with the new standards.
Advantages
Who is this product for?
This model is particularly suitable for people living in apartments or studios, students, or families who need a reliable and discreet secondary freezer to store excess groceries, batch-cooked meals, or garden harvests.
See details for the CHiQ JR63DSD
Space optimization isn't just for the kitchen. Once your food storage is under control, the same logic can be applied to other areas of the home, like your wardrobe. A well-organized closet not only saves space but also helps better preserve your clothes.
A simple solution is to use accessories designed to maximize space, like ultra-slim hangers.
Their ultra-slim profile can free up to 50% more space compared to traditional wood or plastic hangers. The velvet coating prevents clothes from slipping, which is ideal for silk blouses, suits, or dresses. It's a practical solution for preserving the shape of your clothes, including your finest designer dresses.
Discover these space-saving hangers
Consumption depends on its energy class (on the new A-G scale), its volume, and how it's used. A 60-70 litre model rated D, like the one featured, typically consumes around 150 kWh per year. For a precise estimate, always refer to the annual kWh consumption indicated on the product's energy label.
The upright freezer is vertical and opens like a refrigerator. It's equipped with drawers or shelves, which makes organizing and accessing food much easier. It's ideal for narrow spaces. The chest freezer, on the other hand, is horizontal and often offers a larger storage volume for a similar footprint, but it's less convenient for finding a specific item, which can end up at the very bottom.
A small upright freezer can be installed in many places: a kitchen, pantry, laundry room, or garage. For installation in an unheated room like a garage, check the appliance's "climate class," which indicates the ambient temperature range in which it operates optimally. Thanks to their low noise level, the quietest models can even find a place in an office or an open-plan utility room.