Household with a measured under-counter space
You want dedicated freezer space without obstructing the way through the kitchen. The appliance’s depth, ventilation and door clearance matter just as much as its width.
Who is this option for?
Someone who often uses frozen food
You regularly store portions or home-cooked meals and want to find them without rummaging through a large open space. In that case, the interior layout deserves as much attention as the capacity.
Household looking to stock up
You’re prioritising storage capacity and wondering how long food will stay frozen during a power cut. A chest freezer could suit your needs if you genuinely have enough space for it, perhaps outside the small kitchen.
What should you look for?
Start by measuring the usable space, then decide how you want to access your food. The formats below suit different needs, so check the dimensions and installation requirements of each model.
Table-top or freestanding under-counter model
Consider this: if you have a compact space where you can add a dedicated appliance.
Bear in mind: the depth, door clearance and space required around the appliance, as set out in the instructions—even if it’s going under a worktop.
Compact upright freezer
Consider this: if separate shelves matter more to you than one large, open interior.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough height and room for the door to open in your kitchen. Drawers may also limit the space available for some larger packs.
Integrated fridge-freezer
Consider this: when replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen with a suitably sized housing unit.
Bear in mind: this won’t give you a separate second freezer, and requires compatible cabinetry, ventilation and installation.
Chest freezer
Consider this: if extra storage is your priority and you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, a chest freezer takes up more floor space than an upright model, and food at the bottom is less easy to reach.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Position and installation | Measure the available height, width and depth. Allow for the clearances specified in the instructions and the space needed to open the appliance. | If my kitchen is narrow, I want extra storage without blocking the walkway or making a cupboard unusable; around 36% of consumers would prioritise this space constraint. |
| Access to food | Look at the layout of the drawers or baskets and how easy it is to reach the lowest levels. | When I often take out a portion of frozen food, I want to find it without moving the rest of my supplies. Around 29% of consumers would put access and storage first. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated capacity with the interior shape and the packs you plan to store, as well as the floor space the appliance will occupy. | To keep a supply of portions or larger purchases, I mainly need an interior that suits what I store; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this extra capacity. |
| Operating conditions | Check the climate class, permitted ambient temperature and power-cut storage time for the exact model. | If I’m planning to put it in a room with variable temperatures, or I’m concerned about power cuts, I want to know the appliance’s stated limits. This would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring the width and nothing else
A narrow appliance can still stick out beyond the worktop, stop a door from opening or leave too little room for ventilation.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and the route into the kitchen, then check the installation clearances for the model you’ve chosen.
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Choosing a chest freezer for its capacity alone
Que Choisir points out that chest freezers take up more floor space than upright models. You’ll also need room to open the lid and reach food at the bottom.
Choose this format only if you have a genuinely practical space for it. If you often take small portions from the freezer in your kitchen, consider upright models with a door and drawers too.
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Assuming an unheated room suits every model
The permitted ambient temperature varies by model. A claim that a particular freezer is suitable for a certain environment doesn’t apply to other appliances from the same brand.
Before choosing a location, compare the room temperature with the model’s climate class and the information in its instructions.
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Leaving arrangements for your old appliance until delivery
A freezer that needs replacing is bulky, so you’ll need to arrange for it to be collected with the delivery or find another take-back option.
Ask the seller about their take-back arrangements when you place your order, including where and when the old appliance will be collected.
Brands to consider, depending on the format you need
Liebherr
Worth considering for a dedicated table-top freezer: Liebherr states that the Fd 1404 Pure has a total capacity of 107 l and measures 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm.
- Check the product details for information about storage and defrosting on the model you choose.
- These dimensions aren’t representative of every compact model; check the installation requirements for your chosen model too.
Electrolux
An option to look at if you already have an under-counter housing unit: Electrolux states that the integrated LUB3AE88S is 87,3 cm high and has a net capacity of 98 l.
- The LUB3AE88S product details also state a storage time of 12,7 h and a climate class of SN-N-ST-T.
- Integration requires compatible cabinetry, ventilation and installation in line with the instructions; this isn’t a standard freestanding appliance.
Whirlpool
The Whirlpool models mentioned here suit two different projects: replacing an integrated fridge-freezer with the WHC18D071A1 FR, or installing a WHM46122FR chest freezer where space allows.
- Whirlpool states that the integrated model mentioned needs a 56 cm-wide housing unit, while the chest freezer has a capacity of 437 l.
- According to Whirlpool, the chest freezer is 140 cm wide. Check the installation requirements for each model separately.
Bosch
A brand to consult when comparing the documentation for an upright freezer, particularly its dimensions, installation requirements and stated storage time.
- Bosch publishes these details for specific models, making it easier to check whether a freezer you’re considering will fit your available space.
- Bosch lists the documented GSN28V23 and GSD12A20 models as unavailable, so they aren’t current purchase options.
Freezers available on Joybuy
These models cover two possible needs: adding a dedicated upright freezer in a suitable space, or choosing a chest freezer if you have enough floor space and can access it from above. Compare the dimensions and installation requirements of each model before deciding.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 l upright freezer
Worth considering if you want a small, dedicated freezer with separate compartments for your food.
The model listing mentions three drawers, a reversible door and freestanding installation.
Before placing it under a worktop, check the door clearance, ventilation space and climate class.
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Heinrich´s, 161 l upright freezer, stainless steel
Consider this if you want dedicated freezer space with separate storage compartments.
The model listing mentions three freezer drawers, a reversible door hinge and No-Frost technology.
Check the overall dimensions and installation requirements before finding a spot for it in a small kitchen.
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AUCMA, 141 l convertible chest freezer
Consider this if you have enough floor space for a chest freezer and want a large, open interior.
The model is described as convertible between fridge and freezer modes, with a removable basket and a seven-setting thermostat.
Allow enough room to open the lid and check the installation requirements for this model.
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COMFEE' RCU40WH2(E), 31 l mini freezer
Worth considering for a small amount of dedicated freezer storage, provided it fits the space you have in mind.
The model listing states that it has a reversible door, adjustable feet and a stated annual energy consumption of 147 kWh.
Measure the space and check the instructions for ventilation clearances and permitted ambient temperatures.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 l chest freezer
Consider this if you can fit a chest freezer without obstructing the walkway or access from above.
The model listing mentions a removable metal basket, sliding lid and adjustable thermostat.
This model needs manual defrosting. Check the installation clearances and make sure you have enough room to use the lid.
Frequently asked questions
Do all freezers need the same clearance around them?
No, the clearance needed depends on the model and how it’s installed. Whirlpool’s general guidance for its freestanding appliances doesn’t replace the instructions for a specific freezer, particularly if it’s integrated.
How do I choose a freezer for an unheated room?
Compare the actual room temperature with the climate class and ambient temperature range stated for the exact model. Electrolux gives the LUB3AE88S a climate class of SN-N-ST-T; that model-specific detail doesn’t tell you whether another freezer is suitable.
Will a chest freezer always keep food frozen for longer during a power cut?
No. Compare the stated storage time for each model rather than assuming it based on the format. Electrolux states 12,7 h for the LUB3AE88S, while Whirlpool gives 32 h for the WHM46122FR chest freezer; these figures apply to those specific models.
Why look beyond the energy rating?
The energy rating letter won’t tell you whether the freezer will fit in your kitchen or whether its capacity suits the food you store. Also check the model’s stated energy consumption, capacity, noise level and dimensions, as well as its installation requirements.
When should I arrange for my old freezer to be taken away?
Ask about take-back when you order your new appliance, before arranging delivery. Check with the seller how and where you’ll need to present the old freezer for collection.