If you often take out individual portions, an upright freezer with drawers makes them easier to organise and reach. A chest freezer is better suited to storing larger quantities if you have enough floor space and plan to organise its contents. If you only run short of space occasionally, first consider how you rotate your stock or the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer.
If you regularly take out a single meal, an upright freezer’s drawers let you separate portions and reach them without rummaging through an open storage space. Make sure you can open each drawer and take out the containers you plan to use.
A chest freezer could be a good fit if you have a room with enough floor space. Plan to sort items into categories and label them so you can find portions stored at the bottom. Also check that the room temperature is suitable for the model you choose.
If your freezer compartment only overflows from time to time, portioning, dating and rotating your meals may be enough. If you also need to replace your fridge, compare the freezer capacity of the fridge freezers you’re considering before adding a separate appliance.
First decide whether your stock justifies a separate appliance, then weigh up the capacity you need against how often you’ll access it and the space available.
Best for: organising portions and taking them out frequently, thanks to the drawers.
Allow for: enough clearance to open the door and use all the drawers. Check the capacity of each model individually.
Best for: storing larger quantities when you have a dedicated area of floor space.
Allow for: a system using baskets or categories so you can reach portions stored at the bottom.
| Consideration | What to check | How it fits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Try using the drawers in an upright freezer, as recommended by Que Choisir. For a chest freezer, check how easy it is to reach the bottom and whether you can sort portions into baskets or categories. | I often take out just one meal, so I need to be able to find it without moving the rest of my stock. |
| Capacity and space | Compare the usable capacity with the number and size of your containers. Measure the width, depth and height, as well as doorways and access routes, and allow enough room to open the appliance. | Will my batch-cooked meals take up more space over time than my current freezer compartment can provide? |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for the models you’re considering, along with their capacity and features. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously; its energy rating alone doesn’t tell you its annual consumption. | If I add an appliance that will stay plugged in all the time, I want to compare its consumption with other models suited to my stock. |
| Installation | Check the manual for the ventilation clearances and ambient temperature range allowed for the model. Also measure doorways, corridors and stairs along the delivery route. | My kitchen, utility room or cellar needs to allow the appliance to be brought in, opened and used as intended. |
| Another option | If you only run short of space occasionally, try portioning, dating and rotating your stock. If you need to replace your fridge, compare the freezer capacity of different fridge freezers. | Before adding a freezer, I want to know whether better organisation or a new fridge freezer would meet my actual needs. |
Portions stacked in an open space can be hard to find, especially if you often take out just one at a time.
Sort them into baskets or containers by category, then label and date them to help you rotate your stock.
A chest freezer takes up floor space, while an upright freezer needs clearance for its door and drawers. The appliance dimensions alone don’t confirm that it can be delivered and used in your home.
Measure the space and the entire delivery route. Then check the model’s manual for clearance and ventilation requirements.
Energy consumption varies between models. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so choosing a separate appliance means taking on an ongoing electricity cost.
Compare the stated kWh/year, usable capacity and features of models that meet your needs. Don’t judge by format or energy rating alone.
An ambient temperature outside the range specified for the model, or insufficient airflow, could prevent it from working as expected.
Check the climate class and follow the installation instructions in the manual, particularly those on ventilation and keeping the appliance away from heat sources.
These brand examples highlight features to compare on specific models. They don’t indicate whether a particular retailer stocks a brand’s range.
Bosch’s freestanding upright range is worth considering if easy access to portions is a priority.
Beko’s range of chest freezers is worth considering if you have floor space for your stock.
Some Liebherr upright freezers are worth considering if defrosting technology and the space they take up matter to you.
Whirlpool’s chest freezer range is worth considering when both the appliance’s features and delivery services factor into your decision.
This selection includes upright and chest freezers in different capacities for storing portions separately. First choose the format and capacity that suit your needs, then check the installation requirements for the model you select.
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Worth considering for larger quantities if you have room to open a chest freezer from the top and organise its contents. The title lists a convertible fridge-freezer function, a removable basket, LED lighting and an E energy rating. Check that the room is suitable for installation.
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The drawer storage could suit you if you regularly take out portions and want to keep them separate. The title lists No Frost, a reversible door and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions, annual energy consumption and whether the room is suitable before choosing this model.
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Consider this for a small amount of extra storage rather than a large stock of meals. The title lists drawers, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Make sure 60 L is enough for your portions, and check the annual energy consumption and installation requirements.
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This 99 L chest freezer could suit you if you need some extra storage and prefer a top-opening design. The title lists a removable basket and an E energy rating. Plan how you’ll organise portions stored at the bottom, and bear in mind that manual defrosting is required. Also check the annual energy consumption and installation requirements.
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Worth considering for some extra portion storage if a chest freezer suits your room. The title lists a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. Check whether a basket is included, then look up the model’s annual energy consumption and installation requirements.
Not necessarily. A chest freezer suits larger quantities if you have enough floor space and can organise its contents. An upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to sort and frequently take out individual portions.
Measure the space where it will go and the route to get there, including doorways, corridors, stairs and lifts. Allow for the appliance to open fully and for the ventilation clearances specified in its manual. Also check that the room temperature is suitable for its climate class.
Follow the waiting time given in your model’s manual. Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging in the refrigeration appliances covered by its installation guidance. This advice doesn’t replace the instructions from the manufacturer of the appliance you’ve bought.
Compare their stated annual consumption in kWh/year, taking into account each model’s usable capacity and features. The energy label helps you assess them, but you can’t tell which will use less energy simply by choosing between a chest and an upright freezer.
These services depend on the retailer, the appliance and your address. Before ordering, check whether delivery to the intended location, installation and, if needed, collection of your old appliance are available.