Joybuy Insights

Buying a freezer: compare the design, energy consumption and features properly

When you want to buy a freezer, you will usually compare capacity and price first. However, other factors are important for a decision that remains suitable over the long term: Will the appliance fit through your doors and into the intended space? Are the ongoing electricity costs reasonable? Can the interior be organised efficiently? And is the model suitable for a cellar, garage or small flat?

As Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I assess the relevant information objectively and show you which models suit different usage situations.

Common pitfalls when buying a freezer

1. Gross and usable capacity are confused

A large litre capacity may sound convincing at first. However, the key figure is the net or usable capacity. Drawers, baskets, interior walls and technical components reduce the space actually available. A 200-litre freezer can therefore offer different amounts of storage space for packaging, depending on its internal layout.

For single people or couples, 60 to 120 litres is often sufficient. Families, households that store provisions or users with their own harvest are more likely to need 160 to 300 litres. A 100-litre chest freezer offers plenty of volume on a small footprint, but is less easy to organise than an upright freezer with drawers.

2. The energy efficiency class alone is not enough

The EU energy label ranges from A to G. Appliances with energy efficiency class E are not automatically economical or expensive to run. For comparisons, the most important figure is the stated annual consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh). Multiply this figure by your electricity price to get a rough idea of the annual running costs.

Where possible, compare appliances with a similar capacity. A larger freezer can consume more electricity than a compact model, even if both have the same energy efficiency class.

3. No Frost is mistaken for complete freedom from maintenance

A No Frost freezer reduces ice formation using circulating-air technology and can make manual defrosting unnecessary. However, this does not mean that cleaning, checking the door seal or keeping the ventilation openings clear is no longer required. Appliances with Low Frost or MinFrost systems can also reduce ice formation, but may still need to be defrosted occasionally, depending on how they are used.

The most important buying criteria

Design and available space

An upright freezer makes use of vertical space and is suitable for a kitchen, utility room or storage room. Where floor space is limited, width, depth and the door opening angle are particularly important. A reversible door makes it easier to adapt the appliance to existing furniture and walls.

A chest freezer provides a large, open interior and is often suitable for cellars, garages or storing provisions. Before buying, check whether you can reach the bottom comfortably and whether baskets are included for smaller products. Castors or transport wheels make it easier to move the appliance, but they do not replace a stable, level installation.

Capacity and interior layout

Guide values:

  • Mini freezer with 30 to 60 litres: for single people, offices, holiday flats or extra ice supplies.
  • Around 80 to 140 litres: for small households and limited spaces.
  • 200-litre freezer: for couples, families or regular batch cooking.
  • 300-litre freezer: for larger households, storing provisions or seasonal food.
  • 100-litre chest freezer: for bulky packaging and compact, low-level storage.

Drawers and flaps make it easier to separate different food groups. Transparent fronts help you see the contents without having to leave the door open for long.

Temperature, freezing capacity and noise level

A 4-star rating indicates that the freezer can store frozen food at a temperature of at least -18 °C. Freezing capacity is stated in kilograms per 24 hours. If you regularly store larger quantities of fresh food, look for a fast-freezing function.

For open-plan kitchens, small flats or work areas, the noise level is relevant. A quiet freezer producing around 36 to 40 dB may be suitable for living areas. However, the perceived noise also depends on the floor, distance from the wall and operating conditions.

Our selection for different usage situations

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
COMFEE' RCU40WH2(E) Mini Freezer 31 L

COMFEE' RCU40WH2(E) Mini Freezer, 31 L

Why this product suits the profile: This compact appliance takes up very little space and is suitable for single people, offices, holiday homes or use as an additional appliance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 31-litre capacity clearly defines the appliance’s intended use. This helps prevent you from buying an oversized appliance for a small supply of frozen food.

Key benefit & strengths

31 litres of usable capacity, 4-star freezer compartment, reversible door and annual consumption of 147 kWh according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
homeX FSN2041E-S NoFrost Freezer 204 litres

homeX FSN2041E-S Freestanding Freezer, 204 L

Why this product suits the profile: For households that regularly store provisions, this model offers organised storage space and No Frost technology.

How this product avoids the pitfall

No Frost reduces the need for manual defrosting. The stated noise level of 39 dB and six compartments support use in living areas.

Key benefit & strengths

204 litres of usable capacity, No Frost system, Super Freeze function, energy efficiency class E and reversible door according to the product data.

Suitable for: Specialist uses & frequent users
Beko CF316EWN Chest Freezer 308 litres

Beko CF316EWN Chest Freezer, 308 L

Why this product suits the profile: This large chest freezer is aimed at families, households that store provisions and small commercial users with sufficient space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The four transport wheels make it easier to reposition the appliance. A basket and temperature alarm help offset the drawbacks of an open interior.

Key benefit & strengths

308 litres of usable capacity, freezing capacity of 16 kg in 24 hours, 40 dB, temperature alarm and SN-T climate class according to the product description.

Suitable for: Small flats and secondary appliances
Gorenje F49DPW 85-litre Freezer

Gorenje F49DPW, 85 L

Why this product suits the profile: This compact upright freezer offers better organisation than a small chest freezer and is suitable for flats or as an addition to a fridge.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The three transparent drawers prevent smaller packs from disappearing beneath larger supplies. The door can be reversed to suit the room.

Key benefit & strengths

85 litres, energy efficiency class D, annual consumption of 131 kWh, EcoMode, 4-star freezer compartment and 15 hours of storage time during a power cut according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Installation, use and care

Before connecting the appliance, leave it standing upright for several hours so that the refrigerant can settle. Place the freezer on a level, stable surface and observe the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. For a garage or cellar, the climate class is crucial: not every model is suitable for unheated rooms or low temperatures.

Fill drawers and baskets in a way that allows air to circulate. Warm food should be allowed to cool before freezing. In the event of a power cut, keep the door closed as much as possible. A temperature alarm can indicate unusual warming, but it does not replace checking the stored food.

Frequently asked questions about buying a freezer

How much capacity does a household need?

As a rough guide, 60 to 100 litres is often enough for one person. Depending on their shopping and cooking habits, two people can manage with around 100 to 160 litres. Families and households with larger supplies should plan their requirements based on the packaging they actually store, rather than deciding solely by litre capacity.

How much does a freezer cost to run?

The cost depends on annual consumption and your electricity tariff. Example: with annual consumption of 200 kWh and a price of 0,35 euros per kWh, the calculated cost is around 70 euros per year. Actual consumption may vary depending on room temperature, how full the appliance is, how often the door is opened and how well it is maintained.

Is No Frost worth the extra cost?

No Frost can be worthwhile if you want to avoid regular defrosting or use the appliance frequently. For a small secondary appliance with a manageable amount of food, manual defrosting may be sufficient. As well as the features, compare annual consumption, noise level, interior layout and purchase price.