Joybuy Insights

Buying a Freezer: How to Choose the Right Design, Size and Features

A freezer provides extra storage space for frozen food, meal-prep portions and seasonal produce. The choice ranges from a mini freezer with around 30 litres to a spacious upright freezer with more than 200 litres. Chest freezers with a large top-opening lid are also available for cellars, garages or small businesses.

When buying, however, some common marketing claims can lead to poor decisions. What matters is not individual buzzwords, but the combination of usable capacity, installation location, energy consumption and ease of use.

Common Buying and Marketing Traps

1. Gross capacity is not the same as usable storage space

A stated capacity of, for example, 100 or 200 litres does not always describe the interior space actually available. Drawers, compartments and technical components reduce the usable room. For planning purposes, net capacity should therefore be the key figure.

As a general guide:

  • Up to around 60 litres: suitable as a mini or additional freezer for singles, offices or holiday lets
  • Around 80 to 120 litres: suitable for small households, couples or a modest stock of food
  • Around 160 to 200 litres: a sensible choice for families and regular batch cooking
  • Around 244 litres: suitable for larger supplies and households with high demand for frozen food

A 60-litre freezer takes up little floor space, but offers less flexibility for large packages. A 100-litre freezer or 200-litre freezer, on the other hand, should be checked for door width, transport routes and sufficient ventilation clearance before purchase.

2. “Quiet” should be backed up by a specific decibel rating

Noise levels are stated in dB(A). A model rated at 36 to 40 dB may be suitable for kitchens, living areas or open-plan layouts. Values around 41 dB are also often practical, but should be considered in relation to the intended installation location.

The description “quiet freezer” on its own is not enough. Also check the airborne acoustical noise emission class, if it is listed in the product data sheet.

3. No Frost and Low Frost are not the same

A No Frost freezer circulates cold air and reduces the build-up of ice inside. Depending on its design, this can eliminate the need for manual defrosting. Low Frost also produces less ice than a conventional static system, but occasional defrosting may still be necessary.

A fast-freeze function is not a substitute for loading the appliance correctly. It lowers the temperature more sharply for a short period when larger quantities of fresh food are being stored. The permitted freezing capacity in kilograms per 24 hours remains an important factor.

The Most Important Criteria Before Buying

Design and floor space

An upright freezer makes use of vertical space and usually has drawers or flaps. This arrangement makes sorting easier and is practical in kitchens, utility rooms or cellars. A chest freezer, by contrast, makes efficient use of floor space, but needs more room to open the lid and can be less organised when storing smaller items.

Measure:

  1. The width, height and depth of the installation space
  2. The door or lid opening area
  3. Access routes such as stairs, hallways and doors
  4. The clearance required for ventilation
  5. The ambient temperature at the installation location

The climate class is particularly important for unheated rooms. Not every appliance is suitable for a cold garage or cellar. For example, operation of the Beko FS127940N in unheated rooms down to -15 °C is specified. However, this does not replace checking the manufacturer’s full specifications.

Energy efficiency and running costs

EU energy efficiency classes range from A to G. Class E is common among freezers, but on its own it says nothing about the annual running costs. You should therefore compare the stated annual consumption in kWh and multiply it by your current electricity tariff.

A larger appliance may consume more energy overall despite having a similar efficiency rating. An energy-efficient freezer should therefore match the amount of food you actually need to store. A large appliance that is only partly filled is not automatically more economical.

Star rating and temperature

A 4-star freezer is designed for the long-term storage of frozen food. The star rating describes the temperature that can be reached and the storage capability, but not the quality or shelf life of individual foods. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Freezing capacity, storage time during a power cut and a temperature warning are also relevant. These details are particularly useful for households that freeze larger quantities at once.

Our Selection by User Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Gorenje F49DPW 85L Upright Freezer

Gorenje F49DPW 85L Upright Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: This compact upright freezer offers 85 litres of net capacity and is suitable for smaller households or as an additional appliance.

How this product avoids the trap

The three transparent drawers keep the interior organised. The product details state an annual consumption of 131 kWh and energy efficiency class D.

Key benefit & strengths

4-star rating, EcoMode, freezing capacity of 4 kg per 24 hours and reversible door hinge.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
Beko FS127940N Upright Freezer 244 Litres

Beko FS127940N Upright Freezer, 244 Litres

Why this product suits this profile: This large freezer is aimed at families and households that regularly buy food in bulk.

How this product avoids the trap

The capacity is stated as net capacity. MinFrost can reduce ice build-up, but according to the product details it does not completely eliminate the need for manual defrosting.

Key benefit & strengths

244 litres of net capacity, five drawers, two flaps, fast-freeze function, temperature alarm and an operating noise level of 36 dB.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
AUCMA 95L Convertible Chest Freezer

AUCMA 95L Convertible Chest Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: This chest freezer can be switched between cooling and freezing modes as required, making it suitable for homes, garages or small retail outlets.

How this product avoids the trap

The 7-stage thermostat control and defrost water drain support controlled use and make cleaning easier.

Key benefit & strengths

95-litre capacity, 4-star freezer rating, annual consumption of 165 kWh, 38 dB and removable basket.

Suitable for: Small flats and offices
COMFEE RCU40WH2E Mini Freezer 31 Litres

COMFEE' RCU40WH2(E) Mini Freezer, 31 Litres

Why this product suits this profile: This compact mini freezer takes up very little space and is designed for small additional quantities, offices or holiday accommodation.

How this product avoids the trap

The compact capacity prevents an oversized appliance from being operated half-empty over the long term. The door hinge is reversible.

Key benefit & strengths

31-litre capacity, 4-star freezer rating, freezing capacity of up to 2 kg per 24 hours and 41 dB.

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, Care and Safe Use

Place the freezer on a level, stable surface and maintain the clearances specified in the instructions. Do not cover the ventilation grilles. After transport, the appliance should first be left standing upright in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions before it is connected to the power supply.

The following measures can help keep energy consumption as low as possible:

  • Open the door or lid only briefly
  • Allow food to cool before storing it
  • Do not overload the interior
  • Check the seals regularly for dirt
  • Remove ice build-up from static appliances in good time
  • Do not place the appliance next to radiators or in direct sunlight

A reversible door hinge is particularly useful if the room layout may change in the future. For a chest freezer, a removable basket, castors and a defrost water drain are practical features.

Freezer FAQ

How many litres should a freezer have for two people?

Around 80 to 120 litres may be sufficient for two people if you only store a moderate supply of food. If you regularly batch-cook or buy large packs, you should allow for more spare capacity. The key figure is the actual net capacity, not just the external dimensions.

How much does it cost to run a freezer?

Running costs depend on annual consumption, the electricity tariff, ambient temperature and how the appliance is used. The calculation is: annual consumption in kWh × electricity price per kWh. You should therefore compare appliances using the energy information on the EU energy label.

Is No Frost necessary in a freezer?

No Frost can reduce maintenance, but it is not essential for every household. If the appliance is opened infrequently and maintained regularly, a static or Low Frost model may also be suitable. If you want to avoid manual defrosting as far as possible, look specifically for a No Frost freezer.