Under-Counter, Tall or Chest Freezer? How to Choose the Right Freezer

Which Type of Freezer Is Right for You?

There are four main types, and the right one usually comes down to the space you have and how much you need to store:

Browse by type: under-counter freezers, tall freezers, chest freezers and table top freezers. If you have a fitted kitchen, take a look at our integrated freezers, including integrated under-counter and integrated tall freezers, which sit neatly behind a cabinet door.

How Much Freezer Space Do You Need?

• One or two people — an under-counter freezer is often enough, especially if you also have a fridge freezer
• Families of three or four — a tall freezer gives you room for batch cooking, bread, frozen vegetables and the occasional bulk buy
• Larger households or regular bulk buyers — a chest freezer gives you the most space for your money

If you're not sure, it's usually better to go a size up. A freezer that's reasonably full works efficiently, and an overstuffed one with no room to organise gets frustrating quickly. Capacity is listed in litres on the specification, so compare the litres rather than the outside dimensions.

Frost Free vs Static (Manual Defrost) Freezers

Frost free freezers circulate dry air to stop ice building up, so you never need to defrost them. They keep a steadier temperature and are easier to live with, but usually cost more. Frost free models are much more common on upright freezers than on chest freezers.

Static (manual defrost) freezers are usually cheaper to buy, but ice builds up over time, so they need defrosting when the layer gets thick. Some models use a low frost design that slows the build-up, so you defrost less often. Our guide to defrosting your freezer explains when and how to do it.

Freezer Temperature and What the Stars Mean

A freezer should be kept at around -18°C, according to government food safety guidance. A true freezer is a four-star appliance: it holds -18°C and is able to freeze fresh food, not just store food that's already frozen. By comparison, the small freezer compartment in some fridges has a lower star rating, which we explain in our guide to fridges with an ice box versus larder fridges.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Freezers run all day, every day, so the energy label matters. The A to G scale was reset in recent years, so compare models against each other, and see the UK Home Appliance Association's guide to the new labels for more detail. In independent testing, Which? found chest freezers slightly more efficient than upright models on average.

You can help any freezer run efficiently by keeping it away from the cooker, radiators and direct sunlight, checking the door seals, and not leaving the door open. For more savings, read our guides on choosing an energy-efficient appliance and lowering your energy bills this season.

Can You Keep a Freezer in the Garage?

It's a popular spot for a chest freezer, but be careful. Most freezers aren't designed to work in rooms colder than around 10°C, so in an unheated garage or outbuilding they may not perform properly, and it could affect your warranty. Some models are designed for lower temperatures, so check the climate class on the specification before you buy, or ask us in store, as noted by Which?.

Features Worth Looking For

• Fast freeze (or super freeze) — chills a fresh load quickly after a big shop
• Door alarm and temperature alarm — warns you if the door's left open or the temperature rises
• Drawers — easier to organise than flap-front compartments, and you can see everything at a glance
• Reversible door — lets you choose which way the door opens to suit your kitchen layout
• Low noise — worth checking in open-plan kitchens, with some models as quiet as 37dB

Examples From Our Range

Here's a selection of freezers from our range. Availability changes, so ask us what's in stock before you make a special trip.

Under-counter freezers

• Liebherr TG14VE04 — 55cm, 107 litres, four drawers, manual defrost with a low-frost design and just 37dB of noise
• Liebherr TGN14VE04 — 55cm, 92 litres and frost free
• Sensis RFUCF01Z54EW — 54.8cm, 90 litres, a great-value manual defrost model
• Bosch GTV15NWEBG — 56cm, 83 litres

Tall freezers

• Blomberg FNM455W — 54cm frost free tall freezer with 177 litres
• Bosch GSN29VWEVG — freestanding tall freezer with 220 litres
• Blomberg FNM4671P — upright freezer with 256 litres for bigger households

Chest freezers

• Sensis RFCHT01F196EW — 196 litre chest freezer
• Sensis RFCHT01F300EW — 300 litre chest freezer for bulk buying

Our freezers come from brands including Liebherr, Bosch, Blomberg, Sensis, Haier and Candy.

Separate Freezer or Fridge Freezer?

If you're replacing both, a fridge freezer is the simplest answer for most homes, and our fridge freezer buying guide covers the options in detail. A separate freezer makes sense if you need extra capacity, have limited space in one spot but room elsewhere, or like to buy in bulk. In that case, pair it with a larder fridge for more room for fresh food.

Looking After Your Freezer

Keep the door seals clean, make sure the door closes properly, don't leave it open while you decide what you want, and label and date what you put in so nothing gets forgotten at the bottom. Defrost manual models before the ice gets thick, and check our guide to kitchen appliance care for more ideas. If your freezer is struggling, read when to upgrade your appliances to help you decide whether to repair or replace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size freezer do I need?
An under-counter freezer suits one or two people, a tall freezer of around 160 to 250 litres suits most families, and a chest freezer is best for bulk buying or larger households. Compare the capacity in litres rather than the outside size.

Is a frost free freezer worth it?
If you don't want to defrost, yes. Frost free models stop ice building up and keep a steadier temperature, though they usually cost more to buy than manual defrost freezers.

What temperature should a freezer be?
Around -18°C, according to government food safety guidance.

Are chest freezers cheaper to run?
On average, chest freezers are slightly more efficient than upright models, according to Which? testing, but the difference is small. The energy label for the specific model is the best guide.

Can I put a freezer in the garage?
Only if it's designed for it. Most freezers aren't made for rooms colder than around 10°C, so check the climate class on the specification, or ask us before you buy.

Will an under-counter freezer fit under my worktop?
Many are around 85cm high, but always measure your space, including the gap needed for ventilation, and check the dimensions on the specification. Ask in store if you're not sure.

What's the difference between a freezer and a fridge freezer?
A freezer only freezes. A fridge freezer combines a fridge and a freezer in one appliance. If you want a separate fridge and freezer, our guide to fridges with an ice box and larder fridges will help you choose.

Can you take away my old freezer?
Yes, we offer removal of your old appliance when we deliver. Our guide to disposing of your old electrical appliances has more information.

Find the Right Freezer at Barlows

Not sure which freezer suits your home? Our teams at our Ellesmere and Whitchurch stores are happy to talk you through the options. Browse our full range of freezers online, or pop in and see them for yourself. We also offer local delivery, installation and removal of your old appliance and click & collect.

We deliver across Shropshire and the surrounding area, including Oswestry, Wem, Market Drayton, Nantwich and Chester, and our price match guarantee means you can buy with confidence.