Buying a Chest Freezer in 2026: Our Recommendations for Extra Freezer Space

Do you ever find your refrigerator's freezer compartment overflowing after your weekly grocery run? Or perhaps you want to take advantage of bulk-buy deals but simply don't have the space? A separate chest freezer is a practical solution. It provides extra capacity for everything from seasonal vegetables to pre-prepared meals.

This article is designed to help you make an informed choice. We will discuss the key factors to consider and highlight several models based on their specifications, so you can find a chest freezer that fits your household, budget, and available space.

What to Consider When Buying a Chest Freezer?

Before choosing a model, it's wise to consider a few practical matters. This will help you find a chest freezer that meets not only your current needs but also your future requirements.

1. Capacity and Size: How Much Space Do You Need?

The required capacity depends on the size of your household and your shopping habits. A small chest freezer of around 100 litres is often sufficient for a one or two-person household. Larger families or those who freeze a lot of food should look for models of 200 litres or more. Measure the spot where the chest freezer will be placed beforehand. Remember to allow for adequate ventilation space at the back and sides, typically around 5 to 10 centimetres.

2. Energy Consumption: An Energy-Efficient Chest Freezer Pays Off

A freezer runs 24 hours a day, so its energy consumption is a crucial factor. Since 2021, freezers have a new energy label ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). An energy-efficient chest freezer with a better label, such as C, can lead to significant annual savings on energy costs compared to a model with an E or F label. The higher initial purchase price often pays for itself in the long run.

3. Placement: A Chest Freezer for the Garage or a Quiet Model for Indoors?

Not every chest freezer is suitable for unheated spaces. If you want a chest freezer for the garage or shed, check the appliance's climate class. This indicates the ambient temperature range within which the freezer functions correctly. If you plan to place the chest freezer in or near a living area, the noise level is an important consideration. A quiet chest freezer produces around 39 decibels (dB) or less, which is comparable to a soft whisper.

Our Recommendations for 2026

Based on specifications like capacity, energy class, and ease of use, we have selected a few chest freezers that are worth considering.

TCL CF182EWE0 Chest Freezer 140L

Why this model stands out The TCL CF182EWE0 is a versatile chest freezer with a practical capacity of 140 litres. Its design focuses on user-friendliness, featuring convenient casters and a lid that stays open.

Advantages

• Balanced lid: The lid remains open at an angle between 40 and 75 degrees, making loading and unloading easier.
• Mobile: Thanks to the casters, the chest freezer is easy to move without heavy lifting.
• Convenient extras: Comes with a storage basket to keep smaller items organised.
• Adjustable temperature: The temperature can be easily adjusted with a mechanical control dial.

Who is this chest freezer for? This model is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized households looking for a flexible and accessible chest freezer. Its mobility makes it ideal for those who occasionally rearrange their utility room or garage.

CANDY Chest Freezer 196L with Low Frost

Why this model stands out This chest freezer from Candy combines a generous 196-litre capacity with a favourable energy class C. The Low Frost technology reduces ice build-up, simplifying maintenance.

Advantages

• Energy-efficient: With energy class C, this model is among the more efficient chest freezers on the market.
• Spacious capacity: The 196 litres provide ample space for a larger family's supplies.
• Low Frost: This technology ensures less ice formation, meaning you'll need to manually defrost the freezer less often.
• External display: The temperature is easy to read and set via the digital display on the outside.

Who is this chest freezer for? Ideal for families or anyone who buys in bulk and wants to keep operational costs low. If you're looking for an energy-efficient chest freezer with high capacity and less maintenance, this is a strong contender.

CHiQ Chest Freezer 99L JR99DWE

Why this model stands out The CHiQ JR99DWE is a compact and quiet chest freezer, designed for smaller spaces. Despite its modest size, it delivers powerful freezing performance.

Advantages

• Compact size: With a 99-litre capacity and a footprint of just 0.26 m², this small chest freezer fits easily in a dorm room, office, or under a counter.
• Quiet operation: The noise level of 39 dB makes this a quiet chest freezer that won't be disruptive in a living environment.
• Powerful freezing performance: It has a 4-star freezer rating and can freeze up to 4.5 kg per 24 hours, according to the manufacturer.
• Long service period on the compressor: The manufacturer offers a 12-year service period on the compressor.

Who is this chest freezer for? Perfect for students, singles, or as an extra freezer in an apartment. Its wide climate class (suitable for ambient temperatures from 10 to 43 °C) also makes it a reliable option as a chest freezer for the garage.

Need More Options?

Is the perfect chest freezer for your situation not listed here? There are many more models available with different sizes, energy classes, and features. Compare specifications and find the freezer that's right for you.

Explore all our cooling and freezing solutions here

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a chest freezer and an upright freezer? A chest freezer (horizontal model) is often more energy-efficient and offers more uninterrupted space for large items. Cold air, which is heavier than warm air, is better retained inside when you open the lid. An upright freezer (vertical model) has drawers, which provide a better overview and easier access to products.

2. Can a chest freezer be placed in a garage or shed? Yes, it can, provided the chest freezer has the correct climate class. This class indicates the ambient temperature at which the appliance operates optimally. For an unheated garage in a temperate climate, a model with climate class SN (Subnormal, +10 to +32 °C) or a wider range (like SN-T) is recommended. The CHiQ JR99DWE is an example of this.

3. How much energy does an energy-efficient chest freezer consume? The exact consumption depends on the energy class, capacity, and ambient temperature. A modern chest freezer with energy class C uses significantly less power than an older model or one with class E or F. The annual consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) is always listed on the energy label, allowing for a direct comparison.