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Best freezers 2024: upright, chest and under counter models
Discover the best freezers to keep your food fresh and organised – whatever your budget or needs.
By Lucy Cotterill By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Jun 19, 2024
An unsung hero of the kitchen, garage or wherever else you choose to keep it, the best freezer will store the usual frozen purchases as well as excess food, bulk buys and batch-cooked meals. Long-term frozen food storage can also be helpful during the run-up to big family events and Christmas if you're struggling for space in your regular fridge freezer, so it's worth making sure you invest in one that will last for years.
Luckily, there are plenty of high-quality options available whatever your needs. If you don't have space in your kitchen for a big American fridge freezer and need something compact, an under-counter freezer could be ideal. On the flip side, a large chest freezer will provide lots of space, perfect if you've got heaps of allotment produce to store. And if you have a minimalist kitchen, you can pick up built-in freezers that will sit discreetly alongside your integrated dishwasher.
To help you choose the right new appliance for your home, we’ve done all the hard work for you and have spent hours researching the best models. Our first stop was the Mumsnet forums, home to the largest online network of parents in the UK, where we searched for the brands our users had tried, tested and loved. We know the value of an honest, independent recommendation, so every Swears By guide we produce starts with Mumsnet user suggestions. We then also analysed the opinions of domestic technology experts and scrutinised authentic consumer reviews to bring you the very best freezer for 2024.
Beko FNP4686W Frost Free Upright Freezer
Frost-free
Fast freeze
Suitable for garages and outbuildings
Decent capacity
No internal light
Price on writing: £629 | Type: Tall/upright | Energy rating: E | Capacity: 286 litres | Dimensions: H186.5 x W59.7 x D70.9 cm
Thanks to its clever Freezer Guard technology, the BEKO FNP4686W is a clear choice for our top pick, and it's also our best freezer for a cold garage space. It has a good capacity for families (around 17 bags of shopping) and is much easier to organise than a chest freezer. We also love the mix of shelves and drawers and the added storage in the door for smaller items.
Unlike many garage-proof freezers, this smart appliance is frost-free, so the capacity isn't compromised by frost and ice, and you don’t have the faff and mess of a manual defrost. We're big fans of the Fast Freeze function too; you can speed up the freezing process when adding food to ensure maximum freshness for longer.
It's not hard to see why Mumsnet users are enthusiastic about the exceptional value of Beko appliances – everything from their fridge freezers to their dishwashers come highly rated – and this robust, thoughtfully designed freezer is an excellent example of what the brand does best. Our only gripe is that it doesn't have an interior light, but otherwise it's a fantastic bit of kit.
Russell Hobbs RH85UCFZ552E1B Under Counter Freezer
Two-year warranty
Reversible door
Suitable for garages and outbuildings
Manual defrost
Smaller capacity than an upright freezer
Price on writing: £230 | Type: Under counter | Energy rating: E | Capacity: 91 litres | Dimensions: 58D x 55W x 85H cm
The Russell Hobbs RH85UCFZ552E1B is a great little freezer that will fit neatly into most kitchens thanks to a reversible door and adjustable feet. It comes in a sleek black design and is a height that is appropriate for sliding under the counter or sitting freestanding in a convenient corner.
With four shelves and a spacious 91-litre capacity, it offers plenty of space to accommodate bulky containers, stacked batch cooked meals, everyday favourites and party essentials. At less than £250, it's the cheapest freezer on our list, and it comes with a two-year manufacturer's guarantee for extra peace of mind.
The drawback of this budget-friendly choice is the manual defrost. However, it works hard to prevent the initial build-up of ice and frost, and the easy-to-remove shelves make it a quick and straightforward process. Reviewers also love the quiet running volume and the fact it can even be used in a garage or outbuilding.
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Works in low temperatures (ideal for garages or outbuildings)
Fast freeze
Large capacity
Includes three storage baskets
Manual defrost
Price on writing: £499 | Type: Chest | Energy rating: E | Capacity: 360 litres | Dimensions: H86 x W129 x D67.5cm
If you’re a fan of batch cooking, like to freeze bulky items such as bread, or simply want a steady supply of your family’s favourite frozen essentials, the Beko CF41286W Chest Freezer is a practical choice. With a capacity of up to 360 litres, this deep and generous design can hold an impressive 20 bags of shopping.
While some Mumsnet users find that chest freezers get disorganised (with bags of veg and Tupperware often getting lost at the bottom), this Beko is quite the exception, thanks to three baskets to store smaller, frequently used items. There’s also a convenient counterbalanced lid, allowing you to search with both hands so you can always grab what you need.
Unlike some chest freezers, this spacious Beko is suitable to use in temperatures as low as -15℃, so it's great for unheated environments like garages and outbuildings.
While it does require manual defrosting, we love the Fast Freeze button to lower the temperature quickly - ideal for locking in nutrition and flavour when freezing fresh fruit and veg yields from your garden or allotment.
Bosch Series 4 GIN81VEE0G Integrated Freezer
Frost-free
Automatic fast freeze
Flexible shelving
Audible alarm when the door is left open
Costly
Price on writing: £1,099 | Type: Integrated/built in | Energy rating: E | Capacity: 211 litres | Dimensions: H184 x W61 x D64cm
From slimline dishwashers to washing machines, Bosch appliances consistently score highly with Mumsnetters, so it was no surprise that they've earned a place on this list too.
The Bosch Series 4 GIN81VEE0G Integrated Freezer is a built-in appliance for large families who need frozen food on hand but want their machine to blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. It also has a reversible door and a neat, user-friendly control panel.
This fancy freezer has five see-through storage drawers, and two double-height Big Boxes for larger items such as your Christmas turkey or convenient stacking for batch cooking bouts. Thanks the Variozone removable shelves, you can fully adjust the freezer to suit your contents, too.
We also like the high-spec features of this freezer - it's frost-free and has an automatic super freeze, so you don’t have to remember to switch it on after a big shop.
If you have an open-plan kitchen, you’ll love the low running volumes that won't disturb the peace. In fact, the only audible noise will be the helpful alarm that triggers if you have accidentally leave the door open.
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Frost-free
Fast freeze
Quiet running volume
Three deep and transparent drawers
Stylish stainless steel
Some reviewers found the drawers weren't smooth to open
Door may show fingerprints
Smaller capacity than taller options
Price on writing: £359 | Type: Upright | Energy rating: E | Capacity: 88 litres | Dimensions: H85 x W60 x D57.5cm
Not all kitchens have space to accommodate an American-style fridge freezer or a chest freezer. A small freestanding option can make a great alternative, sitting upright in a convenient corner without taking up valuable cupboard space.
The AEG ATB68E7NU Frost Free Upright Freezer has a stylish stainless steel design that looks great out on display - although you may want to avoid the kids' sticky fingers from making contact. With a quiet running volume, it’s well suited to open-plan kitchens, with three deep drawers that can accommodate up to four bags of shopping.
We love the frost-free design and fast freeze options which can get your ice cream cold and frozen again in next to no time after your journey back from the supermarket. Some reviewers found the drawers can be a little clunky, however, so be careful not to overload them.
Ideal if you need compact storage
Impressive features
Fast to freeze
Reversible door
Relatively small capacity
Price on writing: £399 | Type: Under counter | Energy rating: E | Capacity: 91 litres | Dimensions: H85.1 x W60.2 x D62.8cm
Liebherr freezers are made in the same factory as Miele models. The quality of the build is similar, but the good news is you’ll pay less for a Liebherr. The GNP1066 is a great little under-counter freezer with a generous 91-litre capacity - enough for up to five bags of shopping, which is ideal for overspill if you’re planning any big BBQs this summer!
A huge plus point of this freezer is that it's completely frost free, using fans to circulate cool air and prevent a build up of ice. Not only does this keep your food evenly frosted and in good condition, but it also saves you the time and effort of manually defrosting it.
Despite its simple design, this Liebherr is relatively efficient for a small freezer, and it has three deep, transparent drawers for easy access and organisation. We're also impressed with the wide range of features, which includes a super freeze button, power cut protection and a reversible door so it can seamlessly fit into your kitchen.
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Good energy efficiency
Fast freeze
Low frost technology
Impressive capacity for an under-counter freezer
Costly
Price on writing: £699 | Type: Under counter | Energy rating: D | Capacity: 107 litres | Dimensions: H85 x W60 x D62.4cm
It may be a premium choice, but we love Miele's compact F4001D freezer, which offers a fantastic amount of storage space despite being an under-counter model. With four deep and sturdy drawers, it offers plenty of space for your frozen essentials and thanks to the translucent plastic, you can easily lay your hands on the fish fingers when your kids want a simple midweek meal.
Miele is a high-end brand and the price is understandably costly as a result. However, Mumsnet users agree that the build quality and reliability make Miele appliances worth the investment
While energy costs remain high, you’ll be pleased to know this is one of the most energy-efficient choices on our list (with E or F grades common for freezers). We love the low frost technology that makes the manual defrosting a far less onerous task, while the fast freeze button gives a cold boost post-shop to return your food to the right temperature as quickly as possible.
What to consider when shopping for the best freezer
If you’re in the market for a new freezer, here are some things you may want to consider when making your decision:
Size: Whether you’re looking for a large chest freezer or a mini freezer for the corner of your kitchen, measuring the space you have available is crucial. You should also pay attention to the gaps needed for airflow around the appliance; these usually need to be three inches, and they will prevent the compressor from overheating.
Capacity: Generally, the bigger the freezer, the more space it will have for food. Capacity is measured in litres and can range from 80 litres (around three to four shopping bags) in an under-counter freezer to over 400 litres (24 shopping bags) in a large chest freezer. Remember that a partially empty freezer space is less energy efficient than a full one, so don’t be tempted to buy bigger than you regularly need.
Type: This will depend on the space you have available. A tall upright sits nicely amongst a run of units and will have drawers that can make organisation easier; an under counter will do just that, sit underneath the countertop, and will have less capacity. Deep chest freezers tend to be cheaper, but they can be tricky to organise as it is hard to reach the bottom.
Location: Are you planning to put your freezer in the garage or an outbuilding? Not all freezers are suitable for unheated environments, so you should check the specifications carefully. Some freezers are suitable for environments as cold as -15°C, so will be safe to use even if your garage gets chilly in winter.
Integrated or freestanding?: If you want to ‘hide’ your appliance, you should choose an integrated model that sits behind a kitchen cupboard door. Integrated freezers tend to be more expensive, and you must check which type of hinge you need, fixed or sliding.
Frost-free/no frost: Manually defrosting a freezer can be time-consuming and messy. A frost-free model will prevent the build-up of frost and ice and automatically defrost any that occurs.
Fast freeze: A fast freeze function is a cold boost button or a sensor that will drop the freezer's temperature quickly. This is a helpful after a big shop when the door opens and shuts, or when foods are added that are at an ambient temperature or slightly defrosted.
Temperature settings: How easy is it to alter the freezer's internal temperature? Does it have an LED touchscreen or a fiddly plastic gadget at the back of the cabin?
Layout: How easy is the freezer to organise? Drawers are more manageable to organise but tend to have less capacity, whereas shelves can be challenging to keep neat. Clear drawers are preferable, allowing you to see what you’ve stashed inside and easily lay your hands on the item you need.
What is the best energy rating for a freezer?
The new energy rating system was launched in March 2021. Appliances now receive a rating from A - G; with the majority of freezers receiving either an E or F rating. While it may seem low on the scale, you can generally consider 'E' as a decent efficiency rating for a freezer.
Appliance running costs are an essential consideration for most consumers from an environmental and cost-of-living perspective, too. Before deciding on your new freezer, consider the annual energy consumption. For example, our overall best freezer uses 250 kWh per year. The £0.29p energy price cap set in January 2024 means it will cost around £72 per year to run according to AO.
What is the best freezer temperature?
-18°C is the right temperature for your freezer as it will prevent bacteria from growing, keep your food fresh for longer – helping avoid additional waste in your kitchen bin – and be cost-effective and energy efficient.
Some freezers have a super freeze button or setting. This will drop the temperature for a short time and is helpful when you introduce ambient temperature foods or if you have been opening the door a lot while putting shopping away.
Can I put a freezer in a garage or an outbuilding?
Yes - depending on the model. Some models won’t work at temperatures below 5°C, so if you place them outside the home, your warranty will be forfeited.
A freezer suitable for unheated outbuildings such as garages will continue to run without issue up to -15°C. The Beko brand and some chest freezers will have this capability.
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How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
To find the best freezers for busy, hungry families, we first sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on the freezer brands that they have purchased, rate highly and would recommend to others based on their experiences.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, overpriced or a nightmare to manually defrost.
Expert opinions
Next up, we scoured recent freezer reviews to see feedback from trusted industry experts as well as to learn more about what was new to the market. We want to be confident that the products we suggest are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that are well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by consumer champions.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best freezers on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, AO, Currys and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
About the authors
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising expert guidance and authentic consumer feedback to help people make confident purchase decisions.
Lucy is our resident kitchen expert and has written numerous articles for Mumsnet on everything from the best four-slice toasters to the most energy-efficient dishwashers, so she knows a thing or two about selecting the right products for your home.
Gemma Lumley is Content Writer at Mumsnet; she writes consumer, home and lifestyle articles and specialises in product round-ups and reviews. With many years of experience as a content and copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance.
Finding the products that will make the lives of parents easier is important to Gemma. She loves the research and detective work that goes into our best buy lists, and has written a number of kitchen appliance articles, including the best American fridge freezer and top chest freezers.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
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