Which freezer to choose? 10 short answers
Upright or chest, capacity for a family, No Frost, garage, power cuts, small budget and climate class.
- Chest: more economical, longer without power
- Upright: easier to store
- Family: 50 to 70 litres per person
- Garage: climate class SN-T
Short answer: The chest freezer uses less energy, keeps food frozen better and costs less per litre. The upright freezer is more practical (drawers) and comes in No Frost. See our freezer buying guide.
Each question has a detailed answer here, then a short answer in the FAQ at the bottom of the page. They are written by the Nimestore team in Temploux (Namur), based on what our customers ask us.
The answers in detail
Upright or chest freezer: which should you choose?
An upright freezer makes food easier to access; a chest freezer can offer a large capacity with a different layout. Compare energy consumption and the usable footprint.
What freezer capacity does a family need?
Capacity depends on how much you store and for how long; for a family, it's better to think in usable litres actually used rather than just the number of people.
Which freezer uses the least energy?
To choose an energy-efficient freezer, compare kWh/year for similar volumes and climate classes. Location, room temperature and how full it is all affect the real running cost.
Is No Frost useful in a freezer?
No Frost limits frost and the need for manual defrosting in the compartments concerned, with differences in energy use, noise and price depending on the model.
Can a freezer be placed in a garage?
A garage freezer must be explicitly approved to operate within the room's ambient temperature range; the climate class alone does not cover every unheated garage.
How long does a freezer stay cold during a power cut?
During a power cut, keep the doors closed: how long food stays frozen varies greatly depending on the appliance, how full it is and the surrounding conditions. Follow health guidelines and the manual, not a universal timeframe.
Which freezer should I buy for under €500?
Under €500, check the capacity, energy consumption, climate class and dimensions. A small appliance that doesn't suit your needs can end up costing more over time.
What is the best freezer brand?
No freezer brand is best for everyone; compare documented reliability, repair network, spare parts, noise and energy use for specific models.
How do I choose a small backup freezer?
For a backup freezer, go for an appropriate capacity, exact dimensions and low energy consumption; check whether it can run in the intended location.
How do I read a freezer's climate class?
The climate class states the declared ambient operating temperatures, but an appliance installed in a cold garage above all needs explicit confirmation from the manufacturer.
What to check before you buy
The climate class and permitted room temperatures can be checked in the manual for the exact model. Capacity is measured in usable litres. In case of a power cut, keep the door closed; if you're unsure about thawed food, don't refreeze it.
To find out more
- Choosing your freezer well: upright or chest, No Frost, garage
- The appliance energy label explained: reading, comparing, calculating
Official sources
- European Commission : energy label for fridges and freezers
- European EPREL database : energy label and official product fiche for each model
Don't see your question here? Visit the shop at Route de Saussin 62 in Temploux (Wednesday to Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm), or call 02 393 04 02.
Updated on 5 November 2026. Prices, stock and services: the product page on the day of your order is the reference.
Frequently asked questions
Upright or chest freezer: which should you choose?
The chest freezer uses less energy, keeps food frozen better and costs less per litre. Theupright freezer is more practical (drawers) and comes in No Frost. See freezer buying guide.
What freezer capacity does a family need?
Allow 50 to 70 litres per person if you freeze a lot (garden produce, big shops); 4 people: around 200 to 300 litres in addition to the fridge.
Which freezer uses the least energy?
A well-rated chest freezer, or an upright one rated A to D without No Frost. Place it in a cool room away from any heat source.
Is No Frost useful in a freezer?
Yes for an upright: no more frost or defrosting, and drawers that always open easily. It uses a bit more energy; chest freezers are rarely No Frost.
Can a freezer be placed in a garage?
Only if the manufacturer approves it for your garage's temperature: check the climate class (SN or SN-T) and above all the manual, as the class does not cover every cold garage. Some models are designed to operate down to -15 °C.
How long does a freezer stay cold during a power cut?
Door closed, usually 15 to 30 hours for an upright and often longer for a full chest freezer. The exact duration (“holdover time” during a power cut) is in the technical data sheet.
Which freezer should I buy for under €500?
A 200 to 300 litre chest freezer or an upright of around 200 litres, from brands such as Beko, Haier, Bosch or Samsung. See the freezer section.
What is the best freezer brand?
Liebherr is a benchmark for cooling; Bosch, Siemens, Samsung, Beko and Haier all have very good models depending on budget. Energy class and climate class matter more than the brand.
How do I choose a small backup freezer?
A “table top” model 85 cm high (80 to 100 litres) or a small 100-litre chest freezer. Check that it is a 4-star freezer (-18 °C).
How do I read a freezer's climate class?
It indicates the ambient temperature supported: SN 10 to 32 °C, N 16 to 32 °C, ST 16 to 38 °C, T 16 to 43 °C. For a garage or cold cellar, choose SN.
Come and see the appliances in person
At our Temploux shop, we open the doors and compare drums and finishes. Or ask our expert sales adviser online, right now.
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