Freezers (chest and upright): how to choose the best one

Freezers (chest and upright): how to choose the best one for your home (Portugal)

A good freezer solves three problems at once: large shopping trips (promotions), better meal organization, and less waste. But to buy well, you have to look at the type, usable capacity, actual consumption, technology (No Frost) , and technical details such as 4-star rating (-18°C) , kg/24h , and power-off autonomy .

1) Freezer types: chest freezer vs. upright freezer (what changes in everyday use)

Freezer (horizontal)

Advantages

  • generally more efficient by design (the cold air “stays” inside when you open it)

  • Ideal for large volumes (families, monthly stock).

Disadvantages

  • Less practical for organizing (without baskets it becomes "Tetris")

Upright freezer

Advantages

  • shelves/drawers = quick organization

  • Ideal for kitchens/apartments with limited space.

Disadvantages

  • When you open it, the cold air escapes more easily → there may be more variation if used frequently.

💡 UMBOX Tip: In the collection, you can create the filters “ Ark ” and “ Vertical ” + “ No Frost ” + “ Autonomy ”.

2) Correct temperature: why -18°C is the standard

In the EU, -18°C is used as the essential reference point for "frozen":

  • The ecodesign regulation defines "3-star" and "4-star/freezer compartment" categories with a target temperature and storage conditions of -18°C (and the 4-star category meets freezing capacity requirements).

  • For ultra-frozen foods (quick-frozen foods) , European legislation treats -18°C as the reference temperature, allowing for small variations during transport/distribution (tolerances).

Practical conclusion: for home use, setting the freezer to -18°C is the safest choice and is in line with what the market/packaging assumes.

3) 4-star rating (★★★★): what it means and why it matters

The " 4-star / freezer compartment " isn't just for decoration: it's linked to performance and temperature.
The ecodesign regulation describes a 4-star freezer compartment as one that freezes at -18°C and meets freezing capacity requirements.

For the customer: if you want to freeze fresh food (e.g., meat bought today), look for a freezer/compartment with 4 stars .

4) Capacity (liters) and "right size" without wasting energy.

The most common mistake is buying it "too big" and then keeping it half empty.

Simple rules:

  • 1–2 people: 100–200 L (depends on habits)

  • 3–4 people: 200–300 L

  • Large families / monthly shopping: 300 L+

More than just "liters," think about how you're going to store it :

  • Stackable boxes / baskets (chest)

  • drawers and labels (vertical)

5) No Frost vs. Static (with ice): which one to choose?

  • No Frost: reduces ice buildup and the need for defrosting — more comfort and consistent performance.

  • Static: can form ice over time (requires periodic thawing), but tends to be simpler.

If the goal is "zero maintenance," No Frost usually wins.

6) The 3 technical numbers that are worth their weight in gold (and almost nobody reads)

a) Freezing capacity (kg/24h)

How much can you freeze "fresh" in 24 hours (important for families, meal preparation, and hunting/fishing).

b) Autonomy without power / temperature rise time

How long can you go without electricity while keeping frozen food (critical in areas with power outages)?

c) Noise (dB)

In an open-plan space, a difference of just a few dB can change the level of comfort.

7) Energy label A–G: how to compare consumption and noise (without falling for marketing)

The EU energy label for refrigerators and freezers shows:

  • class A–G

  • annual consumption (kWh/year)

  • volumes)

  • noise (dB and noise class)
    and it has a QR code for EPREL (official database) — useful for confirming data.

"Quick" purchase rule:

  1. kWh/year

  2. useful liters

  3. noise dB

  4. No Frost / Autonomy / kg/24h

8) Practical tips: freeze better and avoid freezer burn

  • Do not fill to the point of blocking air circulation.

  • Pack well (less air = fewer ice crystals)

  • Organize by zones: "daily use" in the front, "stock" in the back.

  • label with date (FIFO)

FAQ

What is the ideal freezer temperature?
The reference standard for frozen storage in the EU is -18°C (including the definition of 3-star/4-star compartments) and is the basis for industry rules/assumptions.

What does a 4-star freezer (★★★★) mean?
It is a compartment at -18°C that meets freezing capacity requirements (suitable for freezing fresh food).

How to compare energy consumption between freezers?
Use the A–G energy label and compare kWh/year , as well as noise (dB) and liters. The QR code leads to EPREL for official details.

Freezer or upright freezer: which is better?
A chest freezer is excellent for large volumes and tends to lose less cold air when opened; a vertical freezer is better for organization and quick access. It depends on your space and routine.