Freezer chests, or chest freezers, are wide, horizontal units with a top-opening lid, designed for the long-term storage of large quantities of food in homes, small farms and small businesses across Europe. The advantage of chest freezers is their greater storage capacity per litre compared to upright models, as the cold air remains inside the unit even when the lid is open. BHS offers freezer chests as part of the For the Home kitchen equipment range.
The BHS range includes freezer chests from 100 to 400 litres and more, with A++ and A+++ energy classes to suit the needs of a business or home. BHS specialists help you choose the most suitable capacity, configuration and model. Also explore Freezers H and Home Refrigeration Equipment.
A freezer chest is the ideal solution when large storage capacity is needed—freezing seasonal vegetables and fruit from the garden, storing large meat purchases or building up a large family food supply. Unlike upright freezers, the chest design is more energy-efficient because cold air is heavier and stays inside the unit. BHS offers freezer chests for homes and small businesses across Europe.
Advantages and types of freezer chests
Energy efficiency — chest freezers are typically 10–20% more energy-efficient than upright models because the cold air does not escape when the lid is opened. Large capacity — 200–500 L models allow significantly more storage than a standard fridge freezer compartment. Storage of large items — a half-carcass of meat or a large quantity of fish fits easily in a chest freezer but not in an upright unit. With dual-zone division — some models feature an internal divider to organise different food groups. No-frost models — automatic defrosting without manual intervention, making daily use more convenient. BHS helps you choose the right chest freezer model.
Capacity and energy class
The choice of freezer chest capacity depends on family size and usage scenario. A small home or single person needs 100–150 L. A standard family of 3–4 people requires 200–300 L. A large family or small farm with seasonal produce needs 300–500 L or more. Energy classes A++ and A+++ provide significant electricity savings compared to older models—over time, this difference offsets the higher purchase price. The temperature range is typically from −18°C to −24°C or lower for premium models. BHS provides advice on energy efficiency calculations.
Installation and location
Freezer chests are usually placed in a cellar, garage, utility room or kitchen if there is enough floor space. Ventilation is required on the sides—at least 5–10 cm from the walls and the back to ensure the compressor is cooled. A garage or unheated room in winter may reduce the freezer’s efficiency if the ambient temperature drops below −10°C—check the manufacturer’s specified ambient temperature range. Regular cleaning and maintaining dryness prevent moisture problems and extend the service life.
Usage scenarios
For a household with a garden, a chest freezer allows freezing summer berries, vegetables and fruit in one season—saving on shopping all year round and preserving home-grown produce. On a small farm, a large chest freezer stores home-produced meat or ensures seasonal produce is kept until sale. For a restaurant or small café, a chest freezer in the cellar provides extra capacity for storing seasonal products or large meat deliveries.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to install a freezer chest? The best location is a cool, dry room—such as a cellar or utility room. High ambient temperatures (above +32°C in summer) reduce efficiency and increase energy consumption. Avoid direct sunlight on the unit. BHS helps you choose the optimal installation location based on your home’s layout.
Is a freezer chest harder to organise than an upright freezer? Yes—products are not arranged on shelves, so items at the bottom may be harder to reach. Using internal baskets and dividers improves organisation. Premium models offer adjustable internal baskets. BHS provides advice on organisation solutions for specific models.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.