Gorenje FH43EAW chest freezer, 440 L, class E, 142.9 cm wide, white

A chest freezer opens from the top, and inside it is one large open space rather than drawers as in an upright freezer. A usable capacity of 440 litres is meant for serious stock: meat, fish, garden produce, berries and ready meals all fit in one appliance. Smaller packs are best kept in boxes or bags so that food at the bottom is easier to reach.

A four-star freezer is designed both to freeze fresh food and to store frozen food long term at freezer temperature. That is what sets it apart from the small freezer compartment of a fridge, where food keeps for a shorter time. The manufacturer does not state the freezing capacity in kilograms per day, so it makes sense to freeze a large batch of fresh food over several days.

The FH43EAW does not use a No Frost system that would circulate cold air with a fan. With this design, frost and ice slowly build up on the walls of the chest and need defrosting from time to time: switch the unit off, move the food to cool bags for a while and wipe away the meltwater. A thin layer of frost is normal, but a thick layer of ice takes up space and raises energy use.

On the EU energy label scale from A to G, the FH43EAW is class E, with an annual consumption of 276 kWh according to the manufacturer. The noise level is 40 dB, noise class C. Because the lid is on top, the heavier cold air largely stays in the chest when you open it instead of spilling out as it does from an upright door. Keeping the lid open no longer than needed also helps.

The chest is 142.9 cm wide, 74.6 cm deep and 85.8 cm tall, and weighs 50 kg. Remember that the lid lifts upwards, so you need free space above the unit and a small gap at the walls for air. Power is 220–240 V, 50 Hz. The manufacturer does not give a climate class, so check in advance whether an unheated garage or shed is suitable.

Gorenje FH43EAW suits households that store food in large batches: garden produce, berries, fish or game and meals cooked ahead. 440 litres also suits a farm, a large family or anyone who freezes a whole season of produce at once. You will need the floor space: the chest is 142.9 cm wide.