Freezer Size & Measurement Guide

An oversized freezer may seem like extra convenience, but running a larger-than-necessary appliance often means higher energy bills and unnecessary operating costs, since it must cool a greater volume even when only partially full. Similarly, an undersized freezer forces you to cram items together, leading to poor air circulation and reduced energy efficiency. 

Choosing the right size balances appliance efficiency and purchase price with enough storage capacity for your weekly shopping, allowing you to organise foods logically by type or meal plan and keep everything easily visible and accessible.

To ensure you choose the perfect freezer for your household, key considerations include:

• Household Size
• Available Kitchen Space
• Shopping & Cooking Habits
• Special Dietary Needs

Choosing the Best Capacity For your Needs

The following guide will help you identify the approximate size of freezer that you may require:

• 1-2 People: We recommend a freezer capacity of 100-200 litres, fitting approximately 5 to 10 full shopping bags.

• 3-4 People: We recommend a freezer capacity of 200-300 litres, fitting approximately 10 to 15 full shopping bags. 

• 5-6+ People: We recommend a freezer capacity of 300+ litres, fitting approximately 15+ full shopping bags.

Types of Freezers & Their Typical Sizes

Nowadays, freezers can come in a whole host of different sizes and styles, helping to suit the amount of available space and aesthetic preferences of each household. Here are the main types of freezers available: 

Undercounter Freezers

These compact units fit neatly beneath standard worktops, offering around 50 - 100 litres of storage; perfect for small kitchens or as supplementary freezer space. Undercounter freezers are usually between 80 to 90cm tall and around 60cm wide.

Explore Under Counter Freezers

Freestanding Freezers

Standing independently at heights of 120 to 200cm and widths of 50 to 70cm, upright freezer models provide 150 - 300 litres of capacity with adjustable shelves and drawers for organised, vertical storage.

Explore Freestanding Freezers

Chest Freezers

With a low, box-style design, chest freezers deliver 150 - 500+ litres of bulk storage space in a single compartment; ideal for long-term storage of frozen meat, fish, and other goods. Chest freezers come in a large variety of sizes, usually up to a height of 75cm and a width of 150cm. 

Explore Chest Freezers

Measuring the desired space for your new freezer should be straight forward. If you are planning to replace like-with-like, then you can simply measure your existing appliance. However, if you are changing your requirements, kitchen layout, or purchasing your first freezer, then these are the steps to follow:

2. Measure Overall Width

• As with height, depending on where you plan to locate your freezer, you may not have any width restrictions.

• However, if you do, then you will need to measure from the left to right side of the recesses where you plan to locate the appliance. Don’t forget to check for any pipework, skirting boards, or other obstructions which may impact or reduce the available space.

• Depending on the design of the fridge, you may also want to include some leeway so that the door can be opened fully without risk of restricting the hinges or the door handle knocking on obstructions such as an adjacent wall.

• Write down this measurement and ensure there’s an extra 5cm on either side for proper ventilation.

3. Measure Overall Depth

• As with width, first check for any pipework, skirting boards, or ducting which may limit the depth available, and how far your freezer can be pushed back.

• For undercounter freezers -  measure from that location to a point which is flush with the adjacent kitchen cabinets.

• For freestanding upright freezers - measure from that location to the point which is flush with the countertop.

• Add about 5cm to allow for proper rear-airflow clearance and the freezer’s electrical plug.

There are a few other things to keep in mind before installing your new freezer, such as:

Don't Forget Door Swing

Measure the full arc of the door, especially if your freezer sits near a wall or in a corner, to ensure the handle doesn’t hit adjacent surfaces and you can open it to at least 90° (or fully, for chest models). Door swing is a more important consideration for retro models with thick doors and integrated appliances, as they need more space on the hinged side.

Some freezers have counter-levered hinges which means the hinge moves the inner-edge of the door (nearest to both hinges), slightly inwards before commencing the swing. This in turn enables a 90° full opening door to be achieved without requiring more than 90° of space. 

Plan Your Access Route

Check the width and height of all hallways, doorways, and staircases that the freezer must pass through. Measure any tight turns or low ceilings to confirm the appliance can be delivered and positioned without damaging your household or the appliance.

Protect Your Flooring

Protect your household’s floor from scratches and dents when moving your freezer by placing down furniture sliders, cardboard, or protective mats. Measure the floor surface for any dips or unevenness and plan to use adjustable feet or a plywood base if needed.

Check Eelctrical Outlet Plaement

Measure the distance from your planned freezer location to the nearest wall power socket; ensure the freezer’s power cord can reach without tension or extension leads. If the cord seems tight, you’ll need to reassess the freezer’s placement; otherwise, you run the risk of a fire.

If you’re looking for a freezer that’s as innovative as it is stylish, look no further than Smeg’s range. From small under counter freezers to tall freestanding units, our feature-packed appliances are suitable for households of all different sizes and requirements.

Explore our range of freezers today, or visit our fridge freezers buying guide to determine the best appliance for your family’s needs. 

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