To make more room for prepared portions and food supplies, start by choosing the capacity you need and finding a suitable spot. Then consider how you want to access the contents: a drawer freezer makes sorting easier, while a chest freezer offers open space for bulky items. UFC-Que Choisir outlines the different ways chest and upright freezers can be organised. If space is limited, compare tabletop and built-in models too, checking the installation requirements, annual energy consumption and defrosting method for the model you choose.
You freeze meals to take out individually each week, so access to drawers, organisation and maintenance matter just as much as capacity. UFC-Que Choisir identifies access to portions as a factor to consider when choosing between a chest and an upright freezer.
You mainly add multipacks or large containers, so check the internal space, floor area required and the temperature of the room where the freezer will go. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a chest freezer offers open space, without fixed drawers, so you can organise the contents as needed.
You can only set aside a small area for the appliance, so compare a tabletop model’s capacity with the niche dimensions required for a built-in model.
Start by measuring the space available and estimating how much capacity you’ll actually need. Then consider whether you’ll mainly be taking out individual portions or storing larger items.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Finding individual portions | Drawer layout, usable internal dimensions and the clearance needed to open the door. | If I often take out individual portions, I prioritise storage that’s easy to navigate. Around 36% of consumers prioritise access to portions. |
| Storing large quantities | Usable capacity, external dimensions, the space needed to open a chest freezer and the permitted ambient temperature if the room is cold. | When I store food supplies or large containers, I also check that the lid will be easy to reach. Around 29% of consumers prioritise storing large quantities. |
| Fitting a compact appliance | Usable capacity, overall dimensions, door clearance and the defrosting method for the exact model. | If space is limited, I compare the extra capacity with the room I actually have available. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a small footprint. |
| Using an existing niche | Niche dimensions, door fixing, installation instructions and usable capacity. | If I want to fit the appliance into an existing niche, I check every dimension and the capacity offered by the model. Around 14% of consumers prioritise an integrated fit. |
When comparing energy consumption, ADEME recommends taking the appliance’s size and how it will be used into account. Compare the kWh per year with the usable capacity for your needs, rather than looking at the energy rating alone. Annual energy consumption figures for individual models are also available through EPREL, the European product database.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model, not just the format.
Compare the temperature range in the manual with the temperatures in the room where you plan to install the appliance.
A chest freezer offers open space, while the drawers in an upright model make it easier to organise food but may restrict access to some larger containers.
Measure the dishes and containers you plan to store, then check the internal dimensions and how the appliance opens.
These terms describe different maintenance requirements. For the CNUQ2L58EW, Candy describes Low Frost as reducing frost build-up; it does not mean that defrosting is automatic.
Check the defrosting method specified for the exact model before you choose.
A Low Frost model may still need to be defrosted manually.
ADEME points out that actual energy consumption depends on factors including the appliance’s size and how it is used.
Compare kWh per year and usable capacity based on how much you want to freeze.
Candy’s chest and tabletop models are worth considering for different capacity needs.
The H4F240WEE upright freezer is an option for storing portions in drawers.
The range featured includes chest freezers and an under-counter built-in model, catering for different installation requirements.
The freestanding GSN58AWCV upright freezer is worth considering if storing large quantities and having drawer storage are priorities.
This selection includes drawer freezers and chest freezers to give you extra capacity for prepared portions and food supplies.
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The upright format and drawers are well suited to storing portions separately.
Stated capacity: 161 L; three drawers; energy rating C; stated temperature: −14 °C to −22 °C.
The title specifies No Frost protection.
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A chest freezer may suit you if you store larger quantities; leave clear space above it so you can reach the contents.
Stated capacity: 140 L; storage basket; counterbalanced lid; energy rating E.
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Its stated capacity of 98 L may suit more modest additional storage needs; the top-opening lid needs clear access.
Storage basket; counterbalanced lid; energy rating E.
The description lists wheels and adjustable feet.
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The stated capacity of 291 L suits larger storage needs; make sure there’s enough room to open the top.
This model is described as convertible between fridge and freezer modes; select freezer mode for your intended use.
The description mentions a removable basket, LED light and water drain.
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This 95 L chest freezer may suit more modest additional storage needs; make sure the lid can open freely.
This model is described as convertible between fridge and freezer modes; select freezer mode for your intended use.
Stated dimensions: 550 × 475 × 848 mm; removable basket; seven-setting thermostat.
Compare annual consumption in kWh with the usable capacity for your intended use, rather than looking only at the energy rating. EPREL provides information by model, while ADEME notes that actual consumption depends on factors including the appliance’s size and how it is used.
It depends on the ambient temperature range permitted for the model and the temperatures in your garage. Liebherr specifies FrostProtect down to −15 °C for the relevant chest freezers, while Haier specifies operation down to −15 °C for the H4F240WEE; these features don’t apply to every appliance from these brands.
No. Candy describes Low Frost on the CNUQ2L58EW as reducing ice build-up, but that doesn’t mean manual defrosting is no longer needed. Check the technology and maintenance instructions for the exact model.
It’s a feature to check for each model, not a guarantee that applies in every situation. Bosch specifies 13 h for the GSN58AWCV, while UFC-Que Choisir’s separate test measures how long the temperature takes to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power. These figures may not be based on the same measurement method.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to exercise this right. If you’re replacing an old electrical appliance, ask the seller about the arrangements for free take-back.