You batch-cook in large quantities
If you regularly stack portions, look for storage that keeps containers separate and makes it easy to reach those at the back. Capacity alone won’t tell you how practical it will be to organise.
Who are these options suitable for?
You’re short on kitchen space
If it’s difficult to fit in a second appliance, check the freezer compartment capacity, dimensions and defrosting method of a fridge-freezer rather than its total capacity.
You package individual portions
If you already have enough freezer space, a vacuum sealer could help with packaging. Choose one to suit the wet or delicate foods you prepare, and check which bags or containers are compatible.
What should you look at first?
First, work out whether your main issue is a lack of freezer space, finding room for an extra appliance or packaging your portions.
Separate freezer
Consider this if: your regular batches exceed the capacity of your current freezer compartment. Choose drawers for easy access to your portions, or a chest freezer if you have floor space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for an extra appliance. With a chest freezer, you’ll also need to organise the contents so you can reach portions at the bottom.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you want one appliance for everyday food and a quantity of frozen portions that fits its freezer capacity.
Bear in mind: the fridge-freezer’s total capacity includes the fridge, so it doesn’t represent the space available for frozen meals.
Vacuum sealer
Consider this if: you already have enough freezer space and want to package your portions individually.
Bear in mind: you’ll need compatible bags or containers, and extra care is needed when sealing packages containing wet foods.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and access to portions | Compare usable freezer capacity and the layout of the drawers or baskets. Check how easy it is to reach containers at the back. | When batches start to pile up, I want to store each portion and find it again without emptying the appliance. Around 42% of consumers prioritise easy-to-organise extra storage. |
| Space and maintenance | Measure the space and clearance needed. Check the defrosting method and the information on the energy label. | If my kitchen can’t fit a second appliance, I want to store my portions in a fridge-freezer that suits my needs. This installation constraint comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Packaging | For wet dishes or delicate foods, check the vacuum and sealing settings, as well as which bags are compatible. | If there’s enough room in my freezer, I mainly want to package my portions individually. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Relying on the fridge-freezer’s total capacity
Some of that space is taken up by the fridge, so it won’t be available for your frozen portions. A chest freezer’s large open space can also make it harder to reach containers at the bottom.
Check the freezer capacity separately, then look at the drawers or baskets and the dimensions of your usual containers.
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Assuming any chest freezer will work in a garage
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. A chest design alone doesn’t mean an appliance is suitable for a cold room.
Check the instructions for the exact model and compare its permitted ambient temperature range with the conditions where you plan to install it.
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Choosing a vacuum sealer without considering wet dishes
Liquid on the sealing area can stop the bag from closing properly. Not all models have the same settings for wet foods or controlled vacuuming.
Check for the features that suit your portions, keep the sealing area clean and dry, and use packaging that’s compatible with the machine.
Compatible bags or rolls are consumables that need replacing.
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Confusing vacuum sealing with chilled or frozen storage
Claims that a vacuum sealer keeps food fresh for longer don’t remove the need to store it at the right temperature. Anses notes that freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying.
Choose the right storage method for your dishes, whatever packaging you use, and follow Anses guidance on storage and defrosting.
Brands to know
Bosch
The range includes upright freezers designed for organising food across several levels.
- For the GSN29UWEW, Bosch lists 200 l of freezer capacity, No Frost and removable storage features.
- These features apply to this specific model. Check the layout of any other Bosch upright freezer before choosing it.
Liebherr
The range includes chest freezers for those with a suitable space for a separate appliance.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 497 l for the CFe 2500 Pure and describes its FrostProtect feature as suitable for ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- This temperature range doesn’t apply to every chest freezer in the range. Check the one for the model you’re considering, and how easy it is to reach portions stored at the bottom.
Whirlpool
The range of fridge-freezers brings fridge and freezer compartments together in one appliance.
- For the WFNF82EOXFR, Whirlpool lists 223 l of fridge capacity and 97 l of freezer capacity. Keep these figures separate when working out how much room you’ll have for portions.
- Freezer capacity and layout vary by model, so don’t work them out from the total capacity.
FoodSaver
The brand offers vacuum sealers to use alongside chilled or frozen storage.
- FoodSaver lists settings for dry and moist foods on the FFS017X and VS3190X. The VS3190X also has a Pulse function for delicate foods.
- Choose features and packaging to suit your portions. Vacuum sealing doesn’t replace the right chilled or frozen storage conditions.
Appliances to help organise your portions
These Joybuy models include fridge-freezers that combine both functions, as well as separate freezers for extra space for your portions. Compare their size with the space you have and the way you like to store your meals.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 l four-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want a single four-door appliance for both refrigeration and freezing. The title lists a total capacity of 467 l, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer compartment capacity and whether your containers will fit.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 l fridge-freezer
The bottom freezer may suit you if you’d prefer one appliance for everyday food and your portions. The 282 l figure is the listed capacity for the whole fridge-freezer. Check the freezer compartment capacity and dimensions before you decide.
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Heinrich´s, 161 l upright freezer
A separate freezer option if you want to organise your portions across several levels. The title lists a capacity of 161 l, three freezer drawers and No Frost protection. Check the installation dimensions and temperature settings in the instructions.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 l fridge-freezer
Worth a look if width is a constraint and 74 l of freezer space is enough for your portions. The title lists 153 l of fridge capacity, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and Low Frost. Check the other dimensions and the defrosting instructions.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 l chest freezer
This chest freezer provides extra storage if you have a suitable space with room to open the lid from above. The title lists a capacity of 140 l, a storage basket and a counterbalanced lid. Also think about how you’ll reach portions stored underneath the basket.
Frequently asked questions
Can a vacuum sealer replace a freezer?
No, not if you want to keep your meals frozen. Vacuum sealing is for packaging food, not keeping it cold. Anses says that freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying. Continue to follow the storage conditions appropriate for the food.
What should I look for when packaging portions with sauce?
Check that the machine has a setting for wet foods and that its bags are compatible. Keep the sealing area clean and dry. For delicate foods, also check whether it has controlled vacuuming, such as the Pulse function listed for the FoodSaver VS3190X.
Is the energy label enough to help me choose a new freezer?
No. The DGCCRF states that new fridges and freezers covered by the rules carry an energy label, which is useful for comparing the energy information shown. For your portions, also check the freezer capacity, internal layout, dimensions and defrosting method of the specific model.
Can I put a chest freezer in a garage?
Only if the model’s permitted ambient temperature range is suitable for your garage. For example, Liebherr says the CFe 2500 Pure can be used in temperatures as low as −15 °C thanks to FrostProtect. This feature doesn’t apply to other chest freezers. Check the instructions for the appliance you’re considering.