To choose where to freeze meals you’ve prepared in advance, start by considering how many portions you need to store, how much space you have and how often you need to find a particular dish. A chest freezer is best for storing large quantities, provided you have enough floor space; an upright freezer makes it easier to organise your food, while a fridge freezer is worth considering if you also need to replace your fridge. Just be sure to check the capacity of its freezer compartment separately. If you only run short of space occasionally, reorganising your existing freezer may save you from adding an appliance that runs continuously.
If you cook several meals or portions at once, a chest freezer can give you dedicated storage without filling up your fridge freezer. You’ll need to set aside enough floor space, though, and be able to reach food stored at the bottom.
If you want to organise a variety of meals and find them without moving a whole stack, consider the layout of an upright freezer. Drawers, large compartments and removable fittings vary from model to model.
If there’s no room for a second appliance, or you’re already replacing your fridge, consider a fridge freezer. Its total capacity won’t tell you how much space is available for frozen meals, so check the net capacity of the freezer compartment and the installation dimensions.
Consider it: if you need to store a large number of meals and have a dedicated floor space for it.
The trade-off: you’ll need to organise the contents carefully to reach food at the bottom.
Consider it: if you regularly take out different portions and want to organise them in drawers.
The trade-off: allow space for the door to open, not just the area taken up by the appliance when closed.
Consider it: if you also need to replace your fridge and want both functions in one appliance.
The trade-off: only part of the total capacity is available for freezing.
Best for: occasions when you only run short of space during occasional batch-cooking sessions.
The limitation: reorganising your current compartment won’t create extra space if you need it regularly.
When you’re freezing meals you’ve prepared in advance, compare the options according to your main priority, then check the specifications of the model you choose. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so its annual energy consumption is also worth considering if you’re adding another appliance.
| What matters to you | What to check | This may suit you if |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and space | Compare the net freezing capacity in litres with the appliance dimensions, the route to its location and the clearances specified in the manual. | I prepare lots of portions at once and want to store them without cluttering up the kitchen. Around 36% of consumers would put having enough capacity to suit their available space first. |
| Access to meals | Check the drawers, compartments or baskets, and consider how you’ll reach food stored at the bottom. | I often take out a particular meal and want to find it without moving the rest of the food. Around 29% of consumers would put organisation first. |
| Number of appliances | If you’re considering a fridge freezer, check the net fridge and freezer capacities separately, and confirm its installation dimensions. | I don’t have room for another appliance, or I already need to replace my fridge. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise avoiding a second appliance. |
| Use and maintenance | Check the model information for annual energy consumption in kWh and noise levels. Also check the cooling system and defrosting instructions. | If the appliance will be running all year, I want to factor in its energy consumption and the time needed to maintain it. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise these aspects of everyday use. |
The total figure includes both fridge and freezer space. For example, Electrolux lists a total capacity of 249 l for its KNA7CE18S, including 62 l for the freezer compartment. These capacities are specific to this model.
Check the freezer’s net capacity separately before comparing it with a dedicated freezer.
According to Liebherr, its CFe 2500 chest freezer is 167 cm wide and 71 cm deep. You’ll also need to make sure you can get the appliance to its intended location and open the lid.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the manual for the clearances required.
A freezer runs continuously, as ADEME points out. Its energy rating letter doesn’t replace a comparison of the models’ annual energy consumption.
Check the kWh/year figure alongside usable capacity and the features you actually need, comparing appliances suited to the same purpose.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. Liebherr specifies FrostProtect down to −15 °C for the CFe 2500, but this doesn’t apply to every chest freezer.
Before installing a freezer in an unheated room, check the climate class and permitted ambient temperature range in the manual for the exact model.
Consider its freestanding upright freezers if you want to organise portions in drawers or adjustable compartments.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a large-capacity chest freezer and have enough floor space.
A range of chest freezers to consider for stocking up on meals and other food.
Consider its upright freezers if you’re looking for plenty of capacity and separate storage compartments.
Consider its integrated appliances if your kitchen space requires precise dimensions.
These appliances represent three options for storing meals prepared in advance: add an upright freezer, add a chest freezer or replace your fridge with a fridge freezer. Before choosing a model, check that its freezing capacity and dimensions suit your household.
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A dedicated extra freezer, with drawers to organise your portions.
The product name lists three freezer drawers, No Frost, an LED display, a reversible door hinge and an energy rating of C.
Check its dimensions against the space available and its annual energy consumption before comparing it with other upright freezers.
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Store batch-cooked meals in a chest freezer if you have a suitable space for it.
The product name lists a capacity of 291 l, switchable fridge and freezer functions, a removable basket and an energy rating of E.
Confirm the net usable freezing capacity and, if you’ll keep it in an unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperature in the manual.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge as well as looking for more freezer space.
The product name lists a total appliance capacity of 467 l, four doors, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E.
Before choosing it for your batch-cooked meals, check the net capacity of the freezer compartment separately: the 467 l figure doesn’t refer to freezer space alone.
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Consider it if you’re looking at both your fridge and the space you need for frozen portions.
The product name lists a total appliance capacity of 360 l, three doors, Total No Frost, an energy rating of E, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone with the number of meals you want to store, and check the appliance dimensions too.
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A dedicated chest freezer if you don’t need the capacity offered by a larger model.
The product name lists a capacity of 140 l, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an energy rating of E.
Check the net freezing capacity and annual energy consumption to compare it with the other appliances you’re considering.
Compare the energy rating and, above all, the annual energy consumption in kWh of models that suit your needs. The DGCCRF notes that new refrigeration appliances must carry an energy label, including when sold online. Also check the freezing capacity and noise level listed for the model you’re considering.
Yes, as long as the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the conditions in your garage. For example, Liebherr specifies FrostProtect down to −15 °C for its CFe 2500, but this feature doesn’t apply to other appliances. Check the climate class and the manual for the model you’re considering.
No Frost is designed to limit frost build-up and may mean you don’t need to defrost the appliance manually on a regular basis, depending on the model. Electrolux describes the feature as circulating cold air. Check the maintenance instructions for your exact model, and don’t confuse No Frost with LowFrost, SmartFrost or MinFrost technologies.
Take your old fridge or freezer to a waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection point in France. If you’d like your old appliance collected when the new one is delivered, ask the seller about the arrangements before placing your order.