Batch cooks building up a long-term stock
You prepare several portions at once or buy in bulk. Your freezer needs enough capacity for this new stock without displacing the food you’ve already stored.
Who are these options for?
Households that want to find portions easily
You separate meals and food types so you can get to them often. The layout of the drawers, bins and shelves matters just as much as the stated capacity.
Households short on space or replacing their fridge
You need to fit the appliance into a specific space, or you’re replacing your fridge as well. Compare the overall dimensions, the capacity of the freezer compartment alone and the annual energy consumption.
How do the different types compare?
Chest freezer
Consider this if: you regularly build up a large stock and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room to open the lid and a storage system that makes it easy to find portions at the bottom.
Upright freezer
Consider this if: you want to separate your meals and regularly access portions stored in different compartments.
Bear in mind: the height, the route for getting the appliance into position and the clearance needed for the door to open.
Fridge freezer
Consider this if: you’re replacing your fridge as well and the freezer compartment can hold your usual portions.
Check: the capacity quoted for the whole appliance isn’t all available for frozen food.
Existing freezer compartment
Stick with this if: you only freeze food occasionally and already have enough room for the portions you plan to store.
Limitation: better organisation won’t create extra capacity if the compartment is regularly full.
If you cook in batches, start with the amount you want to store, then compare each type of freezer against the space you have and how often you’ll need to access your portions.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the capacity dedicated to freezing, not the total capacity of a fridge freezer. If you’ll be adding a lot of food at once, also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | When my batch-cooked meals and bulk buys already fill the freezer, I look for enough room to store a long-term stock. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this need for capacity. |
| Storing portions | Check the size and layout of the drawers, shelves or baskets against the containers you use. | If I often take out a portion, I want to find it without moving everything else. Easy access and organisation would be the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, delivery route and door clearance. If the appliance will be in an unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperature range for the model. | My chosen appliance needs to fit in the room and open properly. These practical considerations would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Adding another appliance | Check how much space is free in your current appliance, then compare the kWh/year of models with a similar size and capacity. | If I only freeze food from time to time, I’d rather check whether my current appliance is enough before adding another one that runs continuously. This would be the priority for around 17% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing based on the energy rating alone
The energy rating doesn’t tell you how much the appliance uses over a year or how much it can hold. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously.
Once you’ve worked out how much capacity you need, compare the kWh/year of models with a similar size and format.
-
Assuming a fridge freezer’s total capacity is all for frozen food
Whirlpool and Electrolux product specifications list the fridge and freezer compartments separately. The total capacity quoted for the whole appliance isn’t all available for your frozen meals.
Check the freezer capacity on its own and compare it with the stock you plan to keep.
-
Assuming a chest freezer will work in any garage
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. Liebherr states that FrostProtect works down to -15 °C for the CFe 2500 Pure; this doesn’t apply to other chest freezers.
Check the manual for the permitted ambient temperature for the appliance and the room you have in mind.
-
Measuring the space but not the route or clearance
An appliance may fit in its space but not through a doorway, or there may not be enough room to open the lid. Replacing an appliance also raises the question of what to do with the old one.
Measure access routes and the clearances specified in the manual, then check the collection options offered when you place your order.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Bosch models available in France let you compare a freestanding upright freezer with a freestanding fridge freezer.
- Bosch lists a freezer capacity of 242 L and a freezing capacity of 18.0 kg/24 h for the GSN36VWEP upright freezer.
- The KGN39AIAU fridge freezer has a 103 L freezer compartment. Check this separately from the fridge capacity.
Liebherr
The CFe 2500 Pure is an example of a chest freezer suited to storing a large stock.
- Liebherr gives this model a total capacity of 497 L and external dimensions of 82 × 167 × 71 cm.
- Check its width and lid clearance against the space you have. Its FrostProtect feature, which works down to -15 °C, is specific to this model.
Electrolux
The LND5FE18S built-in fridge freezer is a useful comparison if your installation depends on a fitted space.
- Electrolux specifies a niche size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for this model.
- Its freezer compartment has a capacity of 73 L. Check whether that’s enough for your batch-cooked meals and bear in mind that it needs manual defrosting.
Whirlpool
The WHK2 6493 X4E is worth considering if you’re replacing both your fridge and freezer with a freestanding fridge freezer.
- Whirlpool lists a fridge capacity of 340 L and a freezer capacity of 150 L for this model.
- The product specification gives an annual energy consumption of 297 kWh. Compare this with appliances that meet the same capacity requirements.
Products to suit your needs
These Joybuy models include chest freezers for extra storage, an upright freezer for keeping portions separate, and fridge freezers if you’re replacing your fridge too. Choose according to the freezer capacity you need, then check the installation requirements for the model you select.
Image unavailable
AUCMA 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you need extra chest freezer space for batch-cooked meals and bulk buys.
Listed capacity of 291 L; switchable fridge and freezer modes, LED lighting, five-level digital control and a removable basket.
Check how much capacity you need for your stock, and make sure the permitted ambient temperature is suitable if the appliance will be installed in a cold room.
Image unavailable
Candy CFQQ5T817EPS four-door fridge freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too and want a freezer compartment for your frozen portions.
Listed total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E.
Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone with your usual stock; 467 L is the capacity of the whole appliance.
Image unavailable
Heinrich´s 161 L upright freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want to add a dedicated freezer and organise portions by compartment.
Listed capacity of 161 L, drawers, LED display, reversible door, No Frost and energy rating C.
Check the dimensions for delivery access and installation, along with the kWh/year and freezing capacity if you’re comparing several models.
Image unavailable
AUCMA 141 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering for extra storage if 141 L is enough for the portions you plan to keep.
Switchable fridge and freezer modes, seven-level thermostat, removable basket and energy rating E.
Set the appliance to suit your chosen use. If it’s going in a cold room, check the permitted ambient temperature for this model.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG three-door fridge freezer, 360 L
Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge but still need room to freeze your batch-cooked meals.
Listed total capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, My Zone and energy rating E.
Check the capacity reserved for freezing separately: the total includes the fridge compartment too.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fridge freezer replace a dedicated freezer for batch cooking?
Yes, as long as its freezer compartment can hold your usual portions as well as the food already stored. The Electrolux LND5FE18S and Whirlpool WHK2 6493 X4E specifications give freezer capacities of 73 L and 150 L respectively. Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment, not the total capacity of the fridge freezer.
What should I look for on a freezer’s energy label?
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh/year, compartment capacities, noise level and energy rating. When choosing between two appliances, consider these details alongside your storage needs and, ideally, compare models with similar formats and capacities.
Can I put any freezer in an unheated garage?
No. Check the permitted ambient temperature range in the manual for the model you’re considering. Liebherr states that FrostProtect works down to -15 °C for its CFe 2500 Pure, but this feature doesn’t apply to other chest or upright freezers.
How should I transport frozen food before putting it away?
Anses recommends picking up chilled and frozen food at the end of your shop, using insulated bags and keeping the journey home as short as possible. Then follow the storage instructions on the food packaging and the guidance for your appliance.
What should I do with my old freezer when replacing it in France?
Arrange for it to be collected or take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme for an appliance of the same type when you buy a new one. Confirm the practical arrangements with the seller before delivery.