Households that batch cook
If you regularly freeze portions, think about how you’ll find them again: the compartments in an upright freezer make it easier to organise everything, while a chest freezer needs its open space to be arranged carefully.
Who is each option for?
Families short of space for both fresh and frozen food
If you’re running out of room for both fresh and frozen food, it’s worth comparing a larger fridge-freezer with a multi-door model. Make sure the freezer compartment can hold your usual supply, though, rather than focusing only on the appliance’s total capacity.
Households with room for a second appliance
A utility room, cellar or garage might have space for a freezer to store extra supplies. Before considering a chest freezer, measure the floor space and check that the model’s recommended temperature range is suitable for the room.
How do the different formats compare?
First work out which area is short of space, then compare the appliances that meet your needs with the room you have available and the way you like to store meals.
| Factor | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity by compartment | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. For a standalone appliance, match the stated capacity to your supplies: UFC-Que Choisir says chest freezers can hold up to 600 l, compared with around 200 l for standard upright models and up to 400 l for larger ones. | Are my fridge shelves as full as my freezer, or do I mainly need space for frozen portions? |
| Access to meals | Check how many drawers or compartments there are and how they open. In a chest freezer, plan how you’ll organise baskets and label smaller portions. | I want to find ready-made meals quickly and avoid leaving the oldest portions at the bottom. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance, the route to its location and the space needed to open the doors or lid. If it’s going in a cool or unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperature range for the exact model. | Can my kitchen fit a wider appliance, or could I put a second appliance in a suitable room? |
| Energy use and power cuts | Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label for appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. Check the stated storage time during a power cut separately: UFC-Que Choisir assesses this as part of its freezer testing. | If I add an appliance that runs continuously, I want to know how much energy it uses and compare its power-cut storage time with other models. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at total capacity
A larger fridge-freezer may still leave you with too little room for frozen meals. On the other hand, a separate freezer won’t free up space on your fridge shelves.
Estimate separately how much you store in the fridge and freezer during a busy week, then compare the usable capacities for each.
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Choosing a chest freezer without planning how to organise it
Its open space is useful for bulky supplies, but smaller portions can be difficult to find if they’re stacked on top of each other.
Plan storage categories, date your containers and keep the food you need to use first within easy reach.
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Assuming any freezer will work in a garage
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. A freezer that can be used in a cold room isn’t necessarily suitable for every chest or upright model.
Compare the manufacturer’s stated operating temperature range with the temperatures the room may reach.
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Comparing capacity without considering how you’ll use it
Two appliances with enough room for your supplies may differ in annual energy consumption and stated storage time during a power cut. According to ADEME, fridges and freezers run continuously.
To compare similar models, check the kWh/year on the energy label, usable capacity and the storage time stated for each appliance.
Brands to consider
Bosch
A brand to consider when comparing fridge-freezers with multi-door models.
- Bosch Electroménager France describes its multi-door models as having the fridge at the top and the freezer at the bottom. Features, including No Frost, vary by model.
- If frozen meals take up a lot of space, check the capacity of each compartment on the specific model.
Liebherr
A brand worth considering if you need a chest freezer for a large amount of frozen food.
- Liebherr France lists the CFe 2500 Pure chest freezer with a total capacity of 497 l and dimensions of 82 × 167 × 71 cm.
- The stated suitability for ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C applies to this model only, not to all Liebherr chest freezers or all garages.
Beko
A brand to compare if you’re choosing between an integrated appliance and a separate freezer.
- Beko France lists the HSM14540 chest freezer with a storage time of 23 h and a minimum operating ambient temperature of −15 °C.
- These specifications apply to the HSM14540. Check the capacity, storage time and installation requirements of any other model you’re considering.
Options for both needs
These Joybuy models let you consider either more integrated fridge and freezer space in the kitchen or a separate freezer for frozen meals and supplies. Compare their configurations with the type of space you’re actually short of.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L multi-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want more space for fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Four doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E. Compare the capacity of each compartment with the amount of frozen food you store.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge-freezer
Another integrated option to compare if you need space for both fresh and frozen food.
Total No Frost, energy rating E and Wi-Fi are listed in the model description. Check that the freezer compartment can hold your usual supply.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer
Worth considering if you’re short of freezer space and prefer drawers to one large open compartment.
No Frost and energy rating C are listed in the product description. Check the dimensions and ambient temperature range before choosing where to put it; this appliance won’t provide extra space for fresh food.
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COMFEE' RCF470LS2EU(E), 474 L four-door fridge-freezer
Compare it with other integrated appliances if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in the kitchen.
The product description lists a total capacity of 474 L and energy rating E. If you store a lot of frozen meals, check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
This chest freezer gives you a separate space for frozen food. Compare its 140 L capacity with the amount of food you plan to store.
The product description lists energy rating E and a counterbalanced lid. Check the space needed to open the lid and which accessories are actually included.
Frequently asked questions
Can a large fridge-freezer replace a separate freezer?
Yes, if you also need extra fridge space and its freezer compartment can hold your usual supplies. If frozen meals are your main concern, compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with that of a separate appliance rather than relying on the fridge-freezer’s total capacity.
Upright or chest freezer for batch-cooked meals?
An upright freezer makes it easier to organise and reach portions thanks to its compartments. A chest freezer is a good choice if you want open space for bulkier supplies and can organise the contents using containers and labels.
What should I measure before installing a chest freezer?
Measure its width, depth and height, the route to its location and the space needed to open the lid. UFC-Que Choisir says chest freezers generally take up more floor space than upright models. If you’re putting one in a cellar or garage, also check the model’s ambient temperature range.
How can I compare the energy use of two refrigeration appliances?
Compare their annual energy consumption in kWh and energy ratings for similar capacities and intended uses. ADEME reminds us that these appliances run continuously, so check the energy use of the specific model, especially if you’re thinking of adding a second appliance.