Start by counting how many portions you have when your freezer is at its fullest. If they fit in your current freezer and are easy to find, you don’t need another appliance. If you regularly run out of space, an upright freezer makes it easier to separate dishes you use often, while a chest freezer suits larger stocks in a suitable room. A fridge freezer is worth considering if you also need to replace your fridge.
If you often take meals out of the freezer, consider how easy it is to reach your portions as well as the stated capacity. Compartments that suit your containers, along with a clear inventory, will help you manage your meal rotation.
A chest freezer can give you room for a large stock, provided its footprint, lid clearance and specified operating temperature range are suitable for the room.
If you only have a few portions to freeze, start by looking at the space you already have. A fridge freezer is another option if you also need to replace your fridge; if so, check the capacity of the freezer compartment itself.
Take stock when your freezer is at its fullest, then compare your containers and available space with each appliance’s dimensions. Choose the format next: this depends on how often you need to find a portion and whether you also need to replace your fridge.
Consider it: if you regularly store dishes that need separating and are often taken out.
Bear in mind: the drawers need to fit your containers and remain accessible once the appliance is in place.
Consider it: for a large stock, if you have a suitable room.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a way to organise the contents so portions are easy to find.
Consider it: if you’re also replacing your fridge and don’t need much freezer space.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is reserved for frozen portions.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Compare the number and usable size of the compartments with your containers. Check that the drawers can open fully in the space available. | I want to be able to find and remove a dish without moving the rest of the stock. Taking stock of the food you already have can also help avoid buying duplicates, as recommended by ADEME. |
| Capacity and footprint | Compare the net freezer capacity in litres with your maximum stock. Measure the appliance, the route to its intended location and the clearance needed for the door or lid. | My portions need to fit when the freezer is at its fullest, without blocking the way through the kitchen or utility room. |
| Adding dishes | If you freeze a lot of portions in one go, check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h and the instructions for using fast-freeze mode in the manual. | I sometimes prepare several dishes on the same day, so the amount I add needs to be within the appliance’s stated capacity. |
| Room and everyday use | Check the climate class against the room temperature. Also compare the energy consumption in kWh/year, noise level in dB(A), maintenance requirements and stated power-cut storage time. | Noise matters to me in a room near the living area; in a garage or utility room, I first need to check that the appliance is suitable for the ambient temperature. |
A roomy chest freezer won’t automatically make every portion easy to reach. In an upright freezer, drawers that are too small for your dishes can also limit the usable space.
Count your portions when your stock is at its largest, measure your containers, and check the usable dimensions of the compartments and how the appliance opens.
The recommended ambient temperature varies by model. A feature listed for an appliance designed for garage use won’t apply to every freezer.
Note the likely temperatures in the room and compare them with the climate class and instructions for the exact model.
The energy rating doesn’t replace the annual consumption figure shown for a specific appliance. Noise and maintenance requirements can also affect everyday use.
Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and formats, then check the noise level and defrosting method.
According to Anses, freezing food at home at -18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive.
Follow food temperature and storage guidance; choosing a freezer doesn’t replace these precautions.
These examples relate to specific models, not every appliance made by each brand.
If you’re installing an appliance outside the kitchen, check the ambient temperatures the model can handle.
The brand offers built-in freezers, among other options; layouts and features vary by model.
Upright freezers with multiple compartments may suit households that want to organise portions by type of dish.
These options include two fridge freezers, two upright freezers and a chest freezer. Compare them based on whether you want to replace your fridge as well or add dedicated space for portions.
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Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge. The title lists a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the freezer capacity separately, along with the space for your containers and the clearance needed to open the doors.
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Another option if you need to replace your fridge at the same time. The title lists a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Compare the freezer capacity itself and the usable dimensions of the storage compartments with your stock of portions.
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This separate freezer gives you the option of storing prepared meals apart from other food. The title lists a 161 L capacity, No Frost protection, a C energy rating and a temperature range of -14 °C to -22 °C. Check the manual for the right setting for your food, the storage dimensions and installation requirements.
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If space for a separate appliance is limited, compare this 60 L model with the maximum number of portions you need to store. The title lists a reversible door, adjustable temperature control and an E energy rating; confirm the exact interior layout before choosing your containers.
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This 99 L chest freezer is worth considering if you want extra storage without replacing your fridge. The title lists a removable basket, adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Plan how you’ll find portions stored beneath the basket, and check the lid clearance and suitability for the intended room.
No. It’s mainly worth considering if you’re adding a lot of fresh portions in one go. Electrolux describes this function as a way to fast-freeze fresh food. Also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h and the instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
Yes, provided the room’s ambient temperatures are within the range specified for the exact model. Check its climate class and manual: the stated operating conditions for a particular appliance, such as the Beko BRFNE214M23WN reviewed by UFC-Que Choisir, don’t apply to other chest freezers.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh, freezer capacity in litres and noise level in dB(A), taking into account the format and capacity you need. These figures are more useful when considered alongside the number of portions you store and the room where the appliance will be used.
No. According to Anses, freezing food at home at -18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive. Follow the temperature and storage guidance, as well as any instructions that apply to the food in question.