If a few portions fit in your current freezer compartment without overcrowding it, start by organising them more effectively. For a larger stock, choose an appliance to suit how you use it: a small freezer gives you extra space, an upright freezer makes it easier to sort portions you take out often, while a chest freezer is better suited to bulky containers, provided you organise access to items at the bottom. Consider a fridge-freezer mainly if you’re also replacing your main fridge.
If you only keep a small stock, first check that you can easily spot each portion in your existing freezer compartment without overcrowding it. You don’t need an extra appliance if the space you already have meets your needs.
An upright freezer with drawers can help you sort meals by type or date. However, check that each drawer is large enough for the containers you usually use.
A chest freezer offers an open storage space that’s well suited to bulky containers. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this format from more compact upright freezers; use baskets or storage boxes to help you find portions at the bottom.
Estimate how many portions you’ll store at once, then compare that with the space available and how you take meals out.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and format | Compare the volume of the freezer compartment alone, in litres, with the amount you plan to store at once. Also check the dimensions and the space needed to open the door, drawers or lid. | A few portions might fit in my current appliance; for regular batches, I need a separate freezer. If I’m also replacing the fridge, I could consider a fridge-freezer. |
| Access to portions | Check the number and size of the drawers or baskets, as well as how easy it is to reach containers at the bottom. A chest freezer and an upright freezer need organising differently, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. | I often take out one portion, so drawers could make it easier to find. For large boxes, I’d rather check they fit without having to rearrange the whole stock. |
| Frost and maintenance | Check the model’s cooling system and defrosting instructions. No Frost is a feature for managing frost; it doesn’t replace safe food-storage practices. | If I open the appliance frequently, I want to know what maintenance it needs before choosing between models. |
| Adding batches and power cuts | If you’re freezing several portions at once, compare the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h. For power cuts, check the stated storage time and how it’s measured: in its test, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long it takes to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power. | I sometimes add a whole batch after cooking; I want to compare this capacity without treating the stated storage time as a guarantee about the food. |
| Energy use and noise | According to the European Commission, the EU energy label includes information such as annual energy consumption in kWh, storage volume and noise emissions. It’s best to compare appliances of a similar size and capacity. | The appliance will be plugged in all the time and may be near a living area, so energy use and noise matter to me. |
| Food storage | Anses states that domestic freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying but does not destroy most micro-organisms. It recommends freezing food intended for freezing as soon as you buy or prepare it, rather than waiting until the end of its use-by date. | I want to store my meals without overcrowding the freezer, while following appropriate freezing and defrosting practices. |
A chest freezer has room for large containers, but portions at the bottom are harder to reach. The drawers in an upright freezer make it easier to organise food, but each has its own dimensions.
Make a note of your containers, how much food you’ll store at once and how often you take meals out. Then check the drawers or baskets and make sure the appliance can be opened where you plan to put it.
These features relate to maintenance or how long an appliance stays cold under specific conditions; they don’t tell you whether each meal is safe to eat. Anses says that freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria multiplying but does not eliminate most micro-organisms.
Compare these features for their practical benefits, and follow Anses guidance separately on freezing, maintaining the cold chain and defrosting.
Two appliances with similar storage space can have different annual energy consumption and noise emissions.
Check the kWh/year, volume and noise level on the energy label, then compare appliances of a similar size and capacity.
An integrated fridge-freezer needs a suitable space. A freestanding appliance also needs enough room for the door to open and the clearances specified by the manufacturer.
Before ordering, check the model’s specifications against the space you have, the type of installation and the installation instructions.
These examples show the different formats and features available across individual models; a brand name alone won’t tell you which storage option is right for you.
The models mentioned include an under-counter freezer and an upright freezer, for different space and storage needs.
The CF100EWN is an example of a compact chest freezer that gives you a separate space for frozen food.
The ENC8MC18S is an integrated fridge-freezer to consider when replacing your main appliance.
The UW8F2DWHBIN2 is an example of an upright No Frost freezer for vertical storage.
This Joybuy selection includes fridge-freezers for replacing your main fridge, upright freezers for keeping portions separate, and a compact chest freezer for more open storage. If your current compartment is big enough, start by looking at how well it’s organised.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your main appliance and want to keep fresh and frozen food in one fridge-freezer. The model name indicates four doors, 467 L total capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer capacity and the space needed for installation separately.
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This dedicated freezer is suited to organising portions in drawers rather than in one large open space. The product name indicates 161 L, No Frost, a reversible door and a C energy rating; check its dimensions against the space available.
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Worth looking at when replacing your main fridge if you want a freezer compartment at the bottom. The product name indicates a total capacity of 282 L and an E energy rating; compare the freezer’s own capacity with the number of portions you plan to store.
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An extra freezer is a good option if your existing compartment is too small but you only need to store a moderate amount. The product name indicates three drawers, a reversible door and an E energy rating; check the dimensions and ventilation requirements for your chosen location.
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This chest freezer offers open storage for containers of different sizes; organise your portions so you can still reach those at the bottom. The product name indicates a removable basket and an E energy rating. Check that there’s enough room to open the lid.
Anses uses −18 °C as the reference temperature for domestic freezing. This stops bacteria from multiplying, but doesn’t destroy most micro-organisms. You still need to maintain the cold chain.
No. Anses recommends freezing food intended for freezing as soon as you buy or prepare it, rather than waiting until the end of its use-by date.
Anses recommends defrosting food in the fridge, in the microwave using the defrost setting, or quickly by cooking or reheating it. Defrosted food should be eaten promptly and must not be refrozen.
No. No Frost relates to frost build-up and appliance maintenance; it doesn’t replace the need to follow temperature and cold-chain guidance or the freezing and defrosting practices recommended by Anses.
It’s the length of time an appliance keeps food cold under specific test conditions. In its test, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long it takes to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power. Check how the figure for a particular model was measured: it isn’t a universal guarantee that food will remain safe.