Households taking out portions every day
If you switch between prepared meals and frozen foods, drawers and compartments can help you find a portion without moving the rest of your stock. Easy access matters just as much as capacity.
Who are these formats for?
Households storing larger quantities
Buying in bulk and preparing large batches both call for space for containers, as well as a suitable spot for the appliance. If you’re placing it in a utility room or outbuilding, also check the range of room temperatures the model can handle.
Smaller spaces needing extra storage
If there’s no room for a large standalone freezer, compare the dimensions of a compact or under-counter model with the capacity of a fridge freezer’s freezer compartment. Remember to allow enough clearance to open the door or lid.
What sets the formats apart?
If you want to store meals and groceries in advance, start with the factor that will matter most in everyday use: access to portions, storage capacity, installation conditions or a small footprint. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the differences between upright and chest freezers, and recommends comparing capacity with the space available.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Open the drawers or lid and check that your usual containers fit and are easy to take out. | If I take out different meals every day, I want to find a portion without having to rearrange everything. Around 36% of consumers put easy everyday access first. |
| Storage capacity | Compare the net capacity and space for larger containers, then measure the floor space it will take up and the route to the room. | For bulk buys or large batches, I mainly need storage space for bulky containers. Around 29% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Installation and keeping food frozen | Check that the permitted room temperature range suits the location. Also check the stated storage time in hours and the noise level in dB. | In a cellar, garage or near a living space, I need an appliance suited to its location and want to consider what might happen during a power cut. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Small footprint | Measure the space and allow for the door or lid to open. For a fridge freezer, check the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone. | Without room for a large appliance, I’d rather add a smaller amount of storage that fits the available space. Around 14% of consumers make this their top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on litres alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether your containers will fit in the drawers or whether small portions will be easy to find at the bottom of a chest freezer.
Measure your usual containers and check how easy it is to access the compartments or the contents under the lid before deciding how you’ll organise your food.
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Putting a freezer in a cold room without checking its operating range
The temperature in a garage or cellar can fall outside the room temperature range specified for a particular model. Check the climate class and whether the exact model is specifically suitable for use in cold conditions.
Compare the room’s seasonal temperatures with the model’s specifications. Beko states that models covered by its Freezer Guard designation can operate at temperatures down to −15 °C; this does not apply to all its freezers.
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Forgetting how long food stays frozen during a power cut
Two appliances with similar capacities can have different power-cut storage times. This is especially worth checking if you keep a large amount of food in your freezer.
Compare the stated storage time in hours for the models you’re considering, and check the conditions under which it applies.
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Confusing a fridge freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
A large fridge freezer only devotes part of its capacity to frozen food. For example, Whirlpool states a total capacity of 394 L, including 99 L for the freezer, for its built-in WHSP70T121 model.
Compare the freezer compartment’s net capacity with the meals and groceries you want to store in it, rather than relying on the appliance’s total capacity.
Brands to consider
These examples highlight features to check on a specific model, rather than making assumptions about every appliance from a particular brand.
Beko
Worth considering if you plan to put your freezer in a cold room.
- Beko France lists upright and chest freezers under the Freezer Guard name, stating that the models covered can operate at room temperatures down to −15 °C.
- Check that the model you choose is covered by this specification; it does not apply to all Beko freezers.
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for an upright freezer with storage options for portions you take out regularly.
- Bosch lists a capacity of 366 L, No Frost, removable Vario Zone drawers and shelves, a Big Box compartment and an alarm for the GSN58AWEV.
- These features apply to the GSN58AWEV. Check the capacity and layout of any other model separately.
Liebherr
Worth considering when the type of installation and dimensions are key to your choice.
- Liebherr France offers freestanding and built-in freezers, including models with NoFrost.
- Check the capacity, dimensions, noise level and permitted room temperature range for the model you’re considering, rather than assuming them from its format or range.
Whirlpool
Worth considering if you’re also thinking of replacing your fridge with a combined appliance.
- For its built-in WHSP70T121 fridge freezer, Whirlpool states a total capacity of 394 L, including 99 L for the freezer compartment, and a storage time of 9 h during a power cut.
- The total capacity doesn’t represent the freezer storage space, and these figures apply to this model only.
Joybuy products to suit your needs
These products include chest freezers with different capacities, an upright freezer for organising portions, and a fridge freezer to consider if you’re also replacing your fridge. Compare the format with your available space and check that each model has the features you need for your installation.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, TwinTech No Frost built-in fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want to store meals in an integrated freezer compartment.
The model name indicates TwinTech No Frost and an energy rating of E. Compare the freezer’s net capacity with the amount you plan to store, then check the built-in dimensions and stated power-cut storage time.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible fridge freezer chest
Worth considering for bulk shopping or batch cooking if you have enough floor space for a chest freezer.
The product name lists a capacity of 291 L, a removable basket, LED lighting and a five-level digital control. It’s described as convertible, so check which mode you want to use, allow enough room to open the lid and check the permitted room temperature range.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer
Worth considering if you regularly take out different portions and want to organise them in drawers.
The product name lists a capacity of 161 L, drawers, an LED display, an alarm and No Frost. Check that its dimensions, noise level and permitted room temperature range suit the space you have in mind.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Worth considering if you want extra chest freezer storage but don’t need the 291 L model featured here.
The product name lists a basket, a counterbalanced lid, an adjustable temperature control and an energy rating of E. Allow enough floor space and clearance above the lid, then check the permitted room temperature range and stated power-cut storage time.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a small amount of extra storage and prefer a chest freezer with a top-opening lid.
The product name lists an adjustable thermostat, a removable basket, a sliding lid and an energy rating of E. Bear in mind that this model requires manual defrosting, and check the room’s permitted temperature range.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a freezer in any garage or cellar?
No. Compare the temperatures the room can reach with the climate class or room temperature range specified for the model you’ve chosen. Beko states that some Freezer Guard models can operate at temperatures down to −15 °C, but this does not apply to all freezers.
Is the stated decibel rating enough to choose a freezer for a spot near the living room?
The stated dB level can help you narrow down your options, but it doesn’t tell you everything about the sounds you may hear during the freezer’s cycles. If you’re installing it near a living space, compare the figure with any tests or reviews available for that exact model. UFC-Que Choisir’s test procedure, for example, assesses noise during operating cycles.
Does No Frost mean you never have to maintain your freezer?
No. On models with this feature, No Frost is designed to prevent the need to manually defrost the freezer compartment. You should still follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, seals and ventilation clearances.
How can you compare the energy consumption of two freezers?
Check the energy label and product information for each model under comparable conditions, rather than relying on whether it’s an upright or chest freezer. The European Commission’s EPREL database also lets you check the declared specifications of models registered there.