Start by choosing according to the volume and shape of the food you want to store, then check that the room falls within the temperature range specified for the model. An upright freezer makes everyday sorting easier, a chest freezer is ideal for large quantities, while an under-counter model is best as an additional appliance. A large fridge freezer only replaces a standalone freezer if its freezer compartment genuinely provides enough space.
To quickly find prepared meals, portions and small bags, an upright freezer with drawers makes organising everything easier. A chest freezer can also work well, provided you organise the compartment with baskets and labels, as described by Beko France and Whirlpool France.
A chest freezer is better suited to large packs, bulky food and separate supplies, provided you have a suitable room. Always check the ambient temperature range permitted for the model you choose.
A small under-counter appliance, a slim upright freezer or a larger fridge freezer may be suitable, depending on the space available. Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone and the installation dimensions, not just the appliance’s external format.
Before choosing a format, consider your usual inventory, the space available and how often you need to access your food.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and storage | Compare the exact model’s net capacity with your inventory. Check the number of drawers, baskets or compartments, as well as access to the bottom of the compartment. | I want to find portions and bags easily, or store large packs without running out of space. |
| Installation room | Record the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year. Check the climate class or ambient temperature range specified for the exact model. | My appliance needs to work in a kitchen, cellar, utility room or garage that meets its operating conditions. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare kWh/year figures between appliances with similar capacities and formats. Also check the capacity, noise level and data on the energy label or EPREL. | I’m adding an appliance that will run continuously, so I want to take its everyday use and defrosting requirements into account. |
| Food preservation | Check the storage time in the event of a power cut, freezing capacity and any available alerts. Check the recommended setting in the model’s manual. | I want to protect my supplies if the appliance is out of sight or if power cuts are a concern. |
A chest freezer offers a large storage compartment, but it takes up more floor width, and portions stored at the bottom are less accessible than in an upright freezer with drawers.
Measure the width, depth, height, lid clearance and delivery route. If you use portions every week, plan to use baskets, containers and labels, or choose an upright freezer.
Ambient temperature affects performance and energy use; not every freezer is designed for a cold cellar or garage.
Record the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures, then compare them with the climate class or temperature range specified for the exact model.
Two appliances with different capacities and formats will not meet the same needs. Annual energy consumption, noise level and net capacity should be considered together.
Compare appliances intended for similar use, recording at least the kWh/year, usable litres, dB, storage time during a power cut and freezing capacity.
The freezer compartment may account for only a limited proportion of a fridge freezer’s total capacity.
Take an inventory of your supplies during a typical shopping or meal-preparation period, then compare it with the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone.
Beko offers upright and chest freezers, with features such as No Frost, fast freezing and Freezer Guard, depending on the model.
Whirlpool particularly offers chest freezers for the horizontal storage of large quantities; some models are advertised as convertible into refrigerators.
Bosch offers upright freezers, with some specifications highlighting interior organisation, door alarms and temperature stability.
Liebherr offers fridge freezers as well as under-counter and integrated formats, which are useful when fitting the appliance into your kitchen is a priority.
These Joybuy options include upright and chest freezers for adding extra storage, as well as a fridge freezer for replacing your main appliance when its freezer compartment provides enough space for your supplies.
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An option worth considering if you regularly organise portions and small bags in a standalone appliance.
Advertised capacity of 161 L, three drawers, two shelves, LED display, alarm, reversible door and an adjustable temperature range from -14 °C to -22 °C.
Before buying, check the dimensions, climate class, kWh/year, noise level and storage time during a power cut for your installation room.
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This chest freezer is designed for households looking for separate space for large shops or bulky food.
Advertised capacity of 291 L, top-opening design, removable basket, interior light, five-level digital temperature control and 226 kWh/year.
Organise the large compartment with baskets or labels if you often use small portions; also check that it is suitable for the room’s temperature.
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A compact additional freezer for adding extra frozen-food storage when space is limited.
Advertised capacity of 99 L, four-star rating, removable basket, sliding lid, adjustable thermostat, castors and a freezing capacity of 4,5 kg/24 h.
At 99 L, this format may be limited for very large shops; manual defrosting is recommended when the ice exceeds 5 mm.
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Worth considering when replacing your main fridge if 75 L of freezer capacity matches your usual inventory.
Advertised capacity of 187 L for refrigeration and 75 L for freezing, three freezer drawers, width of 54 cm, 215 kWh/year, 39 dB(A) and 10 hours of storage time during a power cut.
The advertised ambient temperature range is 16 to 38 °C: this model is not suitable for a garage or an unheated outbuilding.
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An intermediate capacity for adding extra supplies in a more restricted space than a large chest freezer requires.
Advertised capacity of 141 L, convertible fridge freezer function, seven-level thermostat, removable basket, defrost drain, adjustable feet and 179 kWh/year.
Storing numerous portions may require containers or labels; check the ambient temperature range before installing it in a garage or cellar.
For a four-star freezer compartment, an EPREL listing recommends a setting of -18 °C for optimal food storage. However, check the manual and product specifications for the model you buy, as compartments and settings vary between appliances.
No. The climate class must match the temperatures actually experienced in the room. Some models are advertised for use down to -15 °C, but this condition only applies to the relevant models.
An upright freezer is generally more convenient for organising and regularly finding portions, thanks to its drawers and compartments. A chest freezer is better suited to large quantities or bulky food if you can organise the compartment with baskets and an inventory.
At a minimum, compare kWh/year, net capacity, noise level, energy rating, storage time during a power cut and freezing capacity. The energy label and EPREL provide standardised data for the appliances concerned.
Maintain the cold chain and avoid poor storage conditions. Anses states that low temperatures slow the growth of micro-organisms, while poor storage or a break in the cold chain can increase microbiological risks.