People who prepare portions every week
If you cook several meals in advance and often take out a tub or bag, easy access and organisation matter just as much as the space available.
Who is each type best for?
Households that store large batches
If you want to keep large quantities of prepared food or stock up for several weeks, consider how much capacity you need and how much floor space you have in your pantry, cellar or another suitable room.
Households short on kitchen space
If you only freeze a few portions, a small appliance can provide extra storage. A fridge freezer is also worth considering if you need to replace your fridge.
Which criteria should you check first?
According to UFC-Que Choisir, choosing between an upright and a chest freezer depends in part on capacity and how easily you can access food. For prepared meals, start by working out how much you want to keep at a time, then compare each type with your available space and how often you’ll use it.
Upright freezer
Consider it: if you organise different types of portions and take them out regularly.
Bear in mind: access depends on the size and layout of the drawers, not just the stated capacity.
Chest freezer
Consider it: if you store large batches and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: smaller portions stored at the bottom may take more sorting to find and reach.
Under-counter freezer
Consider it: if space is limited and you only freeze portions occasionally.
Bear in mind: its capacity may quickly prove too small for several weeks’ worth of meals.
Fridge freezer
Consider it: if you’re also replacing your fridge and don’t need a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment must hold your portions, regardless of the fridge freezer’s total capacity.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the usable capacity in litres with the maximum number of portions you want to store. If you regularly add large batches, check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h too. | When I prepare large batches, I want to be able to store the new portions without having to make room by emptying the existing stock; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Access and storage | Check the layout of the drawers or baskets and make sure your containers will fit. | When choosing a meal during the week, I’d rather find its container without having to move everything else; around 27% of consumers would put ease of access first. |
| Installation | Measure the space and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. If the room isn’t heated, check the permitted ambient temperature range. | If the space available limits my choice, I need to be able to install and open the appliance in the room I’ve chosen; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this constraint. |
| Operation and maintenance | Compare the energy label, noise level and defrosting requirements. Also check the model’s freezing performance and storage period in the event of a power cut. | When the appliance stores my prepared meals all year round, I want to choose one based on how it will work day to day; around 20% of consumers would make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Focusing only on the number of litres
A large capacity is less useful if your containers don’t fit in the drawers or if it’s hard to find portions stored at the bottom of a chest freezer.
Check that the storage layout suits the containers you use, and plan to label them so you can use older portions first.
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Assuming a freezer is suitable for a garage
The room’s ambient temperature must stay within the operating range specified for the model you choose. A feature listed for one model doesn’t necessarily apply to others.
Before deciding where to put it, check the exact model’s climate class or ambient temperature range in the manual.
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Comparing models on No Frost alone
This feature doesn’t tell you everything about noise, energy consumption or temperature stability. UFC-Que Choisir assesses several of these criteria separately in its freezer tests.
Compare the energy label and the model’s specifications, and distinguish between figures stated by the manufacturer and results from independent tests.
Brands to consider, model by model
Bosch
Bosch upright freezers may be worth considering if you want flexible storage for portions of different sizes.
- For the GSN54EWCV, Bosch highlights the Vario Zone and Big Box features for organising containers.
- These features are specific to this model, so check the layout, capacity and dimensions of the model you’re considering.
Beko
Some Beko chest freezers may be suitable for storing large batches in a room where the temperature is right for the model.
- Beko lists a capacity of 205 L and a minimum operating ambient temperature of −15 °C for the HSM14540 chest freezer.
- This temperature range doesn’t apply to all Beko chest freezers, so check the range for the model intended for your room.
Whirlpool
A large-capacity Whirlpool upright freezer may be worth considering if you want to organise plenty of portions without choosing a chest freezer.
- According to Whirlpool, the WHFF 6403 W4E offers 404 L of capacity, six drawers and No Frost.
- This model is 70 cm wide, so check its dimensions against the space available and the access routes in your home.
Freezers and fridge freezers on Joybuy
These appliances offer several ways to store portions: an upright freezer with drawers, a small upright freezer, a chest freezer and fridge freezers to consider if you’re also replacing your fridge. First choose the type that suits your stock and available space, then compare the model’s specifications.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want to organise your portions in the drawers of an upright freezer.
The product name lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, No Frost, a reversible door hinge and an energy rating of C.
Before installing it or adding large batches of freshly prepared food, check its dimensions, ambient temperature range and freezing capacity.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer, white
Worth considering for a few portions if space and the amount you need to store are limited.
The product name lists a capacity of 60 L, three drawers, a reversible door and an energy rating of E.
Check that your containers fit in the drawers and that the capacity is sufficient for your maximum stock.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 L fridge freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge as well, rather than adding a separate freezer.
The product name lists a total appliance capacity of 282 L and an energy rating of E.
For your portions, compare the freezer compartment’s capacity and layout separately with your maximum stock.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Worth considering if a chest freezer suits the size of your batches and how often you need to access your portions.
The product name lists a capacity of 140 L, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an energy rating of E.
Check how much room you’ll need to open the lid, and whether the basket will keep your smaller portions within easy reach.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L multi-door fridge, black
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and have enough room for a multi-door model.
The product name lists a total appliance capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E.
Check the capacity and layout of the freezer section before deciding how many of your containers it can hold.
Frequently asked questions
How does the energy label help you compare two freezers?
It helps you compare aspects such as energy consumption and noise levels across the models you’re considering, as explained by ADEME. Check the label for the exact model and variant rather than relying on specifications for an entire range.
Can you put any freezer in a garage or cellar?
No. You need to check that the room’s temperature stays within the model’s operating range. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking its climate class into account. For example, the minimum ambient temperature of −15 °C listed by Beko for the HSM14540 doesn’t apply to all freezers.
Is a fridge freezer enough for meals prepared in advance?
It may be enough if its freezer section can hold your maximum stock and you also want to replace your fridge. Check the freezer capacity separately: UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment isn’t suitable for storing large quantities of frozen food.