Households that stock up on food
If you regularly store bulk buys, home-grown produce or prepared meals, work out how much freezer space you need and where you can put the appliance.
Who is this choice for?
People who check their supplies often
If you want to find portions or prepared meals easily, consider how accessible the food is and how the drawers or baskets are arranged.
Households considering an appliance outside the kitchen
If you’re planning to put it in a garage, cellar or other unheated room, check the ambient temperature range allowed for the specific model before choosing a location.
Which factors should you weigh up?
First, decide whether your fridge freezer has enough freezer space. Then choose between the floor space needed for a chest freezer and the front access of an upright model. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these two formats by their capacity and footprint; whether a particular model is suitable for your room depends on its specifications.
Chest freezer
Consider one: if you need plenty of storage space, have enough floor space and are happy to access food from the top.
Bear in mind: the lid needs room to open fully, and food at the bottom is less easy to reach.
Upright freezer
Consider one: if you check your supplies often and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough height and clearance to open the door and remove the drawers.
Fridge freezer
Consider one: if you only need a modest amount of freezer space and don’t want room for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity of a fridge freezer is not the same as its freezer capacity.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the usable freezer capacity in litres with the amount of food you usually store, then measure the space and access route. | If your current compartment is full after bulk shopping or regular batch cooking, capacity becomes the priority; around 44% of consumers prioritise having extra storage space. |
| Access and placement | Check how the lid or door opens and how much space you need to reach the food or remove the drawers. | If you often take out frozen portions, being able to find them without getting in the way matters more; around 33% of consumers prioritise access and placement. |
| Room temperature and power cuts | Check the model’s ambient temperature range and its stated storage time in hours in the event of a power cut. | If you’re installing it in an unheated room or power cuts are a concern, operating conditions are the priority; around 23% of consumers put these considerations first. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing a chest freezer based on capacity alone
Its floor space requirements and top-opening lid can make it awkward to use in a narrow room.
Measure the appliance, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the lid fully.
-
Assuming any freezer is suitable for a garage
According to Whirlpool France, the climate class indicates the permitted ambient temperatures. A feature advertised for use in a cold room only applies to models that have it.
Check the minimum and maximum permitted temperatures in the documentation for the model you’re considering.
-
Comparing only the energy rating letter
The European Commission uses an A to G scale for energy labels, but the letter alone doesn’t tell you the freezer capacity or the appliance’s annual energy consumption.
For appliances of a similar type and capacity, also check the kWh/year figure and noise level on their product specifications.
-
Overlooking everyday access and storage time
Capacity doesn’t tell you how easy food is to organise or how long the appliance keeps it cold without power; these features vary by model.
Look at the drawers or baskets if you open the appliance often, and compare the stated storage time if power cuts are a concern.
Brands to know when comparing models
Bosch
Bosch upright freezers are worth considering if you’re looking for vertical storage, particularly models with removable compartments.
- Bosch lists a capacity of 366 L and 12 h of storage time for the GSN58AWEV.
- These figures apply to this model only; check its documentation before planning to install it in an unheated room.
Beko
Some Beko upright freezers combine vertical storage with a feature designed for use in cold rooms.
- Beko describes the RFNE448E55W as featuring FreezerGuard, which is designed for ambient temperatures as low as -15 °C.
- This feature isn’t available across all Beko models: check the model number and installation conditions.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers both upright and chest freezers, so you can compare the formats based on the space available and how you want to access your supplies.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 404 L and 11 h of storage time for the WHFF6403W4E upright freezer, compared with 371 L and 36 h for the W3RHS37EW1 chest freezer.
- These figures relate to two different models; compare their dimensions and installation conditions too before making your choice.
Appliances for different storage needs
This selection of Joybuy products includes two fridge freezers for keeping chilled and frozen food in one appliance, a chest freezer for dedicated storage and two upright models with different capacities. For fridge freezers, compare the freezer compartment capacity rather than just the total capacity.
Image unavailable
Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four-door fridge freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you want chilled and frozen storage in one appliance. The stated 467 L is the total capacity, so check separately how much space is available for frozen food. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating; also check the ambient temperature range before installing it somewhere other than a temperature-controlled room.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG, three-door fridge freezer, 360 L
Another configuration to consider if a fridge freezer meets your storage needs. The stated 360 L is the total capacity, not the freezer capacity alone. The model name mentions Total No Frost and an E energy rating; check the freezer capacity and installation conditions for this model.
Image unavailable
AUCMA, convertible chest freezer, 141 L
This chest freezer offers 141 L of separate storage if top access suits your room. Its description says it can switch between refrigeration and freezing, and lists a removable basket and a seven-setting thermostat. Don’t assume the ‘garage’ description means it will work in any cold room: check the permitted ambient temperature range.
Image unavailable
COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
This 60 L upright model is better suited to compact extra storage than to stocking up in large quantities. Its description lists storage compartments, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the door clearance and permitted ambient temperature range for your chosen location.
Image unavailable
Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer
Consider this model if you want dedicated freezer space with front access. The description lists a capacity of 161 L, No Frost, drawers and a C energy rating. Measure the space and check the permitted ambient temperature before planning where to install it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install any freezer in a garage or cellar?
No. Check the permitted ambient temperature range for the specific model. Whirlpool France says the climate class indicates whether an appliance is suitable for these conditions; a feature advertised for cold rooms only applies to models that specifically mention it.
What can I check using the QR code on the energy label?
It takes you to EPREL, the European Commission’s database, where you can view the model’s declared specifications. In particular, compare the freezer capacity and annual energy consumption of appliances that meet your needs.
How can I compare storage time during a power cut?
Compare the stated times in hours for the models you’re considering, without confusing them with their capacity. As part of its test protocol, UFC-Que Choisir also measures how long food stays below −9 °C during a simulated power cut.
What does the energy label letter mean?
For domestic fridges and freezers, the European Commission has used a scale from A to G since 1 March 2021. To compare two appliances, also look at their annual energy consumption in kWh and how much food they can actually freeze.