Households that batch-cook
You regularly freeze home-cooked portions. You’ll need enough room for your containers and new meals to freeze, without making it difficult to find food that’s already in storage.
Who are these options for?
Households that stock up
You buy in bulk or keep plenty of frozen food. As well as capacity, check how much floor space the appliance takes up, whether the room is suitable and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
Households short on space
You’d like more freezer capacity but don’t have much floor space to spare. The installation dimensions, space needed to open the door or lid, and capacity for frozen food all become important.
How do the options compare?
First decide whether you need separate storage, easy everyday access or a combined appliance. Then check that your preferred style will fit the room and hold the amount of food you want to freeze.
Chest freezer
Consider it: for large stocks or bulky containers, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to organise food in baskets or zones to reach items at the bottom.
Upright freezer
Consider it: if you often take out portions and want to organise them in drawers or on shelves.
Bear in mind: the compartments may limit the space available for larger containers.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it: if you also need to replace your fridge and don’t need a large separate frozen-food stock.
Bear in mind: the stated total capacity includes fresh food; only part of it is for freezing.
Your existing appliance
Keep it: if an inventory shows that your current compartment can hold all the portions and frozen food you need.
Bear in mind: your stock will remain limited. If you regularly freeze newly prepared meals, check that the compartment is suitable for this use.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and batch freezing | Compare the usable capacity of the freezer itself with the size of your containers. If you often add unfrozen meals, also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | When I prepare several meals in advance, I want to store the new portions without overfilling the food I already have. Around 37% of consumers would make capacity a priority. |
| Access and organisation | Check the drawers, shelves or baskets, and whether you can reach the food once the appliance is full. | To choose a frozen meal quickly, I need to find portions without emptying the whole appliance. Easy access to the contents would be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the route into your home, the space available and the room needed to open the appliance. Check the manual for ventilation requirements and the model’s climate class. | If the appliance needs to fit in a small utility room or kitchen, I need to be able to get it in, open it and install it according to the instructions. For around 18% of consumers, this would take priority over other considerations. |
| Power cuts and energy use | Compare the stated storage time in hours and the kWh/year shown on the energy label of models suited to your needs. | If I keep a stock that would be difficult to replace, I pay attention to how long food stays frozen during a power cut as well as everyday energy use. Around 18% of consumers would put both of these considerations first. |
The European Commission says that the energy label for household refrigeration appliances includes information such as the energy rating from A to G, annual energy consumption, capacity and noise level. Compare kWh/year while also considering each appliance’s capacity and function: the rating alone won’t tell you which one best suits your needs.
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on a fridge-freezer’s total capacity
This figure combines the fresh-food and freezer compartments, so it doesn’t tell you how many frozen portions you can store.
Check the net capacity of the freezer compartment in litres and compare it with your containers and usual stock.
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Choosing a chest freezer without planning for the lid
A chest freezer takes up floor space and needs room for the lid to open. Food at the bottom can also be difficult to find. UFC-Que Choisir notes that chest freezers are typically 110 to 140 cm wide and around 70 cm deep, although these dimensions don’t apply to every model.
Measure the delivery route and the space where you plan to put the model, then organise the contents in baskets or zones.
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Forgetting about the room’s conditions
A cellar, garage or enclosed space won’t necessarily be suitable for the appliance you choose: the permitted ambient temperatures and ventilation clearances vary by model.
Before buying, check the manual for the climate class, dimensions and installation instructions for your chosen location.
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Comparing energy labels by rating alone
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you the annual energy use of appliances with different capacities and functions.
For models that meet the same need, also check the kWh/year and freezing capacity shown on their labels.
Brands to know
There are no brand profiles to show in this section.
Products to suit your needs
These Joybuy products include chest freezers, upright freezers and a fridge-freezer. Compare their style and capacity with the portions you need to store before deciding whether you need another appliance.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you want to store plenty of portions in a chest freezer and have the option of using it as a fridge too.
The title lists an E energy rating, a removable basket, LED lighting and five-level digital controls. To store frozen food, check that the appliance is set to freezer mode. Also check the installation requirements and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want to organise portions in drawers and take them out regularly.
The title lists three freezer drawers, No Frost, an alarm and a C energy rating. It gives a temperature range of −14 °C to −22 °C. Check the manual for the settings available for your needs, as well as the dimensions, kWh/year and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you need both a fridge and a separate space for frozen food.
The 282 L in the title refers to the whole appliance, not just the freezer. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity against the portions you need to store, then look at its freezing capacity and how long it can keep food frozen if you often add batch-cooked meals.
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COMFEE’ RCU60WH2(E), 60 L white upright freezer
Worth considering for a small stock of portions if you prefer separate compartments to the open space of a chest freezer.
The title lists three drawers, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Make sure the capacity is right for your stock, then compare annual energy use and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut before choosing.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L white chest freezer
Worth considering if you want a chest freezer for a modest stock, rather than a large appliance for bulk buying.
The title lists a removable basket, an adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Plan how you’ll find food stored beneath the basket, and check the annual energy use and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I set a household freezer to?
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends setting a household freezer to −18 °C. Also check the appliance manual and the storage instructions on your food.
Can you freeze prepared meals in a fridge’s freezer compartment?
Not in every freezer compartment: the Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between temporarily storing food that is already frozen and freezing new food. If you regularly prepare meals to freeze, look for a four-star compartment or a freezer designed for this purpose.
Can you install a freezer in a garage or cellar?
Yes, if the conditions specified for the model are suitable for the room. Check the manual for the ambient temperatures allowed by its climate class, ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the door or lid.
What should you look for on a freezer’s energy label?
As well as the A to G rating, check annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level. The European Commission lists this information for household refrigeration appliances. Compare models that can meet the same storage needs.