Households that freeze food in batches
You stock up on food, perhaps for a family, and need to balance usable capacity, space and access to your food. UFC-Que Choisir points out that capacity isn’t the only factor to consider.
Who is this choice for?
Households that prepare portions
You want to find meals or ingredients easily without having to move everything else around. The internal layout matters just as much as the stated capacity.
Households short on space
You need to install the appliance in a kitchen or utility room, or you’re thinking of replacing your fridge too. The dimensions, door clearance and room temperature can all affect your choice.
What to compare
Upright freezer
Consider one if: you check your frozen food often and want to organise portions so they’re easy to reach from the front. Bosch lists 242 l of freezer capacity for the GSN36VWEP.
Keep in mind: measure the floor space and allow enough room to open the door and drawers. Bosch’s stated 9-hour power-failure storage time applies to this model, not all upright freezers.
Chest freezer
Consider one if: you store large batches or bulky packs and have floor space with enough clearance above. Beko’s HSM29540 is an example of this format, with a stated capacity of 298 l.
Keep in mind: food at the bottom is less easy to reach. For this model, Beko lists a freezing capacity of 13,5 kg/24 h and a 30-hour power-failure storage time. Check the defrosting method too.
Large fridge freezer
Consider one if: you also need to replace or expand your refrigerated storage. Bosch lists 330 l of fridge capacity and 108 l of freezer capacity for the KGN49XLEA.
Keep in mind: the total capacity isn’t the same as the freezer capacity. Check the freezer volume, freezing performance and dimensions of the specific model you’re considering.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | The capacity of the freezer compartment and, if you freeze lots of fresh food at once, the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If I freeze large shops or bulky packs, I check how much space is actually available for my food. Around 31% of consumers prioritise usable capacity. |
| Access and organisation | The number and size of drawers or baskets, and whether they’re suitable for the containers you want to store. | If I take out portions often, I want to find them without moving everything else around. Around 31% of consumers prioritise access and food organisation. |
| Space and installation | The dimensions, the route to the installation spot, door clearance and the room temperature range specified for the model. | If space is limited or the appliance will be in a room that isn’t well heated, installation may determine which format will work. Around 23% of consumers put suitability for the available space first. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Annual energy consumption in kWh/year, the defrosting method, freezing capacity and stated power-failure storage time for the exact model. | If I’m comparing running costs and maintenance, I check these features to find an appliance that suits my needs. Around 15% of consumers prioritise running costs and maintenance. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a fridge freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
A large fridge compartment doesn’t mean the freezer will hold all your stored food. Compare the capacities separately and check that the freezer can fit your containers.
Before you buy, check the usable capacity of the freezer compartment on the product page for the exact model.
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Checking only the dimensions of the installation space
The appliance also needs to fit through doors and along the route to its final position. You need to be able to open it, and it must operate within the temperature range specified for the model.
Measure the route and the space, allow for the door to open, and check the manual if the room isn’t well heated.
An unsuitable delivery or installation could incur extra costs or mean you have to choose another location.
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Assuming reduced frost means no defrosting is needed
Freezing technologies and maintenance requirements vary by model. Beko describes the HSM29540 as having static cooling with MinFrost, while Bosch lists No Frost for the GSN36VWEP.
Check the defrosting method specified for the exact model rather than relying on the technology’s marketing name.
If manual defrosting is required, make sure you allow time for maintenance.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
Freezers run continuously, and their capacities and annual energy consumption vary. The energy rating doesn’t replace comparing kWh/year for appliances that meet similar needs.
Check annual energy consumption and freezer capacity, then compare the maintenance requirements and features that matter for how you’ll use it.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The French models mentioned here include both a separate upright freezer and a large fridge freezer.
- Bosch lists 242 l of freezer capacity and No Frost technology for the GSN36VWEP.
- For the KGN49XLEA, Bosch lists 330 l of fridge capacity and 108 l of freezer capacity. These figures apply to these two models only and don’t describe the entire brand range.
Beko
The HSM29540 chest freezer is an example of a standalone storage unit with a basket.
- For this model, Beko lists a capacity of 298 l, a 30-hour power-failure storage time and operation in temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- Static cooling with MinFrost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it. Check the model’s maintenance instructions.
Liebherr
The CFe 2500 chest freezer is an example of a high-capacity appliance designed for a spacious location.
- For the CFe 2500, Liebherr lists a capacity of 497 l, a width of 167 cm, FrostProtect down to −15 °C and energy consumption of 295 kWh/year.
- Consider the stated width and energy consumption in relation to your available space and household’s needs. On their own, these figures don’t tell you about the entire range.
Haier
The HTR3620CNMG fridge freezer combines refrigeration and freezing, with drawers that offer easy access.
- Haier lists an energy rating of C and dimensions of 595 × 667 × 2050 mm for this model.
- The drawer layout alone doesn’t tell you whether the freezer capacity will suit your storage needs, so check the compartment’s capacity.
Freezers and fridge freezers available on Joybuy
This selection includes chest freezers, an upright freezer and fridge freezers to help you organise food storage at home.
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Hisense RS3P558NEID side-by-side, 544 l
Worth considering if you want refrigerated and frozen storage in one appliance. The product description lists 347 l for the fridge and 197 l for the freezer.
The description mentions No Frost, freezer drawers and a freezing capacity of 12 kg/24 h. The title also mentions a water dispenser.
Place the appliance on a stable surface and allow for the recommended ventilation clearances when installing it.
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Heinrich’s upright freezer, 161 l
Worth considering if you want to organise your frozen food in an upright freezer. The product description lists three freezer drawers and two shelves.
The title mentions No Frost, an energy rating of C and an adjustable temperature range of −14 to −22 °C.
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AUCMA convertible chest freezer, 291 l
Worth considering if you want to store large batches in a chest freezer that can switch between refrigeration and freezing.
The product description lists a capacity of 291 l, a removable basket, five-level digital controls and a defrost drain. The title indicates an energy rating of E.
Allow at least 10 cm of ventilation space around the appliance and use a properly earthed socket.
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AUCMA convertible chest freezer, 197 l
Worth considering if you want extra freezer storage with a removable basket to help organise your food.
The product description lists a capacity of 197 l, five-level digital controls and a defrost drain. The title indicates an energy rating of E and the option to switch between fridge and freezer modes.
Allow at least 10 cm of ventilation space around the appliance and use a properly earthed socket.
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CHiQ JR525WSE side-by-side, 525 l
Worth considering if you want a fridge and freezer in one appliance with freezer drawers.
The product description lists 333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer. It mentions No Frost, a reversible door and an energy rating of E.
The product description also lists a noise level of 37 dB.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare a large fridge freezer with a separate freezer?
Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone and the space needed for installation. Bosch lists 108 l of freezer capacity for the KGN49XLEA fridge freezer and 242 l for the GSN36VWEP upright freezer. These figures apply to these models only.
Can I install a chest freezer in an unheated garage?
It depends on the model and the temperatures the room actually reaches. Beko lists operation in temperatures as low as −15 °C for the HSM29540. This doesn’t apply to all chest freezers or garages.
Is a long power-failure storage time enough to decide whether to keep food after a power cut?
No. The stated power-failure storage time is a feature of the appliance, not a guarantee that food will still be safe to eat after the cold chain has been broken. Anses points out that freezing doesn’t destroy most microorganisms and recommends keeping food at a consistently low temperature.
What guarantee applies to a new appliance bought from a retailer in France?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years to new goods sold by a business to an individual. Any commercial guarantee is in addition to this and doesn’t replace it.
What should I do with my old appliance when replacing it?
In France, free take-back of a similar used appliance on a one-for-one basis is available when you buy a new product. The DGCCRF recommends checking the practical arrangements offered for collection at delivery.