If you often need to grab prepared portions, choose an upright freezer with drawers that fit your containers. A chest freezer is worth considering if you have a large stock to store and enough room; a fridge-freezer is another option if you want a single appliance and its freezer compartment has enough space for your shopping. Whichever you choose, check the dimensions, freezer capacity, the room temperature range the model can handle and its annual energy consumption.
If you prepare several meals in advance, being able to organise and access your containers regularly may matter more than sheer capacity. Check the number and dimensions of an upright freezer’s drawers, as well as any removable shelves or baskets.
If you buy frozen food in bulk or freeze batches of portions, a chest freezer can offer open storage space. You’ll also need to be able to reach items at the bottom, make room for the appliance and check that the room temperature is suitable for the model.
If a separate freezer would take up too much space in your kitchen, compare fridge-freezers by the capacity of their freezer compartment alone. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly buy frozen food.
Consider it if: you want to keep portions separate and regularly take out a particular container.
The trade-off: drawers divide up the space, so make sure they can fit your largest containers.
Consider it if: you need to store large quantities or bulky containers and have enough floor space.
The trade-off: portions stored at the bottom need more organising to keep them easy to reach.
Consider it if: you want a single appliance and its freezer compartment can hold your usual stock.
The trade-off: the fridge-freezer’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is actually available for frozen food.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Number and dimensions of the drawers; space for your usual containers. | If I often take out a prepared meal, I want to find it without moving my entire stock. Around 40% of consumers with this need would prioritise easy access. |
| Storage capacity | Usable litres in the freezer compartment; space for your bulkiest items. | When my shopping includes large quantities, my main concern is being able to store them without overfilling the compartment. For around 40% of consumers with this need, capacity would be the top priority. |
| Space for the appliance | Dimensions, clearance for the door or lid, and the freezer capacity of any fridge-freezer. | If I only have space for one appliance, I’d rather check what it can hold before adding another. This would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers with this need. |
Once you’ve chosen a type, compare the kWh/year and noise levels on the energy label for models with similar capacities and intended uses. If you’re keeping the appliance in a garage, cellar or unheated utility room, check its permitted ambient temperature range as well as its capacity.
The open space can fit containers of different shapes, but portions at the bottom may be difficult to find. An upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to organise things differently, as long as the drawers are large enough.
Compare the interior space with your largest boxes and bags. If you choose a chest freezer, use baskets and labels to keep batches separate.
A garage or cellar may fall outside the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. If one model is suitable for these conditions, that doesn’t mean other models from the same brand will be too.
Compare the room’s usual temperatures with the climate class or operating range specified for the exact model.
The energy rating doesn’t replace checking annual consumption in kWh or usable capacity. A larger appliance may suit your needs, but its size should match what you plan to store.
Compare kWh/year for appliances of a similar type and freezer capacity, then check whether you’ll make use of any extra capacity.
As ADEME points out, fridges and freezers run continuously, so annual energy consumption should factor into your decision, even if easy access to food or storage capacity is your main priority.
A large fridge-freezer may still have too little space for the portions and frozen food you want to store.
Estimate how much you need to store at peak times and compare it with the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, rather than the appliance’s total capacity.
The specifications below relate to specific models and don’t describe every freezer made by each brand.
Worth a look if you’re considering how an upright freezer is organised inside. Bosch says the GSN54EWCV has Vario Zone removable drawers and shelves, a Big Box drawer and No Frost.
A brand to look at if you’re deciding between an upright and a chest freezer, or planning to install one in a room that isn’t heated much. Features and stated ambient temperatures vary by model.
A model to consider if you’re looking for a frost-free upright freezer intended, according to its own specifications, for a cold room. Beko combines No Frost and Freezer Guard in the B5RFNE315G.
These appliances offer three ways to make room for frozen food: a fridge-freezer with a freezer compartment, a dedicated upright freezer or a chest freezer. Before choosing, compare their freezer capacity with your usual stock and their dimensions with the space available.
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Worth considering if you want to keep your portions in one appliance: the title gives the freezer a capacity of 74 l and the fridge 153 l. It also lists a width of 54 cm, Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the depth, height and kWh/year, then make sure 74 l is enough for your stock.
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If you want to organise portions in a dedicated appliance, this model lists a capacity of 161 l, three freezer drawers, No Frost and a C energy rating. However, the title gives different details about the other storage features: confirm the layout, dimensions, kWh/year and permitted ambient temperature.
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If you want to keep a single appliance with space for frozen food, the title lists a freezer capacity of 71 l and a fridge capacity of 182 l. It also specifies No Frost and a noise level of 39 dB. Compare the 71 l with your maximum stock and check the external dimensions and kWh/year before choosing this model.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer a large single appliance: the title gives a total capacity of 495 l and an E energy rating. Before planning to store your supplies in it, check the capacity and layout of the freezer compartment, the door configuration and dimensions, and whether you can get it through to the installation space.
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For a dedicated freezer with a moderate capacity, this chest freezer lists 95 l, a removable basket and an E energy rating. According to the title, it can be set to fridge or freezer mode; check which mode suits your needs. If you plan to keep it in a garage or cellar, check its permitted ambient temperature range. Also consider how easy it will be to reach food stored underneath the basket.
Compare the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise levels, taking the type and capacity of the appliances into account. The European Commission says the label provides access to this information; scan the QR code to view the model’s listing in EPREL.
Yes, provided the model’s specified ambient temperature range covers the temperatures in the garage. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the climate class. Some manufacturers say certain models are suitable for very cold rooms, but this doesn’t apply to all their freezers.
No. Freezers aren’t among the categories covered by this index in the list published by the French Ministry responsible for the ecological transition. When comparing models, you can still check information on spare parts, after-sales service and any commercial warranties.
If you bought the appliance from a trader in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity may apply if it’s faulty or doesn’t match the contract. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that it covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Contact the seller and describe the problem. This statutory protection is separate from any optional commercial warranty.