For regular stock-ups, start by choosing the usable freezer capacity you need and checking how much space you actually have. An upright freezer makes it easier to reach items in drawers, while a chest freezer suits bulkier supplies as long as you can access the lid and the bottom. Then compare the stated power cut storage time, energy consumption, permitted ambient temperature and clearance requirements for the specific model. A fridge-freezer is only an alternative if its freezer compartment is large enough.
If your bulk shopping no longer fits in your current freezer compartment and you have floor space available, compare the usable capacity with the amount you usually store. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that capacity is not the only factor to consider.
If you often take out portions or different types of food, compartment layout and ease of access matter in everyday use. Que Choisir Ensemble highlights the importance of ease of use.
For a cellar, garage or cramped kitchen, check the permitted ambient temperature range for the model, along with the space needed to open it and allow for ventilation.
Worth considering: if you often take out different portions and have a suitable space for the door and drawers.
Bear in mind: compartments make it easier to find things, but can limit storage for bulky items. Storage time during a power cut and energy consumption vary by model.
Worth considering: if you store bulk buys or bulky food and have enough floor space to open the lid.
Bear in mind: the open space is flexible, but finding food at the bottom may take more organisation. Check each model individually to see whether it is suitable for a cold room.
Worth considering: if you don't have room for a separate appliance and would also like more fridge space.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is not the same as the freezer capacity. For the LG GMBS30SEPY, EPREL lists a total of 580 l, including 211 l for the freezer compartment.
To compare the different types, start with the freezer capacity you actually need, then check access, location and the model’s specifications.
| What matters | What to check | Who prioritises it most |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable litres in the freezer compartment, the external dimensions and the space needed to open the appliance. | When my bulk shopping exceeds my current capacity, I prioritise the space actually available for my supplies; around 31% of consumers make capacity their top priority. |
| Access and organisation | Check access to drawers or baskets, the bottom of the chest and the food you store most often. | If I regularly take out different portions, I want to find and remove them easily; around 25% of consumers prioritise access and storage. |
| Location | Compare the room temperature with the range permitted for the model, and check the manual for the required clearances. | If I’m putting the appliance in an unheated room or a tight space, I first check that it is suitable for the location; around 19% of consumers put location at the top of their list. |
| Storage time during a power cut | Look up the stated time in hours for the exact model; don’t estimate it based on the type or capacity. | If I want to compare the stated storage time during a power cut, I check the specifications for each model; around 13% of consumers prioritise the stated storage time. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year and energy rating on the specification sheets for models that meet the same needs. | When I choose an additional appliance that will be running continuously, I check its stated energy consumption; around 12% of consumers make this their main criterion. The European Commission presents the energy label as a useful way to compare appliances. |
Total capacity includes the fridge compartment and doesn’t tell you how much freezer space is available.
Compare the usable capacity of the freezer compartment with the space you need for your supplies.
If the compartment is too small, the fridge-freezer may not meet your need for extra storage.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the specific model, not just on whether it is a chest freezer.
Compare the room temperature with the range stated for the model, then check the manual for the required clearances and opening space.
The stated storage time varies from model to model and isn’t always highlighted in the product description.
Check the documentation for the exact model to find the time in hours before comparing appliances.
The GSN36VWEP is an upright freezer worth considering if you’re looking for compartmentalised storage and easy access.
The CFd 2505 Plus is a chest freezer to consider for bulkier supplies and a potentially cold location.
The HSM46740 is an example of a large-capacity chest freezer to consider for a cold location.
Whirlpool France’s range includes chest freezers. Compare individual models based on your space and how you want to access your food.
The GMBS30SEPY is a fridge-freezer to consider if you also need fridge space.
This selection includes upright and chest freezers for regular household storage, with different capacities and ways of accessing your food.
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An upright freezer with drawers to consider if you want to organise your supplies and access them by compartment.
Stated capacity: 161 l. No Frost, energy rating C, three freezer drawers and a stated temperature range of −14 °C to −22 °C.
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This chest freezer could suit you if you have floor space available and can access your food by opening the lid.
Stated capacity: 140 l. Storage basket and counterbalanced lid. Energy rating E. Listed dimensions: 637 × 556 × 846 mm.
Finding food at the bottom may take more organisation if you need to access it frequently.
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Its stated capacity may appeal to households looking to stock up in bulk and with space for a chest freezer.
Stated capacity: 291 l. Convertible between fridge and freezer, energy rating E, interior light, five-level digital control, removable basket and water drain.
Listed dimensions: 1 100 × 597 × 872 mm. Finding food at the bottom may take more organisation.
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Consider this chest freezer if you’re looking for dedicated storage space and a basket to organise smaller items.
Stated capacity: 197 l. Convertible between fridge and freezer, energy rating E, five-level digital control, removable basket and water drain.
Listed dimensions: 816 × 554 × 848 mm. Allow enough space to open the lid and access the bottom.
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A compact upright freezer to consider if you need an extra compartment and prefer separate storage.
Stated capacity: 60 l. Three drawers, reversible door and energy rating E.
This capacity is modest if you want to stock up regularly in bulk.
No. Check the permitted ambient temperature for the model you’re considering and compare it with the temperature in your garage. Liebherr states that FrostProtect works down to −15 °C for the CFd 2505 Plus, while Beko lists −15 °C as the minimum temperature for the HSM46740. These figures apply to these models, not every model from either brand.
Yes: follow the clearance instructions in the model’s manual. Electrolux support advises that proper ventilation is necessary, but you shouldn’t assume the same clearance applies to every appliance.
Compare the stated kWh/year on the energy labels of models that meet similar needs, as well as their energy ratings. Actual energy consumption also depends on how and where the appliance is used.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. The DGCCRF states that claims must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods; an optional commercial warranty does not replace this legal guarantee.
The Ministry for Ecological Transition FAQ explains the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme for an electrical appliance of the same type, and distinguishes this from take-back without a purchase, which is subject to conditions including the shop’s floor area. Check the take-back options available when you place your order.