If your fridge freezer no longer has enough room, a separate appliance gives you extra storage without replacing your fridge. A chest freezer is ideal for storing large quantities if you have enough floor space, while an upright freezer makes food easier to reach. An under-counter model is better for a little extra capacity, whereas a large fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too. If so, compare its freezer capacity, not its total capacity.
If you buy in bulk or store large quantities of food, start by working out how much extra freezer capacity you need. Then check whether you have room for a chest freezer or whether an upright model will fit in the space.
If you want to keep meals and other foods separate so you can find them quickly, look at the drawers in an upright freezer or the baskets in a chest freezer. Capacity alone doesn’t tell you how easy it is to reach your food.
If you’re planning to install your freezer in a garage, cellar or utility room, check the permitted ambient temperature range for the specific model. ADEME recommends choosing a climate class suited to the room.
Consider it: for storing large quantities or bulky packs, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom is harder to reach than in drawers.
Consider it: if you check your supplies often and want to organise them in front-access compartments.
Bear in mind: the drawers may be less practical for very bulky packs.
Consider it: to add to your existing capacity when the available space is under a worktop.
Bear in mind: this format may be too small to serve as a household’s main freezer.
Consider it: if you also need to replace your fridge and its new freezer compartment will provide the extra capacity you need.
Bear in mind: a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough freezer space.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Usable freezer capacity in litres and the space needed to open the appliance. | If you can no longer fit your bulk shopping in your current freezer, having more room becomes the top priority. Around 36% of consumers put storage capacity first. |
| Access to food | How the drawers or baskets are arranged and whether you can reach food at the bottom. | If you use your supplies often, being able to find a meal without moving other food matters more than gaining extra capacity. Easy access and organisation come first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Installation conditions | The permitted ambient temperature range for the model and its stated power-cut storage time. | In an unheated room, you need an appliance suited to the temperature. If power cuts are a concern, storage time matters too. These conditions are the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Space taken up | The dimensions of the space available and, if you choose a fridge freezer, the capacity of its freezer compartment alone. | If space is limited or you already need to replace your fridge, adding a large appliance may not be the best option. Around 14% of consumers prefer a less bulky solution or to replace their fridge freezer. |
A chest freezer can offer plenty of storage but still obstruct a walkway or make it difficult to open the lid.
Measure the space, delivery route and clearance needed. Also check that you’ll be able to reach the bottom of the freezer.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model, not just its brand or format. ADEME recommends checking the climate class when choosing where to install it.
Compare the range stated in the model’s specifications with the temperatures your garage or cellar may reach.
A spacious fridge freezer may allocate only a small part of its total capacity to frozen food.
If you’re thinking of replacing your fridge freezer, compare the usable capacity of its freezer compartment with the extra space you actually need.
The stated storage time during a power cut varies between appliances. If an alarm is fitted, it may alert you to an open door or a rise in temperature.
Check the storage time in hours and the alerts listed for each model, especially if you’ll be installing it outside the kitchen.
These models illustrate different formats and features to compare; their specifications don’t apply to other appliances from the same brand.
The HSM29540 chest freezer is a useful point of comparison if you need plenty of storage or plan to install it in a cold room.
Two Bosch formats show the difference between an upright freezer for substantial storage and an under-counter model for extra capacity.
The ENP7TD75S integrated fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re also planning to replace your fridge.
This Joybuy selection includes two fridge freezers to consider if you’re replacing your fridge, plus an upright freezer for extra storage. For the fridge freezers, check the freezer compartment capacity before deciding whether it will be enough for your household.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too and would prefer a four-door fridge freezer to adding a separate freezer. The product name lists a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and energy rating E. Check the freezer capacity and the installation dimensions separately.
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Another option if you need to replace your fridge while increasing your freezer capacity. The product name lists a total capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E. Compare the freezer compartment capacity with the amount of food you currently store.
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A way to add extra storage separate from your fridge, with front access. The product name lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, No Frost, an alarm and energy rating C. Check its dimensions, permitted ambient temperature and storage time during a power cut for your chosen location.
Only if the model’s permitted ambient temperature range is suitable for your garage. ADEME recommends checking the climate class for your chosen room. For example, Beko France states that the HSM29540 alone can operate down to −15 °C; this limit doesn’t apply to other freezers.
Compare each model’s stated storage time during a power cut, in hours. Bosch Home Appliances France lists 12 h for the GSN58AWEV, while Beko France states 30 h for the HSM29540. Also check whether the model has an alarm that’s suitable for your installation.
Check their energy labels, which use a scale from A to G, and their stated annual energy consumption. Your Europe explains this scale for household appliances. When choosing between two different capacities, also consider how much usable space your household needs.
The Ministry for Ecological Transition states that electrical appliances can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, returned to a retailer or given to a social and solidarity economy organisation. Find out which option is available when you make your purchase.