If you store large quantities or bulky food, start by considering chest freezers, provided you have enough floor space and can reach everything inside. An upright freezer makes it easier to organise food and access it regularly, thanks to its drawers. Whichever type you choose, check the dimensions, the climate class suited to the room and the model’s ventilation requirements.
If you buy in bulk, batch-cook or store bulky food, a chest freezer is worth considering if you have enough floor space and can reach everything inside. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this type for its generous capacity.
If you sort food into categories and take it out regularly, the drawers in an upright freezer can make it easier to keep everything organised. However, check that you’ll be able to open the door and remove the drawers once the appliance is in place.
If the temperature in the room varies, the type of freezer alone won’t determine whether it’s suitable. Compare the model’s specified temperature range with the room’s conditions, then check its ventilation requirements.
For a large freezer store you can rely on for the long term, first compare the capacity you need with the space available and how easily you can access it. Chest and upright freezers suit these requirements in different ways. An under-counter model is better suited as an extra freezer; if you’re also replacing your fridge, compare the capacity of the freezer compartment in a fridge freezer.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and bulky food | Compare the net freezer capacity in litres, then measure the floor space required and the clearance needed to open the appliance. | I freeze bulk purchases or large cuts of food, and my current freezer no longer has enough room. Around 36% of consumers would put this need for extra capacity first. |
| Organisation and access | Check the drawers or baskets and make sure you can reach your food and remove the compartments in the room you’ve chosen. | I often reach for items in my freezer, so I want to find what I need without rummaging at the bottom of a chest freezer. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Room suitability | Compare the room’s temperatures with the model’s climate class and follow the ventilation clearance requirements in the manual. | The temperature in my garage, cellar or utility room changes throughout the year, so the appliance needs to be suitable for that location. Around 21% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
| Maintenance and operation | Compare the cooling system, kWh/an, noise level in dB(A) and the stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | I plan to keep a freezer for the long term and want to plan ahead for defrosting, noise and possible power cuts. Around 14% of consumers would put these considerations first. |
A large chest freezer takes up floor space, and its capacity will be less useful if you can’t open the lid fully or reach the food at the bottom.
Measure the space and the route into the room. For an upright freezer, also allow room to open the door and remove the drawers.
According to Bosch Electroménager France, the climate class defines the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. So a garage or cellar won’t automatically be suitable for every model.
Compare the temperatures the room may reach with the climate class of the exact model you’re considering, and follow the manual’s instructions to allow air to circulate around the appliance.
Cooling technology names aren’t interchangeable. Beko describes MinFrost as a frost-reduction technology on some models, but you should still check the maintenance instructions for each one.
Check the cooling system and the instructions for the model you’re considering, including how to manage your food if defrosting is needed.
A freezer runs continuously, so energy consumption, noise and the stated storage time in the event of a power cut matter too, particularly if the appliance is near a living area or holds a large amount of food.
Compare the kWh/an, dB(A) and stated storage time on the product information for the models you’re considering. Don’t assume you can predict how an appliance will perform from its capacity alone.
Beko offers chest, upright and under-counter freezers to suit different capacity needs and available spaces.
Bosch offers freestanding and built-in freezers, including models with drawers to help you organise your food.
Whirlpool offers chest and upright freezers, with storage configurations that vary by model.
No. The model’s climate class must suit the temperatures the room may reach. Bosch Electroménager France, for example, lists different temperature ranges for different climate classes. Check the class for the model you’ve chosen on its product information or rating plate, as well as its installation instructions.
Yes. Air needs to circulate in line with the model’s instructions. Electrolux France recommends ensuring adequate airflow. Check the manual for the required clearances rather than using the measurements for a different appliance.
If your appliance needs manual defrosting, follow its instructions first. Electrolux France recommends defrosting when the layer of ice reaches around 3 to 5 mm. Unplug the appliance, let the ice melt and collect the water; don’t use a sharp object.
Before buying, check the seller’s contact details and the information provided about the guarantees that apply to your order. If you’re replacing an appliance, also find out about collection options and the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.