Which households are they for?

Households storing large quantities of frozen food

If you buy in bulk, prepare meals in advance or store bulky products, focus on usable capacity, floor space and the stated storage time in the event of a power cut.

Households that use the freezer every day

When food needs to be seen, sorted and removed frequently, an upright freezer with drawers or a fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment makes access easier than a deep chest.

People with limited space in their kitchen or home

Measure the available space and the clearance needed to open the appliance. For a built-in model, also check the housing dimensions before choosing an under-counter appliance or fridge freezer.

Key selection criteria

Start by defining how much frozen food you need to store, then check the installation requirements and everyday access before comparing practical features.

Priority What to check Your needs
Freezer capacity Compare the usable freezer capacity in litres, separately from the total capacity. Also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you freeze large quantities of fresh food. I want to store more without buying an appliance that is too large or, conversely, too small for my supplies.
Size and access Compare the width, depth and height with the measurements of the installation space, delivery route and door or lid opening. Consider the number of drawers or baskets according to how often you access the appliance. I need to keep the room easy to move around while still being able to find the food I use most often.
Power cuts and installation Compare the stated storage time in hours for the exact model. Check the climate class against the minimum and maximum temperatures in your kitchen, cellar, pantry or garage. My appliance must be suitable for its installation room and protect food for as long as stated during a power cut.
Energy use and maintenance According to the European Commission, the energy label shows the A to G class, annual consumption in kWh, capacities and noise level. Compare this information between appliances of a similar type and capacity. I want to assess electricity use over the year and know whether the model has a No Frost or Low Frost system suited to my usual maintenance routine.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a fridge freezer based on its total capacity

    A fridge freezer can advertise a substantial overall capacity while offering limited space for frozen food. The Electrolux ENA6LE18S, for example, has a total capacity of 271 L, including 73 L of freezer space.

    Note how much freezer space you need and compare it with the capacity of the freezer compartment, not the appliance's total capacity.

  • Installing a chest freezer in an unheated room without checking its climate class

    A chest freezer takes up more floor space and is often placed in a cellar or pantry. The room temperature must remain compatible with the model's climate class.

    Record the room's usual temperatures, then check the climate class and the manual for your chosen model before buying.

  • Choosing a chest freezer for its capacity without considering access

    A chest freezer can hold bulky products, but food stacked at the bottom becomes harder to reach.

    If you use frozen food every day, an upright freezer with drawers may be more suitable. With a chest freezer, use baskets and rotate your stock regularly.

  • Relying on the energy letter alone

    The energy label combines an A to G class with annual consumption, capacities and noise level. The letter alone does not allow you to compare formats or very different capacities directly.

    Compare kWh/year, freezer capacity and noise level between models designed for the same storage requirements.

Brands featured for these formats

Beko

Beko is represented here by the freestanding CF200EWN chest freezer, suited to additional storage in a compatible utility space.

  • According to Beko, the CF200EWN offers 198 L, a stated storage time of 36 hours and an SN-T climate class.
  • The appliance's usable dimensions should still be confirmed before planning its installation space.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool offers very large-capacity chest freezers; the WHM4612 is an example of a format designed for high-volume storage.

  • Whirlpool states that the WHM4612 offers 437 L, three baskets, 32 hours of storage time, a width of 140,5 cm and a depth of 69,8 cm.
  • These specifications apply to this precise model, and the required floor space must be measured carefully.

Bosch

Bosch is represented by large-capacity freestanding upright freezers for households that prioritise organised access through separate compartments.

  • According to Bosch, the GSN58AWCV offers 366 L, a No Frost system, 38 dB and a stated storage time of 13 hours.
  • The dimensions of 1910 × 700 × 780 mm mean you need to check the installation space, door opening and delivery route.

Electrolux

Electrolux is worth considering when a household is looking for a built-in fridge freezer rather than a standalone freezer.

  • The ENA6LE18S offers 73 L of freezer space out of 271 L in total, with a housing size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm and a stated storage time of 11,5 hours.
  • This freezer capacity is suitable for limited integrated storage, but may not be enough for very large supplies.

Joybuy products

This Joybuy selection features a fridge freezer for a kitchen with limited space and a need for additional frozen-food storage.

CHiQ JR263LGE 262 L Low Frost black fridge freezer

CHiQ JR263LGE 262 L Low Frost, 70/30

This fridge freezer is suitable for adding to your frozen-food storage in a compact kitchen, with a separate 75 L freezer compartment and three drawers.

Stated dimensions: 1760 × 540 × 550 mm; reversible door, N-ST climate class for 16 to 38 °C, 39 dB and a stated storage time of 10 hours in the event of a power cut.

The 75 L compartment may be too small for very large supplies. The Low Frost system requires periodic manual defrosting.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which figures on the energy label should you compare for a freezer?

Compare annual consumption in kWh, storage capacity and noise emissions between appliances of a similar type and capacity. According to the European Commission, the energy label for refrigeration appliances uses an A to G scale and displays this information.

Can a chest freezer be installed in a garage or cellar?

Yes, but only if the room temperature matches the model's climate class. Que Choisir recommends checking this for chest freezers installed in cellars or pantries; an SN-T class stated for one model does not automatically apply to other appliances.

Can storage time during a power cut be used to compare models?

Yes, it is useful for assessing how long frozen food will remain preserved during a breakdown or power cut. Compare the hours stated on each model's product information, without assuming that a chest or upright freezer will always offer longer storage time.

What legal protection applies when buying a freezer from a professional seller in France?

In France, the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to economie.gouv.fr. Keep the product description, invoice and documents relating to delivery or installation.

What should you do with your old freezer?

You can take it to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a retailer or give it to a social and solidarity economy organisation. Also check the collection arrangements offered by the seller before your new appliance is delivered.