For building up a large stock of food or storing bulky items, choose a chest freezer if you have enough floor space. An upright freezer makes it easier to access portions regularly, thanks to its drawers. An under-counter model is suitable for extra storage, while a fridge freezer can save you from buying a separate appliance, but only if its freezer compartment is large enough for your needs.
If you buy in bulk or cook in large quantities, check the freezer capacity and the space available for bulky containers. Que Choisir highlights the large capacity of chest freezers in particular, but you’ll still need a suitable space for the appliance you choose.
If you often take out frozen meals or ingredients, accessible drawers can make it easier to organise food by category. With a chest freezer, plan how to arrange things so smaller portions don’t get left at the bottom.
If the appliance needs to fit in a kitchen, pantry or garage, measure the space needed for opening and ventilation too. Bosch Électroménager France and Electrolux France both stress the importance of the climate class and the installation instructions for each model.
Start by thinking about the type of food you store and the space you actually have, then compare the freezer capacity of each appliance.
Consider it: for bulk buys, large containers or substantial food stocks, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: the open compartment needs to be organised using baskets or categories, so you can find food at the bottom.
Consider it: if you regularly take out portions and want to keep them separate in drawers.
Bear in mind: drawers divide up the space, so check that bulky containers will fit and that you’ll be able to open the drawers once the appliance is in place.
Consider it: when fitting the appliance under a worktop is a priority and you need extra storage.
Bear in mind: compare its freezer capacity with your usual stocks before relying on this format to replace a larger appliance.
Consider it: if you also need to replace your fridge and its freezer compartment is large enough for your needs.
Bear in mind: the total capacity of a fridge freezer is not the same as its freezer capacity. Compare only the latter with your needs.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Usable freezer capacity in litres and the dimensions of the containers you want to store; freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you regularly add large amounts of fresh food. | If you want to store bulk buys and prepared food without overfilling your existing compartment, usable capacity comes first. Around 36% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Access to food | The number and dimensions of drawers or baskets, and the space needed to open them. | If you often take out portions, being able to organise and find them easily matters more than having one large compartment. Easy access is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Where it will go | Dimensions, clearances specified in the instructions and a climate class suited to the room. | In a narrow kitchen or a room where the temperature varies, the appliance must first be suitable for installation and operation in the intended conditions. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Power cuts and usage | Advertised power-cut storage time in hours, ambient temperature range and annual energy consumption in kWh. | If power cuts or high room temperatures are a concern, how long the appliance keeps food cold becomes a key factor. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A large compartment doesn’t necessarily make it easy to reach food stored at the bottom. You also need to make sure it will fit in the room with the lid open.
Measure the appliance, the route to its intended position and the space needed to open it. If you choose a chest freezer, plan to use baskets or containers to keep different types of food separate.
The climate class sets the ambient temperature range the model is designed for. Bosch Électroménager France says this range varies by class, while Electrolux France also recommends leaving space for air to circulate around the appliance.
Compare the usual and extreme temperatures in the room with the rating plate and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
Some of that capacity is used for refrigeration. As an example of one configuration, Electrolux France lists 62 L of freezer capacity for the ENP7MD18S integrated fridge freezer. This figure, rather than its total capacity, is the relevant one when assessing freezer storage.
Compare the capacity in litres of the freezer compartment alone with the amount of food you want to store.
Two models with similar capacities don’t necessarily offer the same advertised storage time during a power cut. This is particularly worth checking if a power interruption is a concern for your household.
Compare the stated time in hours, if available, and also check that the climate class is suitable for the room where you plan to install the appliance.
The range includes freestanding upright and chest freezers. Check the climate class and power-cut storage time for each model rather than assuming they’re the same across the brand.
Its chest freezers are worth considering if your household needs plenty of storage and you have a suitable space for one.
Its fridge freezers are worth considering if you’re also planning a kitchen update, but don’t assume they’ll replace a large, separate freezer.
These Joybuy appliances offer different ways to increase your household’s food storage: an upright freezer with drawers, several chest freezers for extra capacity and a fridge freezer to consider if you’re replacing your fridge too. Compare their freezer capacity with your stocks before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to sort portions in a separate freezer: the product name specifies three drawers and a capacity of 161 L. This may not be enough for large bulk buys, so also check the dimensions, climate class and installation instructions for the room you have in mind.
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This chest freezer could provide extra storage if 99 L is enough for your needs. Its name specifies a removable basket to keep some food separate. Before choosing where to put it, measure the space needed to open the lid and check the installation requirements.
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Compare it with smaller chest freezers if you need more room for household food stocks. The product title specifies a capacity of 140 L, a storage basket and a counterbalanced lid. Check that the lid can open where you plan to put it and that the room meets the model’s installation requirements.
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This fridge freezer is mainly suited to households that also want to replace their fridge. Its name specifies four doors and Total No Frost technology. To decide whether it could replace a separate freezer, compare the capacity of its freezer compartment alone with your stocks, then check the dimensions and installation clearances.
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This model may suit you if you need extra storage rather than a large family-sized freezer. Its name specifies a capacity of 95 L, a removable basket and a convertible fridge-freezer mode. Check the setting that suits how you plan to use it, as well as the climate class and installation instructions.
For household food stocks, start with the freezer capacity in litres, then check the annual energy consumption in kWh and the noise level. The European Commission says these details appear on the labels of fridges and freezers. Compare models with a capacity that meets your needs.
Yes, provided the room temperature stays within the range specified for the model’s climate class and the installation allows for the ventilation required by the manufacturer. Check the rating plate and instructions: simply labelling a space as a ‘garage’ or ‘cellar’ doesn’t mean it’s suitable.
Yes, follow the clearances specified for your model. Electrolux France recommends leaving space for air to circulate around the appliance. Also measure the room needed to open the door or lid fully.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years from the date the goods are delivered. Any commercial warranty is in addition to this and does not replace it. Keep your purchase and delivery documents so you can identify the model and delivery date.