If you mainly need extra space for bulk shopping and have a suitable spot, consider a chest freezer. If you often take food out, an upright freezer with drawers can make it easier to keep everything organised. A larger fridge-freezer is worth considering if your fridge is also too small, but be sure to check how much space it has for frozen food. For all three options, compare the space needed when opening the appliance, its permitted ambient temperature, annual energy consumption and stated storage time in the event of a power cut.
If you stock up on frozen food or ready meals and have a spacious spot available, a chest freezer is worth considering. Whirlpool and Beko offer this style for bulk shopping, but make sure you’ll be able to reach food stored at the bottom.
If you use frozen food often, an upright freezer with drawers lets you organise food by category. Check the size of the compartments and the space needed to open the door before choosing this style.
If you’re short of space for both fresh and frozen food, a larger fridge-freezer lets you consider one appliance rather than adding another. Compare the capacity of its two compartments separately: the total capacity isn’t the same as the space available for frozen food.
First, decide whether you need extra storage, easy everyday access or a replacement fridge as well. The dimensions of the room and its ambient temperature may then rule out a model, whatever its capacity.
Consider it if: you buy in bulk and have space for an appliance that opens from the top.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to organise food stored at the bottom carefully to make it easy to find.
Consider it if: you open your freezer often and want to organise food in drawers.
Bear in mind: the compartments may limit how you store bulky packaging.
Consider it if: you also need to replace your fridge and would rather keep to one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is shared between fresh and frozen food.
| Priority | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Extra space for bulk shopping | Compare the freezer capacity with the bulk items you store, then measure the space available above a chest freezer’s lid. | When I buy large quantities, I want somewhere to store them without losing access to food at the bottom. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this storage need. |
| Everyday access to food | Check the size of the drawers or storage areas and the clearance needed in front of the door. | If I take frozen food out often, I want to find it without moving several packets. Around 33% of consumers put this need for easy access first. |
| Replacing your fridge-freezer | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately; also check the dimensions and how the doors open. | When both the fresh-food and freezer compartments are too small, I’d rather look at replacing the appliance than adding another one. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this option. |
To compare models that meet your needs, check their energy consumption in kWh/year, stated storage time in the event of a power cut and the ambient temperature range they’re designed for. ADEME recommends taking the room’s climate class into account; Que Choisir includes energy consumption and performance during a power cut in its freezer tests.
A fridge-freezer’s total capacity includes the fridge, while food in a chest freezer may be harder to reach. So a large capacity figure alone won’t tell you how much frozen food you can store and find easily.
Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity, then think about where you’ll put large bags, boxes and items you use often.
An unheated room may fall outside the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. ADEME recommends checking the climate class for the place where it will be installed.
Check the temperatures the room reaches and compare them with the range stated in the manual for the specific model.
The energy rating letter doesn’t replace comparing annual energy consumption or checking that the capacity suits your household.
Compare kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and uses. Don’t overlook freezer capacity or other features that matter for your home.
A chest freezer needs clearance above its lid; an upright freezer or fridge-freezer needs room for its doors to open. The route to the installation spot matters just as much as the space the appliance takes up once it’s in place.
Measure the space, door clearance and delivery access before ordering. If the door opening direction is important, check whether it’s reversible on the model’s product page.
Beko offers chest and upright freezers to consider based on the space you have and how you like to store food.
The range includes chest freezers and fridge-freezers, which you can compare by their dimensions and the capacity dedicated to each purpose.
Whirlpool offers chest and upright freezers. Compare both styles with the space available and how often you need to access your food.
Bosch upright freezers may suit households that prefer vertical storage and compartments that fit their packaging.
Compare the stated storage times for the specific models, making sure the conditions given are comparable. Que Choisir describes this as the length of time food remains frozen during a power cut. In its test procedure, the organisation simulates a power cut and measures how long food stays at below −9 °C. Don’t assume storage time based on whether it’s a chest or upright freezer.
Check annual energy consumption in kWh/year as well as the energy rating, then compare appliances with similar capacities and uses. Check freezer capacity, noise levels and the features you need for your installation separately: the rating letter won’t answer these questions.
Yes, if the model’s recommended ambient temperature range covers the temperatures in the room. ADEME advises checking this range before buying. A feature advertised by Beko or Liebherr for certain models won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
No. Manufacturers describe No Frost as a way to limit or prevent frost forming in the relevant compartment, but it doesn’t replace cleaning or checking the seals. Also confirm that the model you’re considering has this feature.
You can look into the options listed by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition: a collection point or recycling centre, a retailer, or a social and solidarity economy organisation. If you’re having a new appliance delivered, ask the seller how collection of your old one works.