Households that buy in bulk or prepare meals in advance
Extra freezer space can accommodate larger grocery shops, prepared portions or bulky products. The main choice is between maximum capacity and how easy it is to find each item.
Which households is it for?
Households with limited kitchen floor space
An upright or under-counter model may fit better than a chest freezer, provided you check the dimensions of the space and the genuinely usable net capacity.
Households considering a garage, cellar or utility room
The room’s usual temperature and the model’s climate class are crucial. Capacity claims for an unheated room do not automatically apply to every freezer.
Essential buying criteria
Start by working out how much you need to store and how much space is actually available. Then compare the layout, installation conditions and information shown on the energy label.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and footprint | Compare the net freezer capacity, unpackaged dimensions and the space needed to open the appliance. For a combined appliance, look at the capacity of the frozen-food compartment rather than the total capacity. | I want to store extra groceries and meals without blocking the walkway, kitchen or access to the appliance. |
| Access and defrosting | Check the drawers, compartments, baskets and defrosting procedure. Look for No Frost or Low Frost only when the feature is explicitly stated for the model. | I need to find portions quickly and prevent storage from becoming difficult when frost builds up. |
| Installation room and power cuts | Match the climate class to the room temperature. Also compare the stated storage time during a power cut and any temperature or door-open alerts. | My freezer may be placed in a utility room, cellar or garage, where the temperature can differ from that of the kitchen. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the energy class, annual consumption in kWh, noise level in dB and the EPREL reference where available. | I want to assess appliances that run continuously, especially if the appliance will be installed near a living area. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a chest freezer for its capacity without measuring the space
Chest freezers take up more floor space. Que Choisir commonly cites a width of 110 to 140 cm and a depth of around 70 cm, depending on the model.
Measure the width, depth, height, delivery route and lid clearance before comparing litre capacities. If floor space is the main constraint, also consider upright and under-counter models.
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Installing the appliance in a cold room without checking its climate class
The climate class specifies the ambient temperature conditions expected in the installation room. Suitability for operation in an unheated space must be confirmed for the specific model.
Note the usual minimum and maximum temperatures in the room, then check the climate class and the exact model’s instructions before buying.
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Comparing only litre capacity and ignoring access to the food
A chest freezer is suitable for storing large quantities, but food placed at the bottom requires more organisation. The drawers in an upright freezer generally make it easier to sort portions; frost can also reduce the available space.
For food you use frequently, prioritise drawers, baskets or dividers. If manual defrosting is a concern, look for a No Frost or Low Frost function that is explicitly stated, and check the instructions.
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Buying a larger fridge freezer without checking the freezer compartment
The total capacity of a combined appliance includes the refrigerator section. The net capacity of the frozen-food compartment is the useful figure when assessing your frozen-food storage.
Before choosing this alternative, compare the net freezer capacity, storage time during a power cut, annual consumption and noise level with those of a separate freezer. EPREL brings these parameters together for applicable models sold in the European Union.
Brands to know for this type of freezer
Beko
A brand worth considering when comparing chest, upright and under-counter freezers, particularly when you need a large capacity or a format suited to the kitchen.
- Beko states that some appliances equipped with Freezer Guard can operate in an unheated room down to -15 °C; this feature must be checked on the specific model’s product details.
- On some chest freezers, the brand presents MinFrost as a solution that reduces frost build-up, but this feature should not be assumed across the entire range.
Whirlpool
A useful reference when comparing drawer-style upright freezers and No Frost versions where frequent access to portions and vertical organisation are important.
- Whirlpool presents the upright format as supporting organisation, visibility and access to food thanks to its vertical design.
- For the UW8 F2D WHBI N 2 model, Whirlpool states No Frost and 24 hours’ storage time during a power cut; these features are specific to this model and do not apply to the entire range.
Electrolux
A brand to consider for an integrated or compact freezer when fitting the appliance under a worktop is the priority.
- The Electrolux LUB3AE88S illustrates an integrated 98 L model with LowFrost, a stated storage time during a power cut of 12.7 hours, consumption of 177 kWh/year and a noise level of 34 dB.
- These figures are specific to the LUB3AE88S: capacity, noise and installation conditions must be checked separately for each compact model.
Joybuy options
Joybuy options for increasing household storage for prepared meals, bulk grocery shops and frozen food, with upright, chest and compact formats.
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Heinrich’s 161 L No Frost upright freezer
A vertical format for organising portions and groceries across three drawers and two shelves.
Energy class C, Fast Freeze function down to -22 °C, LED display, alarm and reversible door hinge stated.
Check the dimensions, climate class and storage time during a power cut before choosing the installation room.
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AUCMA 291 L convertible chest freezer
A large compartment for bulk shopping or preparing meals in quantity, with a removable basket for smaller items.
Stated dimensions: 1100 × 597 × 872 mm; energy class E, 226 kWh/year, 38 dB, LED lighting and a defrost drain.
Check the climate class and storage time during a power cut before installing it in a garage or cellar.
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CHiQ JR99DWE 99 L chest freezer
A compact chest freezer for adding extra storage where space is limited, with a removable wire basket and sliding lid.
Stated dimensions: 54.5 × 47.6 × 83.5 cm; energy class E, noise level of 39 dB, adjustable thermostat and freezing capacity of 4.5 kg/24 h.
Manual defrosting is required when the frost exceeds 5 mm; also check the climate class and storage time before installing it outside a heated kitchen.
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COMFEE’ RCU60WH2(E) 60 L upright freezer
A compact under-counter option for keeping a few portions separate, with two shelves with flaps and a bottom drawer.
Stated dimensions: 47.5 × 44.5 × 84.5 cm; energy class E, stated temperature down to -24 °C, freezing capacity of 6 kg/24 h, reversible door and adjustable feet.
Its 60 L capacity is mainly suitable for limited storage; check the climate class, storage time and noise level for the intended room.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR 140 L chest freezer
Medium-capacity storage for prepared meals and extra groceries, with a basket and stay-open lid.
Stated dimensions: 637 × 556 × 846 mm; energy class E, adjustable mechanical control, castors, adjustable feet and a front drain for cleaning.
One basket is stated: plan how you will organise items by depth, and check the climate class and storage time before installing it in an unheated room.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a freezer in a garage, cellar or unheated room?
Yes, but only if the room’s ambient temperature falls within the range covered by the climate class specified for the chosen model. ADEME recommends checking the recommended temperature for the room where the appliance will be installed; a feature such as Freezer Guard down to -15 °C, advertised by Beko, applies only to appliances equipped with it.
Which details should you compare on the energy label of a freezer sold in France?
At a minimum, compare the energy class, annual consumption, capacity of the frozen-food compartment or compartments and stated noise level. The European energy-labelling regulation covers, among other things, mains-operated refrigeration appliances larger than 10 L and up to 1,500 L; EPREL allows you to view the main parameters for applicable models in the European Union.
Does a No Frost appliance still need defrosting?
A No Frost function is designed to prevent or limit frost build-up, depending on the model; check that it is included in the product documentation. For an appliance where ice builds up, Electrolux recommends defrosting when the layer reaches around 3 to 5 mm and advises against using sharp objects.
What protection applies after buying a freezer from a professional retailer in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the seller must provide goods that conform to the contract; a commercial warranty is separate from this statutory protection.