If your fridge’s freezer compartment is no longer big enough, choose a dedicated freezer based on how much you need to store and how much space you have: a chest freezer prioritises storage capacity, an upright freezer makes portions easier to access, and a table-top or under-counter model is suitable for a smaller top-up. If your fridge is also short on space, consider a larger fridge freezer instead. In every case, check the usable capacity, dimensions and climate class for the room where it will go. If power cuts are a concern, check the model’s storage time during a power failure too.
If you prepare several meals in advance or buy a lot of frozen food, start by estimating how much you need to store at once. A chest freezer is worth considering if capacity matters more to you than having immediate access to every portion.
If you often need to find a particular meal or ingredient, the drawers in an upright freezer make it easier to keep different types of food separate. However, check that your containers will fit in the compartments.
If your choice is limited by the available width, height or floor space, a table-top or under-counter model can provide extra capacity. Measure the space first: a compact appliance may not offer enough room for the stock you need.
Consider one if: you want to stock up on a large amount and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom is less easy to reach than it would be in drawers.
Consider one if: you often take out portions and want to sort them into drawers.
Bear in mind: the compartments divide up the space available for larger containers.
Consider one if: you only need to store a small amount and have room for a compact appliance.
Bear in mind: its capacity may be too small for a substantial family-sized stock of food.
Consider one if: your main fridge is also short on space or needs replacing.
Bear in mind: check its freezer capacity separately, as it may not meet your needs if you want to store a large amount.
If you only need more room for frozen food, first work out how much you’ll need to store at most, then check the dimensions and installation requirements. If both compartments in your fridge are too small, compare the capacity of a new fridge freezer too.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Estimate the maximum amount of meals and frozen food you’ll need to store, then compare the usable capacity in litres of the models you’re considering. | I prepare meals in large quantities and want to store more than my fridge freezer can really hold. Around 25% of consumers make capacity their top priority. |
| Access to portions | Look at how the drawers or baskets are arranged and check there’s room for the containers you normally use. | I often take out a particular meal and want to find it without moving the rest of the food; easy-to-organise storage comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Size | Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the appliance. | I need to fit the appliance into a tight space, even if that means storing less. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Room and power cuts | Compare the room temperature with the model’s climate class; check its storage time during a power failure if power cuts are a concern. | My appliance will be installed in a room where the temperature varies, or I need to take power cuts into account. Around 15% of consumers prioritise these conditions. |
| Everyday running | Compare the kWh/an and noise levels stated for models with similar capacities and intended uses. | I want to take into account the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously; around 15% of consumers make this their top criterion. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers can offer considerably more capacity than standard upright models, but need more floor space. When comparing specific appliances, the European Commission says the energy label provides information including annual energy consumption, storage volumes and noise levels.
A chest freezer may fit in the space you’ve chosen but still not have enough clearance to lift the lid or reach the food.
Measure the installation area, delivery route and space needed to open the lid before comparing usable capacities.
The permitted ambient temperature range depends on the model. A feature advertised for certain appliances designed for unheated rooms does not apply to an entire range.
Check the usual temperature in the room, then compare it with the climate class and conditions specified for the exact model.
As ADEME points out, a freezer runs continuously. The energy rating letter alone tells you neither the annual energy consumption nor how much space you get.
Compare the kWh/an for models intended for similar uses and storage needs, as well as the volumes and noise levels shown on their energy labels.
The stated storage time during a power failure varies by model and deserves particular attention if power cuts are a factor in your choice.
Check the model’s technical specifications for its stated figure in hours, rather than trying to work it out from its type or size.
Worth considering, particularly for chest freezers, if frost management or installation in an unheated room is important to you.
Worth considering for extra under-counter storage when dimensions and available capacity are key.
Worth considering if you plan to install the appliance in a room where the ambient temperature varies.
Worth considering for upright freezers if you want to compare larger capacities and compartmentalised storage.
A chest freezer is a good choice if storage capacity and room for large containers are your priorities; an upright freezer makes it easier to organise food and take out portions regularly. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these types in terms of capacity and access: next, compare the usable capacity and layout of models that will fit in your space.
Yes, as long as the room temperature stays within the range specified for the model you choose. Compare the room temperature with its climate class; a feature for unheated rooms advertised on another model is not enough.
Check the model’s stated storage time during a power failure, in hours. If this figure isn’t shown in the product description, consult the technical documentation rather than trying to work it out from the capacity or type.
Start by comparing the annual energy consumption in kWh between appliances with similar storage capacity. The European Commission says the label also shows storage volumes and noise emissions: these details help you compare models without relying on the energy rating alone.