If your current fridge freezer is big enough but you’re short on space for frozen meals, adding a freezer is the better option. An upright freezer makes it easier to access portions regularly, while a chest freezer suits bulk storage if you’re happy to reach in from the top. A small model can meet a limited need for extra space; consider a larger fridge freezer if both compartments in your current appliance are too small. Either way, measure the space and check that the model’s climate class is suitable for the room temperature.
Whether an extra appliance is worthwhile depends as much on how you use your frozen food as on how much extra space you need.
If you freeze portions or split bulk purchases into batches, look for extra capacity where your containers are easy to find. UFC-Que Choisir includes size, capacity and internal layout among the criteria for choosing a freezer.
For bulky packs or food you take out less often, compare chest and upright freezers without focusing only on the stated capacity. The position of the baskets, access to the bottom of a chest freezer and the stated storage time during a power cut can all affect everyday use.
A narrow kitchen, cellar or garage calls for two separate checks: the space needed to open the appliance and the room temperature. ADEME recommends checking that the expected ambient temperature is within the freezer’s climate class.
First decide whether you’re only short of freezer space or whether your fridge also needs replacing. Then choose the type of extra storage that suits how often you take out frozen meals.
Consider it: if you take out portions often and want to organise them in drawers or on shelves.
Bear in mind: check that the interior layout can accommodate your containers and that the door can open fully in the space available.
Consider it: if you mainly store bulk purchases or large containers and have enough room to open the lid.
Bear in mind: smaller items stored underneath others can be harder to find quickly; check the baskets and access to the bottom.
Consider it: if you only need space for a few extra portions and limited headroom restricts your options.
Bear in mind: check the storage capacity before relying on this size for a large household’s supplies.
Consider it: if both the fridge and freezer compartments are too small, or a second appliance would get in the way.
Bear in mind: this option replaces your main appliance rather than adding separate storage; compare the capacity of each compartment individually.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and space | Compare storage capacity, external dimensions and the space needed to open the appliance. | If I want to store bulk purchases without blocking the way, I need an appliance that genuinely fits in the room. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this combination of capacity and footprint. |
| Access to portions | Check the drawers, shelves or baskets against the sizes of the containers you use. | When I often take out a frozen meal, I want to find it without moving everything else. Easy access and organisation would be the main priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Installation and use | Check the room temperature against the climate class; also compare kWh/year and noise levels for appliances with the same purpose. | Whether it’s in a cellar, garage or kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance somewhere suitable and take its everyday use into account. This would be the priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Power cuts | Check the stated storage time in hours for the exact model, rather than estimating it from its design. | If power cuts are a real concern, I want to know how long the appliance I’m relying on to store my supplies will keep food frozen. Around 15% of consumers would prioritise this storage time. |
The European Commission says that the energy label for relevant fridges and freezers provides information including energy consumption, storage volumes and noise levels. If you’re installing an appliance in a room where temperatures vary, ADEME advises checking the model’s expected ambient temperature range; the energy label doesn’t replace this check.
The stated capacity won’t tell you whether the door or lid can open fully, or whether your portions will be easy to reach once everything is stored.
Measure the space and clearance needed to open the appliance, then check that the interior layout suits the boxes and bags you plan to store.
The temperature in these rooms can vary with the seasons. According to ADEME, the climate class helps you check whether the freezer is suitable for the expected ambient temperature.
Check the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures and compare them with the range specified for the exact model.
Appliances with different capacities or intended uses won’t necessarily meet the same storage needs. The label shown by the European Commission also gives annual energy consumption, capacity and noise levels.
Compare these details together for models that meet the same needs; if necessary, check the model’s full information in EPREL.
An upright and a chest freezer won’t automatically have the same stated storage time during a power cut. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses how well food is kept frozen by simulating a power cut as part of its testing process.
If power cuts matter to your choice, check the stated storage time in hours for each model you’re considering.
These examples highlight features to check on specific models, not characteristics shared by every appliance from a particular brand.
A brand to look at if you’re comparing chest freezers and want to check the climate class and stated storage time of the model you choose.
Worth considering if an upright freezer’s storage layout and the effort needed to maintain it matter for frequent use.
Worth looking at among chest freezers if frost management and opening the lid are important to you.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for an upright freezer and want to check capacity, energy use, noise and storage time by model.
These chest and upright freezers can provide extra storage, from a small top-up to larger capacities. If your current fridge compartment is also short on space, compare the option of a larger fridge freezer separately before adding another appliance.
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Worth considering for extra storage that’s accessed from above, if you have enough room to open the lid. The product name lists fridge or freezer modes, an E energy-efficiency rating, LED lighting and a removable basket. Before installing it in a garage or another room where temperatures vary, check the climate class for this model; also check its storage time during a power cut if that’s a concern.
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This size is worth considering if you only need space for a few extra portions rather than a large reserve. The product name lists three drawers, a reversible door and an E energy-efficiency rating. Check the dimensions and clearance needed before considering installation under a worktop; also check the climate class, kWh/year and storage time according to your priorities.
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This chest freezer could suit a mid-sized storage need if you’re happy to access it from the top. Its name lists a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid, temperature control and an E energy-efficiency rating. Check that you can reach items beneath the basket and open the lid fully; check the model’s climate class, kWh/year and storage time to complete your comparison.
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Worth considering for extra storage if you’d prefer a chest freezer to upright storage. The product name lists a removable basket, an adjustable thermostat and an E energy-efficiency rating. Make sure you can reach the bottom of the freezer and bear in mind the maintenance involved in manual defrosting; check this model’s climate class, annual energy consumption and storage time against the location you have in mind.
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This size is worth comparing if you regularly access portions stored in separate compartments. The product name lists a No Frost function, an alarm, a reversible door hinge and a C energy-efficiency rating. Measure the available space and check the model’s dimensions, climate class, kWh/year and storage time before deciding.
Yes, provided the room temperature stays within the range specified for your chosen model and you follow the installation instructions. ADEME recommends checking the advised ambient temperature. For example, Beko France lists an SN-T class of 10 °C to 43 °C for the CF200EWN: don’t assume this range applies to another appliance.
For the household appliances covered, compare the energy-efficiency rating, annual energy consumption, storage volumes and noise levels between models suited to the same purpose. The European Commission says this information is shown on the label; the QR code links to the model’s detailed information in EPREL. Check the climate class separately for the room where you plan to install it.
Yes, if a power cut poses a real risk to the food you plan to store. Check the stated time for the exact model: Beko France lists 36 h for the CF200EWN, while Whirlpool France states 24 h for the UW8 F2D WHBI N 2. These figures for two specific models aren’t enough to compare every chest and upright freezer.
Not necessarily: No Frost mainly removes the need to defrost models equipped with the feature. If you often take out portions, compare the upright freezer’s layout; for bulky purchases, also look at the space and access a chest freezer offers. In either case, check the capacity, location and specifications of the exact model.