Families who meal-prep in advance
Being able to find portions quickly and rotate your supplies can make the internal layout just as important as capacity. Que Choisir’s guide highlights the importance of drawers that are easy to use.
Who is this choice for?
Households that buy in bulk
A chest freezer may suit you if you want more storage, provided you have enough floor space and can reach food stored at the bottom. Que Choisir notes that ease of use is also an important factor.
Households short on space
To add freezer capacity without taking up much floor space, compare the dimensions and door opening of an under-counter appliance with your installation requirements. If you’re also replacing your fridge, assess the freezer capacity of a large fridge-freezer separately.
What to compare
Upright freezer
Worth considering: if you check your frozen supplies often and want to sort portions into drawers.
Check: that the drawers open fully, are easy to use and fit beneath the available ceiling height.
Chest freezer
Worth considering: if you store large quantities or bulky packs and have a suitable space.
Check: that there’s enough room to open the lid and reach food stored beneath the baskets.
Table-top or under-counter freezer
Worth considering: to add extra storage in a suitable low-level space.
Check: that the model’s capacity suits the amount you need to store; this type may offer less available space.
Large fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you also need to replace your fridge and want both functions in one appliance.
Check: the freezer capacity, which is separate from the total capacity, as well as the appliance’s overall dimensions.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the litres of freezer capacity, not the total capacity of a fridge-freezer. If you freeze lots of food in one go, also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If I prepare large quantities, I want to make sure all the portions and containers will fit; around 25 % of consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Access and storage | Check the number and layout of drawers or baskets, their dimensions and how easy it is to reach products once the appliance is full. | If I rotate portions regularly, I want to find them without rummaging at the bottom; around 25 % of consumers prioritise access and organisation. |
| Available space and room temperature | Measure the space, access routes and clearance needed to open the appliance. Check the manual for the permitted temperatures for the exact model. | If space is limited or the room is cold, I want to know whether the appliance will fit and open properly; around 20 % of consumers prioritise how well it fits in their home. |
| Storage time during a power cut | Check the stated number of hours for the exact model; this varies between models. | To prepare for a power cut, I want to compare the stated storage times for different appliances; around 15 % of consumers consider this their priority. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Check the kWh/year and freezer capacity on the label, then see whether the model needs manual defrosting. | If I’m adding another appliance, I want to factor in its ongoing energy use and maintenance; around 15 % of consumers prioritise running costs. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing total capacity with freezer capacity
A fridge-freezer’s total capacity also includes the fridge compartment. LG’s product details for the GML844PZ6F give a total capacity of 506 L, including 220 L for the freezer.
Compare the litres dedicated to freezing before considering the appliances’ total capacity.
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Choosing based on litres alone
How easy it is to reach the bottom of a chest freezer, use the drawers and open the door or lid all affect everyday use.
Measure the space available for opening the appliance and check that you’ll be able to reach the containers once it’s full.
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Assuming any freezer will work in a cold garage
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model, not just the type of freezer. Haier and Whirlpool state that the H4F272WCH1 and W3RHS37EW1 models respectively can be used down to −15 °C; this does not apply to other appliances.
Compare the temperature in your room with the operating range and installation instructions for the model you choose.
Brands and models to know
Bosch
The GSN33VWEP and GTV15NWEB models are examples of an upright freezer with a capacity of 225 L and an under-counter appliance with a capacity of 83 L, respectively.
- Bosch states that the GSN33VWEP has No Frost and a freezing capacity of 19,0 kg/24 h.
- The GTV15NWEB is not No Frost and has a stated freezing capacity of 4,0 kg/24 h. These specifications apply to these models, not to every Bosch range.
Whirlpool
The W3RHS37EW1 chest freezer is an example of a spacious 371 L model, with three baskets listed by Whirlpool France.
- Whirlpool France states that this model offers 36 h of storage time during a power cut and can operate down to −15 °C.
- At 133 cm wide, with a top-opening lid, you’ll need to check the space available and allow room to open it. These specifications apply to this model only.
Haier
According to Haier France, the H4F272WCH1 upright freezer offers 276 L of capacity and four drawers, a layout worth considering if organising your supplies is important.
- Haier states that this model has Total No Frost and can be used indoors at temperatures down to −15 °C.
- Check the manual and installation clearances; these specifications do not apply to every Haier upright freezer.
Liebherr
The Fd 1404 and CFd 2085 models are examples of a 107 L table-top appliance and a 248 L chest freezer, respectively.
- Liebherr says SmartFrost reduces frost build-up on these models and states that the CFd 2085 has FrostProtect down to −15 °C.
- Reducing frost build-up does not mean you’ll never need to defrost the appliance. Don’t assume FrostProtect applies to the Fd 1404 without checking its documentation.
LG
The GML844PZ6F multi-door fridge-freezer is an example of a model that replaces two appliances with one.
- LG France states that this model has a total capacity of 506 L, including 220 L of freezer space, and uses 392 kWh/year.
- LG’s product details showed the status “Discontinued” on 23 October 2026; check availability before choosing this model. Its total capacity is not the same as its freezer capacity.
Freezers on Joybuy
These models include upright and chest freezers to add to your household’s freezer capacity, from compact options to larger storage solutions.
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Heinrich´s 161 L No Frost upright freezer
The upright design with drawers may suit you if you want to keep your frozen supplies separate.
Stated capacity: 161 L; three drawers and two shelves. This model is listed as non-integrated.
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AUCMA 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for chest freezer storage and can allow for top access.
Stated capacity: 291 L; energy rating E; removable basket and convertible fridge-freezer function. Allow for a minimum ventilation clearance of 10 cm around the appliance.
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AUCMA 141 L convertible chest freezer
This chest freezer may suit you if you need extra storage and a top-opening lid works for your space.
Stated capacity: 141 L; removable basket and convertible fridge-freezer function. Listed dimensions: 632 × 554 × 848 mm; allow enough space to open the lid.
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CHiQ JR99DWE 99 L chest freezer
A more compact chest freezer may be a good way to add frozen storage, as long as you can easily reach food beneath the basket.
Stated capacity: 99 L; stated freezing capacity: 4,5 kg/24 h; removable basket. Manual defrosting is recommended when frost exceeds 5 mm.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E) 60 L upright freezer
This compact freezer with drawers may be a good way to add capacity in a suitable under-counter space.
Stated capacity: 60 L; three drawers, adjustable temperature and reversible door. Listed dimensions: 44,5 × 47,5 × 84,5 cm.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare a large fridge-freezer with a separate freezer?
First compare the litres available in the freezer compartments, then the dimensions and kWh/year of the models you’re considering. For example, LG states that the GML844PZ6F has a total capacity of 506 L, including 220 L of freezer space; the European label lists the capacity of each compartment separately.
Can you install any freezer in a cold garage?
No. Check the permitted temperature range for the exact model and follow its installation instructions. Haier and Whirlpool state that the H4F272WCH1 and W3RHS37EW1 models respectively can be used down to −15 °C; this feature can’t be assumed for another model.
Will you need to defrost a freezer?
It depends on the model and its technology. Bosch states that the GSN33VWEP has No Frost, but the GTV15NWEB does not; Liebherr describes SmartFrost on the Fd 1404 as reducing frost build-up, not eliminating it. Check the manual for the model you choose.
What should you check on the energy label in France?
For covered household fridges and freezers, the European label includes the energy rating, annual energy consumption and compartment capacities, among other details. The DGCCRF states that the label and product information sheet must be written in French; these information requirements do not set a minimum rating for buyers.