Households that like to stock up
If the freezer compartment in your fridge-freezer can no longer keep up with your shopping or batch cooking, first decide whether you want to add a separate freezer or replace your fridge as well.
Who is this choice for?
Households that check their frozen food often
If you regularly separate ready meals from other food, the drawers in an upright freezer can make it easier to keep everything organised. Check the layout and allow enough room to open the door.
Households with limited space
A small kitchen may call for a compact model. If you’re planning to put it in an unheated cellar or garage, first check the ambient temperature range the specific appliance is designed for.
What should you prioritise?
To decide between adding an appliance and replacing your fridge-freezer, start with your main need, then check that the format you choose will suit the room.
Upright freezer
Consider this if: you want to organise frozen food in drawers or compartments and reach it often.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough height and room for the door to open; capacity and storage time in the event of a power cut vary by model.
Chest freezer
Consider this if: you want extra freezer space and have room on the floor, as well as clearance above the lid.
Bear in mind: the top-opening design can make it harder to find smaller items.
Small upright freezer
Consider this if: space is limited and you only need a modest amount of extra storage.
Bear in mind: check the usable capacity and dimensions before relying on this format to store food for the whole family.
Large fridge-freezer
Consider this if: your current fridge also needs replacing.
Bear in mind: the total capacity isn’t the same as the freezer capacity, so compare the latter with the amount you usually store.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the usable freezer capacity in litres with the amount you usually store. Don’t confuse it with freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | When my current compartment is full after a shop or a batch-cooking session, all I really want is extra room for my food stocks. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Organisation and access | Look at the layout of the drawers, compartments or baskets, and how the appliance opens. | If I reach for frozen food often, I want to find each type without moving everything else around. This would be the main need for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space required | Measure the appliance, the delivery route and the clearance needed for the door or lid. | In a kitchen where every bit of space matters, the appliance first needs to fit and open properly. Around 21% of consumers would put this constraint first. |
| Location and food storage | Check that the model’s ambient temperature range suits the room you have in mind, and compare its stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | If I’m installing it in an unheated room, I need to know whether the appliance is designed for the temperatures it will usually experience. The risk of a power cut matters too. Around 14% of consumers would make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming any freezer will work in a cold garage
A chest or upright design doesn’t guarantee that an appliance will work in an unheated room. Beko’s stated compatibility for certain Freezer Guard models, and Liebherr’s for certain FrostProtect chest freezers, doesn’t apply across their entire ranges.
Note the usual temperature range in the room and compare it with the range specified in the documentation for the exact model.
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Choosing based on litre capacity alone
A suitable capacity can still be inconvenient if you often have to search through stacked food. The drawers in an upright freezer and top access to a chest freezer suit different ways of organising your food stocks.
Think about the food you reach for most often, then check the drawers, baskets and opening options.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
When assessing energy use, the rating alone isn’t enough: compare appliances with a similar format and capacity. UFC-Que Choisir measures the energy use of the appliances it tests at 25 °C and 32 °C, highlighting the importance of ambient conditions.
Compare the stated consumption in kWh/year and check that the operating temperature range suits the location you have in mind.
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Confusing an extended warranty with your statutory rights
An extended warranty offered by a retailer doesn’t replace the statutory guarantee of conformity that applies to relevant purchases in France. Check what additional cover it provides.
Before taking one out, compare the cover, exclusions and claims process with your statutory rights.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Beko
Beko’s range includes upright freezers, with features such as drawers, No Frost and a reversible door on selected models.
- Beko says that Freezer Guard is available on selected models designed for unheated rooms, with a stated limit of down to −15 °C on some appliances.
- For a cellar or garage, check the temperature range for the specific model rather than assuming it applies to the whole range.
Bosch
The range includes freestanding freezers, including compact models worth considering if kitchen space is limited.
- As an example of a specific model, Bosch lists the GTV15NWEB as having an 83 l capacity, dimensions of 850 × 560 × 580 mm and a stated storage time of 16 h in the event of a power cut.
- These specifications don’t apply to other Bosch models. Also check how much space the appliance you choose needs around it.
Liebherr
Liebherr offers chest freezers worth considering if you have floor space and are thinking of installing one in an unheated room.
- The brand states that FrostProtect is available on selected appliances, which are compatible with temperatures down to −15 °C.
- This doesn’t apply to every chest freezer. Check the documentation for your chosen model against the temperatures in your room.
Products to suit your preferred format
These models show two ways to make more room for frozen food: replace your fridge with a large fridge-freezer, or add a separate freezer. First choose the option that suits your setup, then compare the specifications of the exact model.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge-freezer, 360 l
Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge as well as adding freezer space, rather than buying a separate appliance.
The title lists a total capacity of 360 l, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the freezer compartment capacity and the dimensions required for installation separately.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door fridge-freezer, 467 l
This option is for households looking to replace their fridge while also rethinking their freezer space.
The title lists a total capacity of 467 l, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before choosing, compare the freezer capacity and the space needed for the four doors with your actual needs.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 l upright freezer
Worth considering if you want a small amount of extra freezer space without replacing your fridge. Check that it offers enough room for your food stocks.
The title lists three drawers, a reversible door, freestanding installation and an E energy rating. Measure the space and check the model’s installation requirements.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 l chest freezer
Worth considering if you’d rather add a chest freezer and can access food from above.
The title lists a removable basket, sliding lid, adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Check there’s enough clearance for the lid. If you’re installing it in a garage or cellar, also check the model’s ambient temperature range.
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Heinrich´s, 161 l upright freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering if you’re adding a separate freezer and want to organise your food stocks in drawers.
The title lists No Frost, three freezer drawers, an LED display, a reversible door hinge, an alarm and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions, which way the door can open and the ambient temperature range before installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install any freezer in an unheated garage?
No. Check the ambient temperature range specified for the exact model and compare it with the temperatures in your garage. Features designed for unheated rooms only apply to appliances specifically identified by the manufacturer, not to every chest or upright freezer.
What should I compare on a freezer’s energy label?
Compare the energy rating and stated annual consumption, ideally across models with a similar capacity and format. The label doesn’t replace the need to check freezer capacity, noise levels and whether the appliance is suitable for the room where it will be installed.
How should I factor in power cuts before buying?
Compare the stated storage time in the event of a power cut for the models you’re considering, taking the test conditions into account. In its testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir assesses how long food stays below −9 °C during a simulated power cut. A stated figure shouldn’t be taken as a promise that food will stay frozen in every circumstance.
Does an extended warranty replace your statutory guarantee?
No. For a freezer bought from a professional retailer in France, any commercial warranty is separate from the statutory guarantee of conformity. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under this statutory guarantee for both new and second-hand goods. Check what extra cover the extended warranty offers and the terms that apply.