If your fridge’s freezer compartment is no longer big enough, start by choosing a format that suits the space you have and the way you access your food. A chest freezer is ideal for storing larger quantities if you have enough floor space, while an upright freezer makes it easier to organise food on different levels. A compact model can meet a more modest need for extra space. A large fridge-freezer is worth considering if you also want to replace your fridge, but be sure to compare the capacity of its freezer compartment alone. Whichever you choose, check the installation dimensions, the specified ambient temperature range, annual energy consumption and stated power-cut storage time.
If you buy in bulk or prepare meals in advance, compare the available freezer capacity with that of your current appliance. Que Choisir highlights the benefits of a dedicated freezer for larger families, although the floor space it takes up remains a key consideration, especially with a chest freezer.
If you regularly need to find food stored by category, consider the drawers in an upright freezer or the baskets in a chest freezer. The number of storage compartments is no substitute for checking that you can open the appliance where you plan to put it.
In a kitchen or utility room, the appliance’s width isn’t the only thing to consider. You’ll also need to allow room for the door or lid to open, follow the specified ventilation requirements and make sure the ambient temperature is suitable for the model.
To increase your freezer space, first narrow down the formats based on where you’ll put the appliance and how you want to access your food. Then compare the specifications of the model you’re considering, rather than assuming its energy consumption or power-cut storage time based on its design.
Consider this if: you need plenty of storage and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom is less easy to reach.
Consider this if: you open the appliance frequently and want to organise food on different levels.
Bear in mind: compare its capacity with that of the chest freezer you’re considering; don’t assume they offer the same amount of storage.
Consider this if: you only need a little extra space and have a small area for installation.
Bear in mind: check the usable capacity before planning to store a large family supply.
Consider this if: you also need to replace your fridge or would prefer one large appliance.
Bear in mind: some of its total capacity is for chilled food, not frozen food.
| Criterion | What to check | Which consumers? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity and floor space | Compare the net capacity, then measure the floor space and clearance needed for the lid. | When bulk shopping takes up more space than my current fridge-freezer can provide, I’m looking for a larger freezer, as long as I have room to install it. Around 37% of consumers prioritise this need for capacity. |
| Access and organisation | Check the drawers or baskets and make sure you can use them where you plan to put the appliance. | If I often take food out of the freezer, I want to find what I need without moving the rest of my supplies. Easy, organised access is the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Available space | Check the dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearances. For a fridge-freezer, look at the freezer compartment capacity separately. | If I have a narrow kitchen or no suitable utility room, I first need to find an appliance that will fit and can be used in the space. For around 18% of consumers, finding the right fit comes before other criteria. |
| Everyday use and power cuts | Compare the kWh/year figure and stated power-cut storage time, and check that the room’s temperature falls within the model’s specified range. | If the room temperature varies or I’m concerned about power cuts, I want to know how the appliance will perform day to day. Around 18% of consumers put these practical considerations first. |
A large capacity is no use if the chest freezer won’t fit through to its intended location or there isn’t enough room to open the lid. Que Choisir says that some chest freezers can hold up to 600 L and are commonly around 110 to 140 cm wide and 70 cm deep.
Measure the delivery route, the space where it will go and the clearance needed to open the lid before comparing capacities.
The climate class indicates the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for, as defined by European regulations. A feature designed for unheated rooms on one range won’t necessarily be available on every freezer.
Compare the room temperature with the range specified for the exact model and follow the instructions in its manual, particularly those on ventilation.
You can’t compare two appliances with different storage capacities by looking at just one letter. To understand what they’ll be like to run, consider their annual energy consumption in kWh/year alongside their capacity and other specifications.
Once you’ve found an appliance with a suitable capacity, compare the kWh/year figures on the product information or energy labels, then check the stated power-cut storage time and noise level if these matter to you.
The total capacity also includes the fridge compartment. For example, Whirlpool lists a total capacity of 355 L for its WHK26404XP7E, including 106 L for the freezer compartment.
If you’re replacing an appliance, compare only the freezer compartment capacity with your current storage and the extra space you need.
These examples show formats and specifications you can compare. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean that every model from each brand shares the same features.
The French product information for the B5RFNE295W gives you a chance to consider a 260 L upright freezer with five drawers.
The French product information for the WHM4612 chest freezer and WHK26404XP7E fridge-freezer lets you compare two ways of adding freezer space.
The French range includes upright and chest freezers, including the HCE200E chest freezer, which is listed with a capacity of 196 L.
Worth considering if you need to put a chest freezer in an unheated cellar or garage.
These examples include two chest freezers, an upright freezer and two fridge-freezers. Compare the chest and upright freezers if you want to add a dedicated appliance; consider the fridge-freezers if replacing your fridge is also part of your plans.
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Worth considering if you want to add plenty of storage and have room for a chest freezer with a top-opening lid. The product name lists an E energy rating, a removable basket, LED lighting and a five-level digital control. If you plan to store frozen food, make sure freezer mode is selected. Also check the ambient temperature range, power-cut storage time and clearances specified in the manual.
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Worth comparing if you also want a new fridge, rather than automatically adding a separate freezer. The product name lists a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. This figure includes the fridge compartment, so check the freezer compartment capacity separately, along with the power-cut storage time and the model’s installation requirements.
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Another option to consider if you want one appliance for both chilled and frozen food. The product name lists a total capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost technology, Wi-Fi and an E energy rating. Don’t mistake the 360 L total for the freezer capacity: compare the freezer compartment with your needs and check the specified ventilation clearances.
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Worth considering if you prefer front access and want to organise your extra supplies on different levels. The product name lists a capacity of 161 L, No Frost protection, a C energy rating and a reversible door. Before choosing a location, check the appliance dimensions and the clearance needed to open the door and use the storage compartments. Also check the model’s annual energy consumption and ambient temperature range.
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Worth comparing if you want a separate freezer without needing a large chest model. The product name lists a capacity of 140 L, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid, temperature control and an E energy rating. Allow enough room to open the lid in your chosen location, and check the product information for annual energy consumption, power-cut storage time and the ambient temperature range.
No. It depends on the model and the temperature of the room. The climate class indicates the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. Check this range on the product information or in the manual before choosing an unheated location.
Yes. Follow the clearances and ventilation instructions in the model’s manual. Electrolux recommends leaving space for air to circulate around the appliance; don’t block the vents provided for this purpose.
Check their annual energy consumption in kWh/year on the energy label or product information, then compare it in light of the capacity you need. ADEME notes that the energy label for large household appliances provides information to shoppers both in store and online. The energy rating letter alone isn’t a substitute for checking the model’s figures.
The statutory guarantee of conformity covers goods that don’t conform to the contract. The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that it can be claimed for two years on both new and second-hand goods. A commercial warranty offered by the retailer doesn’t replace this statutory right.
Arrange for it to be collected as waste electrical and electronic equipment rather than leaving it with your ordinary rubbish. The ministries responsible for the ecological transition note that this equipment falls under the WEEE scheme and contains materials with recycling potential. Ask about collection options from the retailer or your local authority.