To organise your food stocks, compare the layout of an upright freezer with the space available in a chest freezer; a compact model is better suited to a smaller amount of extra storage. If you’re also thinking of replacing your fridge, compare the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer, not just its total capacity, and check that the model you choose suits the space and its ambient temperature.
If your fridge’s freezer compartment is no longer big enough and you want to sort food by category, look at the compartments, how easy they are to access and the usable capacity. The specifications for the Bosch GSN36VWEP published by Bosch Électroménager France and those for the Liebherr FNdi 1624 presented by Liebherr France show examples of drawer-based layouts.
For storing large quantities or bulky packaging, check the internal space, how the baskets are arranged and how easy it is to reach food at the bottom. Boulanger describes chest freezers as suitable for bulky food; however, the style alone is no substitute for checking the layout of the exact model.
If ceiling height is limited or the appliance needs to go in an unheated room, its dimensions and permitted ambient temperature range are separate considerations. Liebherr France lists the dimensions of the FNdi 1624, while Beko France states that the HSM14540 can operate down to −15 °C; this applies to that model only.
Start by estimating how much extra freezer space you need, then check that the layout and location suit your household. Don’t compare a fridge freezer with a separate freezer on total capacity alone.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Extra capacity you can really use | Compare the litres allocated to freezing separately from the fridge capacity. Take the size of your packaging and the internal layout into account. | If I mainly need more space for frozen food, I want extra capacity I can actually use; around 25% of consumers prioritise this additional capacity. |
| Finding food and reaching packaging | Look at the number and arrangement of drawers or baskets. Check how easy it is to reach food when the appliance is open. | If I want to separate my food stocks and find things quickly, organisation matters just as much as capacity; around 25% of consumers prioritise access and organisation. |
| An appliance that suits the room | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door or lid. Check the specified ventilation requirements and the permitted ambient temperature range for the exact model. | If space is limited or the room can get cold, I need to make sure the appliance can be installed there and will work properly; around 20% of consumers prioritise suitability for the location. |
| Keeping food frozen and adding fresh supplies | Compare the freezing capacity in kg/24 h, the stated storage time in the event of a power cut and any alerts separately. Check the usage conditions specified for the model. | If I regularly add food or want to take alerts and storage time into account, these features become important; around 15% of consumers focus on keeping food frozen. |
| Maintenance and running costs | Check the defrosting system and the energy label for the exact model. Use your own electricity tariff to estimate running costs. | If I want to cut down on defrosting or keep electricity costs under control, I check the model’s specifications rather than relying on a general claim; around 15% of consumers prioritise maintenance and running costs. |
The 390 l stated for the Samsung RB38C600CS9/EF refers to its total capacity, not just the freezer compartment. Samsung France does not specify the freezer capacity here.
Before deciding whether a fridge freezer meets your needs, compare the capacity of its freezer compartment with that of your current appliance.
A chest freezer’s design doesn’t guarantee that it can operate in an unheated room. Climate class and temperature limits vary by model.
Check the permitted range in the model specifications. Beko France states that the HSM14540 can operate down to −15 °C; this does not apply to other appliances.
The appliance’s external height alone doesn’t confirm that it can be installed under an enclosed worktop. Ventilation and installation requirements depend on the instructions for the specific model.
Check the instructions before choosing a location and make sure you follow the specified airflow requirements.
Beko describes MinFrost as a technology that reduces frost build-up; this doesn’t mean that no maintenance is required. Bosch describes the No Frost system on the GSN36VWEP as preventing the need for manual defrosting.
Compare the defrosting system specified for each model, and don’t confuse the two descriptions.
A feature that reduces frost may still leave you with some maintenance to do.
The Series 4 GSN36VWEP upright freezer is an example of a No Frost model for extra storage.
Beko’s listed chest freezers may be worth considering for larger food stocks. The HSM14540 is a model to look at if the room could get cold.
The FNdi 1624 Plus NoFrost is an example of an under-counter freezer that adds storage in a space with limited height.
The RB38C600CS9/EF fridge freezer is an option to consider if you’re thinking of replacing both your fridge and freezer.
This selection includes upright and chest freezers for adding extra frozen storage, with a range of capacities and layouts.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for upright storage with drawers and a No Frost function, as stated in the product name.
161 l; No Frost; three freezer drawers and two drawers; LED display and alarm; energy rating C.
Stated temperature range: −14 °C to −22 °C.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a chest freezer with a basket to keep smaller items separate.
140 l; storage basket; counterbalanced lid; adjustable feet; energy rating E.
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Worth considering for extra chest freezer storage with a removable basket.
98 l; removable basket; counterbalanced lid; seven-setting thermostat; energy rating E.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large convertible chest freezer with a removable basket to help organise some of your food stocks.
291 l; fridge and freezer modes stated; five-setting digital control; LED light; defrost drain; energy rating E.
The product information specifies at least 10 cm of ventilation clearance around the appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact chest freezer with a removable basket to organise your food stocks.
95 l; fridge and freezer modes stated; seven-setting thermostat; defrost drain; energy rating E.
Yes, if the permitted temperature range for the model covers the temperatures in your garage. Beko France states that the HSM14540 can operate down to −15 °C; check the upper limit too, and don’t assume this applies to another model.
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for the model you choose; there’s no single measurement that suits every model. The instructions consulted by Beko France say not to obstruct airflow around the appliance. Also check how much space you need to open the lid or door.
No: a height of 85 cm alone doesn’t confirm that the freezer can be installed under a worktop. Liebherr France states that the FNdi 1624 is this height; check the installation requirements, available height and specified ventilation in the instructions.
No. Beko’s description says that MinFrost reduces frost build-up. Don’t confuse it with the No Frost system on the Bosch GSN36VWEP, which Bosch describes as eliminating the need for manual defrosting.
Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment with that of your current appliance, not the fridge freezer’s total capacity. Samsung France states that the RB38C600CS9/EF has a total capacity of 390 l, but that figure alone doesn’t tell you how much extra freezer storage you’ll gain.