A freestanding freezer is worth considering if you regularly use the extra capacity for bulk shopping or prepared meals. If you only need a modest amount of extra space and also need to replace your fridge, first check the freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer. According to UFC-Que Choisir’s guide, a chest freezer is better suited to large containers, while an upright model makes it easier to organise and access individual portions. Your choice will also depend on the space available, the room temperature and the specifications of the exact model.
If you freeze individual portions and ingredients, easy-to-open drawers may matter more than a very large open space. Check the layout inside the model, too: not every compartment can accommodate the same dishes.
For large bags, packs or seasonal supplies, look at the freezer capacity and how much room there is for bulky containers. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the open space in chest freezers compared with the compartmentalised storage in upright models.
In a utility room, cellar or garage, measure the space needed to open the appliance and check the permitted ambient temperature and ventilation clearances in the instructions. A model’s suitability for a cold room does not apply to every freezer in the same format.
Consider one: if you often open the freezer to find meals portioned into drawers.
The trade-off: compartments can make it harder to store large containers; check whether they can be removed on the model you choose.
Consider one: for a large stock of food or bulky packs, if you have enough floor space.
The trade-off: food at the bottom is less easy to reach, and the lid needs room to open.
Consider one: as extra storage when saving space matters more than capacity.
The trade-off: its smaller capacity may not be enough for regular bulk shopping; compare the actual litres available for freezing.
Consider one: if you also need a new fridge and want freezer storage in a single appliance.
The trade-off: the total capacity includes the fridge, so check the freezer compartment capacity separately before deciding against a standalone appliance.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare freezer capacity in litres, then measure the containers you want to put inside. | If my big shops already fill the current compartment, I’m looking for extra storage I can genuinely use. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this additional capacity. |
| Access to portions | Check the drawers, baskets and removable sections, as well as how easy it is to reach food stored at the bottom. | When I prepare several meals in advance, I want to find each portion without moving everything else; organisation would come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance with the door or lid open and allow for the specified clearances; check that the room temperature is within the range permitted for the exact model. | With limited space or a room outside the kitchen, I need to be able to install and open the appliance as specified. Nearly 27% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Everyday use | Check the annual energy consumption in kWh/year, noise level in dB(A) and stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | If the appliance is near a living area or holds a large amount of food, I pay particular attention to how it performs day to day. This would be the priority for around 10% of consumers. |
A spacious chest freezer can hold large containers, but portions stored at the bottom will be harder to find. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends checking how easy it is to handle the food and drawers.
If you often access prepared meals, compare the ease of access offered by an upright freezer with the storage available in a chest freezer fitted with baskets.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model, not just its design. For example, Beko states that its HSM22340 operates at temperatures down to −15 °C, but this does not apply to other chest freezers.
Before ordering, check the temperature range, ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the lid or door.
Two appliances with different capacities may not meet the same needs. The letter alone tells you neither how much food you can store nor the annual energy consumption listed for each model.
Compare kWh/year figures across models suited to your storage needs, then check their freezer capacity and noise level.
A large capacity does not tell you how long food will stay frozen without power. UFC-Que Choisir assesses this separately in its freezer testing process.
Look up the stated storage time in hours for the models you’re interested in, taking into account the conditions associated with the published figure.
The GSN58AWEV upright freezer is an example of a drawer-based solution for keeping food supplies and prepared meals separate.
The HSM22340 chest freezer is worth considering if you plan to store food in an unheated room.
The WHM2112 is an example of a chest freezer to consider for storing food away from the kitchen.
The range includes built-in freezers to consider when fitting the appliance into your kitchen is a priority.
These appliances illustrate three options: keeping your freezer in a fridge-freezer, adding an upright freezer with drawers or installing a standalone chest freezer. For fridge-freezers, compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone with your needs; whatever the format, check the installation requirements before buying.
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Worth considering if you want to replace your fridge rather than add a standalone freezer.
The stated capacity of 467 L is for the whole appliance; check how much is allocated to freezing. The product name lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
Check the instructions for ventilation clearances and the permitted ambient temperature in the room where you plan to install it.
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An option if you’re looking for a single appliance to keep food chilled and store a modest amount of frozen food.
The stated 360 L is the capacity of the whole appliance, not the freezer alone. The product name lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
Compare the freezer capacity separately and check the instructions for the space and ambient temperature required for installation.
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Worth considering if you want to keep prepared meals separate in a standalone freezer with compartments.
The product name lists three freezer drawers, a reversible hinged door, an alarm and a C energy rating. Check the interior layout if you use large dishes.
Before choosing a spot, check the dimensions, permitted ambient temperature and care instructions in the manual: No Frost does not mean you can skip cleaning.
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Worth considering if you want to add a modest amount of standalone freezer space rather than store very large shops.
The product name lists a removable basket, adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. The basket helps separate smaller items, but getting to food at the bottom of a chest freezer takes more effort.
Allow for access when manually defrosting and check that there’s enough room to open the lid where you plan to place it.
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Worth considering if you want more standalone storage and plan to use the appliance in freezer mode.
The product name lists a removable basket, LED light, defrost drain and an E energy rating. However, the basket does not divide the entire cavity into compartments.
Check the requirements for switching modes, the permitted ambient temperature and the space needed around the chest, particularly if you plan to put it in a cellar or garage.
First compare the freezer capacity in litres and the annual energy consumption in kWh/year of appliances that meet similar needs. Also check the noise level in dB(A) and the noise rating. As the French Ministry of the Economy explains in its information about energy labels, these figures give you more context than the rating letter on its own.
No. The permitted ambient temperature and ventilation requirements must be suitable for the garage and the specific model. Some chest freezers, including the Beko HSM22340 and Whirlpool WHM2112 according to their manufacturers, are rated for ambient temperatures down to −15 °C; don’t assume this applies to another appliance.
No. No Frost reduces ice build-up, but you still need to follow the cleaning and door seal inspection instructions in the manual. For an appliance that needs manual defrosting, Electrolux recommends defrosting when the layer of ice reaches around 3 to 5 mm and advises against using sharp objects.
Take it to an appropriate electrical and electronic equipment waste facility rather than putting it in your household rubbish. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes a collection and recycling scheme for these appliances in France. Ask the retailer about its take-back options or find out where your nearest collection point is.