People who batch-cook for the week
You regularly freeze several meals and want to find each portion without moving everything else around. Being able to sort and access your food easily matters just as much as capacity.
Who are these types of freezer for?
Households stocking up in batches
You store several family-sized meals, bulk buys or home-grown produce. Floor space, the capacity you need and access to food at the bottom of the freezer all become important.
Small households needing extra space
You only need a few extra spaces for leftovers or portions. Compare the footprint of a small freezer with the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer if you’re also thinking of replacing your fridge.
Which features should you prioritise?
The right type of freezer depends mainly on how much you prepare at a time and how often you take out a portion. UFC-Que Choisir also includes ease of use among the criteria in its freezer tests.
Upright freezer
Consider it: if you take out portions often and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: the door access and appliance height need to suit the space you have in mind.
Chest freezer
Consider it: if you store large batches and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: you may need to move some of the contents to reach food at the bottom.
Fridge freezer with more freezer space
Consider it: if you’re already replacing your fridge and only need a moderate amount of extra freezer space.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s total capacity is not the same as the capacity of its freezer compartment.
Compact freezer for extra space
Consider it: if you freeze small quantities and want a separate space for a few portions.
Bear in mind: it can fill up quickly when you’re batch-cooking.
| Feature | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Drawer or basket layout; space for your usual containers. | When I take out a meal regularly, I want to find it without emptying the freezer. Around 36% of consumers would rank easy access and organisation as their top priorities. |
| Batch storage | Freezer capacity and external dimensions; access to the bottom of a chest freezer. | If I prepare several family meals at once, I need enough room to store them without losing track of what’s where. Batch storage would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space required | Measurements of the space and door or lid clearance; the freezer capacity as distinct from the total capacity of a fridge freezer. | For a few leftovers, I’m looking for extra capacity without taking up too much room. Space constraints would come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and energy use | The model’s defrosting function; annual consumption in kWh and permitted ambient temperatures. | If maintenance and the appliance’s ongoing running costs affect my choice, I want to be able to compare models on these points. Around 14% of consumers would make these their main priorities. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing based only on the stated capacity in litres
An appliance may offer the capacity you want but not leave enough room to open its door or lid. The interior layout also affects how easily you’ll be able to find a portion.
Measure the space and your usual containers, then check the layout of the baskets or drawers. For a fridge freezer, compare the capacity of the freezer compartment rather than the total capacity.
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Confusing No Frost with frost reduction
Not all advertised functions do the same thing: Whirlpool says No Frost prevents frost from forming on certain models, while Liebherr describes SmartFrost as a function designed to reduce it.
Check the function and maintenance instructions for the specific model in its product details and manual. Don’t assume that every model from a brand has the same features.
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Assuming a larger freezer will make up for freezing food too late
A larger freezer won’t make up for food that has not been stored properly beforehand. The DGCCRF advises against freezing any product that has reached or passed its use-by date; the French Ministry of Agriculture advises against refreezing food once it has thawed.
Freeze food before its use-by date, follow the storage instructions once it has been opened, and don’t refreeze food that has thawed.
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Planning to install it in a cold room without checking the model
Whether a freezer can operate in a garage or an unheated cellar depends on the ambient temperature conditions specified for the model you choose, not simply on whether it’s a chest or upright freezer.
Check the product details and manual before choosing an unheated location.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
These ranges illustrate features you can compare. Always check the specific model you’re interested in rather than assuming a feature is available across an entire brand.
Bosch
Upright freezers to consider if easy access to portions and vertical storage are priorities.
- Bosch offers flexible storage areas, including Vario Zone, on certain models.
- Check the features, dimensions and energy consumption of the model you choose: these features are not available across all Bosch upright freezers.
Liebherr
Chest freezers to consider when bulk storage and available floor space are key factors.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 497 l and a width of 167 cm for its CFe 2500 Pure chest freezer.
- These dimensions and the advertised SmartFrost function apply to this model and don’t describe every Liebherr chest freezer.
Beko
A range that includes upright and chest freezers, as well as compact models, to compare based on the space you have.
- Beko offers No Frost upright freezers and compact models.
- For an unheated room, check the ambient temperature limits stated for the specific model.
Whirlpool
Upright freezers to compare if you’re looking for drawers and dedicated storage capacity.
- Whirlpool lists six drawers and a capacity of 404 l for its WHFF 6403 W4E model.
- Capacity, layout and defrosting functions vary by model. Check its product details and energy label.
Freezers and fridge freezers to compare on Joybuy
These models cover easy access to portions with an upright freezer, compact extra storage, chest freezer storage and replacing your fridge with a fridge freezer. Compare their dimensions and freezer capacity based on the space you have and how much you prepare.
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Heinrich´s 161 L stainless steel upright freezer
For storing and finding portions regularly in a separate freezer.
The product description lists three drawers, No Frost and an energy rating of C. Check the dimensions and annual energy consumption in kWh for this model before planning where to install it.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E) 60 L compact freezer
For making room for a few extra portions without choosing a large appliance.
The model is listed with three drawers, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Consider whether its 60 L capacity is enough for the number of portions you want to store at once, and check the installation requirements.
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AUCMA 95 L convertible chest freezer
For storing batches of portions if you have space on the floor.
The product description mentions a removable basket, a seven-level thermostat and an energy rating of E. Plan your storage so you can reach your portions easily, and check the installation requirements before putting it in a garage.
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CHiQ JR99DWE 99 L chest freezer
For extra chest freezer storage, while carefully measuring the floor space available.
The product description lists a removable basket, an adjustable thermostat and an energy rating of E. Check the manual for defrosting and maintenance advice, along with the permitted ambient temperatures. Check the energy label for annual consumption.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 495 L fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing your main fridge and also want to store portions in the freezer.
The 495 L figure is the stated total capacity of the appliance, which has an energy rating of E. Check the freezer compartment capacity separately. Also measure the space and clearance required for installation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fridge’s freezer compartment enough for freezing prepared meals?
Not necessarily. The French Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between a freezer, which is designed to freeze food, and an icebox, which is for temporarily storing food that is already frozen. Check what type of compartment you have before relying on it to freeze your meals.
Can you refreeze food once it has thawed?
No. The French Ministry of Agriculture advises against refreezing food once it has thawed because of the risks associated with bacterial growth.
Can you freeze food close to its use-by date?
Freeze it before its use-by date: the DGCCRF advises never freezing a product that has reached or passed this date. Once opened, also follow the storage instructions for the product.
Should you let a dish cool before freezing it?
Yes. The French Ministry of Agriculture advises waiting until a hot dish has stopped steaming before freezing it. Plan ahead so you don’t leave the dish in unsuitable storage conditions.
How do you compare the energy consumption of two freezers?
Compare their stated annual energy consumption in kWh, choosing models with similar capacities and features, then check that each one meets your storage needs. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so its capacity is also an important factor when choosing an appliance.