If you store large batches of meals and have enough room, compare chest freezers. If you want to find individually stored portions every day, an upright model may be a better fit. A fridge-freezer could be enough if you only need to freeze a modest amount, while making better use of your existing freezer can save you buying a second appliance if you already have sufficient capacity. In every case, check the net freezer capacity, whether the appliance can be installed in your space and its annual energy consumption.
If you prepare several days’ worth of portions or store large family dishes, compare the net freezer capacity with the space your containers need. The stated power-cut storage time may also be a factor when choosing a model.
To add capacity without obstructing the way, measure the floor space, depth and clearance needed to open the appliance. Depending on your room layout, an upright freezer or fridge-freezer may be a better fit than a chest freezer.
If you often take out a single meal, the layout of the drawers and compartments matters just as much as capacity: it determines how easily you can find each portion. Check how the model is defrosted, too.
Start by checking whether your current freezer can fit the portions you plan to store once they’re packed away. If you need more room, choose a format to suit the amount you want to store and the space where the appliance will go.
Worth considering: if better-packed, clearly labelled portions will fit in the space you already have.
Limitation: organising your freezer won’t give you any extra freezing capacity.
Worth considering: for storing batches or large containers, if your room has space for a horizontal appliance and its lid to open.
Limitation: smaller portions stacked on top of each other can take more effort to organise and find.
Worth considering: for organising meals you take out regularly, especially if you have limited width.
Limitation: you’ll need enough space in front of the appliance to open the door and pull out the drawers.
Worth considering: if you also need a fridge and your portions will fit in its freezer compartment.
Limitation: the appliance’s total capacity isn’t the same as the space available for frozen food.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the net capacity in litres with the size of your containers. If you want to freeze large batches in one go, also check the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | I want to store several batches of meals or large dishes without running out of room. For around 29% of consumers, this extra storage could be the main priority. |
| Space needed | Measure the space where it will go, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door or lid; follow the clearances specified in the manual. | In a smaller home, I need to be able to install the appliance and reach my meals without blocking the way. For around 29% of consumers, this could be the deciding factor. |
| Access to portions | Check the number and size of the drawers or baskets, as well as the space available for your containers. | I often take out an individual meal and want to find it without moving everything else. Easy access could be the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Compare the kWh/year and noise level in dB of appliances with similar storage capacity, and check how they are defrosted. | As the appliance runs constantly, I pay attention to its energy use, noise near living areas and maintenance. For around 21% of consumers, these factors could matter more than extra capacity. |
ADEME points out that a freezer runs constantly. The EU energy label shows details such as annual energy consumption, storage capacity and noise level. Compare these figures for appliances that meet your needs, rather than looking at the energy efficiency class alone.
The total capacity includes the fridge. For example, Electrolux lists a total capacity of 271 L for its ENS3LE18S integrated fridge-freezer, of which 73 L is for the freezer compartment.
Compare the freezer compartment’s net capacity with the amount of food you plan to store in it.
A large chest can hold bulky containers, but stacked portions can be harder to find than in separate drawers.
Measure your containers and check the baskets available. If you take out portions every day, compare upright freezers as well.
An appliance may fit in the space you measured but still not have enough room for the door or lid to open, or for ventilation. A cold room also needs to be within the ambient temperature range specified for your chosen model.
Before ordering, check the model’s dimensions, delivery route, clearance requirements and operating conditions in its manual.
According to Anses, freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive.
Keep food at a safe temperature, defrost it according to Anses guidance, eat defrosted food promptly and don’t refreeze it.
A range worth exploring if you’re mainly looking for an upright freezer with an interior you can organise for everyday meals.
A brand to look at when comparing different freezer formats, including chest and upright models.
A range worth exploring if you’re comparing a chest freezer for family storage with an upright model.
These appliances represent three options for storing meals at home: an upright freezer, a chest freezer or a fridge-freezer. Compare each model’s freezer capacity and layout with your portions and the space available.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a small, separate freezer for everyday portions and have a suitable space for it.
The product details list a reversible door, temperature control and an energy efficiency class of E. Check annual energy consumption, noise level and installation requirements before choosing.
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This chest freezer is worth comparing if you want to store meals in an appliance that opens from the top.
The product title lists a removable basket, an adjustable thermostat and an energy efficiency class of E. Allow enough room to open the lid, and check the annual energy consumption and the permitted ambient temperature for the room where you plan to install it.
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Worth comparing if you’d rather store meals in a separate upright appliance than in a chest freezer.
The product title lists three drawers, a reversible door hinge and an energy efficiency class of C. Before installation, check the dimensions, clearance requirements, annual energy consumption and the model’s ambient temperature range.
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A fridge-freezer to consider if you need refrigeration and your frozen portions will fit in the freezer compartment.
The 333 L in the product title refers to the whole appliance, not just the freezer; the stated energy efficiency class is C. Check the freezer’s net capacity and the ambient temperature range suitable for your space.
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Worth considering if you want refrigeration and freezing in one appliance rather than adding a separate freezer.
The stated 495 L is the total capacity, and the product title lists an energy efficiency class of E. Check the exact model layout, freezer compartment capacity and interior configuration before working out where to store your meals.
No. Also compare the kWh/year, net freezer capacity and noise level of models with similar storage capacity. The EU energy label provides these details, and its QR code takes you to more information about the model.
Anses advises against refreezing defrosted food and recommends eating it promptly. It explains that freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying without killing most micro-organisms. It also recommends defrosting food in the fridge, in the microwave using the defrost setting, or quickly by cooking or reheating it.
Only if the garage temperature stays within the operating range specified for that exact model. Beko lists a minimum ambient temperature of −15 °C for its HSM27050 chest freezer, but this figure doesn’t apply to other appliances. Check the manual before installation.
Follow your appliance’s manual and don’t use sharp objects to remove the ice. Electrolux’s support guide advises unplugging the appliance, removing the food and letting the ice melt naturally. It recommends defrosting when the frost is around 3 à 5 mm thick.
Make a note of the exact model number, then check its manual, care instructions and the parts available for that model. For example, Whirlpool lets you search for genuine parts by model number in its official shop, but this doesn’t guarantee that every part is available for every model.