If you regularly reach for individual portions, start by looking at upright freezers and how their drawers are arranged. For bulkier packs, a chest freezer could be a good fit if you have enough floor space and can keep its contents organised. A compact model is better suited to extra storage. If you’re also replacing your fridge, compare fridge-freezers by the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, not their total capacity.
If you freeze several meals in containers, check how much space is available in each drawer or basket, rather than looking only at the total capacity. Well-organised storage makes it easier to find the portions you use regularly.
For multipacks and large packages, work out how much capacity you really need, then check you have enough floor space and look at the freezing capacity if you often add fresh food to freeze.
A compact freezer can provide extra storage. If you’re also replacing your fridge, compare the freezer capacity of fridge-freezers with that of a standalone appliance.
First, work out what you need to freeze and how much space you have. Then compare how easy it is to access your food and check the features of the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir lists the format, capacity and climate class among the factors to consider when choosing a freezer.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the usable freezer capacity, the space for your largest containers and the freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you often add fresh food to freeze. With a fridge-freezer, distinguish the freezer capacity from the total capacity. | I want to store my portions and shopping without choosing an appliance based only on its advertised capacity. |
| Access to food | Check the size of the drawers, shelves and baskets. An upright freezer makes it easier to organise food vertically; with a chest freezer, think about how you’ll reach items at the bottom. | If I often take out a portion for a meal, I need to be able to find the right container or bag quickly. |
| Location | Measure the appliance and allow for the clearances specified in its manual. Whether you’re placing it in a kitchen, pantry or garage, compare the room’s actual temperatures with the model’s climate class. UFC-Que Choisir and Electrolux both highlight the importance of this compatibility. | The space I have and the room temperature need to be suitable for the appliance I choose. |
| Energy use | Compare the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh/year of models with similar capacities. ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously. | I want to take running costs into account rather than relying on the name of a particular technology. |
| Food storage | Check the temperature settings, the stated storage time in the event of a power cut and, depending on where the appliance will be placed, whether it has an alarm. Anses explains that domestic freezing at -18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but does not destroy most micro-organisms. | For my prepared meals, I want to be able to check the storage temperature and know what the manufacturer recommends in the event of a power cut. |
Drawers or baskets can limit the space available for your largest containers, even when the total capacity seems sufficient.
Measure your containers and check the layout and internal dimensions of the model you’re considering.
If the ambient temperature falls outside the appliance’s stated climate class, this could affect how it works, as Electrolux points out.
Check the possible temperatures in the room and refer to the climate class and ventilation instructions in the manual.
A small compartment designed for temporarily keeping already-frozen food may not be suitable for freezing prepared meals.
Check the intended temperature and usable capacity of the compartment, as well as the appliance’s stated freezing capacity.
According to Anses, freezing at -18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but does not destroy most micro-organisms.
Maintain the cold chain and follow the appliance’s storage and usage instructions. A fast-freeze function is no substitute for these precautions.
Bosch offers a range of upright freezers. The features to compare will depend on the model you choose.
Liebherr offers a range of chest freezers to consider if you have enough floor space.
The range includes upright freezers, with features that should be compared model by model.
This selection includes fridge-freezers for replacing your fridge too, standalone freezers for organising your food stocks, and compact models for extra storage. Before choosing, compare the capacity available for frozen food and the space the appliance will need.
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Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge: the advertised 467 L is the total capacity, not just the freezer capacity. The title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating; check the freezer compartment capacity, dimensions and required clearances.
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This 60 L model is worth comparing with the size of your containers if you’re looking for extra storage. The title lists a reversible door and an E energy rating; check the exact interior layout before buying.
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If you’re looking to replace your fridge, compare the space set aside for frozen food rather than the advertised total capacity of 360 L. The title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating; also check the installation dimensions.
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This standalone upright model is worth considering for portions you reach for often; check that the compartments can accommodate your containers. The title lists a 161 L capacity, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the manual for the storage temperature during normal use, which is different from the fast-freeze setting.
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This 99 L chest freezer could be an option for extra storage if you have enough room to open the lid. The title lists a removable basket, sliding lid and an E energy rating; measure your containers and check the climate class for the room where you plan to place it.
Set your freezer to -18 °C for domestic freezing. Anses explains that this temperature stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive freezing, so you should also maintain the cold chain.
Yes, provided the room’s temperatures are within the model’s climate class and you install it according to the manual. Electrolux recommends checking the ambient temperature against the class shown on the rating plate, so don’t assume an unheated garage is suitable for every appliance.
Compare the dimensions of your largest containers with those of the model’s drawers, shelves or baskets. With a chest freezer, also plan how to keep the portions you use often separate from items stored at the bottom.
Freezers are not included in the list of product categories covered by the index published by the French Ministry of the Economy on 18 August 2026. When comparing models, check the seller’s and manufacturer’s information on spare parts, the manual and after-sales service.