Households that batch cook
When portions and bulk purchases no longer fit in your current compartment, the capacity you need depends on what you want to store and how much space you have available.
Who is this option for?
Households that want easy access to their food
If you take out portions regularly, the drawers and compartment layout matter just as much as capacity when it comes to finding what you need.
Households with an unheated room
If you’re installing the appliance in a cellar, pantry or garage, ADEME recommends checking the recommended ambient temperature for the appliance. The model’s operating range must suit the room.
What should you look for?
Chest freezer
Consider it: if you need to store a large amount and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom is less easy to reach than it would be in drawers.
Upright freezer
Consider it: if you want to keep portions separate and access your food frequently.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, its maximum capacity is generally lower than that of a chest freezer.
Under-counter freezer
Consider it: when space is limited and you only need a modest amount of extra storage.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir puts top or under-counter models at around 30 to 100 litres, so check whether that capacity will suit the meals you plan to store.
Large fridge freezer
Consider it: if you also need to replace your fridge and its freezer compartment can hold the food you plan to store.
Bear in mind: its total capacity is not the same as its freezer capacity alone.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and batch freezing | Compare the usable capacity with your containers, and check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you’ll be adding lots of prepared food at once. | If I prepare several meals at once, I need enough room for the portions without having to move my other frozen food. Around 36% of consumers would put this storage need first. |
| Access and maintenance | Check the size of the drawers or baskets and the defrosting type of the specific model. | If I take out a portion regularly, I want to find it without moving everything else. Easy access and organisation would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Installation location | Check the room temperature against the ambient temperature range allowed in the manual, and make sure there’s enough ventilation clearance. | In an unheated cellar or garage, I need to know whether the appliance can run at the temperatures in the room. Around 21% of consumers would put this compatibility ahead of other criteria. |
| Energy use and power cuts | Compare the kWh/year and stated storage time during a power cut across models with a suitable capacity; also check their noise level. | If I’m storing a lot of food, I want to compare suitable appliances by their energy use and how long they can keep food frozen during a power cut. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise these criteria. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a chest freezer for its capacity alone
UFC-Que Choisir says chest freezers can hold up to 600 litres, but also gives common widths of 110 to 140 cm and a depth of around 70 cm. Food at the bottom takes more organising.
Measure the floor space, the route to the room and the clearance needed to open the lid; also plan how you’ll reach the baskets.
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Assuming any freezer will work in a garage
The permitted ambient temperature varies by model. Liebherr and Beko state that some specific models can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every appliance.
Compare the room temperature with the range stated in the manual for the model you’re considering, and check its ventilation requirements.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The energy label also shows annual consumption in kWh. This figure helps you compare freezers with a capacity and intended use that match your needs.
Check the kWh/year before choosing between suitable models, then compare how long they can keep food frozen during a power cut and their noise levels.
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Expecting an under-counter model to store as much as a large freezer
UFC-Que Choisir puts top or under-counter models at around 30 to 100 litres. This capacity can quickly limit how many portions and other foods you can store.
Estimate the volume of food you need to keep; if an extra freezer won’t be enough, compare an upright or chest freezer that fits your space.
Brands to consider
These examples of ranges and models can help you identify features to compare, but they don’t necessarily apply to other models.
Bosch
Worth considering for an upright or under-counter model if storage and size are key factors in your choice.
- Bosch offers features including No Frost and VarioZone on some models.
- Bosch states that the GTV15NWEB under-counter model offers 83 l of capacity and 16 h of storage time during a power cut; check the specifications for any other model.
Liebherr
Worth considering for a large-capacity chest freezer in a room where the temperature needs to be taken into account.
- Liebherr states that its CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer offers 281 l of capacity and FrostProtect down to −15 °C.
- This temperature range applies to this model: check the range for the model you’re considering and its installation requirements.
Beko
Worth considering for a chest freezer in a cellar or garage, comparing its ambient temperature range and storage time during a power cut.
- Beko states that the HSM27050 offers 284 l of capacity, 41 h of storage time during a power cut and operation at ambient temperatures down to −15 °C.
- These specifications apply to the HSM27050 and don’t describe every Beko chest freezer.
Whirlpool
Worth considering for an upright freezer if vertical organisation and the defrosting type are priorities.
- Whirlpool describes the UW8 F2D WHBI N 2 as a No Frost upright freezer with a stated 24 h of storage time during a power cut.
- Before choosing another Whirlpool upright freezer, compare its capacity, storage time during a power cut and dimensions.
Upright freezer available on Joybuy
This upright freezer is one option if you want dedicated freezer space, with drawers to organise your portions. Compare its capacity with the amount you plan to store and check that its installation requirements suit your chosen room.
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Heinrich´s 161 L No Frost upright freezer (stainless steel)
An upright freezer to consider if you want to keep batch-cooked meals in a dedicated freezer space.
Stated capacity of 161 L, storage drawers, No Frost function, alarm and energy rating C. Before deciding where to put it, check the dimensions, ambient temperature range, freezing capacity in kg/24 h, kWh/year and storage time during a power cut.
Frequently asked questions
Is a freezer compartment enough for freezing batch-cooked meals?
No, not for freezing fresh food. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between a freezer compartment, designed for temporarily storing food that’s already frozen, and a four-star compartment that can freeze food. Check what type of compartment your appliance has before planning to batch cook.
What temperature should a domestic freezer be set to?
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends setting it to −18 °C. Also follow the appliance manual and the instructions on food packaging.
Can you put a freezer in a cold garage?
Yes, if the permitted ambient temperature range for the model covers the temperature in your garage and you follow the installation requirements. Some Liebherr and Beko models state that they can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every freezer.
What should you compare on the energy label?
Look at the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh shown on the label, then compare appliances with a capacity that suits your needs. The rating alone doesn’t tell you how long food will stay frozen during a power cut or whether the appliance is suitable for a cold room.