For storing pre-prepared meals and bulk buys, start by considering the space available and how often you need to access your food. A chest freezer suits a large stockpile, while an upright freezer makes it easier to organise portions. An under-counter model is better suited as extra storage. If you also need to replace your fridge, compare the freezer compartment capacity of a fridge-freezer rather than looking only at its total capacity. Whatever you choose, check the space needed to open it and the ambient temperature range the model is designed for.
If you freeze portions for the days ahead, consider both the freezer capacity and how easily your containers can be organised. A large stockpile is less convenient if you have to move several dishes to find the one you want that day.
A chest freezer can hold a substantial stockpile, provided you have enough floor space for it and check that the temperature in your cellar, pantry or garage stays within the range specified for the model.
An upright freezer makes use of the available height, while an under-counter model provides more limited storage. If you also need to replace your main fridge, compare fridge-freezers by looking at their freezer compartments separately.
First decide whether you can add another appliance or need to replace your main fridge. If you’re buying an extra appliance, the floor space available and how you access your meals will largely determine which format is right for you.
Worth considering: for storing groceries and pre-prepared meals, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: stacked food needs to be organised so you can find the portions you want.
Worth considering: if you often take out individual portions and can make use of vertical space instead of a large floor area.
Bear in mind: drawers can limit the space available for particularly bulky containers.
Worth considering: when a full-height appliance won’t fit and extra storage is all you need.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir puts the capacity of top or under-counter models at generally between 30 and 100 litres.
Worth considering: if you also need to replace your main fridge, without adding a second appliance.
Bear in mind: a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee that the freezer compartment will meet your storage needs.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant consumer priorities |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Freezer compartment capacity and the space you can actually use for your containers. | I prepare lots of portions and buy in bulk, so my meals and groceries need to fit in the same freezer. Around 36% of consumers rank capacity as their top priority. |
| Access to portions | The number and size of drawers or baskets, and whether the door or lid can open fully. | When I often take out a meal, I want to find it without moving everything else. For around 29% of consumers, easy access to portions is the main priority. |
| Space required | Dimensions, delivery access, door clearance and the ventilation space specified by the manufacturer. | My kitchen has limited space, so I need to be able to install and open the appliance without obstructing the way. Available space comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Installation room and continuous use | The ambient temperature range the model is designed for and the energy label of the appliance you choose. | If I’m putting my freezer in an extra room, I want to know whether it can operate there and compare its energy use. This suitability and continuous operation are priorities for around 14% of consumers. |
A chest freezer also needs space around it. Que Choisir gives an average width of around 110 to 140 cm and a depth of around 70 cm for this format. If the lid is difficult to open, getting to your food will be more of a challenge.
Measure the space, check how the lid opens and plan the delivery route before choosing a capacity.
The room temperature must fall within the range the appliance is designed for. Features advertised for certain models intended for unheated spaces don’t apply to every model in a range.
Compare the temperatures in your room, in both winter and summer, with those listed in the instructions for the exact model.
An upright format alone tells you nothing about the cooling technology or the maintenance required.
Check the technology listed for the model you’re considering rather than assuming it from the presence of drawers.
Two appliances that don’t meet the same storage needs aren’t necessarily comparable choices. The intended location also matters when assessing their operating conditions.
Compare models with a freezer capacity that suits you, then check their energy labels and ambient temperature ranges.
The range includes chest and upright freezers. Compare them according to whether you prioritise ample storage or vertical organisation.
The range includes upright freezers and fridge-freezers, making it possible to compare adding extra storage with replacing a fridge-freezer.
The chest freezer range is worth considering for extra storage outside the kitchen.
The French range includes chest and upright freezers. Compare the two formats according to the space available and how you want to access your food.
These appliances show three ways to increase your frozen food storage: add an upright freezer, install a chest freezer or replace a fridge-freezer. Before choosing, compare the freezer compartment capacity, the space available and the installation requirements.
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A vertical extra appliance for storing portions. The product name specifies a capacity of 161 L, No Frost technology, an LED display, an alarm and energy class C. Check its dimensions and ambient temperature range for your chosen location.
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A large-capacity option if you have enough room for a chest freezer. The product name specifies a capacity of 291 L, fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket and energy class E. Before installing it in a garage or cellar, check the ambient temperature range permitted for this model.
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An extra chest freezer for when you’ve measured the available space. The product name specifies a capacity of 140 L, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and energy class E. Allow space for the lid to open and check the model’s ambient temperature range.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your main fridge rather than adding a standalone freezer. The 495 L specified in the product name is the capacity of the combined appliance, which has energy class E. Compare the capacity of its freezer compartment separately with the storage space you need.
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Another option if you’re replacing your main fridge-freezer. The product name specifies a capacity of 333 L for the appliance and energy class C. Check the capacity of the freezer compartment, along with the dimensions and installation requirements, before comparing it with a standalone freezer.
Yes, provided the ambient temperature range the model is designed for matches the conditions in the room. Check the instructions: features advertised for certain models intended for unheated spaces don’t apply to every chest freezer.
It may be enough for a few portions, but it’s better suited to extra storage when you’re freezing larger quantities. Que Choisir generally puts the capacity of top or under-counter models at 30 to 100 litres. Compare the model’s capacity with the size of your containers and the amount you buy.
Compare the energy labels and product information for models with a capacity that meets your needs. ADEME recommends using the label to help choose a household appliance. The European Commission also makes information available in EPREL for models covered by energy labelling.
For a new freezer bought from a professional seller in France, you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Any commercial guarantee is optional and is in addition to statutory guarantees, as the DGCCRF reminds consumers.