For bulk shopping and meal prep, choose a format based on how much you need to freeze, the space available and how often you need to reach your portions. An upright freezer makes it easier to organise food into compartments, while a chest freezer can hold bulky items but takes up more floor space and needs a system for stacked food. A compact model or fridge freezer may also work if its freezer compartment is large enough. Then compare the dimensions, annual energy consumption and stated power-cut storage time of each model.
You stock up on bulk buys or family-sized portions and need enough capacity, while keeping the location and access to your food in mind. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide points out that ease of use is also an important factor when choosing a freezer.
You regularly take out different dishes or portions, so being able to see what you have and access the compartments matters just as much as the stated capacity. ADEME recommends organising food stocks to avoid buying duplicates.
You need extra freezer space, but have to weigh up floor area, available height, any alcove and the capacity actually available for frozen food. Check the appliance’s dimensions and the space needed to open it where you plan to put it.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for bulk buys | Compare the freezer compartment capacity and check that it will fit your usual containers and bulk purchases. | When I get back from a bulk shop, I want to put everything away without running out of room for my prepared portions. Around 31% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Access and organisation | Look at how the drawers or baskets are arranged and consider whether you can reach food stored at the back. | If I regularly take out different dishes, I want to find my portions without having to move everything else. Around 25% of consumers prioritise access and organisation. |
| Size and installation | Check the appliance or alcove dimensions, the route to its intended position and the space needed to open it. | When space is limited, I need to know whether the appliance will fit and open properly in the room I have in mind. Around 19% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Storage time during a power cut | Compare the stated storage time for each model and check food-safety advice in the event of defrosting. | If power cuts are a concern, I want to know the stated storage time without mistaking it for a guarantee that food will remain safe. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this factor. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare annual consumption in kWh with freezer capacity, rather than relying on the energy rating alone. | When an appliance needs to run continuously, I want to compare its consumption at a relevant freezer capacity. Around 12% of consumers put electricity consumption at the top of their list. |
An open compartment can hold a variety of bulky items, but a chest freezer takes up floor space and stacked food can be harder to find.
Measure the space and check that the lid can open fully. Then plan how you’ll organise portions you use often.
The total capacity of a fridge freezer includes the fridge section too. For the Bosch KGV33VLEAS, Bosch lists 195 l for the fridge and 94 l for the freezer.
Compare the capacity available for frozen food to check whether your meals and bulk buys will fit in the compartment.
The climate class and any stated suitability for use in a cold room are separate details. Operating conditions vary by model.
Check the room temperature and refer to the instructions and rating plate for the model you choose.
The duration shown on a product page isn’t enough to determine the condition of every food after a power cut. Anses advises against refreezing food once it has thawed.
Compare models’ stated storage times when choosing your freezer, then follow food-safety guidance based on the food’s actual condition.
Documented examples include an upright freezer, a compact top-mounted model and an integrated under-counter freezer.
The H4F306WDH1 upright freezer is an example of a drawer-based option for keeping food separate.
The WHM251122 chest freezer is an example of a model with an open storage compartment.
Large-capacity fridge freezers may be worth considering if your household also needs to replace its fridge.
This selection includes chest and upright freezers, as well as fridge freezers to consider if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance.
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This chest freezer could suit bulk shopping if you have enough floor space and can easily access your food.
The product title lists a capacity of 291 L and energy class E. Leave at least 10 cm of clearance around the appliance for ventilation.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. Check that the freezer section is large enough for the portions you plan to store.
The title lists a total capacity of 488 L and energy class E. The total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much space is available for frozen food.
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An upright freezer could suit you if you want to separate portions and types of food into different compartments.
The title lists a capacity of 161 L, a No-Frost function, three drawers and energy class C. The stated temperature range is −14 °C to −22 °C.
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This fridge freezer may be worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge. Check the freezer capacity separately to make sure it can hold your bulk buys.
The title lists a total capacity of 495 L, energy class E and a black finish. The total capacity is not the same as the freezer capacity alone.
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This model could suit you if you want to combine fresh and frozen food storage, while checking that the freezer capacity meets your needs.
The title lists 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer, with a No Frost function and energy class E.
No. Compare the stated storage time for each model. UFC-Que Choisir treats storage time as a factor that varies by appliance. Whirlpool states that the WHM251122 can keep food frozen for up to 32 hours, but this doesn’t establish a rule for all chest freezers.
Check the possible temperatures in the room, then compare them with the information in the instructions and on the model’s rating plate. Also check its dimensions and the required clearances. Liebherr says that climate class SN-T is for an ambient temperature of +10 °C to +43 °C. Check the requirements for the model you choose rather than assuming it will be suitable for a garage.
Anses recommends freezing food as soon as you buy or prepare it, rather than waiting until the use-by date. It advises thawing food in the fridge, in a microwave using the defrost setting, or quickly through cooking or reheating, and then eating it promptly. Once thawed, food must not be refrozen.
For the household fridges and freezers covered, the EU energy label shows details including the A to G energy class, annual consumption in kWh and compartment capacities. Compare consumption in relation to the freezer capacity you need: the energy class alone doesn’t show annual consumption.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. It is separate from an optional commercial warranty. Check the terms that apply to your purchase.