Households stocking up for the family
If you freeze prepared meals, home-grown produce or bulk buys, compare the usable capacity, freezing capacity and stated storage time during a power cut. These three figures tell you different things.
Who is this choice for?
People who use their frozen supplies regularly
If you often take out small portions, easy access and good organisation may matter more than having a large capacity. Check the drawers, shelves and baskets on each model.
Households with limited space
Whether it’s going in a small kitchen, garage or cellar, measure the space needed for the appliance and for opening it. If the room isn’t heated, also compare its winter temperature with the operating range stated for the model.
Which criteria should you check first?
UFC-Que Choisir highlights the format, capacity and climate class as key factors when choosing a freezer. For home storage, start with how you’ll use it and where it will go, then compare the specifications of models that suit those needs.
Upright freezer
Consider one if: you open the appliance often and want to organise portions in drawers or on shelves.
Bear in mind: check that the storage compartments can accommodate bulky items and that the door can open fully.
Chest freezer
Consider one if: you’re building up a reserve and can organise the food you’ll need at the bottom of the freezer.
Bear in mind: food is less easy to reach, and the lid needs clear space above the appliance.
Compact or under-counter freezer
Consider one if: you only need extra storage and the available space determines the size.
Bear in mind: make sure the usable capacity can hold your usual portions before choosing this smaller format.
Larger fridge-freezer
Consider one if: your current appliance needs replacing and you also need more space for chilled food.
Bear in mind: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is dedicated to freezing. Compare the two compartments separately.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and power-cut performance | Usable capacity in litres, freezing capacity in kg/24 h and stated storage time during a power cut in hours: don’t confuse these figures. | If I freeze large food shops or several meals at once, I want enough space and to know how long my supplies will stay frozen during a power cut. Around 29% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Access to food | Layout of the drawers, compartments or baskets; space for large packs. | If I take out portions often, I want to find them without emptying the appliance. Around 29% of consumers put easy access first. |
| Available space | Appliance dimensions, clearance needed to open it and usable capacity for the chosen format. | In a small kitchen or under a worktop, I need to fit in extra storage without sacrificing the space I need for my food. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s footprint. |
| Unheated room | Permitted ambient temperatures for the model and the actual room temperature in winter. | If the appliance is going in my garage or cellar, I want to make sure it can work at the temperatures that room reaches. Around 21% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every chest freezer is suitable for a garage
Whether a freezer can be used in a cold room depends on the model, not its format. Beko and Liebherr state that some models can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to all their chest freezers.
Compare the room’s winter temperature with the minimum ambient temperature stated in the manual for the appliance you’re considering.
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Choosing based on litres alone
Usable capacity doesn’t tell you how easy the food is to reach, how much the appliance can freeze or how long it will keep food frozen during a power cut. A chest freezer can also be awkward to use if its lid can’t open fully.
Measure the space, including the clearance needed to open the appliance, then compare its capacity and interior layout with the way you store food.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your statutory rights
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Any commercial guarantee is an additional benefit; it doesn’t replace your statutory rights.
Before taking out an extended guarantee, read its terms and keep the documents relating to the sale and delivery.
Brands to consider
These ranges offer useful points of comparison for formats and features. Always check the specifications of the exact model you’re interested in.
Bosch
A range worth exploring if you’re looking for an upright freezer with easy-access storage.
- Bosch offers features such as No Frost and flexible storage on selected models.
- Check that these features are included, and confirm the capacity and climate class, for the model you choose.
Liebherr
Chest freezers to compare if you’re looking for extra storage in a room where the temperature can drop.
- Liebherr states that its CFe 2080 Pure has a 353 L capacity and can operate down to −15 °C.
- These specifications apply to this model; they don’t describe every Liebherr chest freezer.
Beko
A range of chest freezers to compare for capacity, stated storage time during a power cut and installation requirements.
- Beko states that the HSM27050 has a capacity of 284 L and will keep food frozen for 41 h during a power cut. The brand also says that Freezer Guard allows some chest freezers to operate down to −15 °C.
- Check each of these specifications separately on the product page for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
Chest freezers worth exploring if you want to compare family-sized storage and freezing specifications.
- For the W3RHS37EW1, Whirlpool states a capacity of 371 L, a freezing capacity of 18 kg/24 h and 36 h of storage time during a power cut.
- These figures are from the specifications for this model and don’t apply to other models in the range.
Freezers for different needs
These Joybuy models include a compact upright freezer for extra storage, chest freezers in different capacities and an upright model for keeping food organised separately. First choose the format and location that suit you, then compare the specifications of each model.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
Worth considering for extra storage if you prefer to access food from the front. The product title lists a reversible door, temperature control and an energy rating of E.
Check the interior layout before choosing: the title mentions three drawers, while the description lists two covered shelves and a lower drawer. Also check the installation requirements, defrosting method and power-cut storage time if these are important to you.
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AUCMA, 95 L convertible chest freezer
This 95 L chest freezer could provide extra storage if you want the option to switch between fridge and freezer modes. The product title lists a seven-level thermostat, a removable basket and an energy rating of E.
To store frozen food, make sure the appliance is set to freezer mode. Check the freezing capacity, power-cut storage time and permitted ambient temperature, particularly if you plan to use it in an unheated room.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
This 99 L chest freezer is suited to extra storage rather than a large family food reserve. The product title lists a four-star rating, a removable basket, an adjustable thermostat and an energy rating of E.
The description recommends manual defrosting when frost exceeds 5 mm. Allow enough space for the lid to open and check the power-cut storage time and ambient temperature range for your chosen location.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer
Worth considering if you’d rather organise food in drawers than stack it in a chest freezer. The product title lists a capacity of 161 L, No Frost, a reversible door hinge and an energy rating of C.
Before planning where to install it, check the dimensions and door clearance. Also compare the freezing capacity, power-cut storage time and ambient temperature range with your needs.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
This 140 L chest freezer offers more capacity than the compact models featured here, if you have room for it. The product title lists a basket, a counterbalanced lid, temperature control and an energy rating of E.
Allow enough clearance above the lid. If you regularly freeze food or plan to install the appliance in a cold room, check its freezing capacity, power-cut storage time and ambient temperature range.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a household freezer be set to?
Set it to −18 °C, in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s recommendation for home freezing. Then check the setting against your appliance’s manual.
Can any freezer be installed in an unheated garage?
No. The minimum permitted ambient temperature varies by model. Beko and Liebherr state that some models can operate down to −15 °C. Check the manual for the freezer you’re considering against the temperatures your garage can reach.
What should I do if a delivered freezer doesn’t match its description?
For a freezer sold in France by a business to an individual, the statutory guarantee of conformity may apply if the product doesn’t match the agreed description, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Keep a copy of the product listing and your sales documents so you can explain the issue clearly to the seller. Any commercial guarantee does not replace this statutory protection.