For large harvests or bulk buys, compare chest freezers if you have room to install one. If you often need to find individual portions, an upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to stay organised. An under-counter model is better suited to occasional extra storage, while a fridge freezer is a good choice if you also need to replace your main refrigeration appliance. In every case, check the usable freezer capacity, where it will go, the stated power-cut storage time and the specific model’s annual energy consumption.
A separate freezer can give you the extra capacity you need. To choose between a chest and an upright model, consider how much you want to store, the space available and how you’ll access your food. Que Choisir highlights capacity and ease of use as key differences between the two formats.
If you open your freezer often, drawers or shelves can help you organise portions and find them easily. Check the layout of the model you’re considering: the stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how easy it is to access your food.
An under-counter model is worth considering if you already have a main refrigeration appliance and have limited vertical space. Check that the usable capacity is enough. For example, Darty lists the Bosch GTV15NWEB at 83 L.
Start with how much you need to freeze and how often you’ll access it, then check the installation requirements and the exact model’s specifications.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and format | Compare the usable freezer capacity, not the total capacity of a fridge freezer. Check the dimensions, the space needed to open the appliance and the clearances specified in its manual. | I want enough room for my harvest or bulk buys, without choosing an appliance that’s too large for the room. |
| Access to food | Look at the drawers, shelves or baskets included with the model. Que Choisir points out that ease of use is also important when choosing between a chest and an upright freezer. | If I often take out prepared meals, I’d rather keep portions organised than search at the bottom of a large chest freezer. |
| Room temperature | Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the climate class or operating range stated in the manual. Some Beko or Whirlpool models are rated to operate down to −15 °C, but that doesn’t apply to other appliances. | If my freezer is going in an unheated cellar or garage, I need to check that the model can handle the actual temperatures in the room. |
| Frost and power cuts | Check the defrosting method and the stated power-cut storage time in hours for each model. No Frost or a large capacity doesn’t tell you how long food will stay frozen during a power cut. | I want to know what maintenance is required and compare stated power-cut storage times before choosing. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year on the energy label for appliances with similar functions and capacities, as well as their energy rating. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously. | As the appliance will stay plugged in all the time, I want a capacity that suits my needs and an annual energy consumption I can compare. |
The space available for freezing may be much smaller than in a separate freezer. For example, Bosch lists 129 L of freezer capacity for the KGN492IAF fridge freezer and 328 L for the GSN54EWCV upright freezer. These are two appliances with different functions.
Work out how much space you need for your containers, then compare the usable capacity of the freezer compartment alone.
The permitted temperature range varies by model. Some Beko and Whirlpool appliances can operate down to −15 °C, but that doesn’t mean every freezer is suitable for an unheated room.
Check the room’s temperature extremes against the rating plate and manual before installation.
The open space can hold containers of different shapes and sizes, but food at the bottom can be harder to find. An upright freezer offers a different layout, often with drawers.
If you choose a chest freezer for prepared meals, use baskets, group food into categories and make sure dates are clearly visible on containers.
ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so kWh/year is an important factor when comparing models intended for the same use.
Compare the energy label figures for appliances with similar capacities and functions, and avoid choosing a larger capacity than you need.
The Bosch models mentioned here let you compare an upright freezer, an under-counter freezer and a fridge freezer. Their specifications shouldn’t be assumed to apply across the whole range.
Beko offers, among other models, a chest freezer and an upright freezer with different capacities, power-cut storage times and installation requirements.
The Whirlpool chest freezers mentioned here give two examples of capacities for different storage needs.
These options include fridge freezers for keeping both fresh and frozen food, as well as separate freezers for extra storage. Compare each appliance’s freezer capacity and layout with your containers and the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you also need a fridge. Check how much of the 360 L is available for freezing your harvest or portions. The product name specifies Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Also check the dimensions and the permitted temperature range for your chosen location.
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This fridge freezer combines refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Compare the usable capacity of the freezer compartment with the amount you need to store. The product name specifies Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the installation dimensions and permitted ambient temperature.
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An upright freezer could suit you if you regularly need to access organised portions. Check that 161 L is enough for your containers. The product name specifies No Frost, a C energy rating and drawers. Check the dimensions, installation requirements and stated power-cut storage time.
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This 99 L chest freezer is better suited to providing extra storage than to holding a large harvest. The product name specifies a removable basket, an adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Check how much room you’ll need to open the lid, as well as the defrosting method and the room’s temperature range.
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For extra storage of moderate quantities, compare its 140 L capacity with the amount of produce and the number of portions you need to store. The product name specifies a basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. Allow room to open the lid, and check the room’s permitted temperature range and the stated power-cut storage time.
Yes, as long as the model’s operating temperature range covers the temperatures the room actually reaches. Check the room’s temperature extremes, then consult the rating plate and manual. The ability of some Beko or Whirlpool models to operate down to −15 °C doesn’t apply to every freezer.
No. An upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to organise and regularly access portions, while a chest freezer offers open space for containers of different shapes and sizes. If you choose a chest freezer, use baskets or group food into categories so you can find items at the bottom. Que Choisir recommends considering ease of use, not just capacity.
No. Compare the stated power-cut storage time for each model rather than trying to estimate it from its capacity or format. For example, Beko lists 9 hours for the B1RFNE314W upright freezer and 36 hours for the CF200EWN chest freezer. These figures apply to those specific appliances.
Compare the energy rating and, above all, the kWh/year figures for freezers with similar capacities and functions. French authorities use an A to G scale for energy labels, and ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously. Also check that the usable capacity meets your needs.