If your main issue is a lack of space for frozen food, choose a dedicated freezer. An upright model makes sorting and frequent access easier, while a chest freezer suits larger stocks if you have enough floor space. A small model may be enough as an extra freezer; consider a large fridge freezer mainly if you also need to replace your fridge. In every case, compare freezer capacity, dimensions, annual energy consumption and how long food stays frozen during a power cut.
If you prepare meals in advance and often take out portions or frozen vegetables, the drawers in an upright freezer can make storage and access easier. Check that they’re the right size for your containers, though.
If you freeze large batches or lots of prepared meals, it’s worth comparing a chest freezer with upright models. You’ll need a suitable space and to be comfortable with items being harder to reach at the bottom.
A small under-counter freezer is a handy extra. If you also need to replace your fridge, compare the freezer capacity of a large fridge freezer with the extra storage you actually need.
Choose this if: you take food out often and want to keep meals and frozen food separate in compartments.
Bear in mind: drawers limit the shape of the containers you can store, so check the layout.
Choose this if: you stock up in bulk and have enough room for the appliance and to open its lid.
Bear in mind: items at the bottom are harder to reach.
Choose this if: you need an extra freezer in a small kitchen rather than space for a large stock of food.
Bear in mind: its limited capacity may not be enough if you start freezing larger batches of meals.
Choose this if: you’re also replacing your fridge and need more space for fresh food.
Bear in mind: the stated total capacity isn’t the same as the freezer compartment capacity. Check the latter separately.
Once you’ve chosen a format, check how these four needs match the model’s specifications and the space you have available.
| Criteria | What to check | Which shoppers is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Access and storage | Drawer layout and ease of use; access to food stored at the bottom of a chest freezer. | If I take prepared portions out every day, I want to find them without moving all my other food. Around 33% of shoppers prioritise this kind of organised access. |
| Storage capacity | Freezer capacity in litres and the space available for your containers; the appliance’s external dimensions. | When I freeze large batches, I prioritise the space available to store them over how often I take food out. Capacity is the main requirement for around 27% of shoppers. |
| Space and replacement | Available space and the freezer compartment capacity if you’re considering a fridge freezer. | In a small kitchen, or if I’m also replacing my fridge, I first look for a format that meets both requirements. Space or replacing both appliances is the main priority for around 20% of shoppers. |
| Everyday use and power cuts | The specific model’s annual energy consumption in kWh and how long it keeps food frozen during a power cut. | If my appliance is always full and power cuts are possible, I want to know how much energy it uses and how long it keeps food cold. Around 20% of shoppers put these concerns at the top of their list. |
A large capacity doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit through your doorways or that its lid will open in the space you’ve chosen. Que Choisir says that typical chest freezers can be 110 to 140 cm wide.
Measure access routes, the space available and the clearance needed, then compare them with the dimensions of the specific model.
A freezer runs continuously, as ADEME points out. Its energy rating doesn’t replace the model’s specific annual energy consumption figure.
Compare kWh/year for appliances of a similar format and capacity, while also taking into account how much space you need.
No Frost defrosting and the ability to operate at low ambient temperatures are two separate features, which vary by model.
If you’re putting a freezer in a cellar or unheated garage, check the climate class and permitted ambient temperature in the appliance documentation.
You can’t work this out from the capacity or energy rating. Que Choisir assesses it separately in its test procedure.
Look for the stated storage time in the technical specifications or manual, especially if you keep a large stock of food.
Bosch offers upright and under-counter freezers, among other options. Compare these formats based on the space you have and how often you take food out.
The range includes chest and upright freezers, worth considering if you want to keep food in a suitable space.
The brand’s upright freezers are worth considering if you’re looking for easily accessible compartments in a vertical appliance.
These models illustrate three of the options covered here: adding a chest freezer, adding an upright freezer or replacing your fridge with a fridge freezer. Compare each model’s freezer capacity with your needs, and don’t confuse the total capacity of a fridge freezer with the capacity of its freezer compartment.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for storing frozen food if you have room for a chest freezer and enough clearance to open it.
The title states a capacity of 291 L, with conversion between fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket, LED lighting and an E energy rating.
The basket isn’t a substitute for drawers. If you’re installing the appliance in a cold room, check the permitted ambient temperature. Also check how long it keeps food frozen during a power cut.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you prefer to store frozen food in an upright appliance and take it out regularly.
The title states a capacity of 161 L, drawers, No Frost and a C energy rating.
Check the dimensions against your available space, as well as the model’s annual energy consumption and how long it keeps food frozen during a power cut.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge, rather than simply adding more freezer space.
The title states a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
The 467 L isn’t the capacity of the freezer alone. Check the capacity of that compartment before making a decision.
Image unavailable
Compare it with the 291 L chest freezer if you’re looking for a dedicated appliance with a smaller stated capacity.
The title states a capacity of 197 L, conversion between fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket and an E energy rating.
Make sure you can reach food stored beneath the basket. Check the permitted ambient temperature and how long it keeps food frozen during a power cut.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need to replace your fridge and would also like a freezer compartment.
The title states a total capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
Compare the freezer capacity separately with the amount of food you usually store, and check the dimensions before installation.
Add a freezer if your main need is extra space for frozen food that your current freezer compartment can’t accommodate. If you also need to replace your fridge, compare the new fridge freezer’s freezer capacity with the amount of food you usually store. Its total capacity alone won’t tell you whether it’s suitable.
No. Installation depends on the permitted ambient temperature for the specific model. Liebherr and Beko each state that the CFd 2505 and RFNE448E55W models respectively can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to their other appliances. Check the climate class and the manual before you buy.
Compare how long each model keeps food frozen during a power cut. Que Choisir treats this separately from freezer capacity and, in its test procedure, measures how long food stays below −9 °C during a simulated power cut.
Arrange for it to be taken to a collection point for household electrical and electronic equipment rather than treating it as general waste. The French ministry responsible for the ecological transition says that France has a dedicated collection and recycling scheme. Find out what collection or drop-off options are available when you replace your appliance.