To freeze bulk purchases or batches of prepared meals, start by choosing a freezer that suits the amount you need to store, the space available and how often you need to find specific foods. A chest freezer is ideal for storing a large amount of food, with access from above; an upright freezer makes everyday storage easier. If you only need a little extra space, a compact model may be enough. A fridge freezer is mainly worth considering if you also need to replace your fridge.
If you buy in bulk, prepare lots of portions or freeze bulky foods, start by working out how much usable capacity you need and where you can put the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir lists buying in bulk and batch cooking among the situations that may call for a larger freezer.
If you regularly need to find a particular food, drawers and front access may matter more than one large compartment. Beko France describes an upright freezer as a tall format arranged in compartments; check the layout of the model you’re considering.
If your current fridge has enough room for fresh food, a separate freezer may be all you need. Compare its capacity with the size of your usual shopping, and measure the space needed to open its door or lid.
Decide whether you need a standalone freezer or also need to replace your fridge. Then compare the capacity dedicated to freezing with the requirements of the space where you plan to install it.
Consider one: if you need plenty of storage and have enough floor space, with access from above.
Bear in mind: finding a small portion in the main compartment may take a little more organisation.
Consider one: if you often take out portions and want to keep them organised in drawers.
Bear in mind: make sure there’s enough height and room for the door to open where you plan to put it.
Consider one: if you’re also replacing your fridge and don’t need a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: for frozen shopping, it’s the freezer compartment’s capacity that matters, not the total capacity advertised.
Consider one: if you need extra capacity but have limited installation space.
Bear in mind: check that it has enough capacity for the amount you usually buy.
| Factor | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing capacity | Compare the net capacity available for freezing with the space needed for your largest batches. | If you shop in large quantities or prepare several meals in advance, your freezer needs to hold them without disrupting how you organise everything. Around 31% of consumers put capacity at the heart of their choice. |
| Space | Measure the appliance and the delivery route; check the clearance needed to open it and the permitted ambient temperature range. | When space is at a premium at home, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without obstructing the way. This is the top consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Access to food | Check the layout of the drawers or baskets and how easy it is to reach food at the back. | If I take out different portions every day, I want to find them without moving everything else. Easy access and organisation are the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Long-term use | Compare the annual energy consumption of appliances with a similar format and capacity, as well as the cooling system and stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | For an appliance that runs all the time, I may prioritise energy consumption, maintenance and food storage during a power cut. Around 19% of consumers are most concerned about these aspects of everyday use. |
A chest freezer needs space above it for the lid to open; an upright freezer needs enough room for its door. Its capacity won’t be much use if the appliance is difficult to deliver or access.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the manual for the clearance required for the model you’ve chosen.
A large compartment can hold plenty of food, but small portions may be harder to find than in separate drawers.
If you often use different portions, take a closer look at the layout of an upright freezer. If you choose a chest freezer, check which baskets are included and plan how you’ll organise the contents.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. Beko France and Haier France state that certain models can be used at temperatures down to -15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to their entire ranges.
Before installing a freezer in a garage, cellar or outbuilding, check the permitted ambient temperature range and the climate class for the exact model.
As ADEME points out, a freezer runs continuously. Its capacity, stated energy consumption and maintenance requirements are all worth considering when you make your choice.
To compare similar appliances, look at their stated annual energy consumption, cooling system and stated storage time in the event of a power cut.
Beko France offers chest and upright freezers, as well as compact models for extra capacity.
Bosch Home Appliances France offers freestanding upright freezers and built-in models.
Liebherr France offers a range of chest freezers designed for storing larger quantities.
Haier France offers upright and chest freezers in a range of capacities.
These models include a fridge freezer, two chest freezers and a drawer freezer for storing food you want to freeze. Compare their freezing capacity with the size of your usual shopping before choosing a format.
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Worth considering if you also need to replace your fridge: the advertised 467 L capacity is for the whole appliance, not just the freezer compartment. This model is described as having Total No Frost cooling and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity dedicated to freezing with your shopping needs, and check the clearance required for installation.
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This standalone chest freezer could be a good choice for extra storage if 141 L is enough for your usual batches. It’s described as switchable between fridge and freezer modes, with a removable basket and an E energy rating. Make sure you can access it from above. If you plan to put it in an unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperature range for this model.
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Worth a look if you want a standalone freezer where food is organised in drawers. The model title lists a capacity of 161 L, a C energy rating and a No Frost function. Measure the space and compare annual energy consumption and stated storage time in the event of a power cut if these factors matter to you.
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This chest freezer can provide extra capacity if your frozen shopping fits within the advertised 95 L. It’s described as having a removable basket, switchable fridge and freezer modes, and an E energy rating. The lid needs room to open from above, so check the available space and permitted ambient temperatures before choosing where to put it.
Yes. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, freezers are among the refrigeration appliances that must carry an energy label. To compare models with a similar format and capacity, check the annual energy consumption shown on each label.
Only if the model’s permitted ambient temperature range is suitable for the conditions in your garage. Beko France and Haier France state that certain models can be used at temperatures down to -15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every freezer. Check the product information and manual for the model you’ve chosen.
No. It’s a feature worth considering if you want to reduce frost build-up and avoid defrosting, but it shouldn’t be your only consideration. Also check the freezing capacity, internal layout and energy label for the exact model. Bosch Home Appliances France lists NoFrost as a feature on selected models.
It helps you compare how long each appliance is stated to keep food frozen under the conditions specified in its declaration or test. In its freezer testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir measures, among other things, how long food stays below -9 °C during a simulated power cut. So check the conditions attached to any duration you compare.