People who batch-cook large quantities
If you freeze several dishes at once, compare the storage space available with the amount of fresh food the appliance can freeze in a day.
Who is this choice for?
People who take out portions every day
Well-designed drawers or baskets can help you organise your dishes and find the portion you want. Remember to label containers and note the date, too.
Households short on space
If space is limited, check whether a standalone appliance or a fridge-freezer would suit you better. With a fridge-freezer, the total capacity isn’t the same as the space available for frozen portions.
What to compare
When freezing freshly prepared portions, first check that the appliance or compartment can freeze fresh food. Then compare batch capacity, storage options and the space available.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity in litres of the freezer section alone, and check its layout against the containers you usually use. | If I want to store several prepared dishes without cluttering the rest of my home, storage capacity comes first; around 28% of consumers prioritise usable capacity. |
| Access to portions | Check the number and dimensions of the drawers or baskets; remember to date dishes so you can identify them. | If I take out a dish often, I want to find and remove it without having to reorganise the whole freezer; around 22% of consumers prioritise access and storage. |
| Freezing batches | Check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h and make sure the appliance can freeze fresh food. | When I prepare several dishes at once, I need to make sure the amount in my batch is within the stated capacity; around 22% of consumers put this capacity first. |
| Where it will go | Measure the appliance and the space needed to open it; check the ambient temperatures specified in the manual. | If my freezer needs to fit in an alcove or work in a cool room, its dimensions and installation conditions matter just as much as its capacity; around 17% of consumers prioritise where it will go. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare kWh/year for appliances that meet the same needs, and check the defrosting system. | Once I’ve found the right capacity and installation set-up, I also want to consider the stated energy use and maintenance; around 11% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing an ice box with a freezer for fresh food
Temporarily storing products that are already frozen isn’t the same as freezing freshly prepared portions.
Check the freezing function for the exact model. The Ministry of Agriculture says a four-star compartment can freeze food, unlike a basic ice box designed for storage.
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Comparing the total capacity of a fridge-freezer with that of a standalone appliance
The fridge compartment can’t be used to store frozen portions.
Compare the usable capacity of the freezer section alone, then check its layout.
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much fresh food the appliance can freeze in a day, or how easy it is to reach dishes stored in a chest freezer.
Compare the weight of your largest batch with the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h, and check the drawers or baskets.
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Assuming a feature applies to an entire range
Dimensions, ambient temperature requirements and defrosting systems can vary from one model to another.
Check the documentation for the exact model and make sure its stated conditions match the place where you plan to install it.
Brands to consider by format
Bosch
A standalone upright freezer could suit you if you want to organise a large stock of food. The GSN58AWEV is one example, with specifications that apply to this model only.
- Bosch lists a 366 l freezing capacity for the GSN58AWEV, with removable drawers and shelves, No Frost and a freezing capacity of 20,8 kg/24 h.
- Its stated dimensions—70 cm wide and 191 cm high—should be checked against the space you have available. These specifications apply to this model, according to Bosch Home Appliances France.
Whirlpool
Compare the brand’s chest freezers by capacity, access to food and the installation requirements for each model.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 204 l for the WHM2112 chest freezer. For the WHM46122FR, the brand lists 437 l and four baskets.
- The ability to operate in ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C is stated for the WHM46122FR only; don’t assume it applies to other chest freezers.
Electrolux
A fridge-freezer may be worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and its freezer capacity is enough for your needs.
- For the built-in KNT6ME18S42 fridge-freezer, Electrolux lists a 62 l freezer compartment, three drawers, No Frost and a freezing capacity of 5 kg/24 h.
- This model is built-in, so check that it will fit your kitchen unit and compare its capacity with the amount you freeze in each batch.
Liebherr
The CFd 2085 chest freezer may be worth considering if frost build-up and how often you need to defrost are important to you.
- Liebherr says its StopFrost technology reduces frost build-up and means the CFd 2085 needs defrosting less often.
- Liebherr doesn’t describe StopFrost as a system that eliminates the need to defrost altogether; this isn’t an independent comparison with No Frost.
Joybuy products for this choice
This selection includes fridge-freezers and standalone upright and chest freezers, so you can compare an integrated compartment with dedicated storage for portions.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge-freezer, 360 L
Worth considering if you want a fridge and freezer in one three-door appliance.
The product name lists a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
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AUCMA, convertible chest freezer, 197 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for dedicated chest-freezer storage with a removable basket.
The product name lists a capacity of 197 L, a removable basket, five-level digital control and an E energy rating.
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Samsung RS57DG400EM9EF, American-style fridge-freezer, 583 L
Worth considering if you want to replace your fridge while keeping a freezer compartment in the same appliance.
The product name lists a total capacity of 583 L and an E energy rating.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, chest freezer, 99 L, four-star rating
Worth considering if you want dedicated chest-freezer storage with a removable basket.
The product name lists a capacity of 99 L, a four-star rating, a removable basket and a sliding lid.
Manual defrosting is required when frost exceeds 5 mm.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), upright freezer, 60 L
Worth considering if you want to organise a small amount of food in a standalone freezer with drawers.
The product name lists a capacity of 60 L, three drawers, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
The thermostat is behind the bottom drawer, which you’ll need to remove to reach it.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ice box enough to freeze my prepared dishes?
No, not for freezing fresh food: the Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between an ice box for storage and a four-star compartment that can freeze food. Check the function of the exact model, including on a fridge-freezer.
What should I check if I prepare several portions on the same day?
Compare the weight of your batch with the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h, separately from the storage capacity in litres. Bosch lists 20,8 kg/24 h for the GSN58AWEV, while Electrolux lists 5 kg/24 h for the KNT6ME18S42. These figures apply to those models only, not to every appliance in their respective formats.
How should I store and care for home-cooked frozen dishes?
Use portions that fit your containers and label each dish with the date, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir. The Ministry of Agriculture advises setting the temperature to −18 °C; also follow your appliance’s manual for maintenance and defrosting.
Can I install any freezer in a cold garage?
No. Check that the temperature in the room is within the conditions specified in the manual for the model you choose. Whirlpool states that the WHM46122FR can operate in ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C; this applies to that model only.
What running costs and rights should I check in France?
To compare running costs, check the kWh/year figure on the energy label without confusing it with your actual energy use. When buying from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies subject to its terms: the DGCCRF says that claims must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered. A commercial guarantee is separate and optional; check installation services separately.