If you’re building up a large stock of prepared meals, consider a chest freezer, provided you have room for it and are happy with less direct access to portions stored at the bottom. An upright freezer may suit you better if you regularly take out different dishes and want to organise them in drawers. If you can’t add a second appliance, compare fridge-freezers by looking at the space set aside for freezing, rather than their total capacity.
If you cook ahead and regularly take out different dishes, drawers or separate compartments can help you find a portion without moving everything else around. Check the usable capacity of each compartment, too.
If you buy or prepare large quantities, start by working out how much freezer space you need. Then check how much room the appliance takes up and, if you’re concerned about power cuts, check the stated storage time for the specific model.
If you only have space for one appliance to keep food cold, a fridge-freezer may be worth considering, particularly when replacing your fridge. Measure the available space and check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately.
Consider it: for storing a large stock, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: portions at the bottom may be harder to find and reach.
Consider it: if you regularly take out different portions and want to organise them by drawer or compartment.
Bear in mind: this layout doesn’t guarantee the storage capacity you need, so compare specific models.
Consider it: if you’re replacing your fridge or can’t install an additional appliance.
Bear in mind: only part of the total capacity is set aside for freezing.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the litres dedicated to freezing with the appliance’s external dimensions. If necessary, check the stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | I want to store lots of meals or bulk purchases, even if some are harder to reach. Around 40% of consumers make storage capacity their priority. |
| Access to portions | Check the drawers, baskets or shelves on the model, and how much space is needed to open its door or lid. | When I often take out different dishes, I want to find the one I need without moving everything else. Easy access comes first for around 40% of consumers. |
| One appliance space | For a fridge-freezer, distinguish between the fridge and freezer capacities; also check its dimensions and the annual kWh figure shown. | I can’t add another appliance, but I’d like to keep more meals frozen in my fridge-freezer. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this space constraint. |
Total capacity includes the fridge compartment, too. For example, the Bosch KGN367ICT has a stated freezer capacity of 103 L and fridge capacity of 218 L, according to Bosch.
Work out how much space your usual containers take up, then compare it with the capacity stated for the freezer compartment alone.
No Frost and flexible storage options vary by model, whether you’re looking at an upright, chest freezer or fridge-freezer. Bosch, for example, features Vario Zone and BigBox on its GSN36CWEP.
Check the details for the appliance you choose to find out how it defrosts and what storage options it has inside.
A freezer runs continuously. ADEME points out that its actual energy consumption depends on factors including its size and how it’s used.
For the appliances you’re considering, compare the annual consumption in kWh shown on the energy label, taking their capacity and format into account.
A larger appliance doesn’t replace safe food storage practices. Anses highlights the importance of maintaining the cold chain.
Follow food storage guidance and the appliance’s settings instructions. Also avoid overloading the fridge compartment.
The range includes chest and upright freezers to consider if you’re looking for a dedicated freezer.
Its freezers and fridge-freezers let you compare the layout of a dedicated appliance with the freezer capacity of an all-in-one option.
The range includes freezers with care features and installation requirements that you’ll need to check for each model.
These appliances illustrate the three options covered here: an upright freezer for organising portions, fridge-freezers for keeping to a single appliance, and chest freezers for extra storage. Compare their freezer capacity and dimensions to find the right fit for your needs.
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Worth considering if you want to organise portions in a dedicated freezer rather than a chest freezer.
The product name states a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, No Frost and energy rating C. Check the dimensions and annual consumption in kWh to see how it compares with your available space and other appliances.
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Consider this if you’re replacing your main fridge without adding a separate freezer.
The product name states a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and energy rating E. Check the freezer capacity separately, along with access through doorways and space for the doors to open: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen meals.
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This fridge-freezer is worth comparing if your main requirement is to have just one appliance.
Its name states a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, energy rating E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the freezer capacity and dimensions separately before deciding whether it can hold your usual portions.
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Worth considering for top-access storage if you have enough floor space.
The product name states a capacity of 291 L, convertible fridge or freezer use, a removable basket and energy rating E. Check the net usable capacity in freezer mode and the space needed to open the lid.
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This chest freezer is worth considering if you want extra storage and need to check its dimensions carefully.
Its name states a capacity of 140 L, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and energy rating E. Check the exact usable capacity, dimensions and annual consumption in kWh before comparing it with other chest freezers.
Compare the exact model reference, its energy rating and its annual consumption in kWh. The information sheet provided by the Ministry of the Economy for new appliances lists these details. Also check the freezer capacity and dimensions to make sure the appliance meets your needs.
Capacity alone isn’t enough to draw a conclusion when comparing two specific models. ADEME says actual energy consumption depends on factors including size and how the appliance is used. Compare the annual kWh figures shown for the models you’re considering, taking the capacity you need into account.
No. Having more space doesn’t mean you can ignore food storage guidance or the need to maintain the cold chain. Anses points out that low temperatures slow the growth of micro-organisms. You should also follow the appliance’s settings instructions.
It depends on the ambient temperature range specified for the particular model. Before choosing a chest freezer for an unheated garage or cellar, check its climate class and minimum operating temperature in the product specifications and manual.