People who cook in large batches
You prepare lots of portions at once or freeze large quantities of ingredients too. Having enough space for these supplies matters more to you than being able to reach every container straight away.
Who are these options for?
People who often take out individual portions
You want to find your tubs and bags without rummaging through a deep compartment. How easily you can separate food and rotate your stock will guide your choice.
Households without room for a second appliance
You need to fit your meal supplies into your main appliance. Before choosing a fridge freezer, compare the capacity of its freezer compartment alone with the space your portions will take up.
What matters when storing prepared meals?
The right type of appliance depends mainly on how much you need to store, how often you take out portions and how much room you can spare.
Chest freezer
Consider it: if you want separate storage for large batches and ingredients, and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: the top-opening lid and deep compartment mean you’ll need to organise smaller portions so you can find them easily.
Upright freezer
Consider it: if you often take out prepared meals and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to allow for its height and door clearance; the internal layout varies by model.
Fridge freezer
Consider it: if you’re also buying your main fridge and your portions will fit in an integrated freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s total capacity includes the fridge section, so it isn’t all dedicated freezer storage.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the capacity in litres of the freezer compartments, then measure the space needed for the appliance. The total capacity of a fridge freezer doesn’t tell you how much freezer storage it offers. | When I cook large batches every so often, I want to store both portions and ingredients without filling all the available space. Around 40% of consumers would put storage capacity first. |
| Access and organisation | Check the size and layout of the drawers, shelves or baskets against the containers you usually use. | If I take out a prepared meal several times a week, I’d rather find the right tub without having to move all my other supplies. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise easy access and organisation. |
| Fitting into your home | Check the dimensions, the clearances required in the instructions and the kWh/year shown for the appliances you’re considering. | With limited space, I want to store my portions without installing another appliance that runs constantly. Around 20% of consumers would put this need first. |
When comparing appliances suited to the same need, also look at their annual energy consumption and noise level. The European Commission rates domestic fridges and freezers from A to G on the energy label. The capacity in litres of the freezer compartments helps you distinguish usable freezer space from the total capacity of a fridge freezer.
What should you watch out for before buying?
-
Comparing only the energy rating letter
Appliances with different capacities may suit different needs, even if the energy rating is the first thing that catches your eye. The label also shows annual energy consumption, freezer capacity and noise level.
Compare the kWh/year and freezer capacity of models suited to the amount of food you plan to store, then check their dimensions.
-
Choosing a chest freezer without planning how to organise portions
A chest freezer can hold a lot, but small bags and portions at the bottom may be harder to reach.
Check whether the model’s baskets or dividers suit your containers, and think about how you’ll rotate your meals.
-
Planning to put it in a cold room without checking the model
Whether an appliance can run in an unheated cellar or garage depends on the model. Beko says its HSM27050 can operate at an ambient temperature as low as −15 °C; this does not apply to other models.
Before deciding where to put it, check the room temperature against the operating and installation conditions in the instructions for your chosen model.
-
Measuring the space but not the route in
The appliance’s width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit through doorways or whether its lid or door can open once it’s in place.
Measure the route to the planned location and allow for the clearances specified in the instructions. Check separately which delivery, removal and installation services the retailer offers.
Brands to consider by model
These features apply to the models mentioned, not to every freezer from each brand.
Beko
The HSM27050 chest freezer is worth considering if you plan to install it in a cold room.
- Beko states that this model can operate at an ambient temperature as low as −15 °C.
- Check the instructions to confirm that the conditions in your room are suitable for the model you’ve chosen.
Bosch
The GSN54EWCV upright freezer is worth looking at if portion storage and maintenance are important to you.
- Bosch lists No Frost as a feature of this model.
- Check the internal layout, dimensions and energy consumption of the model you’re considering rather than assuming these features apply to every Bosch upright freezer.
Whirlpool
The WHFF6403W4E upright freezer is an example of a large-capacity option dedicated to storing prepared meals.
- Whirlpool France lists a capacity of 404 L, a width of 70 cm and a noise level of 38 dB for this model.
- Measure the space and compare the annual energy consumption and internal layout of the model you’re interested in.
Joybuy products by appliance type
This selection includes upright and chest freezers for separate storage, as well as a fridge freezer if you want to keep your portions in your main appliance. Compare freezer capacity and layout to suit your containers, and don’t mistake a fridge freezer’s total capacity for that of its freezer compartment.
Image unavailable
Heinrich´s 161 L stainless steel upright freezer
Worth considering if you want separate storage with drawers to organise your portions. The title lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, No Frost and an energy rating of C. Check the installation dimensions and kWh/year before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
An option for adding a small amount of dedicated freezer storage if you don’t plan to make large batches. The title lists a capacity of 60 L, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Check the internal layout before buying: product descriptions differ on the number and type of compartments. Also check its kWh/year.
Image unavailable
TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Worth considering if you want to store portions and ingredients separately in a chest freezer. The title lists a capacity of 140 L, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an energy rating of E. Allow for top access and check the kWh/year and freezing capacity if you prepare large batches.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
This chest freezer is worth considering if you’re looking to add extra storage rather than simply maximise capacity. The title lists a capacity of 99 L, a removable wire basket and an energy rating of E. Bear in mind that you’ll need to reach down into the compartment, check the model’s defrosting instructions and compare its kWh/year.
Image unavailable
Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L multi-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re also buying a main fridge and want to avoid a separate freezer. The title lists a total capacity of 495 L for the appliance and an energy rating of E. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and layout separately to make sure it suits your portions, and allow for the clearances needed for installation.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare on a freezer’s energy label?
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh, the capacity of the freezer compartments and the noise level of appliances suited to your needs. The European Commission also rates domestic fridges and freezers from A to G. The letter alone doesn’t replace comparing capacity in litres and kWh/year.
Can you put any freezer in an unheated garage?
No. Check the permitted ambient temperatures in the instructions for the model you’re considering. Beko says its HSM27050 can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to other freezers.
Is No Frost essential for storing prepared meals?
No, it isn’t a requirement when choosing an appliance for your portions. Electrolux says No Frost helps limit ice build-up. Consider it as a maintenance feature, separately from capacity, storage layout and installation requirements.