If you regularly take out individual portions, an upright freezer with drawers makes them easier to separate. For larger stocks, a chest freezer may be a good fit if you have enough room and can organise access to items at the bottom. A compact freezer is better suited to occasional extra storage, while a fridge freezer is worth comparing if you’re replacing your fridge too. In that case, check each model’s freezer capacity, installation requirements, energy consumption and storage time in the event of a power cut, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir.
If you prepare several meals in advance or buy food in bulk, compare the usable capacity and how your food will be stored. A survey on household use published by UFC-Que Choisir in 2014 described people keeping both homemade food and shop-bought frozen food in their freezers, but did not measure their intention to buy an additional appliance.
If you often take out different containers, the interior layout may matter more than a large stated capacity. Compare the model’s drawers and baskets with the size of your containers.
If the appliance needs to fit into a small or unheated space, check its dimensions, the clearance needed around it and the temperature range specified for that model.
Choose this if : you regularly take out separate portions and have more vertical space than floor space.
Bear in mind : you’ll need space in front of the door to open it and pull out the drawers, as well as enough usable capacity for your needs.
Choose this if : you store lots of portions or bulky containers and have enough floor space for a wider appliance.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to organise the baskets or contents to reach items at the bottom. Also check how much room you’ll need to open the lid.
Choose this if : you only need space for a few extra portions and have limited height available.
Bear in mind : its capacity may not be enough for bulk buys. Check the instructions before installing an appliance under a worktop.
Choose this if : you’re also replacing your fridge and don’t want to add a separate appliance.
Bear in mind : compare the freezer capacity on its own with your stock, rather than the total capacity, which includes the fridge.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Estimate how many portions you’ll need to store at once, then compare freezer capacity in litres and the shape of your containers. | If I prepare several meals or freeze bulk buys, I want enough room for everything I plan to store. Around 28 % of consumers prioritise available capacity. |
| Access and storage | Look at the drawers and baskets supplied, whether they can be removed and how easy it is to reach food at the bottom. | If I take out different portions throughout the week, I want to find and remove them without rearranging all my food. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise easy access to portions. |
| Location | Measure the appliance and the clearance needed to open it. Compare the room temperature with the range specified for the model. | If my freezer needs to go in a cold room or a tight space, I want to make sure it will work in the conditions where it’s installed. Around 22 % of consumers put suitability for the location first. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the stated kWh/year for models suited to the same need, then check how they need to be defrosted. | If I keep the appliance running all the time, I want to compare its stated energy use and know what maintenance it needs. Around 17 % of consumers prioritise these factors. |
| Storage time during a power cut | Compare the stated durations in hours for the models you’re considering, without assuming they apply to every model in the range. | If I want to keep food safe during a power cut, I check the stated duration for each model. Around 11 % of consumers make storage time their top priority. |
The ADEME reminds us that a freezer runs continuously. Once you’ve found a suitable capacity, compare the kWh/year figures and maintenance requirements of the models that fit your available space.
According to Bosch, the Bosch KGN39VLCT has 260 l of fridge capacity and 103 l of freezer capacity. These capacities are designed for different uses.
Compare the freezer capacity alone with the portions you want to store.
A climate class and the ability to operate at −15 °C are not the same thing. Only certain models are specifically rated for this temperature.
Check the temperatures expected in the room, then consult the product details or manual for your chosen model before installation.
The ADEME points out that freezers run continuously. Models also differ in their stated energy use and defrosting method.
Once you’ve chosen a suitable capacity, compare the kWh/year figures and check whether the model has No Frost or needs manual defrosting.
Options to compare for a dedicated upright freezer, an under-counter appliance or a fridge freezer. Freezer capacity varies by model.
The CFd 2505 Plus chest freezer is worth considering for larger stocks, provided you have enough space.
The HSM27050 chest freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a mid-sized capacity and the location may be cold.
The BFT525EW compact freezer is an option to compare if you want to add a small amount of extra freezer space.
The WHM46122FR chest freezer is an example of a high-capacity model for storing larger stocks.
This selection includes upright and chest freezers, as well as a fridge freezer. For the latter, compare the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity.
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Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want organised storage for frozen food.
Stated total capacity: 544 l, including 197 l for the freezer and 347 l for the fridge. The freezer has two drawers, four shelves and three door balconies. The title specifies No Frost and a water dispenser.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer a dedicated freezer with compartments to keep portions separate.
Stated capacity: 161 l. The title specifies three drawers, two additional drawers, an LED display, a reversible hinge and a No Frost function. The stated energy rating is C.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a chest freezer to add extra storage, with a basket for smaller items.
Stated capacity: 140 l. The title specifies a basket, a counterbalanced lid, temperature control and an E energy rating. With a chest freezer, plan how you’ll organise the contents so you can find food at the bottom.
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Worth considering if you want a high-capacity chest freezer with a removable basket to organise some of your stock.
Stated capacity: 291 l. The title specifies a convertible fridge-freezer function, LED lighting, five-level digital control, a removable basket and a defrost drain. E energy rating.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a dedicated chest freezer with a mid-sized capacity and want to keep some food separate in a basket.
Stated capacity: 197 l. The title specifies a convertible fridge-freezer function, five-level digital control and a removable basket. E energy rating; a drain hole is also specified.
No. Check the actual room temperature and the range specified for the model. Liebherr’s FAQ gives a range of +10 °C to +32 °C for climate class SN, as an example. Some models, such as the Liebherr CFd 2505 Plus and Beko HSM27050 chest freezers, are specifically rated to operate down to −15 °C. This does not apply to all appliances.
No. Models don’t necessarily have the same maintenance requirements. Bosch specifies No Frost for the GSN36AICM, while Brandt’s product details for the BFT525EW specify manual defrosting. For this type of appliance, Electrolux recommends switching it off and unplugging it before defrosting, and not removing ice with a sharp object. Always follow your model’s instructions.
Compare the stated kWh/year for appliances that meet a similar freezing need. The ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously; actual energy use also depends on how and where you use them.
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual. For a new item, the Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to make a claim. During this period, the consumer does not have to prove that the fault existed on the day of sale. This guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty.
Yes. The DGCCRF includes domestic freezers under the EU energy labelling regulation that has applied since 1 March 2021; the scale runs from A to G. The display requirement applies to businesses covered by the regulations and does not set a minimum rating for consumers to buy.