If the freezer compartment is the only part that feels too small, compare a separate freezer with the extra capacity you need. If your fridge also needs replacing, a new fridge-freezer could be a good fit, provided its usable freezer capacity is sufficient. Que Choisir points out that ease of access matters too: a drawer freezer makes it easier to find what you need, while a chest freezer accommodates a wider range of shapes and sizes but needs more organisation and floor space. Before choosing, measure the space and check the ventilation, permitted ambient temperature, annual energy consumption and storage time during a power cut stated for the model.
You freeze portions in one or more batches and want to find them easily throughout the week. The French National Consumer Institute describes batch cooking as preparing several meals in one session. Que Choisir also highlights ease of access and storage as factors to consider.
You need to store lots of packets or bulky food, and may have a utility room to put a freezer in. Que Choisir treats capacity and ease of use as separate factors to consider.
You want extra storage but can’t fit just any large upright or chest freezer. The Brandt BFT525EW, for example, is a freestanding under-counter freezer; the manufacturer’s product information states that its top cannot be removed.
Choose this if: you often check your portions and want to organise them by drawer.
Bear in mind: drawers can limit the space available for some bulky packaging; also check how much clearance the door needs.
Choose this if: you buy large quantities and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to organise the compartment so you can reach food at the bottom, and allow space to open the lid.
Choose this if: you only need a little extra capacity or the available space calls for a compact appliance.
Bear in mind: a freestanding under-counter model isn’t necessarily designed to be built in; check the installation type and clearances in the manual.
Choose this if: you also need to replace your fridge and the usable freezer capacity meets your needs.
Bear in mind: the total capacity of a fridge-freezer isn’t the same as the space available for frozen food; compare the two compartments separately.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Finding your portions | Usable drawer dimensions; door clearance. | If I freeze prepared meals and often take out portions, I prioritise storage that’s easy to check. Around 36% of consumers prioritise easy access to portions. |
| Storing a big shop | Usable freezer capacity; the chest freezer’s footprint and opening clearance. | When I bring home lots of packets or bulky food, I want to be able to store it all without running out of room. Around 29% of consumers prioritise capacity for big shops. |
| Installing the appliance | Dimensions and ventilation clearances; permitted ambient temperature range. | If my utility room, garage or alcove has restrictions, I check the installation requirements and operating conditions specified for the model. Around 21% of consumers put suitability for their space first. |
| Electricity and power cuts | Energy consumption in kWh/year; stated storage time during a power cut and test conditions. | If the appliance runs continuously and I want to be prepared for a power cut, I compare energy consumption and storage time separately. Around 14% of consumers prioritise running costs and keeping food cold. |
An appliance listed as having 282 l of total capacity may, like the Bosch KGN33NLEB, have just 89 l of freezer space.
Compare the new appliance’s usable freezer capacity with the extra storage you need.
The top of the Brandt BFT525EW is listed as non-removable. Poor ventilation can also affect how a refrigeration appliance works, Electrolux support points out.
For an under-counter installation, choose a model explicitly designed for this purpose and follow the dimensions and clearance requirements in its manual.
This figure is based on specific test conditions. The test protocol published by Que Choisir measures, among other things, the time it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power.
Check the model’s test conditions and don’t assume the stated time guarantees that food will remain safe to eat after any power cut.
The GSN58AWCV and KGN33NLEB models show the difference between a separate upright freezer and a fridge-freezer. Compare the freezer capacity of each specific model.
The CFe 2500 Pure and Fd 1404 Pure models illustrate a high-capacity chest freezer and a compact under-counter model.
The BFT525EW is an example of a freestanding under-counter freezer for compact extra storage.
The WHFF 6403 W4E is an example of the brand’s separate upright freezers.
This selection includes fridge-freezers with a separate freezer compartment, plus standalone chest freezers for extra storage. The convertible chest freezers shown can operate in fridge mode or freezer mode, but not both at the same time.
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Worth considering if you want more freezer space in a fridge-freezer, with separate storage for different foods.
The freezer compartment is listed as 197 l, with four shelves, two drawers and door balconies. The product information lists No Frost, a freezing capacity of 12 kg/24 h and automatic defrosting.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too and want a separate, well-organised freezer compartment.
The freezer is listed as 149 l and has two sections with drawers and trays. The product information mentions Total No Frost, a freezing capacity of 11 kg/24 h and a stated storage time of 10 hours during a power cut.
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Worth considering if you need a large-capacity chest freezer and have enough room to open the lid.
The stated capacity is 291 l. The product information lists a removable basket, a five-level digital control, LED lighting and a drain for defrosting. Fridge and freezer modes aren’t designed to run at the same time. You’ll also need to organise the contents so you can find what you need.
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Worth considering if you need separate storage in a more compact chest freezer than the 291 l model.
The stated capacity is 197 l. The product information lists a removable basket, a five-level digital control, an E energy rating and a drain for defrosting. Fridge and freezer modes aren’t designed to run at the same time; organise the compartment so you can reach your food easily.
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Worth considering if you want a separate freezer compartment with drawers to help organise your food.
The freezer capacity is listed as 192 l, with three drawers. The product information mentions Total No Frost and a freezing capacity of 10 kg/24 h.
Check the manual for the model’s permitted ambient temperature range, ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the door or lid. Liebherr’s stated compatibility down to −15 °C applies to the CFe 2500 Pure and doesn’t apply to every appliance.
Anses recommends freezing food as soon as you buy or prepare it, rather than waiting until the end of its use-by date. Once thawed, food should be eaten promptly, within a maximum of three days, and should not be refrozen.
No. According to the DGCCRF, since 1 March 2021, fridges and freezers have used an A to G energy rating scale instead of the former A+, A++ and A+++ ratings. Also compare the stated energy consumption in kWh/year.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. The DGCCRF states that claims under this guarantee must be made within two years of the goods being delivered. This guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
The DGCCRF describes a free ‘one-for-one’ take-back service: when you buy a new appliance, your old one is collected. Check the arrangements available when you place your order or arrange delivery; this service may not apply if you buy an additional freezer without replacing an appliance.