Start by choosing the format that suits the way you store food: an upright freezer makes it easier to access labelled portions every day, while a chest freezer prioritises capacity and larger containers if you have enough floor space. An under-counter model or fridge freezer is best suited as a compact or supplementary solution. Check the freezer’s net capacity, dimensions, power-cut storage time, climate class and annual energy consumption.
If you cook several meals for the days ahead, the drawers in an upright freezer make it easier to find your containers. Guides from UFC-Que Choisir and Beko distinguish this compartmentalised storage from the large compartment of a chest freezer.
A chest freezer can be ideal for large packs, bulky dishes and substantial food reserves if you have a utility room, cellar or other suitable space. However, plan to organise the contents in baskets or by date so that food remains easy to access.
An under-counter appliance or a fridge freezer can add extra capacity to a small kitchen. Check the net capacity actually dedicated to freezing, as it may be considerably lower than the appliance’s total capacity.
Start by defining the capacity and type of containers you need to store, then check everyday accessibility, the intended location and the model’s energy consumption data.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment, the size of the drawers or compartment and the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. Measure your boxes, dishes and bags before relying on the stated litre capacity. | I want to store several portions without having to squash them in or lose access to the containers. The freezer capacity of a fridge freezer does not necessarily replace a dedicated reserve. |
| Access and organisation | Examine the drawers, flaps, baskets and removable compartments. For a chest freezer, plan to use labelled baskets and mark them by contents and date. | I need to find a leftover or a specific portion quickly, without leaving older meals at the bottom of the freezer. |
| Installation | Check the height, width, depth, door-opening clearance and required ventilation. For built-in models, also check the cabinet dimensions and fixing system. Compare the climate class with the actual temperatures in the room. | My appliance must fit in the kitchen, utility room or another space without obstructing movement. A garage or cellar is not automatically suitable. |
| Energy consumption and continuity | Compare the kWh/year between appliances with similar capacities and formats, as well as the stated storage time during a power cut. Check whether a No Frost or Low Frost function is specifically listed for the model you choose. | I’m looking for energy consumption suited to my usage and storage time that matches the amount of food I keep. The European energy label allows you to compare the A to G rating, annual consumption and freezer capacity. |
A chest freezer can offer plenty of capacity, but portions stored at the bottom are less convenient to retrieve. An upright freezer makes organisation easier, provided its drawers can genuinely accommodate your boxes and dishes.
Measure at least one typical container and compare it with the internal layout, not just the stated litre capacity.
The climate class corresponds to the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. Bosch states that a room which is too cold can stop the motor, while one that is too warm can cause it to run continuously.
Record the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year, then compare them with the climate class of the exact model.
An ambient temperature outside the specified range can lead to unsuitable operation and higher energy consumption.
A freezer runs continuously: annual consumption in kWh and freezer capacity are needed to compare appliances intended for similar use. The European Commission uses an A to G scale for household refrigeration appliances.
Compare the kWh/year between models with similar capacities and formats, then estimate the cost using your own electricity tariff.
In its reference table, ADEME indicates an annual difference of a similar order of magnitude between an average freezer and a highly efficient new appliance, based on its assumptions about energy consumption and electricity costs.
The freezer compartment of a fridge freezer may be limited. For example, Electrolux states that its built-in ENT6ME19S model has 62 L of freezer capacity and 207 L of refrigeration capacity.
Add up the portions and containers you need to store at the same time. If the freezer compartment is not sufficient, compare an additional under-counter freezer, an upright model or a chest freezer.
Worth considering for a freestanding or built-in upright freezer focused on drawer storage, large capacities and anti-frost features, depending on the model.
A brand to consider when comparing chest freezers designed for large capacities or certain less-heated rooms, subject to checking the chosen variant.
Worth comparing for compact or full-height built-in freezers, as well as fridge freezers with No Frost freezing.
A brand to explore for chest freezers when capacity and selected convenience features are the main priorities.
This Joybuy selection brings together upright and chest freezers for prepared portions, leftovers and bulk purchases.
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A vertical option for separating prepared portions and leftovers by type or date.
Stated capacity of 161 L, No Frost protection, three drawers, two shelves, LED display, alarm and reversible door.
Check the external dimensions, installation clearances, climate class, storage time during a power cut and freezing capacity before buying.
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A chest freezer worth considering for large containers and substantial stocks of bulk-bought food.
Stated capacity of 291 L, fridge/freezer mode, five-level digital control, removable basket, LED lighting and stated annual consumption of 226 kWh.
The stated dimensions are 1100 × 597 × 872 mm, with a minimum ventilation clearance of 10 cm. Organise the compartment by date, and check the climate class and storage time before installing it in a garage or cellar.
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A medium-capacity reserve for prepared meals and bulk purchases when floor space is limited.
Stated capacity of 197 L, fridge/freezer mode, five-level digital control, removable basket, defrost drain and stated annual consumption of 197 kWh.
The stated dimensions are 816 × 554 × 848 mm. Use labelled containers for food stored at the bottom, and check the climate class and storage time.
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A compact supplementary freezer for a more modest reserve of portions and leftovers.
Stated capacity of 99 L, 4-star rating, adjustable thermostat, removable metal basket, sliding lid and stated freezing capacity of 4.5 kg/24 h.
The stated footprint is 0.26 m² and defrosting is manual. Check the climate class and storage time during a power cut before installation.
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A medium-sized chest freezer for adding household freezer storage without choosing an especially wide appliance.
Stated capacity of 140 L, storage basket, lid that stays open, castors, water drainage and adjustable mechanical thermostat.
The stated dimensions are 637 × 556 × 846 mm. One basket is listed; check the annual consumption, climate class, storage time and freezing capacity based on your room and usage pattern.
Record the actual minimum and maximum temperatures in the room, then compare them with the model’s climate class. Bosch states, for example, that SN covers 10 to 32 °C and SN-T 10 to 43 °C. A room that is too cold or too warm can affect performance and increase energy consumption.
For household refrigeration appliances sold in the European Union, the label shows the A to G rating, annual consumption in kWh, the capacity of the freezer compartments and noise emissions, among other information. Compare annual consumption and freezer capacity between appliances intended for similar use, rather than looking at the rating letter alone.
Storage time indicates how long food is declared to remain frozen during a breakdown or power cut. It varies by model: Electrolux states 12.7 hours for the LUB3AE88S and 10 hours for the EUN7NE18S, while Bosch states 13 hours for the GSN58AWCV.
According to the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years for a new product bought from a professional seller. During this period, the buyer of a new product does not have to prove that the defect was present on the date of sale; an optional commercial warranty does not replace this legal guarantee.
No. Anses highlights the importance of maintaining the cold chain to limit the growth of micro-organisms. Label portions with their contents and date, and organise them to prevent items being forgotten at the bottom of a chest freezer or behind drawers.