Households that take out portions regularly
You prepare several meals and want to find the one you need quickly. The available capacity and drawer layout can help guide your choice.
Which size is right for you?
Households building up a large stock
You store lots of portions at once and have space on the floor. You’ll need to weigh up capacity, access to food at the bottom of the freezer and ease of maintenance.
Households looking for extra capacity
You only keep a small amount of frozen food and are deciding between a fridge freezer with enough freezing space and a small additional appliance. The space available and energy consumption are important considerations.
What should you compare?
Upright freezer
A good choice if: you take meals out regularly and want to organise them in separate drawers.
Check: the usable capacity, drawer layout and space needed to open the door.
Chest freezer
A good choice if: you’re building up a large stock and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: how easy it is to reach portions at the bottom and the space needed to open the lid.
Fridge freezer
A good choice if: you also need to replace your fridge and the freezer capacity meets your needs.
Check: the capacity of the freezer compartment separately from the appliance’s total capacity.
Compact freezer for extra capacity
A good choice if: you’re keeping your fridge and need a small amount of extra capacity in a limited space.
Bear in mind: even a compact second appliance runs continuously, so check its annual energy consumption.
To compare models, start with the number of portions you’ll store at once. Then consider how easy they are to reach, the space available and the energy consumption of the appliances you’ll keep.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Finding portions easily | Number and dimensions of drawers; usable freezer capacity. | I take portions out regularly and want to identify them without rummaging: around 33% of consumers prioritise easy everyday access. |
| Storing a large stock | Usable capacity, external dimensions and access to food at the bottom. | I prepare lots of portions at once and can set aside floor space: around 23% of consumers prioritise plenty of storage space. |
| Keeping space to a minimum | Freezer capacity of a fridge freezer; dimensions and opening clearance for an additional appliance. | I want more capacity without taking up too much space at home: around 22% of consumers prioritise a compact footprint. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Compare the kWh/year and dB(A) ratings of specific models; add together the energy consumption of the appliances you’ll keep. | I keep an eye on the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously, and on noise if it’s near a living area: around 22% of consumers make this a priority. |
ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously. When comparing models, check their respective annual energy consumption rather than judging it by the appliance’s size or style alone.
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing a fridge freezer’s total capacity with that of a dedicated freezer
Part of a fridge freezer’s capacity is taken up by the fridge compartment. For example, Bosch lists 103 L of freezer capacity and 260 L of fridge capacity for the KGN39VLCT.
First compare the freezer capacity in litres for each model, then check that your containers will fit in its compartments.
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Choosing a chest freezer based on its stated capacity alone
A chest freezer has an open interior, but its floor space and how easily you can reach food at the bottom can matter in everyday use. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of ease of use when choosing a freezer.
Measure the space and check that you can open the lid and reach the contents.
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Assuming a small additional appliance won’t affect your energy consumption
ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously, so an additional freezer adds to the energy consumption of the appliances you keep.
Check the kWh/year for the model you’re considering and compare the total energy consumption of the appliances involved.
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Confusing reduced frost build-up with no defrosting
Liebherr describes SmartFrost on the FTe554 as a technology that reduces frost build-up and how often you need to defrost. Bosch says the No Frost technology in the GSN36VWEP eliminates the need for manual defrosting; these features apply to those specific models.
Check the technology listed and the care instructions for the model you choose.
Brands to consider when comparing freezer styles
Bosch
The GSN36VWEP and KGN39VLCT models are examples of an upright freezer and a fridge freezer respectively.
- Bosch lists 242 L of freezer capacity and removable drawers for the GSN36VWEP. For the KGN39VLCT, the brand states a freezer capacity of 103 L out of 363 L in total.
- These details apply to these two models; they do not allow conclusions to be drawn about reliability or the full range.
Liebherr
The CFe 2500 Pure chest freezer and FTe554 compact freezer show two different capacities and installation styles.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 497 L for the CFe 2500 Pure and 107 L for the FTe554.
- The brand says SmartFrost on the FTe554 reduces frost build-up, but does not claim to eliminate the need for defrosting.
Haier
The HCE200EFR and H4F306SDH1 models are examples of a chest freezer and an upright freezer with drawers.
- Haier lists a capacity of 196 L, a compartment without drawers and manual defrosting for the HCE200EFR; the H4F306SDH1 is listed at 301 L with four drawers.
- These details apply to the models mentioned and are not an independent assessment of the range.
Whirlpool
The WHM251122 is an example of a domestic chest freezer.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 255 L and a width of 101 cm for this model.
- These dimensions apply to this specific model and should be checked against the space available in your home.
Joybuy products for your needs
This selection includes fridge freezers, compact freezers and chest freezers for storing prepared meals.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge freezer, 360 L
If you’re also replacing your fridge and want a dedicated compartment for frozen portions.
Stated capacity: 235 L for the fridge and 125 L for the freezer, split across 3 drawers. Total capacity is 360 L. The title lists Total No Frost, E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone; stated energy consumption is 271 kWh/year.
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Hisense RF632N4BCE, French Door fridge freezer, 485 L
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want to compare a 149 L freezer compartment.
The stated capacity comprises 336 L of fridge space and 149 L of freezer space. The freezer has 2 drawers and 4 shelves; the stated freezing capacity is 11 kg/24 h. The title lists Total No Frost, E energy rating and 38 dB.
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Upstreman UF35 White, 35 L compact freezer
A compact option to consider if you’re keeping your fridge and have little space for an additional appliance.
Stated capacity: 35 L. Listed dimensions: 47,5 × 44,2 × 48,8 cm; reversible door, 4-star rating and stated noise level of 41 dB. Stated energy consumption is around 0,4 kWh per day.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
A dedicated chest freezer for storing portions, worth considering if you have enough floor space for it.
Stated capacity: 140 L, with a storage basket. The description lists a counterbalanced lid, castors and a front water drain.
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TCL CF126EWE0FR, 98 L chest freezer
A smaller-capacity chest freezer to compare if you’re looking for dedicated freezer space and have a suitable spot for it.
Stated capacity: 98 L, with a removable basket. The description lists a counterbalanced closing lid, adjustable thermostat and a defrost drain.
Frequently asked questions
How can I estimate the freezer capacity I need for prepared meals?
Count the portions you’ll have in the freezer at one time and consider how much room their containers take up. Then compare this with the usable capacity of the freezer compartment. With a fridge freezer, don’t rely on the appliance’s total capacity, and check that your containers will fit in the drawers.
Can I install a freezer in an unheated garage?
It depends on the model and the ambient temperature range stated in its manual. Liebherr says the CFe 2500 Pure can operate at ambient temperatures down to −15 °C; this feature does not automatically apply to other chest freezers or fridge freezers.
Do No Frost and SmartFrost require the same maintenance?
No, according to the manufacturers’ stated features for the models in question. Bosch says the No Frost technology in the GSN36VWEP eliminates the need for manual defrosting; Liebherr describes SmartFrost on the FTe554 as reducing frost build-up and how often you need to defrost, but not eliminating it.
How do I compare the energy consumption of a fridge freezer with that of an additional freezer?
Compare the stated energy consumption in kWh/year for the models in question. If you’re keeping your fridge and adding a freezer, take both appliances’ energy consumption into account; ADEME averages are no substitute for the figures for the models you’re comparing.
What legal protection applies when buying a freezer from a business in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that you can claim under it from the seller if the goods do not conform to the contract; it is separate from any additional commercial warranty.