If the portions you want to store will fit in the freezer compartment of a fridge freezer, choosing one with a larger freezer section could save you from needing another appliance. If you need more capacity, a separate freezer may be a better fit: choose an upright model for easy sorting and regular access, a chest freezer for greater storage capacity if you have the space, or an under-counter model for a smaller top-up. Whichever you choose, check the dimensions, the permitted ambient temperature range and the kWh/year figure for the exact model.
Compare the number and size of the portions you want to store at once with the capacity of the freezer compartment alone. ADEME highlights the benefits of storing and reusing leftovers more effectively, without recommending that you buy an additional appliance.
If you take out portions at different times, it may be more important to keep them organised and easy to reach than to have a large overall capacity. Drawers or compartments can make it easier to find what you need.
Your choice depends on the space available for the appliance and for opening its door or lid. If the room gets very cold or hot, also check the permitted ambient temperature range for the exact model.
Choose this if: you take out portions regularly and want to organise them in drawers. Bosch lists a capacity of 242 l for the GSN36VWEP.
Bear in mind: an upright freezer needs enough height and space to open the door and access the drawers.
Choose this if: you store lots of portions at once and have enough floor space. The Liebherr CFe 1870 Pure has a listed capacity of 281 l.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom is less easy to reach. Plan a practical way to organise it and leave enough clearance for the lid.
Choose this if: you need a compact extra freezer and have a suitable space. The Liebherr SUFd 3603 Pure has a listed capacity of 87 l.
Bear in mind: its capacity may limit how many prepared meals you can store. Check the space, ventilation requirements and exact model variant.
Choose this if: you’re replacing your fridge too and the freezer capacity is enough for you. Whirlpool lists 150 l of freezer capacity for the WHK2 6494 X6E.
Bear in mind: this option combines the fridge and freezer in one appliance. Make sure the freezer compartment meets your needs.
Start by estimating how many portions you need to store at once, then check how easy the food is to reach and whether the appliance will fit in your chosen space.
| What matters | What to check | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Capacity in litres of the freezer compartment alone; number and size of portions to store | If I prepare several portions, I compare the available freezer capacity with the amount I want to store at once. Around 28% of consumers prioritise storage capacity. |
| Access and organisation | Drawer or basket layout; access to food stored at the bottom | If I take out different meals often, I want to be able to organise them and find them easily. Around 22% of consumers prioritise access to and organisation of food. |
| Space and installation | Available space; clearance for opening the door or lid | If space is limited at home, I check that the appliance will fit in the room with enough clearance to open it. Around 22% of consumers put size and installation first. |
| Room temperature | Minimum and maximum room temperatures; permitted range for the exact model | If the appliance will be used in an unheated or very warm room, I check that its operating range covers the temperatures it will be exposed to. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Energy use and power cuts | kWh/year on the energy label; stated power-cut storage time in hours | If I’m adding an appliance or want to compare how it performs during a power cut, I check its annual energy use and stated storage time separately. Around 11% of consumers prioritise these two criteria. |
To compare energy use, look at appliances with similar capacities and configurations, using their energy labels. The European Commission distinguishes, among other things, between annual energy consumption in kWh and the capacity of the freezer compartments: these figures answer different questions.
Total capacity includes both the fridge and freezer compartments. To work out whether a fridge freezer will hold your portions, compare them with the capacity of the freezer compartment alone.
Compare the freezer capacity in litres with the portions you want to store. If you’re adding several freshly prepared meals at once, also check the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h.
The temperature range depends on the model. UFC-Que Choisir gives a range of 10 to 32 °C for climate class SN; the specifications for several of the SN-T models mentioned list 10 to 43 °C. These ranges alone do not confirm that an appliance will work at −15 °C.
Compare the temperatures the room actually reaches with the specifications for the exact model. Don’t assume a feature listed for one appliance applies to an entire range.
A chest freezer needs room for its lid to open and an organisation system that lets you reach food at the bottom. An upright freezer needs space for its door to open and for you to access the drawers.
Measure the space with the appliance open and choose an organisation system that suits how often you take food out.
How long food stays frozen during a power cut, the amount of food you can store and how much the appliance can freeze in 24 hours are all different specifications.
Check each figure separately in the specifications for the model you’re considering and compare it with the relevant need.
Bosch upright freezers may suit you if you want to organise food in drawers and access it regularly. The GSN36VWEP is one example of this format.
The models mentioned here suit two different needs: the CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer for larger amounts of food, and the SUFd 3603 Pure under-counter model for a compact space.
The WHK2 6494 X6E is a fridge freezer to consider if you’re replacing your fridge too.
The HSM35050 chest freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a model designed to store larger quantities.
This selection includes upright and chest freezers for extra freezer storage, as well as fridge freezers with a separate freezer compartment.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too and want a separate freezer compartment.
The title gives a total capacity of 249 L and an E energy rating. The freezer compartment is listed at 62 L, with 3 drawers and a freezing capacity of 5 kg/24 h.
Listed dimensions: 59,2 × 58,5 × 186,2 cm; installation requires a sliding door. Check that these are compatible with your cabinet space and installation setup.
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Worth considering if you want to store portions in an upright freezer.
Listed capacity: 161 L; C energy rating. The description lists 3 drawers and 2 shelves, as well as a No Frost function.
The title mentions a reversible door hinge. Check that the door configuration suits the space you have in mind.
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Worth considering if you need extra storage in a chest freezer and have suitable access from above.
The title lists a capacity of 140 L and a storage basket. The description lists a counterbalanced lid and dimensions of 637 × 556 × 846 mm.
Allow enough space to open the lid and reach the food stored inside.
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Worth considering if you need extra freezer storage in a chest-style model.
The title lists a capacity of 98 L and a basket. The description mentions a counterbalanced lid and castors; one area can be set to either fridge or freezer mode.
The lid opens upwards, so allow enough space and make sure you can reach the food stored inside.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of storage and have room for a chest freezer with a top-opening lid.
Listed capacity: 291 L; E energy rating. The description gives an annual energy consumption of 226 kWh, a 5-level digital control and a removable basket.
The appliance switches between fridge and freezer modes; the two functions are not described as operating at the same time. Listed dimensions: 1100 × 597 × 872 mm.
Compare the portions and containers you want to store at once with the capacity in litres of the freezer compartment alone, not the total capacity of the fridge freezer. If you freeze several freshly prepared meals at the same time, also compare the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h.
No. The permitted temperature range depends on the model. Measure the room temperature and compare it with the climate class or an explicitly stated extended temperature range for the exact model. For the CFe 1870 Pure, Liebherr separately states that it is suitable down to −15 °C; this feature does not apply to all freezers.
Check the dimensions of the cabinet space, the installation and door clearance, and the ventilation instructions. Liebherr lists a required niche measuring 82–88 × 60 × 56 cm for the SUFd 3603 Pure; these dimensions do not apply to every under-counter model.
Compare the kWh/year and freezer capacities on the energy labels of models with similar capacities and configurations. Check the stated storage time during a power cut separately: Bosch lists 9 h for the GSN36VWEP. This figure applies to that model only and is not a general guarantee about food storage.
For goods sold to a private individual by a business, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies. It is separate from a commercial guarantee, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance in information published in September 2026. When you buy a new appliance, free like-for-like take-back of an equivalent used appliance is covered by the rules outlined by the DGCCRF. Ask the seller about their take-back arrangements.