If your food stores exceed the frozen storage space you have, a separate appliance may be a good fit. An upright freezer makes it easier to access individual portions, while a chest freezer can hold larger batches if you have enough floor space and can reach everything easily. If you’re also replacing your fridge and need less extra freezer space, compare the freezer compartment capacity of a large fridge freezer, not its total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide distinguishes between upright and chest freezers; also check the dimensions, permitted temperature range and stated power-cut storage time for each model.
If you freeze individual portions and take them out regularly, compare the internal layout and access to the drawers. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide explains the differences between upright and chest freezers; Bosch France’s product page shows an upright freezer fitted with drawers and shelves.
If you need to store supplies or bulky packs, consider the freezer’s usable capacity and the floor space available. UFC-Que Choisir describes chest freezers as high-capacity appliances; Liebherr France’s product page gives the dimensions of a specific model.
If you’re also replacing your fridge, compare a fridge freezer with a separate appliance, taking into account the capacity actually available for frozen food. Samsung’s French product page distinguishes between the total capacity of its fridge freezer and that of its freezer compartment.
Worth considering: if you often take out individual portions and want to find them easily in accessible drawers.
Bear in mind: measure the available width and height, then check the specifications for the model. Bosch’s stated 9 h of storage time for the GSN36VWEP applies to this model, not to all upright freezers.
Worth considering: if you mainly store large batches and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: getting to items at the bottom may involve more rummaging. The Liebherr CFe 2500 Pure is 167 cm wide; the manufacturer states that FrostProtect allows this model to operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
Worth considering: if you also need to replace your fridge and the freezer compartment has enough capacity for your needs.
Bear in mind: total capacity is not the same as freezer capacity. Samsung gives the RB38C7B6AS9/EF a total capacity of 387 l, including a 114 l freezer compartment.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Finding individual portions | Check the layout of the drawers or baskets and how easy it is to reach items at the bottom. | If I often take out prepared meals, I want to find them without rummaging through all my supplies; around 25% of consumers are thought to prioritise easy access. |
| Storing bulk buys | Estimate the freezer capacity you need and check the dimensions of your packs, as well as how far the lid opens. | If I regularly store large purchases, I want a freezer compartment and access that work for these batches; around 25% of consumers are thought to prioritise this capacity. |
| Fitting the appliance | Measure the space, access route and required clearances; compare the room temperature with the permitted range for the model. | If the available space is narrow or cold, I want to check that the appliance will fit and work there before choosing a style; around 20% of consumers are thought to put suitability for their space first. |
| Replacing rather than adding | Compare your current freezer capacity with your additional needs and the capacity of the freezer compartment you’re considering. | If I also need to replace my fridge, I want to know whether its freezer compartment will be big enough; around 15% of consumers are thought to prioritise replacing just one appliance. |
| Energy use and storage time | Compare the kWh/year and freezer capacity on the energy label, as well as the stated storage time for each model. | If I’m adding another appliance, I want to check its energy use and stated storage time in the event of a power cut; around 15% of consumers are thought to prioritise these criteria. |
Samsung’s French product page gives the RB38C7B6AS9/EF a total capacity of 387 l, but its freezer compartment holds 114 l.
Compare the freezer capacity with what you have now and the supplies you want to store.
A chest freezer takes up floor space, and items at the bottom may be harder to reach. According to the manufacturer’s product page, the Liebherr CFe 2500 Pure is 167 cm wide.
Measure the space and check that the lid can open fully and that your food will be easy to reach.
The climate class and permitted temperature range vary by model. The stated FrostProtect feature, which allows operation down to −15 °C, applies to the Liebherr CFe 2500 Pure, not to chest freezers in general.
Check the room temperature and read the product details and manual for the exact model before installing it.
Declared energy use and storage time during a power cut are separate specifications to compare for the models you’re considering.
Check the kWh/year and freezer capacity on the energy label, then compare the stated storage time for each model.
An extra appliance runs continuously and adds to your electricity use; ADEME notes that fridges and freezers operate this way.
The specifications below apply to specific models. Check the product details and dimensions before deciding whether one will fit your space.
Freestanding upright freezers are worth considering if you often take out individual portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Chest freezers are worth considering for storing large quantities, provided you have enough floor space.
A fridge freezer may be a good choice if you’re also replacing your fridge and its freezer capacity suits your needs.
Upright freezers, including integrated models, are worth considering when your kitchen layout determines where the appliance can go.
Chest freezers are worth considering if you buy in bulk and want to store food in baskets.
This selection includes separate upright and chest freezers, as well as a fridge freezer if you’re also thinking of replacing your fridge.
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For keeping individual portions organised in a dedicated freezer.
Stated capacity: 161 L; 3 drawers and 2 shelves.
No Frost; energy class C; reversible hinge and alarm listed in the product name.
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Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want a combined appliance.
Stated total capacity: 444 L; energy class E.
Total No Frost is stated for both the fridge and freezer compartments. To compare freezer capacity, check the dedicated capacity rather than relying on the 444 L total.
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For adding separate freezer space and storing food in a basket.
Stated capacity: 140 L; one basket; counterbalanced lid.
Dimensions listed: 637 × 556 × 846 mm; energy class E; adjustable feet.
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For adding compact freezer space with a storage basket.
Stated capacity: 98 L; energy class E; counterbalanced lid.
The description lists a convertible fresh or frozen food zone, castors and a front water drain.
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For storing bulk buys in a chest freezer that can switch between fridge and freezer modes.
Stated capacity: 291 L; removable basket; energy class E.
The description lists a 5-level digital control, LED lighting and a defrost drain. Dimensions: 1 100 × 597 × 872 mm.
Compare the stated time for each model, rather than assuming it applies to every appliance of that type. Bosch gives the GSN36VWEP a storage time of 9 h; this figure applies to this model and doesn’t guarantee the same length of time in all conditions.
It depends on the permitted temperature range for the model and the conditions given in its manual. UFC-Que Choisir’s glossary, dated 6 April 2010, gives ambient temperature ranges of 10 to 32 °C for class SN, 16 to 32 °C for N, 16 to 38 °C for ST and 16 to 43 °C for T. Liebherr states that FrostProtect allows the CFe 2500 Pure to operate down to −15 °C; measure the room temperature and check the installation requirements for your chosen model.
For models suited to the same needs, compare the kWh/year and freezer capacity shown on the energy label. ADEME notes that fridges and freezers run continuously; the cost will then depend on your electricity tariff.
Compare the fridge freezer’s freezer compartment capacity with the amount you need to store and the capacity you already have. Its total capacity also includes the fridge section: Samsung’s French product page gives the RB38C7B6AS9/EF a total capacity of 387 l, including 114 l for frozen food.
Follow the instructions for the model in question. For manual defrosting, Electrolux recommends switching off and unplugging the appliance, allowing the ice to melt and avoiding sharp objects. No Frost reduces the need for manual defrosting on models with this feature.