If your current freezer space is no longer enough, first compare the usable capacity you need with the space available. An upright freezer makes it easier to organise portions, while a chest freezer can hold larger batches if you have enough floor space. An under-counter model is better suited to providing extra capacity. If you’re already replacing your fridge, compare the freezer capacity of a large fridge freezer too.
You want to find different frozen meals quickly and organise them into portions. The guide from Que Choisir Ensemble treats accessibility and organisation as separate considerations from storage capacity alone.
You freeze large batches and can set aside floor space for a chest freezer, while planning how to organise food in the compartment. Que Choisir Ensemble presents the format as a separate consideration from capacity.
You’re looking for a compact extra freezer, or you already need to replace your fridge. Bosch’s published specifications show why you should compare freezer capacity separately from total capacity.
Choose this if : you often take out portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Check : the height, depth, door clearance and usable capacity of the specific model.
Choose this if : you mainly store large batches and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind : food stored at the bottom may take more organising to find the portions you need.
Choose this if : headroom is limited and extra capacity will meet your needs.
Check : the actual usable capacity and clearance requirements in the model’s instructions.
Compare this if : you already need to replace your fridge and could avoid adding a separate appliance.
Check : the freezer compartment capacity, which is different from the appliance’s total capacity.
For a large household, start with the containers and portions you need to store, then compare freezer capacity, available space and how often you’ll need access. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between upright and chest freezer formats, among other things. You’ll then need to check the dimensions, layout and installation requirements for each model.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Estimate how many more containers you need to store and compare the stated freezer capacity in litres, the dimensions and access to the compartment. | If I mainly store large batches, I want to check how many containers will actually fit. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise capacity for storing provisions. |
| Access to portions | Compare the layout and number of drawers or baskets with the size of the containers you use at home. | When I have different meals each day, I want to find them without rummaging through a compartment. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise keeping portions organised. |
| Suitability for the room | Measure the access route, available space and door or lid clearance. Check the room temperature against the climate class and the instructions. | If the appliance needs to fit in a particular room, I have to check the measurements and the ambient temperature specified for the model. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise suitability for the intended location. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the kWh/year on the energy label and check the defrosting method for each model. | Before adding an appliance, I want to take its stated energy use and maintenance needs into account. Around 14 % of consumers put these considerations first. |
The fridge and freezer compartments meet different needs. Bosch lists 405 l of fridge capacity and 200 l of freezer capacity for the KFN96APEA.
Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres with the extra capacity your household needs.
Capacity and internal organisation are different considerations; baskets, access to the compartment and lid clearance matter too.
Check the layout of the specific model. If you often take out portions, compare an upright freezer with drawers as well.
Climate class and features designed for low temperatures don’t guarantee the same operating conditions for every appliance.
Compare the room temperatures, including in winter, with the specifications and instructions for the exact model.
Liebherr lists NoFrost on its FNe 5006 upright freezer and describes StopFrost on its CFd 2505 chest freezer as a feature designed to reduce frost. The names refer to different functions.
Check the defrosting method specified for the model you’re considering before you choose.
The French models mentioned include a large upright freezer, an under-counter model and a fridge freezer, each suited to different appliance needs.
The French catalogue includes chest freezers, among other products. The HCE301D is one to consider if you’re looking for a horizontal freezer.
The examples mentioned include a NoFrost upright freezer and a chest freezer with different features. Compare them model by model.
The WHM4612 chest freezer is an example of a model with baskets for organising a horizontal storage space.
These upright and chest freezer models can give you extra freezer capacity. Choose according to how you’ll access portions, the floor space available and the capacity you need.
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The upright design with separate compartments may suit you if you want to organise different portions.
The title lists a capacity of 161 L, No-Frost, 3 freezer drawers and 2 drawers, an LED display, a reversible door, an alarm and a temperature range of −14 to −22 °C. Energy rating C.
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This chest freezer may suit you if you want extra storage, have enough floor space and can access the lid easily.
Stated capacity of 140 L, basket included, counterbalanced lid and adjustable temperature control. Energy rating E.
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The stated capacity may suit you if you need to store large batches and have enough room to open the lid and access the compartment.
The listing states 291 L, a removable basket, five-level digital control and a defrost drain. Energy rating E; the title mentions switching between fridge and freezer modes.
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This chest freezer can provide a mid-sized amount of extra storage if you have the necessary floor space and room to open the lid.
The listing states 197 L, a removable basket, five-level digital control and a defrost drain. Energy rating E; the title mentions switching between fridge and freezer modes.
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This model may suit you if you want a separate space for extra provisions while keeping smaller items in a basket.
The listing states 141 L, a removable basket, a seven-level thermostat and a defrost drain. Energy rating E; the title mentions switching between fridge and freezer modes.
It depends on the temperature the room actually reaches and the operating range specified for the exact model. Liebherr states that its CFd 2505 chest freezer with FrostProtect can operate in ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C. Check the climate class, product specifications and instructions for your model: a chest freezer isn’t automatically suitable for a cold room.
Make sure the door or lid can open fully and follow the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions for the model you buy. The overall dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that the appliance will fit in your chosen space.
Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy labels for models with usable capacities that meet your needs. For a rough cost in euros, multiply the stated kWh/year by your tariff in €/kWh. This calculation won’t predict the appliance’s actual energy use in your home.
Check the feature for the exact model. Bosch lists No Frost for the GSN58AWCV, but not for the GTV15NWEB. Liebherr also distinguishes NoFrost on its FNe 5006 upright freezer from StopFrost on its CFd 2505 chest freezer, which is described as reducing frost.
The European energy label shows, among other things, an energy rating and annual consumption in kWh. The European Commission states that the scale for household fridges and freezers has run from A to G since 1 March 2021. Compare usable capacity in litres and kWh/year too, rather than relying on the letter alone.