Households that freeze portions
If you cook in advance, consider how the drawers or compartments let you organise containers and find the portions you use often. The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how easy an appliance is to organise.
Who are these options for?
Households that shop less often
If you want to store large packs or a big shop in one go, compare the usable freezer capacity and the freezing capacity stated for each appliance. The storage time in the event of a power cut may also matter when you’re keeping a large amount of food.
Households short on kitchen space
If a chest freezer would take up too much floor space, measure the available area before comparing an upright freezer with a new fridge freezer. Remember to allow room to open the door or lid, and leave the clearances specified in the instruction manual.
Which features should you prioritise?
To increase your freezer storage, first decide whether to buy a separate appliance or replace your fridge freezer. Then check that its layout and installation suit the way you’ll use it.
Upright freezer
Consider it: if you want to organise portions and regularly access different foods.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough space to open the door and use the drawers.
Chest freezer
Consider it: if you want to build up a stock of food and store large packs.
Bear in mind: you’ll need floor space and a way to reach food at the bottom.
Fridge freezer
Consider it: if you also plan to replace your fridge and don’t want to install a second appliance.
Bear in mind: the freezer capacity is only part of the total capacity shown.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the usable freezer capacity in litres, not the total capacity of a fridge freezer. If you freeze a large shop, also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If you shop less often, you need enough room to store your food until your next trip to the shops. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this storage capacity. |
| Access to portions | Check the layout of the drawers or baskets, and how easy it is to reach food stored at the bottom. | If you need to find prepared meals every day, practical organisation matters just as much as the space available. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise ease of access. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space available and check that the appliance can open fully. Consult the manual for ventilation requirements and the permitted ambient temperature range. | In a narrow kitchen or when installing an appliance outside the kitchen, it needs to fit the space and be able to operate there. Around 21% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Storage time and ongoing use | Compare storage time in hours, energy consumption in kWh/year and noise level in dB(A) across models that suit your needs. | If you’re storing a lot of food or the appliance is near living areas, performance during a power cut, noise and energy consumption become more important. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise these features over others. |
What to look out for
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Choosing based on capacity alone
A freezer may seem to offer enough space, but it could be less practical if the food inside is difficult to reach. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends checking how easy it is to access drawers and food.
Measure the space available for opening the door or lid, then think about where you’d put your usual containers and packs.
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Assuming a garage or cellar is suitable
Permitted ambient temperatures and ventilation requirements vary by model. Compatibility for one appliance doesn’t automatically apply to another upright freezer, chest freezer or fridge freezer.
Check the manual for the model you’ve chosen, and keep the specified ventilation openings clear.
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Assuming storage time or defrosting needs from the format
These features vary between models. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol, for example, assesses storage time during a power cut as a separate criterion.
Compare the stated storage time, defrosting method, kWh/year and dB(A) of the models that offer the capacity you need.
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Leaving the old appliance until installation day
If you’re replacing a freezer, arrange for the old one to be taken away when the new one arrives, especially if access to your home is restricted.
Before ordering, ask the retailer whether they offer take-back for the same type of appliance and how to prepare it for collection.
Brands to know
Bosch
The range includes upright freezers and fridge freezers, so compare them based on the freezer capacity you need.
- Bosch Électroménager France lists 103 L of freezer capacity for the KGN392WCF fridge freezer, in addition to its fridge compartment.
- If you’re looking to store a large amount of frozen food, compare this compartment with the usable capacity of a separate freezer, rather than the fridge freezer’s total capacity.
Whirlpool
The brand’s upright and chest freezer models offer two different ways to organise your food.
- Whirlpool France describes the WHFF 6404 X5E upright freezer as a 404 L model with six drawers and two door balconies.
- For its W3RHS19DW chest freezer, the brand lists two baskets and 41 h of storage time during a power cut. Check the dimensions and how easy it is to reach food at the bottom before choosing this type of layout. These features apply to the models mentioned only.
Electrolux
The EUN7NE18S built-in freezer is a good example of the checks to make when fitting an appliance into a fitted kitchen.
- Electrolux France lists 212 L of freezer capacity for this model.
- Its manual specifies ventilation openings of at least 200 cm². Check the housing and installation instructions for this model before deciding whether its capacity is right for you.
Appliances to suit your needs
This selection includes separate upright and chest freezers in different capacities, as well as a fridge freezer for anyone who also wants to replace their fridge. With the latter, be sure to compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with that of the separate appliances.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
Worth considering if you need to organise portions in a small space, rather than store a large shop.
This model is listed with three drawers, adjustable temperature, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check its storage time during a power cut and installation requirements if these matter for your chosen location.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer
Consider this if you want to keep different packs and prepared meals separate in an upright freezer.
The model name indicates a No Frost system, drawers, an LED display, an alarm and a C energy rating. Check its dimensions and freezing capacity if you plan to freeze a large shop in one go.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
This chest freezer could suit a compact stock of food if a basket is enough to keep smaller items organised.
Its listing includes a removable basket, adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Check how easy it is to reach food beneath the basket and the permitted ambient temperature before installing it in a cellar or garage.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer
Consider this if you’re also replacing your fridge and 74 L of freezer capacity is enough for your needs. It doesn’t have 227 L of freezer space.
The stated capacity is split between 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. The model is listed as 54 cm wide, with Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Low Frost may still require defrosting.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
This chest freezer gives you extra, separate storage if you can dedicate floor space to it and access the contents from above.
Its listing includes a basket, counterbalanced lid, temperature control and an E energy rating. Check the space needed to open the lid, as well as the freezing capacity if you regularly add large quantities of food.
Frequently asked questions
Can a large fridge freezer replace a separate freezer?
Yes, if the usable capacity of its freezer compartment is enough for your needs and you also want to replace your fridge. As a guide to two separate appliances, Bosch Électroménager France lists 103 L of freezer capacity for the KGN392WCF fridge freezer, while Electrolux France lists 212 L for the EUN7NE18S built-in freezer. Compare freezer compartments, not total capacities.
Can I install a freezer in a cellar or garage?
Yes, but only if the room temperature and ventilation meet the requirements for the model you’ve chosen. Whirlpool France states that its W3RHS19DW chest freezer with Freezer Guard is suitable for temperatures down to −15 °C. This doesn’t apply to other models.
Which figures should I compare for everyday use?
First compare the usable freezer capacity with the amount of food you need to store. Then check the annual energy consumption in kWh, noise level in dB(A) and storage time during a power cut for the models you’re considering. ADEME recommends using the energy label as a guide when choosing a household appliance.
What should I do with my old freezer when replacing it?
Ask about take-back before ordering your new appliance. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, ‘one-for-one’ take-back applies when buying an appliance of the same type. Confirm the practical collection arrangements with the retailer.