If you need to store plenty of meals and frozen shopping, choose a chest freezer when capacity and space for bulky containers matter most, or an upright freezer if you need to find separately stored portions regularly. An under-counter model is better suited to compact, additional storage; if you also want to update your refrigeration space, consider a large fridge-freezer. In every case, compare the net freezer capacity, the space needed for opening and ventilation, the permitted room temperature, kWh/year and the stated power-cut storage time.
If you prepare several meals in advance, an upright freezer with drawers can help you keep portions separate and find them without rummaging through a large chest. Do check that your containers fit in the compartments. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the organisation and access to food offered by upright freezers.
If you buy large packs or store bulky containers, the open space in a chest freezer can be useful. Having enough room is not the only consideration: in a pantry, cellar or garage, also check that the room temperature is suitable for the model you choose.
If every centimetre counts, measure the space the appliance will occupy, as well as the clearance needed to open its door, drawers or lid. For an appliance that runs continuously, compare the kWh/year with the net freezer capacity you actually need, as ADEME advises when discussing freezer energy use.
UFC-Que Choisir’s guide contrasts the generous storage space of chest freezers with the more organised access offered by upright models. The other two types suit different needs: extra capacity in a small space, or keeping fresh and frozen food together in one appliance.
Consider it: for large quantities or bulky containers, if you have enough floor space and room to lift the lid.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom takes more organising to keep it within easy reach.
Consider it: if you want to sort portions into drawers and access frozen meals regularly.
Bear in mind: the size and layout of the compartments may limit the space available for large containers.
Consider it: if you need extra storage that will fit beneath a worktop.
Bear in mind: check its capacity carefully before relying on it to store regular batches of meals.
Consider it: if you also need to replace or combine your fresh and frozen food storage.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is not the same as the space available in the freezer compartment alone.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and access | Compare the net freezer capacity and the layout of drawers or baskets with the size of your portions and containers. | When I prepare several meals in advance, I want to find a portion without moving everything else. Around 37% of consumers prioritise easy-to-access storage. |
| Large capacity and location | Measure the appliance and the space needed to open it; check the room temperature and ventilation clearances against the model’s instructions. | When storing a large food shop in a spare room, I prioritise the space available for food, provided the appliance can operate there. Capacity and location come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Energy use and power cuts | Compare the kWh/year for appliances of a similar type and capacity, then check their stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | If I’m adding an appliance that will stay plugged in all the time, I want to know how much energy it uses and take possible power cuts into account. This is the top concern for around 18% of consumers. |
| Space in your home | Check the floor space required, delivery access and clearance needed for the door, drawers or lid. | When my kitchen is short on space, I need an extra freezer that will still be practical once installed, even if it has a more modest capacity. Around 18% of consumers prioritise how well it fits into their home. |
A large chest freezer can hold bulky items, but food at the bottom is harder to reach. Drawers in an upright freezer make it easier to organise food, but may not fit every large container.
Measure your usual containers and check the layout of the baskets, drawers and shelves before choosing a type.
The temperature in a garage or cellar may fall outside the range permitted for a particular model. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the climate class; a stated ability to operate in a cold room applies to certain appliances, not an entire range.
Compare the room temperature with the range stated in the documentation for the exact model, and follow its ventilation instructions.
Energy ratings alone do not make it useful to compare two freezers of different capacities. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so its annual energy consumption is worth checking separately.
Compare the kWh/year and net freezer capacity of similar appliances, then consider how much energy the model is likely to use in your own circumstances.
A manual-defrost model needs to be checked for frost build-up. If you add a lot of prepared meals or groceries at once, storage capacity alone does not tell you how much the appliance can freeze in a day.
Check the defrosting method and the model’s freezing capacity, then plan your storage so you can identify each portion.
These ranges offer a useful comparison between types; check the features and installation requirements for each specific model.
Liebherr offers chest, upright and compact freezers, in freestanding models and, depending on the range, built-in versions.
Beko’s range includes upright freezers with a variety of storage configurations.
Whirlpool France offers chest and upright freezers, as well as different installation types.
Bosch offers upright freezers, with different storage options depending on the model.
This selection includes chest freezers for extra freezer capacity, two compact chest freezers for additional storage, and an upright model for organising portions by compartment. For convertible chest freezers, check that they can be set to freezer mode before comparing them with your needs.
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This chest freezer is suited to storing larger quantities, provided its top-opening lid and dimensions work for your space.
Stated capacity of 291 L, energy rating E, removable basket, LED lighting and a defrost drain. It can operate as either a fridge or freezer: select the setting that suits the food you want to store.
If you plan to keep it in a spare room, check the permitted ambient temperature, ventilation instructions and stated storage time in the event of a power cut.
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This chest freezer adds extra storage space and includes a basket to keep smaller items separate from the rest of your food.
Stated capacity of 197 L, energy rating E, removable basket and a defrost drain. The model can switch between fridge and freezer modes.
Before placing it in a cellar or garage, check the permitted ambient temperature range, ventilation clearance and stated storage time in the event of a power cut.
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This upright freezer is suited to households that want to organise portions and access them from the front, rather than stacking them in a chest.
Stated capacity of 161 L, drawers, No Frost protection, energy rating C and a reversible door hinge. Check the exact interior layout if the number of compartments is important to your choice.
Also compare the kWh/year, installation dimensions, permitted ambient temperature and stated storage time in the event of a power cut in the model’s documentation.
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This compact chest freezer is better suited to extra storage than to holding a large number of bulky dishes.
Stated capacity of 99 L, removable wire basket, sliding lid, adjustable thermostat and energy rating E. Defrosting is manual.
Check that it can hold your containers, then look at the kWh/year, permitted ambient temperature and installation clearances for the model.
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This compact chest freezer is a handy extra if your portions and frozen shopping fit within its stated capacity.
Stated capacity of 95 L, energy rating E, removable basket, seven-level thermostat and a defrost drain. Select freezer mode for the intended use.
Before choosing where to place it, check the documentation for the compatible ambient temperature, ventilation clearances and stated storage time in the event of a power cut.
No. The location must meet the permitted ambient temperature range and ventilation requirements for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of the climate class. While some Beko models are stated to work at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C, this does not apply to every freezer.
Compare the kWh/year and net freezer capacity of models of a similar type, then use the energy rating as an additional guide. For a large fridge-freezer, assess the capacity of the freezer compartment, not the total capacity.
No. It is mainly useful if you want to reduce the need for manual defrosting. When choosing an appliance for storing meal portions, also look at the size of the compartments, the net freezer capacity and the model’s annual energy consumption.
Check the stated storage time for each model and compare it separately from its capacity. UFC-Que Choisir includes a simulated power cut in its freezer test procedure, so bear the test conditions in mind when comparing times from different sources.