If your current freezer compartment is no longer big enough, choose a chest freezer for maximum capacity if you have enough floor space, or an upright model if you want to find portions more easily in drawers. An under-counter model is suited to more limited storage needs; replacing your fridge freezer makes most sense if you need to change the fridge section too. Whatever you choose, check the freezer capacity, dimensions, climate class and ventilation requirements of the model.
If you have lots of groceries or prepared meals to store, capacity may matter more than being able to reach every portion easily. Que Choisir says some chest freezers can hold up to 600 L. However, you’ll need to allow for their floor space and organise the contents of the freezer well.
If you want to keep containers, bags and prepared meals separate, the drawers in an upright freezer can make them easier to find. Just check that the drawers can be opened and removed in the space you have available.
A small freezer may be suitable if you only have a modest amount of extra food to store and its installation requirements suit your kitchen or alcove. If your fridge is short on space too, compare the capacity of both compartments in a new fridge freezer instead.
If you need space for prepared meals and groceries, start by working out how much you need to freeze. Then compare each format with the space available and how often you need to access your food.
Consider it: for large quantities, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom of the freezer takes more organising to keep within easy reach.
Consider it: if you want to separate portions in drawers and find them regularly.
Bear in mind: depending on the model, its maximum capacity may be lower than that of a large chest freezer, according to Que Choisir.
Consider it: for a modest amount of extra storage when you need a compact appliance.
Bear in mind: it has less capacity and may have specific requirements for the alcove or ventilation, depending on the model.
Consider it: if you need more storage for both fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: the total capacity stated is not the same as the freezer capacity alone.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the freezer’s usable capacity, separately from a fridge freezer’s total capacity, as well as the appliance’s overall size. | If my groceries and prepared meals are already filling the current compartment, I want to be able to store more, even if that means setting aside more space for the appliance. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise capacity above all else. |
| Access to portions | Check the size and ease of use of the drawers, or the storage options inside a chest freezer. | If I freeze meals in separate portions, I want to find one without moving all the other food. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise easy access. |
| Location | Measure the alcove or floor space; check the climate class and ventilation clearances specified in the manual. | If I have a narrow kitchen or a room where the temperature varies, I need to find an appliance suited to the place where it will run. Around 20% of consumers would put suitability for the location first. |
| Replacing a fridge freezer | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the energy label for the models you’re considering. | If my fridge is short on space too, I’d rather look at replacing it than adding a second appliance. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this all-in-one solution. |
A large chest freezer can hold plenty of food, but portions at the bottom are less easy to reach. Que Choisir also recommends considering how easy it is to handle food and drawers.
Think about the formats you actually store: containers, bags or large packs. Check the baskets in a chest freezer or how the drawers open in an upright model.
The ambient temperature and airflow need to meet the appliance’s requirements. Electrolux notes that its installation manual sets out the ventilation requirements.
Check that the climate class is suitable for the room’s temperature throughout the year, and allow for the clearances specified for the model you choose.
When comparing appliances of different sizes, the energy rating doesn’t replace checking the annual energy consumption shown on the energy label.
Compare annual kWh for appliances with similar capacities and usage, and check that each label matches the exact model you’re considering.
A higher total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough room for frozen food. For example, Electrolux lists a total capacity of 269 L, but a freezer capacity of 62 L for its ENA7CD19S model.
Before replacing your main appliance, compare the freezer capacity separately with the number of portions and groceries you plan to store.
Bosch offers freestanding and built-in upright freezers, as well as high-capacity models.
Liebherr’s chest freezers are worth considering if storing food in a chest suits the quantities you have and the space available.
Electrolux’s range includes built-in freezers and fridge freezers to consider for an alcove or when replacing a fridge freezer.
These Joybuy models offer two ways to increase your storage: add a chest freezer or replace your fridge freezer. For fridge freezers, focus on the space actually set aside for frozen food, rather than the total capacity alone.
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Worth considering if you want to replace your main appliance while keeping your frozen food neatly organised.
Advertised total capacity of 360 L; Total No Frost model, energy class E, with Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the freezer capacity separately and make sure the climate class suits the intended room.
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Consider it for bulk groceries or prepared meals if you have enough floor space for a chest freezer.
Advertised capacity of 291 L, fridge and freezer modes, removable basket, LED light and 5-level digital control. Check the installation requirements for your chosen room.
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Worth comparing if you need a replacement that offers storage for both fresh and frozen food.
Advertised total capacity of 467 L; Total No Frost model, energy class E. Measure the space and check the freezer capacity before deciding.
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Consider it if you want to add a chest freezer with a lower advertised capacity than the 291 L AUCMA model featured here.
Advertised capacity of 197 L, fridge and freezer modes, removable basket and 5-level digital control. Check the space needed to open it, allow for ventilation and make sure you can reach the bottom of the freezer.
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Worth considering when replacing a built-in fridge freezer, if organising frozen food matters as much as fitting the appliance into your kitchen.
Advertised total capacity of 249 L; TwinTech No Frost model, energy class E. Check the freezer capacity, alcove dimensions and ventilation requirements before choosing this model.
Choose based on what you need most: capacity for large quantities, or easy access to separate portions. Que Choisir says chest freezers can hold up to 600 L, while upright models usually offer around 200 L and can reach 400 L, depending on the model. Compare these capacities with the space available and how easy the storage is to use.
Only if the room temperature and installation conditions are suitable for your chosen model. Check its climate class and manual, then make sure you allow for the specified ventilation clearances. Electrolux notes that these conditions must be met when installing its appliances.
Follow the manual for your model when choosing its position and setting it up. In particular, make sure there is adequate airflow as instructed and check how close it is to heat sources, as Electrolux recommends in its installation advice.
Yes. According to the DGCCRF, domestic freezers in France have been covered by the energy labelling rules for refrigeration appliances since 1 March 2021. The Ministry of the Economy says the label must be displayed both in shops and online. Check the annual energy consumption in kWh for the exact model, not just its energy class.
Take it to a collection scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in general waste. The ministry responsible for the ecological transition says this scheme operates in France for household appliances. Ask the retailer or a collection point how to arrange this in practice.