If you regularly take out prepared portions, an upright freezer with compartments is probably the best choice. For storing larger quantities, consider a chest freezer if you have enough space. An under-counter freezer is handy for extra capacity, while a fridge freezer makes most sense if you’re replacing your fridge too. In each case, compare the freezer capacity, the space needed to open the appliance and the installation requirements for the specific model.
If you regularly take out prepared meals, drawers or compartments can help you keep them separate and find what you’re looking for. Bosch’s product information and Que Choisir’s guide describe these storage options, which vary by model.
A chest freezer is worth considering for bags, bulky dishes or larger quantities. You’ll need to allow for its floor space and check the installation requirements if you plan to put it in a cellar, pantry or garage.
If you don’t have room for another large appliance, compare an under-counter freezer with the freezer compartment of a new fridge freezer. The latter is mainly suited to a project that also involves replacing your fridge.
Start by thinking about what you want to store and how often you’ll need to get to it. Then compare the dimensions, freezer capacity and the conditions in the room where it will go.
Consider it if: you regularly take out portions and want to organise them across several shelves or drawers.
Bear in mind: drawers make it easier to sort food, but may limit space for very large containers.
Consider it if: your priority is plenty of storage and you have enough floor space for the appliance.
Bear in mind: food at the bottom is less easy to reach.
Consider it if: you need extra capacity in a kitchen where a larger appliance won’t fit.
Bear in mind: its compact size means less room for storing supplies.
Consider it if: you’re replacing your fridge too and would rather keep chilled and frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s total capacity isn’t the same as its freezer capacity.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | The layout and usable dimensions of the drawers, baskets or other compartments. | If I take meals out several times a week, I want to find them without moving all my other food; around 31% of consumers would prioritise easy access. |
| Storage capacity | The usable freezer capacity and the space available for your largest containers. | If I prepare lots of meals at once, I need to be able to store bulky dishes; nearly 25% of consumers would make capacity their priority. |
| Installation | Whether the appliance will fit through the access route and can be opened fully, as well as the ambient temperature range allowed in its manual. | In a small kitchen or an unheated room, I first need a model suited to the space; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this constraint. |
| Usage and power cuts | The kWh/year figure and stated storage time during a power cut, comparing appliances of a similar capacity and with similar uses. | If I keep a large stock of food, I pay attention to ongoing energy use and the stated time it will stay frozen during a power cut; around 19% of consumers would put these factors first. |
A larger capacity doesn’t guarantee easy access to portions or enough room for your dishes. Que Choisir’s guide highlights the difference between the storage layout of upright freezers and the more open space in chest freezers.
Measure the containers you use regularly and check how they’ll fit in the drawers or baskets of the model you’re considering.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. A cold-protection feature specified for one appliance doesn’t apply to every model in its category.
Check the temperature range and installation instructions for the exact model before choosing an unheated room.
ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously. The energy rating alone isn’t enough to compare the energy use of appliances with different capacities.
Check the kWh/year figure on each model’s label, then compare appliances with a similar capacity and intended use.
A fridge freezer’s total capacity includes the fridge section too. For example, Whirlpool’s product information for the WHK 25404 XBR5E states a total capacity of 355 l, of which 106 l is freezer space.
Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone with the amount of meals and frozen food you plan to store.
Bosch’s range includes upright and under-counter models to consider if you want to organise portions in a vertical format.
Whirlpool offers chest freezers, upright freezers and fridge freezers, giving you several formats to consider for the same storage project.
Liebherr chest freezers may suit households planning to store larger quantities, including in an unheated room if the chosen model is suitable.
These appliances are suited to three different projects: adding an upright freezer for portions, installing a chest freezer for a larger stock or replacing your fridge with a fridge freezer. Compare their freezer capacity and installation requirements according to your needs.
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Worth considering if you want to organise portions in a dedicated upright freezer. The title states a capacity of 161 l, No Frost protection, a reversible-hinge door and an alarm. Check the interior layout against the size of your dishes, as well as the dimensions and kWh/year figure, before choosing.
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Worth considering for extra capacity rather than a large stock of food. The title states a capacity of 60 l and a reversible door. Check the actual layout of the compartments, which is described differently in the title and product description, as well as the appliance’s installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you have space for a chest freezer and want to store bulky containers. The title states a capacity of 291 l, fridge or freezer modes and a removable basket. Plan how you’ll organise the contents to reach food at the bottom, and check the permitted ambient temperature if you’re thinking of putting it in a garage.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too. The 467 l stated in the title is the total capacity of this No Frost model. Compare the freezer section separately with your stock of meals and measure the space needed for installation.
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Worth considering if your plans include replacing your main fridge. The title states a total capacity of 360 l and No Frost technology. Check the capacity of the freezer compartment alone before comparing it with a dedicated upright or chest freezer.
An upright freezer is probably the better choice if you regularly take out portions, as its compartments make it easier to keep them separate. If you mainly want to store larger quantities or bulky containers, consider a chest freezer and plan how you’ll organise food at the bottom.
Yes, provided the model’s manual allows for the ambient temperatures in your garage and you can follow its other installation instructions. Liebherr states that the CFe 1870 Pure has FrostProtect down to −15 °C; this feature doesn’t automatically apply to other appliances.
Compare their stated annual energy consumption in kWh, taking capacity and intended use into account, rather than looking at the energy rating alone. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so the product information for each model is important when making your choice.
Yes, especially if you plan to keep a large stock of meals. Compare the stated storage time during a power cut for the models you’re considering, along with the conditions under which it was measured. Que Choisir’s test protocol, for example, assesses how long it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power.