Start by choosing according to the space available and how you want to access your food: a chest freezer prioritises capacity, while an upright freezer makes sorting by drawers and frequent access easier. A compact model is suitable as an additional freezer; if you also need to replace your fridge, a large fridge freezer may meet both needs, although its freezer compartment should still be compared with that of a dedicated appliance. Then check the usable capacity, dimensions, energy label, noise level, stated storage time and climate class suited to the room.
You want to store a large quantity of food, including bulky packaging, and have a utility room, cellar or additional space available. A chest freezer should be your first option to consider, once you have checked its dimensions and the model’s climate class. Based on UFC-Que Choisir and Liebherr.
You open your freezer frequently and want to keep ready meals, vegetables, meat and reserves separate in drawers, rather than searching through one large compartment. An upright freezer will generally suit this vertical organisation better. Based on UFC-Que Choisir and Electrolux France.
You are short on space, but your fridge freezer’s compartment is occasionally no longer large enough. A top-mounted or under-counter model can add storage without aiming for the capacity of a full-size standalone appliance. Based on UFC-Que Choisir and Liebherr.
Start by measuring the space and working out the capacity you genuinely need, then compare the usage specifications of models in a similar format.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the freezing capacity in litres and the space available for your packaging. An open chest freezer accommodates bulky containers more easily, while an upright freezer’s drawers provide more structured storage. | I want to build up supplies suited to my shopping habits, without choosing a capacity that is impossible to fill or install. |
| Access and storage | Look at the drawers, baskets, removable shelves, lighting and door alarm where available. With a chest freezer, plan an arrangement that still lets you reach items at the bottom. | I want to find food quickly and avoid leaving products forgotten at the bottom of the freezer. |
| Energy consumption and noise | For appliances with a similar type and capacity, compare the A to G energy class, kWh/year, volume and noise level. The European energy label brings this information together; the QR code provides access to the model’s EPREL product sheet. | My freezer will run continuously, sometimes near a kitchen or living area, so both noise and energy consumption matter. |
| Installation and power cuts | Check the stated storage time in the event of a power cut, the climate class, ambient temperature range and required ventilation clearances. Check these points for the exact model, particularly if it will be installed in a garage or cellar. | I want the appliance to suit the actual temperature of the room and protect my supplies better during a power cut. |
A large chest freezer may require considerable width and around 70 cm of depth, so a bulky appliance may not fit in a kitchen or pass through certain access points. UFC-Que Choisir commonly gives a width of 110 to 140 cm for chest freezers.
Measure the width, depth, height, ventilation clearances and delivery route before choosing a model. Compare the overall dimensions, not just the advertised litres.
Suitability for an unheated room depends on the model’s operating conditions. For example, Liebherr states that its CFe 2500 Pure features FrostProtect down to -15 °C, but this specification does not apply to other appliances.
Check the climate class, ambient temperature range and installation instructions for the exact model before buying.
The European label also displays kWh/year, volume and noise level: appliances with different capacities cannot be compared based on their class letter alone. Based on the European Commission.
Compare the energy class, kWh/year, usable litres and noise level between appliances intended for the same use. The EPREL QR code lets you view the model’s detailed information.
Electricity consumption is an ongoing cost that varies notably according to capacity, format and conditions of use.
Storage time refers to maintaining a low temperature during a power cut, while the storage layout determines whether food can actually be found and used. UFC-Que Choisir assesses factors including storage time, temperature stability, ease of storage, alarms and cleaning.
Before choosing, compare the stated storage time, available alarms, drawers and baskets with the packaging you usually store.
Particularly worth considering for large-capacity freestanding upright freezers, with models featuring drawers and storage solutions.
A brand worth comparing for a large-capacity chest freezer, a compact table-top model and certain appliances designed for cold rooms.
A useful reference point when comparing built-in freezers and LowFrost or No Frost options for a fitted kitchen.
Joybuy options covering upright freezers, additional chest freezers and a compact vertical model to increase frozen-food storage, depending on the space available.
Image unavailable
An option for organising everyday supplies with drawers and easy vertical access.
Advertised features include 161 L, three drawers, two shelves, LED display, alarm, reversible door and C energy class. Check the dimensions, storage time, annual consumption, climate class and that the functions match this variant.
Image unavailable
A compact chest freezer for creating additional supplies when space is limited.
Advertised features include 99 L, a removable wire basket, sliding lid, 39 dB, 4.5 kg/24 h and E energy class; advertised dimensions: 54.5 × 47.6 × 83.5 cm. Manual defrosting is indicated when the ice exceeds 5 mm; also check the climate class and storage time before installing it in a cellar or garage.
Image unavailable
A chest-freezer format for larger reserves, while still providing a basket for smaller items.
Advertised features include 140 L, storage basket, lid that stays open, castors, front water drain and E energy class. Advertised dimensions: 63.7 × 55.6 × 84.6 cm; plan how you will organise food at the bottom and check ventilation, noise, consumption, storage time and climate class.
Image unavailable
An upright extra freezer for a small kitchen or under-counter space.
Advertised features include 60 L, two compartments with flaps, a bottom drawer, reversible door, adjustable feet, up to 6 kg/24 h and E energy class. Advertised width: 47.5 cm; advertised height: 84.5 cm. This capacity remains limited for large bulk purchases.
Image unavailable
An additional chest-freezer compartment with a basket and advertised temperature adjustment.
Advertised features include 98 L, basket, castors, adjustable feet, front drainage and adjustable thermostat. The Switch Zone function is advertised as allowing you to switch between chilled and frozen storage: consult the instructions for its conditions of use and check the dimensions, consumption, noise, storage time and climate class.
Choose a chest freezer if maximum capacity and bulky packaging are your priorities, provided you have enough floor space. Choose an upright freezer for drawers, visibility and frequent access: according to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers can reach 600 l, while upright models generally hold around 200 l and can reach up to 400 l in the largest versions.
Compare the A to G class, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacity and noise level between appliances with a similar capacity and format. The European Commission states that this information appears on the labels of freezers and fridge freezers sold in the EU; the QR code links to the model’s EPREL product sheet.
This depends on the model’s ambient temperature range and climate class, not simply on whether it is a chest freezer. Liebherr states that the CFe 2500 Pure features FrostProtect down to -15 °C; nevertheless, check the product sheet and instructions for your chosen model before installing it in an unheated room.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies automatically to goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy states that it covers, among other things, a product that does not match its description or an installation that falls within the seller’s responsibility; submit your claim to the professional seller.
An old freezer falls under the waste electrical and electronic equipment stream. It must be taken to an appropriate collection and treatment service rather than put in household rubbish, because these appliances contain components that require specialist handling, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition.