If you want to build up a large supply of frozen food, a chest freezer is a good choice if you have enough floor space. An upright model makes it easier to access food organised into compartments. An under-counter model is suited to adding extra capacity, while a fridge-freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too and its freezer capacity is sufficient. In every case, check the available space, installation requirements and specifications of the model you choose.
If your fridge’s freezer compartment is no longer big enough, compare the net capacity of a freestanding appliance with the space you can set aside for it. Also think about how you’ll find what you need, and check the stated power-cut storage time.
An upright or under-counter model can take up less floor space than a chest freezer. However, check the usable capacity, dimensions and clearance needed for ventilation. Que Choisir lists format and capacity among the key factors to consider.
For a garage or cellar, compare the room temperature with the operating range permitted for the specific model. Electrolux France advises that an appliance must operate at the ambient temperature it is designed for, so you shouldn’t choose a location based on format alone.
Worth considering: for a large stock of frozen food, if the room has enough floor space and there’s room to open the lid.
The trade-off: food is less compartmentalised than in an upright freezer. Look for a way to organise it that suits the baskets supplied with the model.
Worth considering: if you access frozen food often and want to organise it into compartments.
The trade-off: you’ll need enough height, and should check that the appliance will fit through to its intended location.
Worth considering: for extra storage when a taller appliance won’t fit the space.
The trade-off: make sure the capacity meets your needs. For example, the Bosch GTV15NWEB under-counter model offers 83 L, according to Bosch Électroménager France.
Worth considering: if you’re replacing your fridge too and would prefer to install just one appliance.
The trade-off: the total capacity isn’t all for frozen food. Electrolux France lists 62 L of freezer capacity out of 249 L total for the ENP7MD18S model.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and access | Compare the net freezer capacity in litres, rather than just the total capacity of a fridge-freezer. Check how many drawers or baskets there are, depending on how you store your food. | I want either to build up a large stock or quickly find the food I use every day. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the route into the room. Follow the clearances in the instructions and check the ambient temperature range permitted for the model, especially if it’s going outside the kitchen. | Space is limited, or I’m planning to install the appliance in a garage or a room with little heating. |
| Energy consumption | Check the energy label and kWh/year figures. Compare appliances of a similar capacity and format. ADEME recommends using the energy label when choosing household appliances. | I want to take the stated energy consumption into account without overlooking the freezer capacity I need. |
| Maintenance and power cuts | Check the cooling system, whether manual defrosting is needed and the stated power-cut storage time on each model’s product information. These features vary from one model to another. | Maintenance matters to me, as does being able to compare how long food is stated to stay frozen during a power cut. |
A chest freezer takes up floor space, and you’ll need room to open the lid. For example, Whirlpool France lists the WHM4612 chest freezer at 437 L, with a stated width of around 140 cm.
Measure the space and the route in for delivery, then check that the lid can open and that the inside can be organised to suit you.
The total capacity of a fridge-freezer includes the fridge section too. Electrolux France lists the ENP7MD18S at 249 L in total, including 62 L for frozen food.
Compare the net freezer capacity separately with the amount you plan to store. Choose a fridge-freezer if replacing your fridge is also part of the plan.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the specific model. Liebherr states that FrostProtect works down to -15 °C for its CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer; this feature doesn’t apply to other appliances.
Before ordering, check the operating range in the documentation for the specific model and compare it with the temperature in the room.
The examples below are intended to help you compare specifications for specific models, not to suggest that the same features apply across an entire brand.
Bosch Électroménager France offers a range that includes under-counter models and freestanding upright freezers.
Whirlpool France’s product information lets you compare a high-capacity chest freezer with a compartmentalised upright model.
The CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer is one model to consider for installation in a room with little heating.
The range featured by Haier France includes upright and chest freezers in a variety of capacities.
This selection includes two chest freezers for building up a stock of frozen food, and an upright model with drawers for organising your food. To choose between them, compare their capacity with the space you have and how you prefer to access your food.
Image unavailable
Build up a stock of frozen food in a chest freezer with a stated capacity of 291 L, a removable basket and fridge and freezer modes. The title also mentions LED lighting and five-level digital temperature control. If you’re installing it in a room with little heating, check the permitted ambient temperature range for this model.
Image unavailable
Keep frozen food separate and easy to access with this model, which has a stated capacity of 161 L, three drawers and No Frost. The title lists a C energy rating and a temperature setting range of -14 °C to -22 °C; this is not the permitted ambient temperature for the room where the appliance is installed. Check the dimensions before choosing this format.
Image unavailable
Add freestanding freezer capacity without aiming for the same amount of storage as a 291 L chest freezer. This model has a stated capacity of 140 L, a storage basket and a counterbalanced lid. The title lists an E energy rating. Measure the space and check the permitted ambient temperature range if you’re planning to install it in a garage.
No. Check the permitted ambient temperature for the specific model before choosing this location. Electrolux France recommends keeping the appliance within its stated temperature range. Liebherr lists operation down to -15 °C for the CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer only; this doesn’t apply to all freezers.
Yes. Leave the clearances stated in the instructions for your chosen model to allow air to circulate. Bosch Électroménager France’s guide recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and rear of the upright models it describes. Be sure to check the instructions for your own model.
Check the kWh/year figures on the energy label and compare appliances with a similar capacity and format. ADEME recommends using the label to help guide your choice. Also make sure each appliance offers the freezer capacity you need.