Preparing meals in advance
If you freeze a variety of portions and take them out regularly, how easy it is to find and organise your containers matters just as much as the available capacity.
Who is this choice for?
Stocking up on supplies
If you regularly store large packs or bulky packaging between shopping trips, compare the freezer capacity with the space available for the appliance.
Fitting an appliance into a restricted space
If you have a small kitchen or a room where the temperature fluctuates, check the dimensions, how the door opens and the permitted ambient temperature range for the model you’re considering.
What to consider
Upright freezer
Worth considering: if you often take out different portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Allow for: enough room to open the door and pull out the drawers, as well as the height of the appliance.
Chest freezer
Worth considering: if you store large packs or bulky packaging and have enough floor space.
Allow for: clearance above the lid and an organisation system that makes it easy to reach food at the bottom.
Table-top or under-counter freezer
Worth considering: if you have a limited amount to freeze and little space available.
Allow for: checking the height, depth, door opening and clearances specified in the instructions before fitting it under a worktop.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you also need to replace your fridge and the freezer compartment is big enough for your supplies.
Allow for: comparing the freezer compartment capacity on its own and measuring the space available, including the delivery route.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Layout and internal dimensions of the drawers; door opening and whether there are removable shelves. | If I regularly take out different portions, I want to find and remove them without rummaging through a chest. Around 26% of consumers prioritise easy everyday access to food. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres with your supplies and the largest packs you store at the same time. | If I keep large packs between shopping trips, I check that they fit and that I can still reach the food. Around 26% of consumers put storage capacity first. |
| Location | Measure the space and access routes; check the clearances and permitted ambient temperature range for the exact model. | If space or the room temperature is a constraint, I want to make sure the appliance can be installed there. Around 21% of consumers prioritise suitability for the space. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the kWh/year figures given for the models you’re considering and read their defrosting instructions. | If I want to manage energy use and maintenance, I compare the values on the label and the tasks required for each model. Around 16% of consumers put these factors first. |
| Replacing your fridge | Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately, then measure the space needed for the fridge-freezer. | If I also need to replace my fridge, I check that the fridge-freezer’s freezer compartment is large enough for my supplies. Around 11% of consumers prioritise replacing both appliances at once. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a fridge-freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
A high total capacity may include a large fridge section. Whirlpool lists a total capacity of 490 l for the WHK2 6494 X6E, including 150 l for freezing.
Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone with the supplies you usually store.
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Assuming a freezer will work in a very cold garage
The permitted ambient temperature range depends on the model. European Regulation (EU) 2019/2019 associates SN class with a range of 10 to 32 °C; Liebherr specifically states that the CFd 2085 Plus can operate in ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
Compare the actual room temperature with the range specified for the exact model in its product information and instructions.
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Assuming reduced frost means no defrosting is needed
According to Liebherr, SmartFrost reduces frost build-up in the CFd 2085 Plus chest freezer, but does not eliminate the need to defrost it. The NoFrost system in the FNsddi 1624 Plus table-top freezer is a different technology.
Check the technology and maintenance instructions for the model you choose rather than relying on the name of an anti-frost feature alone.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The GSN36VWEP is an example of a freestanding upright freezer, with a stated usable freezer capacity of 242 l according to Bosch France.
- Bosch lists a width of 60 cm and a 9-hour power-cut storage time for this model.
- The stated width does not include installation clearances; these specifications apply to this model, not the entire range.
Liebherr
The French-market CFd 2085 Plus and FNsddi 1624 Plus models are examples of a 248 l chest freezer and a 92 l table-top freezer, respectively.
- Liebherr states that the CFd 2085 Plus can operate in ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C; the FNsddi 1624 Plus is described as NoFrost.
- SmartFrost reduces frost build-up in the CFd 2085 Plus but does not eliminate the need to defrost it. The table-top model’s 92 l capacity is considerably less than the chest freezer’s stated 248 l.
Whirlpool
The WHK2 6494 X6E is a fridge-freezer option if you also need to replace your fridge.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 340 l for the fridge section and 150 l for the freezer.
- The stated total capacity of 490 l is not the same as the freezer capacity; the appliance is 70 cm wide.
Haier
The HCE420E chest freezer is an example for those needing plenty of storage, with a stated capacity of 418 l according to Haier France.
- Haier gives the dimensions for this model as 132 × 75 × 84,5 cm.
- Check that its floor footprint fits the space available. The brand’s claims about even cooling and food preservation are not an independent comparison with other chest freezers.
Joybuy products to suit your needs
This selection includes a drawer-style upright freezer and fridge-freezers, so you can compare a standalone storage option with replacing both appliances.
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Heinrich´s 161 L freezer, No-Frost, 3 freezer drawers and 2 drawers, class C
Worth considering if you want to organise supplies in a drawer-style upright freezer.
The title lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, two drawers, an LED display, a reversible hinge and an alarm. Stated temperature range: −14 °C to −22 °C.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L fridge-freezer, Total No Frost, class E
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge; check the freezer capacity separately before comparing how much you can store.
The title lists a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, class E, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
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Hisense RF632N4BCE, 485 L fridge-freezer, Total No Frost, class E
Worth considering if your household also needs to replace its fridge; compare the freezer capacity separately before choosing this format.
The title lists a total capacity of 485 L, an Inverter compressor, Multi Air Flow, a water dispenser, class E and a noise level of 38 dB.
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Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 L fridge-freezer, 276 L fridge capacity and 168 L freezer capacity
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want to compare freezer capacity separately from fridge capacity.
The title lists 276 L for the fridge and 168 L for the freezer, a width of 83 cm, No Frost, class E and a noise level of 40 dB.
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coocaa SRD-358DBD, 268 L fridge-freezer with large freezer drawer, class E
Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and are looking for a fridge-freezer described as having a large freezer drawer.
The title lists a total capacity of 268 L, a water dispenser and class E. Check the freezer compartment capacity to see how it compares with your needs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how much freezer capacity I need?
Make a note of the portions and largest packs you keep in the freezer at the same time between shopping trips, then compare them with the capacity of the freezer compartment alone. A fridge-freezer may have a high total capacity without offering the same amount of freezer space, so check both figures separately.
Can I put any freezer in a cold garage?
No. The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. European Regulation (EU) 2019/2019 gives a range of 10 to 32 °C for SN class; check the range for the specific model and the actual room temperature. Liebherr states that only the CFd 2085 Plus can operate in ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
Do NoFrost and SmartFrost require the same maintenance?
No. Bosch describes the No Frost system in the GSN36VWEP as removing the need for manual defrosting. Liebherr says that SmartFrost reduces frost build-up in its CFd 2085 Plus, but does not eliminate the need to defrost it. Follow the instructions for the model you choose.
How do I compare the energy use of two models?
Compare the kWh/year figures on each model’s energy label and product information, taking into account how much freezer capacity you need. The European Commission’s public EPREL database lets you check the declared specifications of models covered by energy labelling. Make sure the information matches the exact model you’re considering.
Does freezing make a meal that was prepared some time ago safe to eat?
No. According to Anses, freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive. The agency advises freezing food as soon as you buy or prepare it, rather than waiting until its use-by date is almost up.