Households that take out individual portions
You often open the freezer to find a specific meal or ingredient. Drawer organisation and being able to see what’s inside matter just as much as total capacity.
Which format suits your household?
Households that stock up
You buy food in larger quantities and have enough room to open a chest freezer. Capacity, access to food at the bottom and the model’s stated storage time in the event of a power cut are all worth considering.
Households short on space
You’re looking for a small standalone appliance or a freezer compartment in a fridge freezer. The space you have, the type of installation and the capacity actually available for frozen food will all help you decide.
Which features should you compare?
Start with the freezer capacity you need, then check how easy it is to access the food and where the appliance will go. Next, compare the kWh/year and the stated storage time in the event of a power cut for each model you’re considering.
| What matters to you | What to check before you buy | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Finding individual portions | Check the number and layout of the drawers, how easy they are to access and whether the door has enough room to open in your kitchen. | If I take out portions regularly, I want to find them without emptying the freezer; around 36% of consumers prioritise easy access for frequent use. |
| Storing larger quantities | Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres, the floor space required and, for a chest freezer, how the lid opens and whether it has baskets. | When I store larger food shops, I need enough capacity while keeping everything accessible; nearly 29% of consumers put bulk storage first. |
| Making the most of limited space | Measure the appliance and check the space needed for the door or lid to open; also check whether it’s freestanding or built-in. | If space is limited, I need to make sure the appliance and its door or lid will fit in my kitchen; around 21% of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
| Energy use and power cuts | Compare the kWh/year and freezer capacity on the energy label, then check the stated storage time in the event of a power cut for each model. | When comparing appliances over the long term, I look at energy use and storage time rather than relying on the format alone; around 14% of consumers put these features first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing a fridge freezer’s total capacity with that of a standalone freezer
For example, the Whirlpool WHK2 6494 X6E has a total capacity of 490 L, including 150 L of freezer space, according to Whirlpool France. So its total capacity isn’t the same as its freezer storage capacity.
Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone with that of the appliances you’re considering.
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Assuming a freezer compartment can freeze fresh food
Keeping food frozen and freezing fresh food are two different functions.
The French Ministry of Agriculture advises checking that the appliance has a four-star compartment and checking its freezing capacity if you want to freeze your own portions.
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Choosing a chest or under-counter appliance based on its dimensions alone
You also need enough room to open the appliance and must follow the installation requirements for that model.
Measure the space needed to open it, and check the instructions for the installation type, ventilation clearances and permitted ambient temperature.
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Assuming one format uses less energy or performs better during power cuts
Energy use and the stated storage time in the event of a power cut vary between models; you can’t work them out from the format alone.
Compare specific models, taking their freezer capacity, kWh/year and stated storage time into account.
Brands to consider by format
Beko
With upright, chest and compact models available, you can compare different ways of organising your frozen food.
- Beko France lists a capacity of 205 L and a basket for the HSM14540 chest freezer, as well as 404 L, No Frost and 15 hours of storage time for the RFNE448E55W upright freezer.
- These capacities and storage times apply to different models. Compare each one with your household’s storage and access needs.
Liebherr
The CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer is worth considering if you need extra storage and have enough room for it.
- Liebherr France lists a capacity of 281 L, a width of 104 cm and FrostProtect, which allows this model to operate at ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- According to the manufacturer, this model is suitable for use in a cold room. Check the requirements for any other model you’re considering.
Bosch
The range includes freestanding and built-in upright freezers, so you can compare them to find the right fit for your layout.
- Bosch Électroménager France lists NoFrost among the technologies available on some of its upright freezers.
- Check whether this feature is included, along with energy use and storage time, for each model. The range doesn’t demonstrate a general advantage over chest freezers.
Whirlpool
A fridge freezer could be a good option if you want to combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance.
- For the WHK2 6494 X6E, Whirlpool France lists 340 L of fridge space and 150 L of freezer space, out of 490 L in total.
- The 490 L includes both compartments. Check the freezer capacity separately to see whether it’s enough for your needs.
Electrolux
The LUB3AE88S is a low-height built-in freezer to consider if it suits your planned installation.
- Electrolux France lists a freezer capacity of 98 L, energy use of 177 kWh/year and 12.7 hours of storage time for this model.
- These specifications don’t prove that the appliance will fit every under-counter space, and they don’t apply to other models from the brand.
Joybuy products to suit your needs
This selection includes upright and chest freezers, as well as fridge freezers, so you can compare storage layouts and freezer capacity to find the right fit for your available space.
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Heinrich´s 161 L No Frost upright freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a standalone appliance with separate spaces to organise your frozen food.
161 L; No Frost; three freezer drawers and two drawers; energy rating C.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG three-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you want to combine refrigeration and freezing. Check that the freezer compartment is large enough for your needs before comparing it with a dedicated freezer.
360 L total capacity; No Frost; energy rating E; Wi-Fi and My Zone.
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Hisense RF632N4BCE 485 L French-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you want to combine refrigeration and freezing. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity to see how much room there is for your supplies.
485 L; Total No Frost; energy rating E; water dispenser.
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Sonlu CC-520WE 444 L American-style fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with its freezer capacity listed separately from its fridge capacity.
444 L total capacity, including 276 L for the fridge and 168 L for the freezer; stated width of 83 cm; No Frost; energy rating E.
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AUCMA 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re stocking up in a chest freezer and have enough room to open the lid.
291 L; convertible between fridge and freezer; removable basket; five-level digital control; energy rating E.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fridge’s freezer compartment freeze prepared portions?
Not simply because it’s called a freezer. The French Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between keeping food frozen and freezing fresh food. For the latter, check that the appliance has a four-star compartment and look at its freezing capacity, particularly in kg/24 h.
What temperature should you set a domestic freezer to?
The French Ministry of Agriculture recommends −18 °C. Anses explains that at this temperature, domestic freezing stops bacteria from multiplying but doesn’t destroy most micro-organisms. Freezing doesn’t sterilise food.
Can you install a small appliance under any worktop?
No. Check the instructions for the installation type and clearances required for your chosen model. For a small fridge installed under a worktop, Whirlpool says that an air vent is needed towards the back. This guidance doesn’t replace the instructions for the freezer you’re considering.
How should you compare the energy use of two appliances?
Compare the kWh/year and freezer capacity shown on the EU energy label, taking into account how much space you need. The European Commission explains that the label also shows the capacity of each compartment and an energy rating from A to G. Your electricity bill will then depend on your tariff and how you use the appliance.
What should you check when cleaning and maintaining a freezer?
Check whether the model is No Frost or needs manual defrosting, then follow its instructions. The French Ministry of Agriculture recommends a thorough clean at least once a year, followed by drying the walls. When defrosting, Electrolux advises against using sharp objects that could damage the appliance.