Households that freeze meals in portions
If you regularly look for boxes and portions during the week, front access, drawers, lighting and storage in an upright freezer matter just as much as capacity.
Which households is it for?
Households that buy in bulk
A chest freezer can be a good choice for several weeks’ shopping, bags or large dishes, provided you have a pantry, garage or another floor space suitable for the appliance.
Households replacing their fridge as well
A large fridge freezer provides a single solution for increasing both fresh and frozen storage without adding a separate appliance, when your freezer capacity needs remain moderate.
Buying priorities
Upright freezer
Consider it if: you often freeze portions and want to find them without moving the rest of your stock.
Check: the capacity, depth, door opening and the space needed to remove the drawers.
Chest freezer
Consider it if: bulk purchases, bags and large dishes are your priority and you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: access to the bottom is less immediate, so baskets, labels and stock rotation become important.
Large fridge freezer
Consider it if: your fridge also needs replacing and you would prefer a single appliance.
Compare: the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, which may not be enough for large stocks.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the freezer compartment’s net capacity, internal layout, external dimensions and door clearance. | I want to store my portions and shopping without running out of space after a few bulk purchases. |
| Access and storage | Look at the drawers in an upright freezer or the baskets in a chest freezer, as well as the opening, lighting and cleaning arrangements. | I want to find older food and prepared meals without having to move a large part of my stock. |
| Installation and power cuts | Check the stated storage time, ambient temperature range, climate class and available alerts for the exact model. | My appliance may be installed in an unheated room, or it needs to protect a large stock during a power cut. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the dB(A), energy label from A to G, net capacity and format of appliances intended for the same use. | I want to minimise noise near a living area and compare energy use on a consistent basis. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a chest freezer for its litres without measuring the space
According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers take up more floor space than upright models. Their open space is flexible, but food placed at the bottom is less accessible without good organisation.
Measure the available floor space, delivery route and opening area. Plan to use baskets, categories and dated labels.
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Installing the appliance in a garage without checking its operating range
The acceptable ambient temperature depends on the model. Installing it outside the specified range may affect its operation.
Record the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures, then check the climate class or stated range for the exact model.
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Comparing only the energy rating or noise level
Energy use should be considered alongside capacity and format. A level of 35 to 37 dB(A) may also be more noticeable in an open-plan kitchen than in a pantry.
Compare the energy label, net capacity, dB(A), dimensions and storage features across appliances intended for the same use.
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Relying on storage time without organising food preservation
Storage time is useful during a power cut, but it does not replace compliance with the cold chain. ANSES points out that domestic freezing at -18 °C stops bacterial growth without destroying most micro-organisms.
Freeze meals as soon as they are prepared rather than at the end of their use-by date, follow defrosting instructions and check the stated storage time for your chosen model.
Brand guide
Beko
A useful reference for households looking for a high-capacity chest freezer, particularly for an unheated room compatible with the Freezer Guard function of the relevant model.
- For the HSM46740, Beko states 451 l, 36 hours’ stated storage time, 36 dB and operation in ambient temperatures as low as -15 °C.
- These figures apply to this model; access to the bottom, its 155.5 cm width and stock organisation should all be taken into account.
Liebherr
A useful reference for a high-capacity upright freezer when compartmentalised storage for meals and shopping is the priority.
- For the FNd 7227, Liebherr states a capacity of 363 l, 37 dB and dimensions of 185.5 × 69.7 × 76 cm, with NoFrost technology.
- The depth footprint and storage time should be confirmed for the variant actually being sold.
Bosch
A useful reference when a household is replacing a complete fridge freezer rather than adding a dedicated freezer.
- For the KGN39VLCT, Bosch states 260 l of fridge space, 103 l of freezer space, 35 dB and No Frost.
- Its 103 l of freezer space is still more limited than that of a large dedicated freezer for substantial stocks.
Joybuy options
Joybuy options for increasing frozen food storage at home, including upright freezers, chest freezers and fridge freezers suited to different capacity and access requirements.
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Heinrich’s 161 L No Frost upright freezer
Ideal for portions and shopping you need to find regularly, with three drawers and two shelves.
No Frost, LED display, alarm, reversible door and a stated temperature range of -14 °C to -22 °C. Check the dimensions, storage time and compatible ambient temperature before installation.
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CHiQ JR263LGE 262 L fridge freezer
A compact option if you are also replacing your fridge and need some additional freezer space.
75 L freezer capacity, three drawers, 39 dB(A), 54 cm width and a reversible door. The stated range of 16 °C to 38 °C is not suitable for an unheated room; manual defrosting is still required.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR 140 L chest freezer
Dedicated extra storage for bulk shopping, with a basket to keep smaller items more accessible.
140 L, lid stays open, castors, front drainage and stated dimensions of 637 × 556 × 846 mm. Check the storage time, noise level and climate compatibility for the intended location.
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CHiQ JR99DWE 99 L chest freezer
Extra storage for a smaller space, with a removable wire basket for frequently used items.
99 L, 4-star freezer rating, adjustable thermostat, sliding lid, castors and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Its capacity is best suited to supplementary storage.
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Sonlu CC-520WE 444 L fridge freezer
Worth considering if you need to replace your fridge while increasing your household’s overall storage capacity.
Stated total capacity of 444 L, Total No Frost, LED display, 40 dB and SN-T climate class. Check the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, the dimensions, ventilation and door-opening space.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chest freezer necessarily the right choice for storing a large quantity of meals?
No. It is suitable when maximum capacity, large bags or bulky dishes are the priority and you have enough floor space. If you often take out portions, an upright freezer with drawers may be more convenient; always compare the actual capacity and footprint of the exact model.
Can I install a freezer in a garage or cellar?
Yes, but only if the model’s ambient temperature range covers the actual conditions in the room. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the climate class when installing an appliance in a cellar or pantry; this specification varies between models.
How can I compare the running costs of two freezers?
Compare the regulated energy label and EPREL information for both exact models, taking capacity and format into account. According to Your Europe, the A-to-G scale makes it possible to compare the energy use of appliances sold in the European Union, but a letter alone is not enough to compare very different capacities fairly.
What does storage time during a power cut mean?
It indicates how long the appliance can maintain a low temperature without a power supply; check its definition and value on the model’s specification sheet. UFC-Que Choisir’s protocol measures the time needed to rise from -17 °C to -9 °C without power.
Which guarantee rights apply to a new freezer bought from a professional seller in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the seller is responsible for defects in conformity that existed at the time of delivery; any commercial guarantee is additional and does not replace it.