If you regularly reach for your frozen food and are short on floor space, compare upright freezers. For plenty of storage in a suitable room, consider a chest freezer instead. An under-counter model is ideal for extra capacity, while a fridge freezer is worth considering if you also need to replace your fridge. In every case, check the freezer capacity, the space needed to open the appliance and the permitted ambient temperature range for the specific model.
If you buy in bulk, freeze ready-made meals or store bulky food, compare the usable capacity and how easily you can reach everything in the cabinet. A chest freezer is worth considering if you have enough floor space and a room with a temperature suited to your chosen model.
To add capacity without using up a large area, compare the dimensions of an upright freezer, a compact upright model and a fridge freezer if your existing fridge also needs replacing. Allow enough space to open the doors and remove the drawers.
If you open the appliance often and sort food by category, the drawers in an upright freezer can make it easier to keep things organised, as Beko France explains. A chest freezer takes a little more effort to keep the food at the bottom within easy reach.
Start by measuring the space and working out how much frozen food you need to store. Then compare how easy it is to access your food and the installation requirements: a generous capacity is not much use if you cannot open the appliance properly at home.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the usable freezer capacity and the space needed to fit bulky food. | When buying in bulk or storing ready-made meals, I want to increase my storage without running out of space too quickly. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and organisation | Measure the width, depth and clearance; check that the door opens and the drawers can be removed. | In a home where space is limited, I want regular access to my food without blocking the way. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this combination of storage and space-saving design. |
| Compact extra capacity | Compare the usable capacity with your actual space requirements and check the specified ventilation. | My current freezer is almost big enough, but I need a little extra capacity in a tight space. This is the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
| Replacing a fridge freezer | Compare the freezer compartment capacity, dimensions and energy label separately. | If I also need to replace my fridge, I would rather consider one appliance for both purposes. Replacing a fridge freezer is the main need for around 21% of consumers. |
A chest freezer can hold plenty of food, but its width and depth, as well as the clearance needed to open the lid, must suit the room. You also need to be able to reach the food at the bottom.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance above the lid. Make sure you can reach the bottom of the cabinet.
The climate class indicates the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for, as Beko France and Bosch Electroménager France point out. A cellar or unheated garage will not automatically be suitable for every model.
Compare the room temperature throughout the year with the appliance’s climate class and the instructions for the model you are considering. For a cold garage, look for an explicit statement that the specific model is suitable.
The total capacity of a fridge freezer also includes the fridge section, so it does not represent the space available for frozen food.
Compare the freezer compartment capacity alone with what you already have and how much extra storage you want.
Two appliances in the same format can differ in energy consumption, noise, storage time during a power cut and layout. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these factors in its freezer tests.
Once you have chosen a format, compare the energy labels, noise levels, stated storage time during a power cut and layout of the specific models.
Beko offers upright and chest freezers, including some models designed for unheated rooms.
Bosch offers upright freezers, compact upright models and fridge freezers, which you can compare according to the space available and what you need.
Liebherr’s chest freezer range includes high-capacity models to consider if you have a utility room or other suitable space.
These models let you compare upright and chest freezers for extra storage. A multi-door fridge is also included for you to consider if you want to replace your main fridge at the same time.
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Worth considering for extra capacity rather than a large family’s main storage. The model description lists three drawers, adjustable temperature, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
Before deciding where to put it, check the required clearances, the ambient temperature range and the stated storage time during a power cut.
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This chest freezer may suit you if you need some extra capacity and prefer a single compartment to drawers. The product description lists a removable basket, adjustable thermostat, four-star freezing and an E energy rating.
Allow space to open the lid and check the storage time during a power cut, as well as the permitted ambient temperature for the room.
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Worth considering if you want to organise your frozen food in an upright appliance. The product name lists three freezer drawers, No Frost, an alarm and a C energy rating.
Measure the space you have in mind and check the product information for the storage time during a power cut and the permitted ambient temperature range.
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This model is for households looking to add a chest freezer and with enough floor space for it. The product description lists a storage basket, counterbalanced lid, adjustable temperature and an E energy rating.
Check the clearance above the cabinet and ask for the model’s details on storage time during a power cut, defrosting and the permitted ambient temperature.
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Consider this if you are replacing your fridge too: it is not a dedicated freezer. Its stated total capacity is 495 L and it has an E energy rating.
To work out how much space you will gain for frozen food, compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone with your current appliance. Also check its layout, storage time during a power cut and installation requirements.
No. Check the ambient temperature range for the specific model in its climate class and instructions. For example, Beko France states that the HSM14540 can operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C, but this does not automatically apply to other freezers.
It helps you compare how long each model is stated to keep food cold when the power supply is interrupted. UFC-Que Choisir measures this in its tests by observing the time taken for the temperature to rise from -17 °C to -9 °C without power. Bear the measurement method in mind when comparing figures from different sources.
Only if its freezer compartment meets your storage needs and you also want to replace the fridge section. Compare the litres available for frozen food, not the total capacity. For example, Bosch Electroménager France lists 90 L of freezer capacity for the KGN33NWDA fridge freezer.
Compare the details shown for the exact models, including the energy rating and information on energy consumption and noise. ADEME points out that large household appliances must display an energy label both in shops and online. The format and usable capacity should be assessed separately.