To build up your frozen food stocks over time, choose a chest freezer if capacity is your priority and you have enough space, or an upright model if you want to find food easily – a distinction highlighted by Que Choisir. An under-counter freezer is better suited to compact, supplementary storage; a large fridge freezer makes most sense if you also need to replace your fridge. Before buying, check that the usable capacity suits your containers, then measure the space, check the permitted room temperature and look at the stated power-cut storage time.
If you buy in bulk, prepare several meals in advance or store home-grown produce, start by working out how much capacity you need. Que Choisir highlights the generous storage space offered by chest freezers. However, you’ll need to think about how to organise the cavity and find what you need.
If you often take out individual portions or keep different types of food separate, the drawers in an upright freezer can make organising everything easier. Check their size and how easy they are to handle with your usual containers, as Que Choisir recommends.
If you only need some extra capacity, compare under-counter freezers with the space available. Beko describes this as the smallest format in its freezer range, but check the usable capacity before choosing one for your stocks.
When your fridge’s freezer compartment is no longer big enough, first work out what you want to store. Then check that the appliance will fit in the space, with enough room to open it. If you’re considering a large fridge freezer instead, choose one only if you’re also planning to replace your fridge.
| What to consider | What to check | Who should prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the usable capacity and interior space with your largest containers. | If I want to store bulk buys, prepared meals or home-grown produce, I need to be able to fit everything in without overloading the appliance; around 36% of consumers would make capacity their top priority. |
| Access and organisation | Look at the size and layout of the drawers or baskets, as well as access to the bottom of a chest freezer. | If I often take out small portions, I want to keep them separate and find them without moving everything else; around 29% of consumers would put easy access first. |
| Location | Measure the access route, the appliance with its door open and any required clearances; check that the permitted temperature range suits the room. | In a narrow kitchen or an unheated room, I first need to know whether the appliance can be installed there; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Energy, maintenance and power cuts | Check the energy label, defrosting type and stated power-cut storage time for the model you’re considering. | I want to plan for maintenance and compare energy use, while also taking possible power cuts into account; around 14% of consumers would put these considerations first. |
Even with a similar capacity, an open chest and an upright freezer with compartments are organised differently. Que Choisir recommends paying particular attention to how easy the drawers are to handle and how accessible the food is.
Make a note of your largest containers, then check where they’ll fit and how you’ll reach food stored at the bottom.
Whether an appliance can be used in a cold room depends on the model, not its format. For example, Liebherr states that its CFe 2500 works down to -15 °C with FrostProtect, but this doesn’t apply to all chest freezers.
Compare the temperatures your garage or cellar can reach with the operating range specified for the exact model.
These features vary between models, even within the same brand. They can affect how you maintain the appliance or monitor its temperature.
Check the cooling system, defrosting instructions, alarms and stated power-cut storage time separately on the product page for your chosen model.
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a “one-for-one” take-back service linked to the purchase of an appliance of the same type. You’ll need to know how this works before your new freezer is delivered.
Ask the retailer what take-back arrangements apply to your purchase and when your old appliance can be collected or dropped off.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for an upright freezer with front access and storage options suited to your food.
A brand to consider if you want a high-capacity chest freezer and have enough floor space for it.
A brand to consider when comparing upright freezers, particularly if organisation and defrosting type matter to you.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a compact under-counter freezer or an appliance for an unheated room.
This selection includes chest freezers in different capacities and an upright freezer to give you extra freezer space at home. Compare their layout and overall size with your storage needs and the space available.
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Worth considering if you plan to store large quantities and have room for a chest freezer with a top-opening lid.
The model name lists fridge and freezer modes, LED lighting, a five-level control and a removable basket. Check its operating range for the room you have in mind, along with its power-cut storage time.
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Worth comparing if you’d rather organise your stocks in drawers than in a chest freezer.
The model name lists No Frost, an alarm and a reversible door hinge. Measure the space and required clearances, then check the permitted ambient temperature range and power-cut storage time.
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Worth considering for extra storage if this capacity suits your shopping and prepared meals.
The model name mentions a basket, a counterbalanced lid and temperature control. Make sure you can reach everything inside the chest, and check the appliance’s operating range for its intended location.
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Worth considering for some extra capacity, rather than storing large quantities of home-grown produce or prepared meals.
The model name lists fridge and freezer modes, a seven-level thermostat and a removable basket. If you plan to keep it in an unheated room, check the operating range for this specific model.
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Worth considering for a modest increase in freezer capacity if 99 L is enough for your needs.
The model name lists an adjustable thermostat and a removable wire basket. Check the dimensions, including the clearance needed to open the lid, along with the operating range and power-cut storage time.
A chest freezer is worth considering when capacity is your priority, but not at the expense of available space or easy access to food. Que Choisir notes that some chest freezers offer up to 600 L of capacity. If you often take out small portions, compare the layout of an upright freezer with drawers too.
Yes, provided the model’s stated operating range covers the temperatures the room can reach. Check the climate class or any feature specific to that model: Liebherr’s stated suitability down to -15 °C for the CFe 2500 does not apply to all freezers.
Compare the stated times for the specific models, especially if you plan to store a lot of food. In simulated power cuts, Que Choisir measures how long food stays below -9 °C. Bear in mind the conditions used for the figures you’re comparing.
No. Anses states that freezing food at home at -18 °C stops microbes from multiplying, but most germs survive. Continue to follow food hygiene, storage and defrosting guidance.
Discuss collection with the retailer before placing your order and arranging delivery. The Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a “one-for-one” take-back service when you buy an appliance of the same type; confirm the practical arrangements for your order.