Households that stock up on frozen food
If you buy frozen food in bulk or store large containers, compare the freezer capacity, the floor space the appliance takes up and how easy it will be to find what you need.
Which format is right for you?
Households with limited kitchen space
If there’s no room in your kitchen for a second large appliance, compare the dimensions of an upright freezer, an under-counter model and a replacement fridge-freezer. Remember to allow space for the door to open and for ventilation.
Households using a cellar or pantry
In a room where the temperature can vary, check that the appliance is suitable for the expected ambient temperatures before considering its capacity. ADEME recommends checking the climate class for the room where it will be installed.
How do the different formats compare?
First decide how much extra freezer space you need and where the appliance will go. Then consider its storage layout and features.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the freezer compartment capacity and how easy it is to reach your food, especially items at the bottom of a chest freezer. | If I store large packs or buy in bulk, I want extra capacity that’s more than just a bigger figure on paper. Around 36% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Room where it will be installed | Check the permitted ambient temperatures for the exact model and the clearance requirements in its instructions. | If I’m installing the appliance in a cellar, pantry or garage, it needs to be suitable for the temperatures in that room. Around 29% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Everyday organisation | Check the drawers or baskets, and allow enough room to open or remove them. | If I reach for frozen food often, being able to find each item quickly matters more than having the largest capacity. Storage layout is the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Available space | Measure the space and allow for the door or lid to open. With a fridge-freezer, check the capacity of the freezer compartment alone. | If there’s no room for a second large appliance at home, I’m looking for a little more capacity in a compact format or a replacement fridge-freezer. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a smaller footprint. |
What should you look out for before buying?
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Assuming a chest freezer will suit any cellar
A chest freezer isn’t necessarily suitable for use in a cold room. For example, Beko specifies a minimum ambient temperature of −15 °C for the HSM14540. This applies to that model, not to all chest freezers.
Compare the room temperature with the permitted ambient temperature range for the model you’re considering, and follow its installation instructions.
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Comparing litres without considering access
A chest freezer offers open storage, but items at the bottom can be harder to find. An upright freezer separates food into drawers, provided there’s enough room to open them where you plan to install it.
Choose a layout that suits the packaging you usually buy, and measure the space needed to open the lid or pull out the drawers.
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Looking only at the energy rating
The European Commission says the label shows details including annual energy consumption, storage capacity and airborne acoustical noise emissions. The rating letter alone doesn’t tell you the capacity or the stated annual energy consumption.
Compare these details across appliances with similar storage capacity, then check the features that matter for how you’ll use yours.
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Forgetting about delivery access and installation
An appliance may fit in its intended spot but still be difficult to get through a doorway, or leave too little room for the door to open and for ventilation.
Measure the delivery route and the installation space, check the installation instructions and, if you’re replacing an appliance, arrange for it to be taken away or collected before delivery.
Brands to consider when comparing
Liebherr
The range includes freestanding upright and chest freezers, with features that vary by model.
- Liebherr offers selected FrostProtect chest freezers for unheated rooms, as well as NoFrost models.
- Before installing a freezer in a cellar or garage, check the permitted ambient temperatures and dimensions for the exact model.
Beko
Beko offers chest freezers designed for storing larger quantities of food.
- Beko’s product information for the HSM14540 gives a minimum operating ambient temperature of −15 °C.
- This temperature limit doesn’t apply to other models. Also consider whether a chest freezer suits the way you access your food.
Whirlpool
The range includes upright and chest freezers, with product information that lets you compare models individually.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 404 L for the WHFF 6403 W4E upright freezer and annual energy consumption of 247 kWh for the WHM4612 chest freezer.
- These figures are for two different models. Compare the capacity and energy consumption of the same model, and check that you have enough space for it at home.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers upright, chest and built-in freezers, including compact under-counter models.
- Electrolux says its compact built-in models have a smaller capacity and fit under most worktops.
- For an integrated installation, check the dimensions of the housing space and the ventilation requirements in the instructions for your chosen model.
Models to suit your storage needs
These Joybuy models let you compare two fridge-freezers if you’re also replacing your fridge, an upright freezer for storing frozen food separately, and two chest freezers for extra storage. Check the freezer capacity and installation requirements for each model against the space you have available.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L fridge-freezer
Worth comparing if you’re also replacing your fridge rather than adding a separate freezer.
This four-door model has a stated total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. To work out how much extra freezer space you’ll really get, check the capacity of the freezer compartment separately from the total, as well as the permitted ambient temperature for your chosen location.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L fridge-freezer
Another option to consider if you also need to replace your fridge and only have room for one appliance.
This three-door model has a stated total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment itself, and check the ambient temperature requirements before choosing where to put it.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L freezer
A separate freezer to consider if you’d like to store frozen food away from your fridge and organise it in compartments.
The product name lists a capacity of 161 L, drawers, No-Frost and a C energy rating. Measure the space and clearance needed to open it, then check the permitted ambient temperature range and annual energy consumption for this model.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
Consider this if you’d like extra storage in a separate chest freezer, allowing enough room for the lid to open.
The product name lists a capacity of 99 L, a removable basket and an E energy rating. This model also requires manual defrosting, so remember to allow time for maintenance. If the room is cold, check the permitted ambient temperature too.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Compare this chest freezer with other formats if you’re looking for extra storage with an open layout.
The product name lists a capacity of 140 L, a basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, annual energy consumption and permitted ambient temperature for the space you have in mind.
Frequently asked questions
When should you add a freezer rather than replace your fridge-freezer?
Add a separate freezer if you mainly need more room for frozen food and have a suitable space for it. If you’re also replacing your fridge or only have room for one appliance, compare the freezer compartment capacity of the fridge-freezers you’re considering instead.
Can you put a chest freezer in an unheated cellar?
Only if the cellar temperature falls within the permitted ambient temperature range for the model you choose. ADEME recommends checking the recommended temperature for the room. A feature specified for one particular chest freezer doesn’t apply to all models.
What should you measure before your freezer is delivered?
Measure doorways and corridors along the delivery route, the final installation space and the room needed to open the door, drawers or lid. Then check the model’s instructions for ventilation clearances and installation requirements.
How can you compare the energy consumption of two models?
Compare their annual energy consumption in kWh alongside their storage capacity. The European Commission says the energy label shows these details as well as airborne acoustical noise emissions. Compare models with capacity suited to the same needs rather than looking at the rating letter alone.
What should you do with your old freezer when replacing it in France?
The French ministry responsible for ecology lists options including taking it to a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to a retailer, or handing it over to a social and solidarity economy organisation. If you’d like to arrange collection at the same time as delivery, ask the retailer about its take-back service before ordering.