For large stocks and bulky containers, consider a chest freezer if you have enough floor space. If you often reach for individual portions, the drawers in an upright freezer make it easier to keep things organised. A fridge freezer is a good choice if you’d prefer one appliance and its freezer compartment is large enough for your needs; an under-counter freezer is better suited to providing extra capacity. In every case, compare the usable freezer capacity, the space needed to open the appliance and whether it’s suitable for the temperature of the room.
If you regularly freeze portions or leftovers, think about how you’ll find each meal. Drawers make it easy to separate different types of food, while a chest freezer gives you more room for large containers—as long as you organise anything stored at the bottom.
For big food shops or bulky items, estimate how much space your stock takes up rather than relying on the number of people in your household. UFC-Que Choisir says some chest freezers have a capacity of up to 600 litres, but that space is only useful if you can also fit and organise the appliance.
If you don’t have room for a second large appliance, check the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer. A small upright freezer can also provide extra capacity, as long as its dimensions, installation clearances and capacity suit your needs.
The type of freezer mainly affects how you store and reach your food. Then check the details for the specific model to make sure it meets your freezing, installation and everyday needs.
Consider it: for large stocks or bulky containers, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: smaller portions stored at the bottom take more effort to organise.
Consider it: if you want to separate meals and regularly reach different types of food.
Bear in mind: check that the drawers can fit your largest containers and open fully where you plan to put the appliance.
Consider it: if you want one appliance and its freezer compartment can hold the amount you usually store.
Bear in mind: the advertised total capacity also includes the fridge, so check the freezer capacity separately.
Consider it: if you need a little extra freezer capacity in a small kitchen.
Bear in mind: check that your portions will fit and that the required clearances can be maintained under the worktop.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and storage | Compare the usable freezer capacity, the shape of your containers and how easy it is to reach your food. UFC-Que Choisir says some chest freezers have a capacity of up to 600 litres, while the upright freezers featured in its guide hold around 200 litres. | Do I store large food shops and big dishes, or would I prefer to organise portions that I reach for often? |
| Freezing fresh food | Check the compartment’s star rating and its stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h, especially if you plan to add a lot of food at once. The Ministry of Agriculture says four-star appliances can freeze fresh food. | After a food shop or a batch-cooking session, do I want to freeze freshly prepared meals, not just store products that are already frozen? |
| Location and power cuts | Note the room’s temperatures and compare them with the model’s climate class. Also measure the space needed to open the door or lid, and compare the stated power-cut storage time; UFC-Que Choisir includes this in its test procedure. | Will my freezer be in a garage, utility room or warm kitchen? I need to be able to open and use it in the conditions specified for that model. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label for models with capacities suited to your needs, then check the defrosting method and stated noise level. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously. | I want to factor in electricity use and defrosting without choosing more capacity than I need. |
Two households of the same size can store very different quantities of food. Large packs and prepared meals also take up space in different ways.
Make a note of your portions, containers and bulky items over a representative period. Then decide whether open storage or drawers would suit you better.
A cold garage, an unheated utility room or a very warm kitchen may fall outside the temperature range specified for a model. The chest or upright format alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable.
Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the freezer’s climate class and installation instructions.
The Ministry of Agriculture says a four-star appliance can freeze fresh food. A compartment designed to store products that are already frozen may not meet the same need.
If you prepare meals to freeze, check the compartment’s star rating and its stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h.
A freezer runs continuously, as ADEME points out. Energy use and maintenance can therefore help you choose between two appliances with a suitable capacity.
Compare the kWh/year, usable capacity and defrosting method of the models you’re considering. Don’t assume that appliances with the same name have the same features everywhere.
These brands offer examples of appliances and formats to compare across specific models. Their inclusion here doesn’t imply anything about the appliances featured below.
Bosch offers freezers in a range of formats, including freestanding models.
Liebherr chest freezers are an example of this format to consider if you need to store larger quantities.
Beko offers upright freezers to consider if you prefer vertical storage.
These appliances offer several ways to store groceries and prepared meals: fridge freezers, chest freezers and a small upright freezer. Before choosing between one all-in-one appliance, a separate freezer for larger stocks or an extra freezer, compare the capacity you need.
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Worth considering if you want refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. The 467 L capacity is for the whole appliance, not just the freezer. The product name lists Total No Frost, an E rating and a silver finish. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately, along with the space needed to open the doors.
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Its stated capacity of 291 L makes it worth considering for food shops or large containers. The product is described as convertible between fridge and freezer settings, with a removable basket, five-level digital control and an E rating. Allow enough floor space and room to raise the lid. Also check the climate class and freezing capacity to make sure it suits your needs.
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This fridge freezer is worth considering if you’d prefer one appliance and want to keep your chilled and frozen food separate. The stated capacity of 360 L is for the whole appliance, so check the freezer capacity against the number of portions you need to store. The product name lists Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, My Zone and an E rating.
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This 99 L chest freezer is worth considering if you need less space than a large freezer for bulk shopping. The product name lists a four-star rating, adjustable thermostat, removable basket, sliding lid and an E rating. Check that your containers will fit inside and that the lid can open where you plan to put the appliance.
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Its 60 L capacity makes it an option for storing a limited number of prepared meals. The product name lists a four-star rating, reversible door, adjustable temperature and an E rating. Check the actual internal layout before buying, as well as the dimensions and clearances required if you plan to put it under a worktop.
Choose an appliance that can freeze fresh food: the Ministry of Agriculture says a four-star model can do this. Then check its freezing capacity in kg/24 h against the amount of food you plan to add at a time.
Yes, as long as the room temperature stays within the range specified for the model. UFC-Que Choisir gives the following guide to climate classes: SN, 10 to 32 °C; N, 16 to 32 °C; ST, 16 to 38 °C; T, 16 to 43 °C. Compare these ranges with the temperatures the room actually reaches and the manufacturer’s instructions.
This can help you compare models if the power supply is at risk of being interrupted. In its test procedure, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long it takes for the temperature to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C without power. Compare the published figures for the appliances you’re considering, but bear in mind that they won’t apply in every situation.
The recommended temperature is −18 °C, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. ANSES explains that freezing food at home at this temperature stops bacteria from multiplying, but doesn’t destroy most micro-organisms. Freezing therefore doesn’t replace safe food preparation and storage practices.
Take it to an appropriate collection point for household waste electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in your household rubbish. The ministry responsible for ecological transition describes a collection and treatment scheme for these appliances. When replacing your freezer, find out about the available drop-off or take-back options.