If your current freezer compartment regularly runs out of space, a standalone freezer could be a good fit, provided its usable capacity and location suit the amount you plan to store. A chest freezer is better for storing large quantities, while an upright model with compartments makes it easier to take food out regularly. Also check the permitted room temperature and annual energy consumption: ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously.
If you buy in bulk or want to store home-grown produce, compare the usable capacity with the floor space available and how easy it is to reach the bottom of a chest freezer. Que Choisir Ensemble also points out that ease of use matters when choosing an appliance.
If you often reach for frozen food, drawers and compartments can make it easier to find what you need. Still, check that the freezer has enough capacity for the amount you want to store.
Measure the access route and the space needed to open the door, then check the permitted room temperature for the model you are considering. Climate class and installation requirements vary between appliances.
Start by estimating how much freezer space you actually need, then consider how easy it is to reach your food and the limitations of the room.
| Criterion | What to check | Who will prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the freezer compartment with your usual stock and seasonal peak. Don’t confuse it with the total capacity of a fridge-freezer. | When I store bulk buys or home-grown produce, I want enough capacity without taking up more space than necessary; around 33% of consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Organisation and access | Look at the drawers, baskets and shelves, the size of the items you need to store, and how easy it is to reach food at the back. | If I take portions out often, I want storage that lets me find what I need without moving everything else; around 25% of consumers prioritise ease of access. |
| Where it will go | Measure the route, the space available and how far the door or lid needs to open. Check the room temperature and clearance requirements for the exact model. | If the appliance is going in a cellar or garage, I want to make sure the room and available space are suitable; around 25% of consumers prioritise installation. |
| Energy use, maintenance and storage time | Compare the kWh/year figures on the labels and the type of defrosting. For the stated storage time during a power cut, check its definition and conditions in the product details or manual. | If I’m adding an appliance that runs continuously, I want to compare its energy use and maintenance needs without confusing the stated storage time with how long food remains safe; around 17% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
Fridge capacity is not the same as freezer capacity. For example, Bosch France lists 237 l for refrigeration and 89 l for freezing on the KGN36VWED model.
Compare the space available for frozen food with the amount you plan to store.
The permitted room temperature depends on the model. Liebherr states that the CFd 2505 is suitable for ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C; this does not automatically apply to other models.
Check the climate class, temperature range and installation instructions for the appliance you choose.
Whirlpool France’s page for the WHM31112 2 shows “315L” in the title and “300 litres” in the description. Likewise, a stated storage time alone does not tell you how long food will remain safe after a power cut.
Check the product details and manual for the exact model before comparing appliances.
The CFd 2505 and Fd 1404 show two different formats for different storage needs.
The GSN36VWEP is an example of an upright freezer with compartments, while the KGN36VWED lets you see the actual freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer.
The HCE420E is an example of a chest freezer with a large stated capacity, which you’ll need to weigh up against the space available.
The WHM31112 2 is an example of a chest freezer to consider if you need plenty of storage space.
This selection includes standalone chest freezers, an upright freezer and fridge-freezers, so you can compare a dedicated freezer with an integrated compartment. Choose based on the freezer capacity you actually need, how easy it is to reach your food and the space available.
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This chest freezer offers 291 L of capacity for creating your own dedicated frozen food storage.
Features include an E energy rating, removable basket, LED lighting and a 5-level digital control. Allow at least 10 cm of ventilation clearance around the appliance.
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This upright freezer offers 161 L of capacity and drawers for storing frozen portions separately.
No Frost protection and a C energy rating are listed. The stated temperature range is −14 °C to −22 °C.
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If you’re also looking for a fridge, the separately stated freezer capacity lets you assess whether this all-in-one option will hold enough for your needs.
Stated total capacity: 444 L, including 276 L for the fridge and 168 L for the freezer. Stated width: 83 cm; No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the clearance needed for ventilation and opening the doors.
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This chest freezer offers 197 L of capacity for adding dedicated frozen food storage.
Features include an E energy rating, removable basket, 5-level digital control and defrost drain. Allow at least 10 cm of ventilation clearance around the appliance.
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If a combined appliance could meet your needs, check whether its freezer compartment has enough capacity for the food you want to store.
Stated total capacity: 525 L, including 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer. No Frost and an E energy rating; the freezer is described as having two sections with drawers or trays.
Check the possible temperatures in the room and compare them with the climate class and guidance for the exact model. For example, Liebherr gives the following ranges: SN, from +10 °C to +32 °C, and N, from +16 °C to +32 °C. The stated suitability for low temperatures of the CFd 2505 is a separate feature; also check the installation instructions.
No. Bosch’s stated 9 h applies to the GSN36VWEP model and does not guarantee the same storage time for all foods and in all conditions. Check how storage time is defined before comparing two appliances, and make sure you maintain the cold chain.
First, check that the extra capacity matches what you need to store, then compare the annual consumption in kWh shown on the labels of the models you’re considering. ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, although actual energy use depends on the appliance and how it is used.
When an individual buys from a business, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under it. This legal guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
Check the cooling system and defrosting instructions for the model you choose, then look up the information on spare parts. The DGCCRF explains that minimum availability periods can vary depending on the parts used in domestic refrigeration appliances.