Households that batch-cook
If you prepare several meals to freeze on the same day, check that the appliance has a four-star rating and compare its freezing capacity in kg/24 h with the amount you plan to put in.
Who are these options for?
Households that store large containers
A chest freezer can hold bulky supplies if you have enough floor space. Also check how easy it is to reach the food and how the model defrosts.
Households replacing their fridge
A fridge freezer can serve both purposes if its freezer compartment has room for your home-cooked meals. Check its four-star rating and freezing capacity before relying on it to freeze your dishes.
What should you check before choosing?
First, make sure the appliance can freeze your home-cooked meals. Then check that its capacity, maintenance requirements and installation conditions suit the way you plan to use it.
Chest freezer
Worth considering: for large batches or bulky containers, if you have enough floor space and are happy to reach in from above.
The trade-off: the ESSENTIELB ECC85-150miB1 chest freezer described by Boulanger needs regular manual defrosting. Check this feature for each model.
Upright freezer
Worth considering: if you want to store portions in compartments and find them easily.
The trade-off: check that the drawers can fit your larger dishes and that the appliance will fit in the available space.
Fridge freezer
Worth considering: if you’re replacing your fridge and only plan to keep a modest stock of frozen meals.
The trade-off: check the compartment’s four-star rating and kg/24 h capacity. Electrolux’s KNT6ME18S4 product details state that it has a 62 L freezer compartment, but don’t confirm either of these features.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing capability | Check for a four-star rating and look up the freezing capacity in kg/24 h. According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, a freezer compartment can temporarily store products that are already frozen, but it cannot freeze food. | I prepare several meals at once: the appliance must be able to freeze the amount I add in a day. |
| Capacity and storage | Compare the net capacity in litres, the layout of the compartments and the appliance dimensions. Check that your containers will fit without making it difficult to reach other food. | My dishes take up space, or I’d prefer to separate portions so they’re easy to find. |
| Defrosting | Check the model’s defrosting method. Boulanger’s product details for the ESSENTIELB ECC85-150miB1 specify regular manual defrosting; Electrolux states that the KUN7NE18S defrosts automatically. | I want to know whether manual maintenance will suit the way I use my freezer. |
| Energy use and location | Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances of a similar capacity and format, then check their permitted ambient temperature range. ADEME points out that freezers run continuously. | If the appliance is going in a garage or cellar, its operating temperature range must suit the room. |
What should you watch out for?
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Confusing a freezer compartment with a freezer
According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, a freezer compartment is for temporarily storing products that are already frozen. It won’t meet your needs if you want to freeze home-cooked meals.
Look for a freezer or a compartment explicitly rated four stars in the product details or manual.
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Relying on the litre capacity alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you how much food the appliance can freeze in a day or how easily your dishes will fit inside.
Also compare the kg/24 h capacity, star rating, compartments and the space available for your containers.
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Putting the appliance in a cold room without checking first
Operating conditions vary by model. Boulanger’s product details for the ESSENTIELB ECC85-150miB1 specify a room temperature above 10 °C.
Check the appliance’s stated temperature range against the temperatures in your cellar or garage.
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Choosing a chest freezer without planning for access and maintenance
The ESSENTIELB ECC85-150miB1 chest freezer described by Boulanger needs regular manual defrosting. Access from above is also worth considering if you often need to find small portions.
Check how the freezer defrosts and plan how to organise it so you can reach food at the bottom.
What do the brands’ specifications tell you?
Beko
Beko France’s product details for the B5RFNE315G and RFNM200T40WN upright freezers let you compare their storage and freezing capacities.
- Beko France lists the B5RFNE315G as four-star, with a capacity of 286 L and a freezing capacity of 15 kg/24 h. The RFNM200T40WN is also four-star, with a capacity of 177 L and a freezing capacity of 10 kg/24 h.
- These figures apply to these two models. Check the specifications and installation requirements for the model you choose.
Electrolux
Electrolux France features a dedicated built-in freezer and a built-in fridge freezer among its range.
- The KUN7NE18S freezer product details list a capacity of 212 L, a freezing capacity of 16,5 kg/24 h and automatic defrosting.
- According to Electrolux France, the KNT6ME18S4 fridge freezer has a 62 L freezer compartment. If you want to freeze home-cooked meals in it, check its star rating and freezing capacity.
Essentielb
The ECC85-150miB1 chest freezer is worth comparing if you need to store bulky containers.
- Boulanger’s product details for this model list a capacity of 508 L and a freezing capacity of 23 kg/24 h.
- The same product details state that it needs regular manual defrosting and must be kept in a room above 10 °C.
Freezers available on Joybuy
This selection on Joybuy includes upright freezers and a chest freezer, so you can compare compartment storage with a chest-style design. Before choosing one for your home-cooked meals, check the freezing specifications and installation requirements for each model.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
Worth considering for storing small portions in a limited space; compare its 60 L capacity with the volume of your meals.
The product details list three drawers, a reversible door, an adjustable thermostat and an energy rating of E. Before installing it, check the star rating, kg/24 h capacity, kWh/year, defrosting method and ambient temperature range.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
Compare this 99 L chest freezer with the size of your containers and the space you have to open its lid from above.
The product name mentions a four-star rating, a removable basket, an adjustable thermostat and an energy rating of E. The description says to defrost it manually when the frost exceeds 5 mm. Also check the kg/24 h capacity, kWh/year and permitted ambient temperature.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, stainless steel
Its 161 L capacity and drawers could suit a household looking to keep frozen portions separate.
The product name mentions No Frost, a temperature range of -14 °C to -22 °C and an energy rating of C. Check the star rating and kg/24 h capacity for your home-cooked meals, as well as the kWh/year and ambient temperature range. The product details state that the appliance is not designed to be built in and that its ventilation openings must remain clear.
Frequently asked questions
Is a freezer compartment enough to freeze home-cooked meals?
No. According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, a freezer compartment is for temporarily storing products that are already frozen, while a freezer can freeze food. For home-cooked meals, look for a freezer or a compartment explicitly rated four stars.
What does a four-star compartment mean?
According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, four stars mean that the compartment can freeze food, quickly bringing the centre of the food down to -18 °C. If you’re adding several meals on the same day, check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h separately.
Does No Frost mean you don’t need to check the maintenance requirements?
No. Electrolux France describes No Frost on the KUN7NE18S as a technology that prevents frost from forming, and states that this model defrosts automatically. Even so, check the manual for the maintenance instructions for the appliance you choose.
How do you compare the energy use of two freezers?
Compare their kWh/year figures, ideally for appliances with a similar capacity and format. ADEME points out that freezers run continuously, so check the annual energy consumption for the exact model rather than relying on its energy rating alone.