Keep your fridge-freezer if its freezer compartment can comfortably hold your portions and your usual shopping. If it regularly gets overcrowded, a separate appliance could be a better fit: an upright freezer makes portions easy to access, a chest freezer offers space for larger stocks, and an under-counter model provides compact extra capacity. Before choosing, compare usable capacity and dimensions with the way you plan to use it, then check the installation requirements and energy consumption of the specific model.
If you regularly take meals out of your freezer, being able to see and reach your containers easily may matter more than having a large open space. An upright freezer with drawers is worth comparing with the freezer compartment in your fridge-freezer.
If bulk shopping quickly fills your existing freezer, extra dedicated capacity could be useful. A chest freezer can hold a substantial stock, as long as you have enough floor space and a plan for organising it.
If your fridge-freezer compartment is no longer big enough but there’s no room for a large appliance, consider the capacity of an under-counter model or the layout of a slim upright freezer. The dimensions and door opening need to suit the space you actually have.
Start by working out what your current compartment is missing: more room, easier access or both. Then choose a format that suits the room, rather than focusing on the number of litres alone.
Consider it if: your portions and frozen shopping fit easily into the existing compartment.
Bear in mind: your stock is limited by the space available. If you plan to freeze freshly prepared meals, check the compartment’s star rating and the instruction manual.
Consider it if: you organise portions and need to find them regularly using easy front access.
Bear in mind: drawers make it easier to sort food, but their dimensions may not suit large packs. Also check how much space you need to open the door.
Consider it if: bulk shopping or large batches of meals call for dedicated storage, and you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: the top-opening lid and depth mean you’ll need to plan how to reach food stored at the bottom.
Consider it if: you need a little extra capacity but don’t have room for a large appliance.
Bear in mind: this format is best for extra capacity rather than a large stock. Check the clearances required in the instruction manual.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Check the opening, the size of the drawers or baskets, and access to the back of the appliance. | I prepare portions that I use often and want to find them without searching through the whole freezer; around 31% of consumers prioritise organised access. |
| Storage capacity | Compare the net capacity with the packaging and quantities you store after shopping. Also check the stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | When I bring home large quantities, I need to be able to fit my new shopping in alongside the food already stored. Storage capacity comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Space at home | Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. | I need a little extra room for freezing food without cluttering my kitchen; around 23% of consumers prioritise a space-saving extra appliance. |
| Use and installation | Check the kWh/year and capacity on the energy label; make sure the permitted ambient temperature range suits the room you have in mind. | If the appliance will stay plugged in all the time, I want to compare its energy consumption and check that it’s suitable for its location. Around 15% of consumers put these usage conditions first. |
To give you an idea of the different formats, UFC-Que Choisir describes upright freezers as generally close to 200 L, while chest freezers can reach 600 L. These are typical range figures, not the capacity of every model. The DGCCRF says that the energy label on a new appliance includes details such as its model reference, energy class and annual consumption in kWh. Compare these figures across appliances suited to similar storage needs.
A chest freezer can offer plenty of storage, but it needs floor space and room above the lid. As a guide for this format, UFC-Que Choisir gives approximate dimensions of 110 to 140 cm wide and 70 cm deep; the measurements of the model you choose are what matter.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the room needed to open the lid. Also think about how you’ll find products stored at the bottom.
A small compartment designed to store frozen food won’t necessarily do the same job as a freezer. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes a freezer compartment from a four-star compartment, which is suitable for freezing fresh food to −18 °C at its core.
If you prepare meals to freeze, check the compartment’s star rating and the instructions in the manual before relying on your current appliance.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you how much capacity a model offers or how much energy it uses each year. As a freezer runs continuously, both figures matter when you’re thinking about adding a second appliance.
For models with similar formats and capacities, compare the exact references, net capacities and kWh/year figures shown on their energy labels.
The temperature in a cellar or garage may fall outside the ambient range the appliance is designed for. Beko states that Freezer Guard works down to −15 °C on certain models only; this doesn’t apply to the whole range.
Compare the room temperature with the climate class and temperature range stated in the instruction manual for the specific model.
These ranges can help you compare formats. The features mentioned depend on the specific models, not the brand as a whole.
Beko’s range in France includes upright and chest freezers.
In France, Whirlpool offers chest, upright and built-in freezers.
Liebherr offers freestanding, under-counter and built-in freezers, including some NoFrost models.
These products illustrate three options for prepared meals and bulk shopping: stick with a fridge-freezer, add a chest freezer for dedicated storage, or choose a small upright freezer. Work out how much space you really need before adding a second appliance.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer to keep just one appliance for chilled food and frozen portions. The model is listed with four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating; the 467 L refers to the stated capacity of the whole appliance, not just the freezer.
Check the freezer compartment capacity and dimensions for your containers and meals, as well as the installation and delivery dimensions.
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Compare it with your current fridge-freezer if you’d prefer to organise meals and frozen food in one appliance. The listing specifies three doors, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone; the 360 L refers to the stated capacity of the whole appliance.
Compare the freezer compartment capacity with the amount you usually store, and check the manual for dimensions and installation clearances.
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Consider it for dedicated storage of bulk shopping or portions if you have room for a chest freezer. The listing specifies fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket, LED lighting, five settings and an E energy rating.
Allow for access to the bottom and room to open the lid. If you plan to keep it in a cellar or garage, check the ambient temperature range allowed in the model’s instruction manual.
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Worth considering if you want dedicated storage but don’t need the capacity of the AUCMA 291 L chest freezer. This 197 L model is listed with fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket, five settings and an E energy rating.
The open space means you’ll need a system for finding food at the bottom. Also check the floor space required, the lid opening and the permitted ambient temperature range for your chosen location.
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Consider it as extra storage rather than a solution for large bulk shops. The listing specifies a capacity of 60 L, a reversible door, freestanding installation and an E energy rating.
If you plan to place it under a worktop, check its dimensions, ventilation clearances and the installation requirements in the instruction manual. Also compare its annual energy consumption with that of other models you’re considering.
Not if you need to freeze fresh food. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between a freezer compartment, intended for temporarily storing food that is already frozen, and a four-star compartment, which can freeze food. Check your appliance’s star rating and instruction manual before preparing portions to freeze.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh with the capacity and format you need, rather than looking at the energy rating letter alone. The DGCCRF says the label identifies details such as the manufacturer, model reference, energy class and annual energy consumption.
Yes, as long as the garage temperature stays within the ambient range allowed for the model you choose. Check its climate class and instruction manual: Beko’s Freezer Guard feature, rated to −15 °C, is available on certain models only.
No. Brands describe No Frost as a feature that limits frost build-up, but you should still follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions for your model. Also check the correct procedure before removing or replacing your food.