If you only need more freezer space, adding a freezer lets you keep your current fridge. A chest freezer is ideal for storing food in bulk, while an upright model makes it easier to access food regularly. A small model may be enough for extra storage; consider a large fridge-freezer instead if you also need to replace your fridge, and check how many litres are actually dedicated to freezing.
If you want to keep food separate and find a portion quickly, compare the drawer layout of an upright freezer with the capacity of a chest freezer. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these two types in particular by their footprint and layout.
For storing bulky packs or building up a reserve, capacity and access to items at the bottom matter just as much as the space available for the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir presents a chest freezer as an option for substantial storage needs.
In a small kitchen or an alcove, decide whether a little extra storage will be enough or whether replacing your fridge-freezer would better meet both your cooling needs. Measure the space and check the installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
First decide whether you mainly need extra storage or a new main appliance. Then choose a type based on how you access frozen food and how much space you have.
Consider one if: you often take out portions and want to organise them in drawers.
The trade-off: drawers help you organise your food, but they don’t offer the open space of a chest freezer for large packs.
Consider one if: you store food in bulk or have bulky packaging, and have enough floor space.
The trade-off: you’ll need room to open the lid and organise food so you can reach items at the bottom.
Consider one if: a little extra storage will be enough and the available space calls for a compact appliance.
The trade-off: the extra storage will be limited; an integrated model needs a suitable alcove and compatible door fitting.
Consider one if: you also need to replace your fridge and want to keep just one appliance.
The trade-off: a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough space in the freezer compartment.
To increase your household’s frozen food storage, decide which need matters most. The other factors are still useful, even if they don’t determine which type you choose.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday access | Compare drawers or baskets, and check that the door or lid opens fully. | If you often take out small portions, you’ll want to find them without rummaging through your food. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this organised access. |
| Bulk storage | Compare freezer capacity in litres and, if you regularly freeze fresh food, freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If you’re storing a big shop or food you’ve prepared for freezing, you first need enough room for the packaging. This capacity is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Available space | Measure the appliance and the clearance needed to open it, as well as the alcove if it’s built in; check that the climate class is suitable for the room’s temperature. | When your kitchen or alcove has little room to spare, adding a small freezer without disrupting the installation matters more than maximising capacity. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this space constraint. |
| Replacing your fridge-freezer | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then compare the appliance’s kWh/year and noise level. | If you also need to replace your current fridge, you can look for a single appliance that meets both needs. For around 23% of consumers, replacing their appliance is the priority. |
Some of that capacity is for refrigeration, so a larger appliance may still leave too little room for frozen food.
Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity separately, then check the appliance’s annual energy consumption and noise level. The energy label described by the European Commission lets you check these details.
According to Whirlpool France, the climate class indicates the ambient temperature range an appliance is designed for. A cellar, garage or conservatory may fall outside the range for the model you choose.
Check the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year and compare them with the instructions for the exact model.
The open space is ideal for bulky items, but food at the bottom can be difficult to find.
Check whether it comes with baskets and allow enough room to lift the lid. If you use the freezer regularly, plan to organise food by category.
Defrosting requirements depend on the model’s technology, not just its design. The stated storage time during a power cut also varies from one model to another.
Check each appliance’s defrosting instructions, storage time during a power cut and kWh/year before comparing a chest freezer with an upright model.
Beko offers chest freezers, among other appliances; check the installation requirements for each model.
Whirlpool offers upright freezers and fridge-freezers: two options for different storage needs.
The Liebherr range includes chest freezers, upright freezers and integrated models, with frost-management technology varying by product.
These models offer three ways to add storage: a chest freezer for bulk shopping or a little extra space, a small upright freezer for a tight space, and a larger upright model with drawer storage. If you’re thinking of replacing your fridge-freezer instead, compare the capacity of its freezer compartment separately.
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Worth considering for bulk storage in a chest freezer, if you have enough room to open the lid and reach items at the bottom.
The model name indicates a capacity of 291 L, a convertible fridge and freezer function, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Check the ambient temperature range for the room where you plan to use it.
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One to consider for a little extra storage if space is limited; its 60 L capacity won’t meet the same needs as a large chest freezer.
The model name indicates a freestanding design, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Measure the space before considering placing it under a worktop: freestanding doesn’t mean it can be built in.
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Worth considering if you want extra storage with drawers to organise food for frequent access.
The model name indicates a 161 L capacity, No Frost, a reversible door hinge and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions and door clearance in the room where you plan to put it.
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A chest freezer option for a little extra storage, rather than a model designed for large stocks.
The model name indicates a 95 L capacity, a convertible fridge and freezer function, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Check the floor space, lid clearance and permitted ambient temperature range.
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Worth considering for a little extra storage if you prefer the open space of a small chest freezer.
The model name indicates a 99 L capacity, a removable basket, a sliding lid and an E energy rating. Measure the space and check the clearance needed to open the lid.
First compare the freezer capacity, then the annual energy consumption in kWh and the appliance’s noise emissions. The European Commission says the label also shows the energy rating. For a fridge-freezer, check the capacity of each compartment separately rather than relying on the total capacity.
Yes, if the room’s temperature stays within the ambient range specified for the exact model. Whirlpool France recommends checking its climate class; check the temperature in your room and read the instructions before choosing a location.
According to product information from manufacturers Electrolux and Liebherr, models with No Frost prevent frost from forming or defrost automatically. Don’t assume this feature is available on every chest or upright freezer: check the technology and care instructions for the model you choose.
No: Anses says that at −18 °C, home freezing stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive. Follow the food’s storage and defrosting instructions, especially when filling a new freezer.