For a harvest or bulk shopping, choose a chest freezer if you have a large quantity to store and enough floor space. An upright freezer with drawers is better for food you access regularly, while an under-counter model is mainly useful as extra storage when space is tight. In every case, check the capacity, installation dimensions and permitted ambient temperatures for the model you choose.
If you often bring home large quantities or bulky containers, consider a chest freezer. UFC-Que Choisir lists home-grown fruit and vegetables among the situations where a large freezer can be useful. Be sure to measure the available floor space and check that the room is suitable for the model you have in mind.
If you often reach for portions, vegetables or prepared meals, an upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to keep food separate. Check that the drawers’ internal dimensions suit your containers rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
An under-counter model can add to your existing storage when space is limited. If you need to freeze larger quantities, compare the footprint of an upright freezer too, and check the ventilation clearances specified in its manual.
First, choose a format that suits how much you need to store and how often you’ll access it. Then check that the appliance can be installed and used in the space you have in mind.
Consider it: for large quantities or bulky containers, if you have enough floor space.
Bear in mind: access is from the top, so you’ll need to organise food to reach items at the bottom.
Consider it: for keeping portions separate and finding food you use regularly.
Bear in mind: the drawers need to be large enough for your bulkiest packaging.
Consider it: as extra storage when space is very limited.
Bear in mind: its smaller capacity is less suited to a large harvest.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the stated capacity with the size of your largest deliveries; check the freezing capacity if you’ll be adding a lot of food at once. | When a harvest or bulk shop arrives all at once, you need to be able to fit everything in without overfilling the freezer. Around 31% of consumers rank this capacity as their top priority. |
| Access to food | Look at the drawers or baskets and check that they’re the right size for your bags and containers. | If you use portions several times a week, being able to find the right container without moving everything else matters. For around 25% of consumers, access and organisation come ahead of other criteria. |
| Location | Measure the access route, clearances and opening space. Check the manual for permitted ambient temperatures and ventilation requirements. | In a garage, cellar or small kitchen, the appliance first needs to be able to run and open in the space you have in mind. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Continuous use and power cuts | Compare kWh/year for freezers of a similar capacity, then check how long food stays frozen during a power cut and whether there’s an alarm. | If your freezer is usually full, ongoing energy use and the time available during a power cut can influence your choice. Around 19% of consumers prioritise these aspects. |
ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, so it’s worth checking the annual energy consumption for the model and capacity you’re considering.
A chest freezer might suit your harvest, but still not fit through a doorway or leave enough room to open the lid. UFC-Que Choisir gives average chest freezer dimensions of around 110 to 140 cm wide and 70 cm deep.
Measure the space, the clearance needed to open the freezer and the entire delivery route before choosing a capacity.
Whether a freezer can be used in a cold room depends on the model, and it still needs the specified ventilation. Liebherr states that the CFe 1870 Pure’s FrostProtect function works down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every freezer.
Compare the room’s usual temperatures with the permitted range in the manual for the exact model.
This compact format can provide extra storage, but its capacity may not be enough for a large delivery.
Work out how much you’ll need to store at peak times before comparing its net capacity with that of a chest or upright freezer.
The energy rating alone won’t tell you the model’s annual energy consumption or how long food will stay frozen during a power cut. Both matter for an appliance that runs all the time.
Compare the kWh/year for freezers of a similar capacity, then check how long food stays frozen and whether there are any temperature alerts.
Beko’s range in France includes chest freezers worth considering for larger food stores.
The CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer is worth considering if you plan to keep it in a cold room.
The WHFF 6403 W4E upright freezer is an example of a drawer model for food you access regularly.
This selection includes upright freezers for organising portions you use regularly, and chest freezers for building up your food stores. Capacities range from compact options to larger models: compare each one with the quantities you usually bring home.
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Worth considering for extra storage in a small space rather than for a large harvest. The product description gives dimensions of 44,5 × 47,5 × 84,5 cm and a freezing capacity of 6 kg/24 h. The title and description differ on the storage layout, so check this and the installation requirements before choosing the model.
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Worth considering if you want to keep portions separate and access them regularly. The product description lists three drawers, two shelves, a No Frost function and an alarm. Check the installation dimensions and permitted ambient temperature. If you’ll be adding large quantities of food, also check the freezing capacity and how long food stays frozen during a power cut.
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Worth considering for batches or portions when floor space is limited, once you’ve checked that 99 L is enough for your needs. The product description lists a removable basket, a freezing capacity of 4,5 kg/24 h and manual defrosting when frost exceeds 5 mm. Check the clearances and permitted ambient temperatures for your chosen location.
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Worth considering for top-access storage; compare its 140 L capacity with the amount you need to store. The product description mentions a basket, a counterbalanced lid and wheels. Before adding a large harvest or installing it in a cold room, check the model’s freezing capacity and permitted ambient temperature range.
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Worth considering as extra storage if 98 L suits your needs, rather than for very large deliveries. The product description mentions a storage basket and a counterbalanced lid. Measure the space and check the product details or manual for the freezing capacity, how long food stays frozen during a power cut and the permitted ambient temperatures.
No. Check the manual for the exact model to find out the permitted ambient temperatures and ventilation requirements. Liebherr states that its CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to other models.
A chest freezer is better if your priority is storing large quantities or bulky containers and you have enough floor space. An upright freezer makes it easier to separate portions you use regularly; check that the drawers fit your containers and bags.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh/year for models of a similar capacity, then check how long food stays frozen during a power cut and whether there’s an alarm. As ADEME points out, freezers run continuously, so the energy rating alone doesn’t replace the consumption figure given for the model you choose.
France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition says that electrical appliances can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, returned to a retailer, or passed on to a social and solidarity economy organisation. Before delivery, ask the seller how collection works and arrange to disconnect your old appliance.