Households that prepare meals in portions
If you freeze individual containers or bags, think about how you’ll organise them and find what you need. Drawers, baskets or adjustable compartments can matter just as much as the stated capacity.
Who are these options for?
Households that store large quantities
If you shop less frequently or freeze several batches at once, compare the net freezer capacity with the space you have at home. Also check the stated storage time during a power cut for each model you’re considering.
People with limited space
A second appliance can supplement your existing fridge. Before choosing a compact model, though, measure the space for it, the route to get it there, and the clearance needed to open the door or lid.
What sets these appliances apart?
Your choice depends first on what you need to keep chilled or frozen at the same time: a fridge-freezer’s total capacity is not the same as its freezer capacity.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it if: you also need refrigerated space for ingredients and leftovers you’ll eat soon.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to assess the space reserved for freezing separately from the total capacity.
Upright freezer
Consider it if: you want to sort labelled portions across several storage compartments.
Bear in mind: its height and door clearance mean you’ll need a suitable space for it.
Chest freezer
Consider it if: you need to store large batches and can set aside some floor space.
Bear in mind: you may need to organise portions in baskets or labelled containers to find them easily.
Compact freezer
Consider it if: you have a few extra portions to freeze and limited space.
Bear in mind: its limited usable capacity may mean you need to sort through it more often.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment with the maximum number of portions and bags you store at once. Don’t use the total capacity of a fridge-freezer. | When batch-cooked meals and leftovers already fill my freezer, I want room to store more portions at the same time; around 31% of consumers prioritise having enough capacity. |
| Organising portions | Check the drawers, baskets or shelves, and make sure your usual containers fit without preventing the door from closing. | If I freeze several individual meals, I want to find each portion without moving everything else; around 25% of consumers put organisation first. |
| Keeping food cold | Check that the appliance can freeze food at home at -18 °C, then compare the alarms and stated storage time during a power cut for the specific model. | When I have portions to store, I want to know if a door has been left open or the temperature has risen; around 25% of consumers prioritise this way of monitoring the temperature. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance and the space needed to open it. If it’s going in an unheated room, check the ambient temperature range permitted for that model. | If the appliance needs to fit in a small room or a cold outbuilding, I need to know whether it can be installed and used there; this is the main consideration for around 19% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Relying on a fridge-freezer’s total capacity
A large part of that capacity may belong to the fridge rather than the compartment for frozen portions.
Compare the net freezer capacity and check that your containers and bags will fit in the compartment.
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Planning to install it in a garage without checking the permitted temperature
Whether an appliance will work in a very cold room depends on the model. Liebherr and Beko state that some models can operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to all their freezers.
Compare the minimum temperature in the room with the ambient temperature range stated in the instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
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Assuming every model has the same features
No Frost technology, alarms and stated storage time during a power cut vary from model to model.
Check these features on the product page and in the instructions for the exact model, rather than assuming it has the same features as a similar appliance.
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Assuming freezing automatically makes food safe
According to ANSES, freezing food at home at -18 °C stops microbes from multiplying, but most germs survive.
Check the appliance’s temperature setting and look out for open-door or rising-temperature alerts, if it has them.
Brands to consider, model by model
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity upright freezer, with storage features to compare model by model.
- Bosch states that the GSN54EWCV has a capacity of 328 l, No Frost, Vario Zone and BigBox storage, and an alarm.
- Its stated dimensions of 176 × 70 × 78 cm mean you’ll need a suitable space. These features aren’t available across the entire range.
Liebherr
A brand to consider if you want a large-capacity chest freezer and have a suitable space for the model you choose.
- Liebherr states that the CFd 2505 Plus has a capacity of 359 l and can operate at ambient temperatures as low as -15 °C.
- This chest freezer is 167 cm wide. Don’t assume other models are suitable for cold rooms without checking.
Beko
Another range of chest freezers to consider if you’re thinking of installing one in an unheated room.
- Beko states that the HSM14540 Freezer Guard can operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C and has indicator lights to alert you to an abnormal rise in temperature.
- Check the ambient temperature range, capacity and features for the model you choose: they aren’t the same across all Beko chest freezers.
Whirlpool
A range of upright freezers where defrosting features and storage time during a power cut should be compared model by model.
- Whirlpool states that the UW8F2DWHBIN2 model has No Frost and can keep food frozen for 24 h during a power cut.
- These details apply to this specific model, which the manufacturer’s website lists as out of stock; they don’t indicate whether other models are available.
Freezers for meal portions and leftovers on Joybuy
This selection includes a compact chest freezer and two upright models. Compare their capacity and layout with the number of portions you need to store and the space you have available.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 L chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a chest freezer for meal portions without needing the space required by a larger model.
The product name indicates a capacity of 99 L, an adjustable thermostat, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Before buying, check how the lid opens and how much space you’ll need around the appliance.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
Consider it as an extra freezer if you only have a limited number of portions to freeze and space is tight.
The product name indicates a capacity of 60 L, a reversible door, adjustable temperature and an E energy rating. Check the exact internal layout to make sure your containers will fit.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost upright freezer
Worth considering if you want to store more portions in a dedicated upright freezer.
The product name indicates a capacity of 161 L, drawers, No Frost, an alarm and a temperature setting range of -14 °C to -22 °C. Check how to set it to maintain -18 °C, and make sure you have enough space to install it.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I set to freeze portions at home?
Aim for -18 °C for home freezing, and check that the model and its temperature setting meet this requirement. ANSES explains that this temperature stops microbes from multiplying but doesn’t necessarily kill them.
What about leftovers kept in the fridge?
ANSES recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Avoid overfilling the appliance so that cold air can circulate.
How do I compare storage time during a power cut?
Compare the stated storage time for each model, and check whether it has a door or temperature alarm. UFC-Que Choisir tests include measuring how long food stays below -9 °C in a simulated power cut. Make sure you take the conditions behind the figure into account when comparing models.
Can a freezer work in an unheated garage?
Only if the ambient temperature range stated for the model covers the conditions in your garage. Beko and Liebherr specify that some models can operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C, but you’ll need to check the instructions for the appliance you’re considering.
How do I compare the energy consumption of two freezers?
Check their EU energy labels. According to the European Commission, these show information including the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level. It’s best to compare appliances with similar functions and capacities, rather than letting the energy rating alone determine whether the freezer has enough space for your needs.