Households that prepare meals in advance
If you regularly freeze meals in containers or bags, an upright freezer with separate storage compartments can make them easier to organise and access. Look at the layout of the model, not just its capacity.
Which format is right for you?
Households that shop in bulk
A chest freezer can suit large containers and bigger stocks of food, provided you have enough floor space. If you plan to keep it in a cellar or garage, also check the ambient temperatures the model can safely operate in.
People living in smaller homes
If you’re keeping your fridge freezer but its freezer compartment is a little short on space, a small freezer can provide extra capacity. Check that it has enough room for the meals you actually plan to store in it.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by considering how much you need to freeze and how often you need to access your food. Then check that your chosen format is suitable for the space and compare its technical specifications.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the capacity of your current compartment with the appliances you’re considering, then with the quantities you freeze. According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers can hold up to 600 l; upright models generally hold around 200 l and can reach 400 l. | “I prepare several meals or space out my shopping: how much extra room do I actually need?” If I’m also replacing my fridge, I’ll check the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer before adding a second appliance. |
| Access to food | Look at the model’s drawers, shelves or baskets, and consider how easy it is to reach containers at the back. A chest freezer offers open storage, but keeping smaller portions organised takes more effort. | “I want to find my portioned meals quickly and avoid leaving them forgotten under the shopping.” For larger containers, the space available in the freezer is more important. |
| Location | Measure the appliance and allow enough clearance to open it and provide ventilation. Check the instructions for the permitted ambient temperature range: a claim that certain models can operate down to -15 °C does not apply to every model. | “Will the freezer go in my kitchen, utility room or an unheated room?” The location must be suitable for the specific model you choose. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the energy rating and annual consumption shown on the energy label for appliances of a similar format and capacity, as well as their noise levels. ADEME notes that the new energy label for freezers displays their energy consumption. | “This appliance will be plugged in all the time, so I want to compare its energy use and, if it’s near my living space, how noisy it is.” |
| Power cuts | Check the stated power-cut storage time for the exact model and the conditions it applies to. In its test protocol, UFC-Que Choisir measures how long food stays below -9 °C during a simulated power cut. | “If I’m building up a large stock of food, how long will it stay protected during a power cut?” I’ll compare times measured in the same way. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on capacity alone
A chest freezer can offer plenty of capacity, but takes up more floor space and can make smaller portions harder to find. An upright model with separate compartments suits a different kind of use, even if its stated capacity is different.
Measure the space and allow room to open the door or lid. Also think about how often you’ll need to access the freezer and the size of your containers.
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Installing the appliance in an unheated room without checking the instructions
Electrolux notes that an ambient temperature outside the stated climate class or inadequate ventilation can affect how an appliance works. Beko and Liebherr’s claims about operation in cold conditions apply to specific models.
If you’re using a cellar or garage, check the room’s temperatures against the permitted range and follow the ventilation clearance requirements for your chosen model.
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Comparing only the energy rating letter
Appliances with different capacities don’t offer the same amount of storage. The rating letter alone doesn’t tell you their stated annual consumption or how long they’ll keep food frozen during a power cut.
Compare the energy labels and specifications of appliances with similar formats and capacities. Check the noise level too if it matters where you plan to put the freezer.
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Neglecting food safety when freezing prepared meals
Anses explains that freezing food at home at -18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but does not destroy most microorganisms. A freezer can’t make up for food that hasn’t been stored properly beforehand.
Follow Anses recommendations: freeze food as soon as you buy or prepare it, and don’t refreeze food once it has thawed.
A guide to brands and their models
The specifications below are examples for specific models. Always check the product information and instructions for the model you’re considering.
Beko
Beko offers upright freezers, including some models designed for installation in unheated rooms.
- For the RFNE448E55W, Beko lists a capacity of 404 l, 15 h of storage time during a power cut and Freezer Guard operation down to -15 °C.
- These installation conditions apply to this model only; they don’t apply to the whole range.
Liebherr
The brand offers chest and upright freezers with different features depending on the model.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 281 l and FrostProtect operation down to -15 °C for the CFe 1870 Pure chest freezer.
- Before planning to keep a freezer in an unheated room, check the permitted temperature range for your chosen model.
Bosch
Bosch’s range of upright freezers includes models with separate storage compartments and different features.
- Bosch’s product information for the GSN58VWEV lists a capacity of 366 l, 12 h of storage time during a power cut, a noise level of 39 dB and a freezing capacity of 20,8 kg/24 h, as well as No Frost and Big Box.
- To judge whether it’s right for you, compare these figures with those of appliances with a similar format and capacity; don’t assume they apply to other Bosch models.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers upright freezers designed to meet higher-capacity storage needs.
- For the WHFF 6403 W4E, Whirlpool lists a capacity of 404 l, six drawers, 11 h of storage time during a power cut, a noise level of 38 dB and an energy rating of E.
- These figures apply to this upright model only; compare its energy use with that of models with a similar capacity.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers built-in appliances, where it’s particularly important to check the housing dimensions and ventilation requirements.
- Electrolux’s built-in LUB3AE88S freezer features LowFrost and OptiSpace, designed to reduce ice build-up and help organise storage.
- Before fitting the appliance, check the cabinet dimensions and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions.
Freezers for different needs
These Joybuy models include chest freezers in several capacities, an upright freezer for keeping food separate, and a small vertical freezer for extra storage. First choose the format that suits your shopping habits and home, then check the installation requirements for the specific model.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible chest freezer
Its chest design and 291 L capacity are worth considering if you want a dedicated appliance for bulk shopping or larger batches of prepared meals. The model name indicates that it can switch between fridge and freezer modes. It also has a removable basket, LED light, five-level digital control and an energy rating of E.
Measure the space needed for the chest freezer and to open its lid. Before installing it in a garage, check the instructions for the permitted ambient temperature range. Also check how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
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AUCMA, 197 L convertible chest freezer
This 197 L chest freezer offers separate storage capacity to compare with the quantities of meals and shopping you freeze. The model name indicates fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket, five-level digital control and an energy rating of E.
Check the floor space it will take up and allow enough clearance to open the lid. If you plan to put it in an unheated room, check the model’s permitted ambient temperature range and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
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AUCMA, 95 L convertible chest freezer
At 95 L, this chest freezer is worth considering for extra storage rather than a large stock of prepared meals. The model name indicates that it can switch between fridge and freezer modes. It also has a seven-level thermostat, a removable basket and an energy rating of E.
Check that your containers will fit inside and that the lid can open in the space you have planned. If you’re putting it in a garage, check the permitted ambient temperature and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost stainless steel upright freezer
This 161 L upright freezer is worth considering if you’d rather organise portions in separate compartments than store them in an open chest. The model name indicates No Frost, an LED display, an alarm, a reversible door hinge and an energy rating of C.
Before choosing where to put it, check its dimensions and the permitted ambient temperature range. Also look at its annual energy consumption and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 L upright freezer
This freestanding 60 L model can provide extra storage in a small space, as long as it has enough capacity for your portions. The model name indicates separate compartments, a reversible door, temperature control and an energy rating of E.
If you’re planning to put it under a worktop, check its dimensions and the required ventilation clearances. Also check its annual energy consumption, how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut and its permitted ambient temperature range.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a separate freezer if your fridge already has a freezer compartment?
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. Compare its capacity with the meals you prepare and how often you shop. If you’re also replacing your fridge, check the freezer compartment in a large fridge freezer before deciding to add a second appliance.
Upright or chest freezer: which is better for portioned meals?
An upright freezer with drawers makes it easier to organise and access portions. A chest freezer offers more room for larger containers, but you’ll need to organise it so you can find smaller meals at the bottom. Your choice depends as much on your containers and how often you need access as it does on the stated capacity.
Can you put any freezer in a garage or cellar?
No. Check the permitted ambient temperature range and ventilation requirements for the exact model. Electrolux highlights the importance of the appliance’s stated climate class. Beko and Liebherr say certain specific models can operate down to -15 °C; this doesn’t apply to their entire ranges.
What should you check for prepared meals in the event of a power cut or thawing?
Before buying, compare how long each appliance can keep food frozen during a power cut, using the definition given for each model. For food safety, Anses explains that freezing at -18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying but does not destroy most microorganisms. Freeze food as soon as you buy or prepare it, and don’t refreeze food once it has thawed.
What statutory guarantee applies to a freezer bought in France?
For goods sold by a business to a private individual in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies, for example, if the freezer doesn’t match its description or isn’t fit for its usual purpose, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Any commercial guarantee is separate: check what it covers in addition to your statutory rights, and don’t confuse the two.