If your portions usually fit in your existing freezer compartment, start by organising that space more effectively rather than adding another appliance. If you regularly run out of room, an upright freezer makes it easier to sort and access meals frequently, while a chest freezer suits larger stocks, provided you have enough space and don’t mind items being less visible. Then compare the freezer capacity, dimensions and kWh/year of the models you’re considering.
If you regularly batch-cook and take meals out one at a time, being able to see the labels and reach each container matters as much as capacity. The drawers or adjustable storage areas in an upright freezer can help you separate meals; check the layout of the model you choose.
If several cooking sessions leave your freezer full of boxes or large dishes, check its capacity and interior layout. A chest freezer is worth considering if you can set aside enough floor space and open the lid fully.
If you only freeze a few meals at a time, first check how much space you’re actually using in your current freezer compartment. Before adding another appliance, compare the capacity you need with the annual energy consumption shown on the label: ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously.
For meals prepared in advance, start by working out how much space you need when your stock is at its largest. If your existing compartment is big enough, you don’t need a second appliance for this purpose alone. Otherwise, choose between the drawer access of an upright freezer and the top access of a chest freezer, then compare models that suit your space.
| Priority | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable capacity | Estimate how much space your portions take up when your stock is full, then compare the capacity of your freezer compartment or separate appliance and its kWh/year. | If my meals already fit in my current compartment, I’d rather avoid another appliance; around 31% of consumers prioritise enough capacity without buying more than they need. |
| Easy access to portions | Check the layout and size of the drawers or storage areas, as well as how the door opens. | When I take out just one meal, I want to find it without moving my whole stock. Easy access and organisation come first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Large stock | Compare the freezer capacity, the space for large containers and the clearance needed to open it. | If I cook a lot in one session, I need room to store several meals at once, even if those at the bottom are harder to reach; around 23% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Where you’ll install it | Check the dimensions and, if it’s going in an unheated room, the minimum ambient temperature allowed for the exact model. | If the appliance is going in a garage or cold cellar, I need to know whether it can operate there. This compatibility is a priority for around 15% of consumers. |
To compare energy use, check the energy label for kWh/year; the Ministry of the Economy recommends consulting it alongside the model’s specifications. Also check the freezer capacity: the total capacity of a fridge-freezer isn’t the same as the space available for frozen portions. An energy rating alone doesn’t replace comparing the annual consumption of appliances that meet similar needs.
Unused capacity won’t make meal prep easier. ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously and that their size affects their energy consumption.
Check how much space your portions actually take up when your stock is at its largest, then compare the capacity and kWh/year of appliances that can hold it all.
Two appliances with the same rating can have different capacities and annual energy consumption. The DGCCRF also highlights the importance of making the label and product information sheet easy to find.
For every model you’re considering, check the kWh/year, freezer capacity, dimensions and product information sheet before making your choice.
Whether an appliance can operate at a low ambient temperature depends on the model, not its shape. Beko and Liebherr specify this feature for certain models.
If you plan to install your freezer in an unheated garage or cellar, check the ambient temperature range in the manual for your chosen appliance.
According to Anses, freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive. You still need to take care when storing and defrosting meals.
Follow Anses guidance on freezing and defrosting meals, and don’t refreeze food once it has been defrosted.
These models illustrate features to look for; their specifications and installation requirements don’t automatically apply to other models from the same brand.
Worth a look if you’re considering a chest freezer and want to check whether it can operate in a cold room.
Worth considering if you want to compare an upright freezer’s layout with your need to store large containers.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for an upright freezer with flexible storage options.
Worth looking at if you want to compare the features of a mid-capacity upright freezer.
This selection includes chest freezers in a range of capacities for keeping a separate stock, as well as an upright freezer for organising portions. Start by choosing based on the space you need and how you’ll access your meals, then check the specifications of each model.
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Worth considering if your current freezer compartment is short on space but you only keep a modest stock of portions.
Listed capacity of 95 L, energy rating E, 7-level thermostat and removable basket. This model can also be set to fridge mode; check the permitted ambient temperature if you plan to put it in an unheated room.
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Worth comparing if several cooking sessions leave you with a large stock and you’re happy with top access.
Listed capacity of 197 L, energy rating E, 5-level digital control and removable basket. The model can also operate in fridge mode; plan how you’ll identify portions stored at the bottom and check the permitted ambient temperature for your installation location.
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Worth considering if you want more separate storage than the smaller chest freezers in this selection offer, but don’t need a 197 L model.
Listed capacity of 141 L, energy rating E, 7-level thermostat and removable basket. Fridge mode is also listed; check the space needed to open the lid and the permitted ambient temperature for your chosen location.
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Worth considering if you want to organise portions in drawers and access them frequently.
Listed capacity of 161 L, energy rating C, No Frost technology, LED display and reversible door hinges. Before choosing where to put it, check the dimensions and ambient temperature range; also compare its kWh/year with those of the other models you’re considering.
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Worth comparing if you want to add a small stock of portions in a separate chest freezer.
Listed capacity of 99 L, energy rating E, adjustable thermostat and removable basket. Check the kWh/year and permitted ambient temperature before comparing energy use or planning to install it in an unheated room.
Compare the kWh/year with the freezer capacity you actually need, rather than looking at the energy rating alone. The energy label shows annual consumption; for a fridge-freezer, distinguish the capacity of its freezer compartment from its total capacity. ADEME also points out that an appliance’s size affects its energy consumption.
For an appliance covered by energy labelling, check the label and product information sheet for the exact model, including its kWh/year and stated capacity. The DGCCRF highlights the importance of displaying this information clearly; don’t rely solely on the rating shown in the product title.
Yes, if the model’s stated ambient temperature range covers the temperature in the room. This isn’t a feature shared by all chest or upright freezers. Beko lists operation down to −15 °C for the HSM27050, and Liebherr does the same for the FNe 5006 Pure; check the manual for the model you plan to buy.
No. According to Anses, freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive. Freeze meals promptly, follow Anses’ recommended defrosting methods and don’t refreeze food once it has been defrosted.