For storing batch-cooked meals, choose an upright freezer if you want to sort portions into drawers and find them easily, or a chest freezer if you have a suitable space and can organise food in its compartment. An under-counter model suits more limited storage needs; a fridge-freezer is mainly worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge as well. In every case, check the freezer capacity, how the appliance opens and the permitted ambient temperature for its intended location.
The amount you want to freeze matters, but how you store your meals and where the appliance will go also help determine the right choice.
If you store individual portions, compare the freezer capacity with the number and size of your containers. Drawers can make it easier to organise food and access meals you use regularly. Bosch Électroménager France cites meal prepping as a reason to look for a larger capacity.
When your fridge’s freezer compartment is no longer big enough, a separate freezer gives you dedicated storage space. Check the room available and decide whether you’d prefer the drawer access of an upright freezer or the storage space in a chest freezer.
If you’re planning to put the freezer in a cellar or garage, compare the possible room temperatures with the operating range of the specific model. ADEME recommends checking the recommended ambient temperature, which is indicated in particular by the climate class. Suitability for one model doesn’t apply to every appliance in its category.
Start with the space available and the portions you need to store, then compare the features of appliances that meet both requirements.
Consider it: if you want to organise portions and access them in drawers without searching at the bottom of a compartment.
Bear in mind: measure the height, depth and door clearance, as well as the width.
Consider it: if you can set aside floor space for frozen food or large quantities of prepared meals.
Bear in mind: leave enough room above the lid and plan how you’ll find food stored at the bottom.
Consider it: if the appliance needs to fit under a worktop and provide extra storage.
Bear in mind: compare its freezer capacity with your containers and allow for the installation clearances specified by the manufacturer.
Consider it: if you also need to replace your fridge and want both functions in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity includes the fridge section, so check the freezer capacity separately.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and space | Compare the usable freezer capacity, not the total capacity of a fridge-freezer. Measure the height, width and depth, check the delivery access and allow enough room to open the appliance. | I want to store more meals and frozen food than I can fit in my current compartment, without choosing an appliance that blocks a walkway or can’t be opened properly. |
| Storage | Check the layout of the drawers and shelves in an upright freezer, or whether a chest freezer comes with baskets. Make sure your usual boxes and bags will fit. | I need to be able to identify and reach my portions, even when I fill the appliance with several weeks’ worth of food. |
| Maintenance and use | Compare the energy label, energy consumption and noise levels of appliances with similar formats and capacities. Check each model’s cooling system and defrosting requirements. | If the freezer is going in a kitchen or living space, noise matters to me. If defrosting would be a hassle, I’ll also check the cooling system. |
| Location and freezing performance | According to ADEME, the recommended ambient temperature should suit the room. Also check the stated storage time in the event of a power cut and the freezing capacity if you regularly add freshly prepared meals. | If the appliance is going in a garage or cellar, it needs to be suitable for the temperatures in that room. I also want to compare its features when freezing several meals at once. |
In a deep compartment, meals placed underneath other food can be hard to find.
Before you buy, think about where your usual containers will go. Choose suitable baskets or boxes, and label each portion with its contents and date.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. A feature listed for one chest freezer doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
Check the possible temperatures in the room and compare them with the climate class or operating range published for the appliance you’re considering.
Appliances with different formats and capacities can have different installation and usage requirements.
First compare models suited to the same storage needs, then look at their usable capacity, energy label, noise levels and freezing performance together.
A freezer may fit in the intended space but still be difficult to get through your home or awkward to open once it’s installed.
Measure the delivery route and installation space, check the clearances required in the manual, and allow room for the door or lid to open.
These examples of ranges and models can help you work out what to check. The features mentioned don’t apply to every appliance from a brand.
One chest freezer to consider if the room it’s going in can get cold.
A brand to look at if you’re after an upright freezer and want to work out how much space you need for prepared meals.
A useful reference when comparing chest freezers and features designed to prevent frost build-up.
An example of a large upright freezer whose dimensions are worth checking carefully before you order.
These models offer several ways to store meals: a standalone upright freezer, two chest freezers and two fridge-freezers to consider if you’re replacing your fridge as well. Compare their freezer capacity and installation requirements to find the right option for you.
Image unavailable
For organising portions in a standalone upright freezer, the product title lists drawers, an alarm and an LED display. Check the dimensions, door clearance and permitted ambient temperature for your chosen location. The temperature range mentioned in the title doesn’t, on its own, guarantee a stable storage temperature.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for extra storage, this chest freezer’s product title mentions a removable basket to separate some foods and a sliding lid. Check the dimensions, the clearance needed to open it and the permitted ambient temperature before choosing where to put it.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you’re replacing your fridge too. The 467 L listed in the product title refers to the whole appliance, which is described as having Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer capacity separately, along with the space needed to open the doors.
Image unavailable
Another option if you also need to replace your fridge. The product title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating; the 360 L refers to the total capacity, not the freezer alone. Check the space available for frozen meals and the dimensions of the intended location.
Image unavailable
For extra standalone freezer space, the product title mentions a storage basket and a counterbalanced lid. Allow enough room to open the lid, and check the permitted ambient temperature, storage time in the event of a power cut and freezing capacity to make sure they suit your needs.
Yes, as long as the model’s specified ambient temperature range covers the temperatures in your garage. ADEME recommends checking the climate class. As an example that applies to this model only, Beko France says the HSM27050 can operate at ambient temperatures down to −15 °C.
Read the energy label and compare the energy consumption and noise levels of appliances with similar formats and capacities. ADEME describes the label as a useful source of information when buying an appliance. Also bear in mind how much freezer space you actually need.
Choose an appliance that suits the amount you need to store, and follow its storage and temperature-setting instructions. ANSES notes that low temperatures slow the growth of micro-organisms. Avoid leaving the door open for long periods and take care not to break the cold chain.
Take it to an appropriate collection point for electrical and electronic equipment instead of putting it out with household waste. The Ministry for Ecological Transition points out that these appliances may contain components that are harmful to the environment, as well as recyclable materials. Find out what take-back options are available when you replace your appliance.
Don’t assume it appears on every model: the Ministry for Ecological Transition says the scheme covers certain product categories. For the appliance you’re considering, check what repairability information is available and find out about spare parts and repair services.