To freeze prepared meals, choose a 4-star compartment or freezer, then select a freezing capacity suited to the number of portions you need to store at the same time. A fridge freezer is suitable for a moderate stock where only one appliance is possible; an upright freezer makes frequently accessed portions easier to reach, while a chest freezer is mainly suited to large reserves in a suitable room.
If you prepare several dinners in advance, prioritise a 4-star compartment, suitable freezing capacity and storage organised with drawers or baskets. The French Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes this function from simply storing products that have already been frozen.
A fridge freezer can store fresh products and frozen meals in one appliance. However, compare the freezer compartment capacity, dimensions, depth and noise level of the model rather than looking only at its total capacity.
For large reserves, big dishes or bulk purchases, a separate chest or upright freezer may be more suitable than a fridge freezer. The choice mainly depends on the available floor space, how often you need access and the conditions in the installation room.
Start by checking the freezing function, then compare the capacity actually allocated to frozen food, the format and the information on the energy label.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs and proportion of relevant respondents |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing function | Check the number of stars and look for a 4-star function to freeze fresh dishes. Also consult the model’s specifications and user manual. | I want to prepare portions in advance without cooking every evening. In the OpinionWay survey for Lustucru, conducted among 1,020 French adults on 31 July and 1 August 2024, 61% said they usually spent 30 minutes or less preparing dinner on weekdays; this figure does not measure the practice of freezing food. |
| Freezing capacity | Compare the freezer compartment capacity in litres, the number of drawers or baskets and the space for large containers. Do not rely solely on the total capacity. | My portions, boxes and dishes need to be stored at the same time without overloading the freezer compartment. |
| Format and access | An upright freezer provides drawers and a small footprint; a chest freezer prioritises capacity but requires more floor space and is accessed from above. Also measure the clearance needed to open it. | I want to find my portions easily if I take them out several times a week, or I would prefer a large open space for bigger reserves. |
| Everyday use and installation | On the energy label, compare the A to G rating, annual kWh consumption, capacities and noise level. Check the dimensions, ventilation clearances and climate class. | The appliance must be suitable for the intended room, and its noise and energy consumption must remain acceptable for everyday use. |
A freezer compartment is designed to store products that have already been frozen for a limited period; it is not suitable for freezing home-cooked dishes. The French Ministry of Agriculture associates the freezing function with a 4-star rating.
Check the number of stars carefully and choose a 4-star function if you want to freeze fresh food.
A fridge freezer may appear spacious even though its freezer section is not large enough for the portions you have planned. This can limit your ability to prepare several meals in advance.
List the portions, boxes and large dishes you need to store at the same time, then compare the freezing capacity in litres and the internal layout.
A chest freezer offers a large open space, but portions placed at the bottom are less accessible than they are in drawers. Its installation also depends on the available floor space and the conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Measure the floor space and the lid clearance. If you regularly take out portions, also compare an upright freezer and check the climate class of the exact model.
A chest freezer may require a larger room and a model suitable for low ambient temperatures.
A NoFrost feature, an energy rating or a fast-freezing function is not enough to compare the capacity, noise, installation requirements and energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously.
Compare the annual consumption in kWh, A to G rating, freezing capacity, noise level, dimensions, climate class and the conditions in the manual on the same product sheet.
Annual energy consumption and noise levels can vary from one model to another within the same appliance family.
A useful reference when comparing fridge freezers and upright freezers where fresh products and frozen meals need to coexist in the kitchen.
A useful reference when comparing chest and upright freezers designed for storing meals, provisions and large containers at home.
A useful reference for medium- to high-capacity upright freezers where vertical organisation, noise and compatibility with a cold room are important.
These Joybuy options include fridge freezers for moderate stocks, chest freezers for larger reserves and an upright freezer for more organised access to portions.
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For fresh portions to freeze in a compact kitchen, with three drawers for convenient, frequent access.
4-star, 75 L freezer compartment, stated freezing capacity of 3.5 kg/24 h, width of 54 cm, 215 kWh/year and 39 dB.
The model is indicated for an ambient temperature of 16 to 38 °C; check the manual and clearance requirements before installation.
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A compact option for a few meals prepared in advance in a narrow kitchen.
4-star, 59 L compartment, three freezer drawers, width of 50 cm, reversible door and a stated noise level of 39 dB.
Check the energy label, annual consumption, climate class and manual before choosing where to install it.
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For storing numerous dishes and large containers when the room allows for a chest freezer.
291 L capacity, advertised 4-star freezer mode, removable basket, 226 kWh/year, 38 dB and five-level digital controls.
To freeze dishes, check that the appliance is set to freezer mode. The climate class should be confirmed before installing it in a garage or cellar.
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An additional chest freezer for storing a few portions or larger products where space is limited.
99 L capacity, advertised 4-star function, freezing capacity of 4.5 kg/24 h, removable metal basket, sliding lid and stated noise level of 39 dB.
Only one basket is specified, and portions at the bottom are less accessible. Consult the manual for installation conditions and manual defrosting.
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For regularly freezing portions while prioritising easy access and compartmentalised storage.
161 L capacity, three drawers, two compartments, advertised No Frost system, Fast Freeze function down to -22 °C, LED display and alarm.
Check the dimensions, noise level, annual consumption, climate class and installation location before buying.
No. The French Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes a freezer compartment, intended for temporarily storing products that have already been frozen, from a freezer. To freeze food, look for a 4-star function and consult the model’s specifications and manual.
Compare the freezer compartment capacity in litres, rather than looking only at the total capacity. The energy label and product sheet show the storage capacities: a fridge freezer can be large overall while offering limited space for freezing.
It depends on the model and its specified ambient temperature range. Check the climate class, required clearances and installation conditions in the manual; certain specific models are advertised as operating down to -15 °C, but this feature should not be assumed for another appliance.
For the relevant appliances sold new in France, the energy label allows you to compare the A to G scale, annual consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise level. The French Ministry of the Economy states that this requirement applies to both in-store and online sales.
Set the appliance according to the instructions in its manual and maintain it regularly. The French Ministry of Agriculture recommends a reference temperature of -18 °C and thorough cleaning at least once a year; a NoFrost model can reduce the need for defrosting, but does not replace the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.