Add a separate freezer if you regularly run out of space and have a suitable location that meets the appliance’s dimensions, ventilation requirements and climate class. An upright freezer is better suited to foods you access frequently and organise by category, while a chest freezer prioritises large quantities. A large fridge freezer is mainly worth considering when you are already planning to replace your main refrigerator.
This solution is ideal if you often store frozen foods, fresh products bought in bulk or home-cooked meals, and regularly find that you are short of space. In an online survey by UFC-Que Choisir of nearly 1,500 respondents, all these types of food featured in respondents’ reported habits.
An additional appliance outside the kitchen can provide more storage space, provided you allow for its floor footprint, access to the contents and an ambient temperature that is compatible with the model.
If you open your freezer frequently, drawers or compartments make it easier to keep everything organised. An upright freezer is generally better suited to this use, subject to checking the dimensions and the clearance needed to open the drawers.
Start by assessing how much freezer space you are genuinely missing, then check access to the contents and the constraints of the room where the appliance will be installed.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the net freezer capacity with the space you currently regularly fill. Distinguish the freezer compartment capacity of a fridge freezer from its total capacity. | I regularly run out of space for bulk purchases or batch cooking, rather than only occasionally after an unusually large shop. |
| Access and storage | Check for drawers, compartments or an open storage area. Also measure the clearance needed to open a door or lid. | I want to find food without having to move a large part of the contents. Drawers suit frequent organisation, while a chest freezer is better able to accommodate bulky packaging. |
| Location | Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the model’s climate class. Follow the ventilation instructions in the manual. | My freezer will be placed in a cellar, garage, pantry or conservatory where the temperature may vary more than it does in a kitchen. |
| Long-term use | Check the A to G energy label, annual energy consumption, capacity and noise level. Also check the stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | I want to compare energy consumption, noise and how long food stays frozen without focusing only on the energy rating letter. |
Chest freezers generally take up more floor space than upright models. UFC-Que Choisir commonly cites a width of 110 to 140 cm and a depth of around 70 cm. You also need to leave enough room for passage and to open the lid.
Measure the available width, depth and height, the door or lid opening and the delivery route before choosing the capacity.
Ambient temperature affects both performance and energy consumption. Bosch states that a room that is too cold can stop the motor, while a room that is too warm can make it run continuously.
Note the usual lowest and highest temperatures in the room, then compare them with the climate class and ventilation instructions for the exact model.
An unsuitable location can lead to inadequate performance or higher energy consumption.
A fridge freezer can be large while allocating only a limited amount of space to freezing. The Electrolux LNT6ME18S integrated fridge freezer cited by the brand has a total capacity of 249 L, including 62 L of freezer space.
Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone with your needs, then compare it with an upright or chest freezer if you are mainly looking for frozen-food storage.
The European A to G label also shows annual energy consumption, storage capacity and airborne noise emissions. Storage time during a power cut is another useful criterion to compare between models.
Look at the full label, stated storage time, noise level and climate class, rather than just the energy-rating letter.
In France, Beko offers a range of freestanding chest freezers. The brand lists the CF200EWN with a capacity of 198 L, an SN-T climate class, a basket and a stated storage time of 36 hours.
According to its product specifications, Whirlpool offers chest freezers intended for use in a pantry, garage or for long-term storage. The WHM2112 is listed with a capacity of 204 L.
In France, Bosch sells freestanding and integrated upright freezers, as well as large-capacity refrigeration appliances.
Joybuy options including upright freezers for tiered storage and chest freezers for adding separate freezer capacity.
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An option for adding organised storage when you access your food frequently.
Advertised capacity of 161 L, with three drawers, two shelves, LED display, alarm and reversible door. Check the climate class, dimensions, noise level, annual energy consumption and storage time during a power cut before installation.
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This chest freezer is designed for bulk purchases and batch cooking that require a substantial amount of additional space.
Advertised capacity of 291 L, with refrigerator or freezer mode, five-level digital control, LED lighting and a removable basket. Check the climate class, ambient temperature range and storage time during a power cut for installation outside the kitchen.
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An additional freezer for a regular need when access to the bottom of the compartment is only occasional.
Advertised capacity of 140 L, dimensions of 637 × 556 × 846 mm, basket, castors, front water drainage and mechanical thermostat. Check the climate class, energy consumption, noise level and storage time for the exact model.
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This compact format can suit a small space that needs additional freezer capacity.
Advertised capacity of 99 L, freezing capacity of 4.5 kg/24 h, adjustable thermostat, wire basket, sliding lid and castors. Manual defrosting is recommended when the frost exceeds 5 mm; also check the climate class and storage time.
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A compact solution for adding freezer space to a kitchen or small room, with tiered storage.
Advertised capacity of 60 L, three storage levels, mechanical thermostat, reversible door and adjustable feet; advertised dimensions of 44.5 × 47.5 × 84.5 cm. Check the climate class, energy consumption, noise level and storage time before buying.
A chest freezer prioritises capacity and open storage space for bulky packaging, but takes up more floor space and makes the contents at the bottom less immediately accessible. An upright freezer offers drawers or compartments that are easier to organise and reach. Check that the drawers can be opened and removed in your chosen location.
Yes, but only if the actual room temperature stays within the climate-class range of the exact model and the ventilation instructions are followed. Bosch states that an SN-T class covers 10 to 43 °C, while Whirlpool lists temperatures down to -15 °C for its WHM2112. These ranges must not be assumed to apply to other appliances.
In France, the energy label for refrigerators and freezers uses the A to G scale and shows, among other details, annual energy consumption, storage capacity and airborne noise emissions, according to the European Commission and the DGCCRF. Compare the values on the label and the specification sheet for the exact product, rather than relying on an old A+, A++ or A+++ rating.
Not necessarily: compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment alone with the amount of extra capacity you need. For example, Electrolux lists the LNT6ME18S with a total capacity of 249 L, including 62 L dedicated to freezing.
Check the defrosting system and the model’s stated storage time. UFC-Que Choisir testing protocols assess energy consumption at 25 °C and 32 °C, as well as how well food remains below -9 °C during a power cut. This shows that storage time cannot be inferred simply from a capacity stated in litres.