People who prepare meals in advance
You cook several meals ahead of time and want to find each portion without losing track of its date or contents. MesMenus highlights the benefits of labelling portions and organising them by zone.
Who is this option for ?
Households that store large quantities of food
You store more than your current compartment can hold, so you need to compare the space actually available for frozen food and how easy it is to access. Que Choisir Ensemble also points out that ease of use matters when choosing a freezer.
People considering an unheated room
You’re thinking of installing the appliance in a cellar or garage : check the permitted temperature range for the exact model. The specifications listed for some Liebherr and Beko models do not apply to their entire ranges.
What to look for before you buy
Upright freezer
Choose this if : you often take out portions and want to organise them in easy-to-reach compartments.
Check : the door clearance, whether drawers can be removed and the appliance dimensions.
Chest freezer
Choose this if : you store large quantities of food and have a suitable space for it.
Check : how easy it is to reach and organise your food. The retailer’s product information for the Beko HSM27050 states that it requires manual defrosting ; MinFrost does not mean NoFrost.
Large-capacity fridge freezer
Choose this if : you’re already replacing your fridge freezer and want to assess its freezing capacity before adding another appliance.
Check : the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity. Bosch Electroménager France lists 200 l of freezer capacity and 405 l of fridge capacity for the KFN96APEA.
Better organisation without an extra appliance
Choose this if : your main problem is finding portions rather than a genuine lack of capacity.
Bear in mind : labelling, keeping an inventory and using suitable containers can help you stay organised, but they won’t give you extra freezer space.
To decide whether a separate appliance is worthwhile, start with how much you need to store, then check access to portions, where the appliance will go, food preservation and maintenance.
| What you need | What to check when buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Work out how much space you need | Compare usable freezer capacity, not the total capacity of a fridge freezer. Bosch Electroménager France lists 200 l for the freezer and 405 l for the fridge in the KFN96APEA. | I want to stop my food stocks overflowing from the current compartment. Around 29 % of consumers put extra capacity first. |
| Find portions easily | Check that your containers will fit and plan to label them with their contents and date. MesMenus also recommends organising food by zone. | When I prepare several portions in advance, I want to identify and find them without forgetting about them. Around 23 % of consumers prioritise access to and organisation of portions. |
| Find a suitable place for the appliance | Measure the space and delivery route, then check the minimum and maximum temperatures specified for the exact model. Liebherr France and Beko France list a lower limit of −15 °C for some models, including the FNd 522i Plus and HSM27050. | If the appliance is going in a cellar or garage, the available space and room temperature will determine my choice. Around 18 % of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Freeze and protect food | Check the capacity for freezing fresh food and the stated storage time during a power cut in the exact model’s manual. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes four-star compartments, which can freeze food, from compartments intended only for storage. | If I’m freezing freshly prepared food and want to be prepared for a power cut, I check these features separately. Around 18 % of consumers make food preservation their priority. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label and the defrosting method for the exact model. The Ministry of the Economy explains how to use the label to compare appliances. | I compare electricity use and maintenance before making a decision. Around 12 % of consumers put these running costs first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a fridge freezer’s total capacity with its freezer capacity
A large total capacity doesn’t mean all that space is available for frozen food. For the Bosch KFN96APEA, Bosch Electroménager France lists 405 l of fridge capacity and 200 l of freezer capacity.
Compare the freezer capacity, not the overall figure shown for the appliance.
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Assuming every food container is suitable for every use
A container needs to be suitable for its intended use, including freezing and, where relevant, reheating. The food-contact symbol alone doesn’t confirm that it’s suitable for every possible use.
Follow the stated instructions for use and don’t reuse single-use packaging, as recommended by the DGCCRF.
Unsuitable containers may need to be replaced.
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Assuming MinFrost means NoFrost
For the Beko HSM27050, Beko’s product information mentions MinFrost, while retailer Castorama’s listing states that it requires manual defrosting.
Check the defrosting method for the exact model rather than assuming what maintenance it needs from its marketing name.
Manual defrosting takes time and requires you to plan where to keep your food temporarily.
Brands to consider when comparing models
Bosch
The GSN58AWCV and KFN96APEA let you compare a standalone upright freezer with a large-capacity fridge freezer.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists NoFrost for these models. The KFN96APEA has 200 l of freezer capacity, separate from its 405 l of fridge capacity.
- These specifications apply to these specific models. They are not an independent test or a conclusion about the reliability of the entire brand.
Liebherr
The FNd 522i Plus is an upright freezer worth considering if you’re looking for a NoFrost model and need to account for a cold room.
- Liebherr France lists a 250 mm SpaceBox and states that the ambient temperature for this model can go as low as −15 °C.
- The FNd 522i Plus product page lists a capacity of 277 l. Don’t assume these figures apply to a different variant with a suffix.
Beko
The HSM27050 chest freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a chest-style solution for storing food stocks.
- Beko lists a capacity of 284 l, a four-star rating and operation down to −15 °C for the HSM27050.
- Retailer Castorama’s product information states that it requires manual defrosting. Beko’s and Castorama’s published figures for storage time and noise differ : don’t use them as a basis for comparison without checking the model number and its documentation.
Freezers available on Joybuy
These models include upright and chest freezers for adding independent storage space, with stated capacities ranging from 98 to 291 l.
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Heinrich’s 161 l No-Frost freezer, C energy rating
This upright freezer could suit you if you’re looking for separate freezer space for your food stocks.
The title lists a capacity of 161 l, No-Frost, three freezer drawers, two drawers, an LED display, an alarm and a C energy rating.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 l chest freezer, E energy rating
This chest freezer could suit you if you want extra frozen storage in a top-opening appliance.
The title lists a capacity of 140 l, a basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating.
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TCL CF126EWE0FR, 98 l chest freezer, E energy rating
This model could suit you if you’re looking for a compact chest freezer to add to your available freezer space.
The title lists a capacity of 98 l, a basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating.
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AUCMA, 291 l convertible chest freezer, E energy rating
This chest freezer could suit you if you need plenty of storage space and want to switch between fridge and freezer functions.
The title lists a capacity of 291 l, a removable basket, LED lighting and a five-level digital control.
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AUCMA, 95 l convertible chest freezer, E energy rating
This chest freezer could suit you if you need compact storage and want to switch between fridge and freezer functions.
The title lists a capacity of 95 l, a seven-level thermostat, a removable basket and an E energy rating.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my current compartment is suitable for prepared meals ?
Check that it can freeze fresh food and isn’t only designed to store food that’s already frozen. The Ministry of Agriculture states that four-star compartments can freeze food ; then compare the amount you need to freeze with the freezing capacity stated in the manual.
Can I leave a large pan to cool all evening ?
No. Anses recommends refrigerating food within two hours. Divide large quantities into smaller portions to help them cool more quickly.
What temperature should I set my freezer to ?
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends −18 °C. This storage temperature is different from the permitted ambient temperature for the appliance.
Does NoFrost mean I don’t need to clean the appliance ?
No. NoFrost relates to defrosting, not cleaning. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends cleaning the appliance thoroughly at least once a year ; you should also follow the instructions in your model’s manual.
What container should I use to freeze portions ?
Choose a container intended for food contact and follow its instructions for freezing and, if necessary, reheating. The DGCCRF advises against reusing single-use containers.