Start by choosing according to how often you access your food and the space you actually have available: an upright freezer is ideal for portions you need to find regularly, while a chest freezer prioritises capacity and larger containers in a room with enough floor space. An under-counter model can complement a small kitchen, while a larger fridge freezer is worth considering if your fridge also lacks capacity. Always check the dimensions, intended ambient temperature, storage time during a power cut and energy data for the specific model.
If you cook several portions and want to find them quickly throughout the week, an upright freezer with drawers is the first option to consider. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this format makes separate storage easier, provided you can open the door and use the drawers comfortably in the room.
For large quantities of frozen food, bulky dishes or family-sized containers, a chest freezer is worth comparing first if a suitable additional room is available. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this format for its generous capacity and open interior space.
When floor space is limited, compare an under-counter model with a larger-capacity fridge freezer after measuring the available space, the necessary clearances and the door opening. UFC-Que Choisir defines the table-top format as a small appliance that can be installed beneath a worktop.
Start by defining how much food you need to store, then check that the appliance will be easy to install and use in your room.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the net capacity of the freezer compartment, not just the total capacity of a fridge freezer. Also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you add lots of food after shopping. | I want enough space after a large shop or a batch-cooking session, without running an appliance that is significantly underused. |
| Access and storage | Examine the drawers, flaps or compartments in an upright freezer. For a chest freezer, check the baskets, whether you can create separate zones and how easy it is to reach the bottom. | My portions and small bags should remain easy to find, without having to empty a large part of the freezer. |
| Installation | Measure the width, depth, height and door or lid clearance. Check the climate class and ambient temperature range specified for the model. | The chosen room must allow the appliance to be installed and used comfortably, whether it is a kitchen, cellar or garage. |
| Energy use and storage time during a power cut | Compare the A to G energy rating and kWh/year between appliances of a similar size and format. Check the storage time during a power cut, noise level and defrosting method. | I am looking for an appliance that runs continuously, without basing my choice solely on the energy label letter. |
UFC-Que Choisir states that chest freezers can be approximately 110 to 140 cm wide and 70 cm deep. Their capacity is useful for storing supplies, but the lid and access to food at the bottom must remain practical.
Measure the width, depth, height needed for the lid and the delivery route. If you mainly freeze small portions, compare an upright freezer with drawers as well.
The climate class depends on the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures. Use in a cold room, including temperatures as low as -15 °C, is only specified for certain models or ranges.
Note the possible temperatures in your kitchen, cellar or garage, then check the technical specifications for the exact model before installation.
The current label uses an A to G scale and shows annual energy consumption, but a large chest freezer and a small under-counter model do not provide the same amount of storage.
First compare appliances designed for the same capacity needs and usage, then consider kWh/year, noise level, storage time during a power cut and defrosting.
Automatic defrosting, freezing capacity, temperature stability, storage time during a power cut and interior organisation are separate criteria. UFC-Que Choisir assesses them separately in its test protocol.
For the model you are considering, check the defrosting method, freezing capacity, storage time during a power cut, noise level, dimensions and interior layout.
Whirlpool France offers several chest freezers and presents this format as suitable for high storage capacity and long-term food preservation.
Liebherr offers freestanding upright freezers in a range of capacities and heights, with options such as NoFrost available on selected models.
Beko offers chest freezers with features such as MinFrost, dividers, indicator lights or the Freezer Guard function, depending on the model.
This Joybuy selection includes an upright freezer, a compact under-counter model, a built-in fridge freezer and two chest freezers, allowing you to compare access to portions, storage capacity and the space available.
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A vertical option for separating prepared portions and small bags that you need to access frequently.
Advertised features: 161 L, three drawers, two shelves, LED display, alarm, Fast Freeze function and reversible door.
Check the dimensions, door-opening clearances, climate class, annual energy consumption and storage time during a power cut before buying.
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This compact format is suitable as an organised extra freezer when kitchen floor space is limited.
Advertised features: 60 L, two flap compartments, a lower drawer, reversible door and dimensions of 47,5 × 44,5 × 84,5 cm.
Its capacity is intended for moderate storage. Check the ventilation, climate class, annual energy consumption and storage time during a power cut.
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Worth considering if your current fridge is also short on space and you need to keep just one appliance in the kitchen.
Advertised features: 249 L total capacity, including a 62 L freezer with three drawers, TwinTech Total No Frost, FROSTMATIC and a freezing capacity of 5 kg/24 h.
The 62 L freezer compartment does not replace a separate appliance for large stocks of food. Check the niche, ventilation and built-in dimensions.
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A compact chest freezer for adding extra storage while keeping a few smaller items in the removable basket.
Advertised features: 99 L, removable wire basket, adjustable thermostat, castors, freezing capacity of 4,5 kg/24 h and dimensions of 54,5 × 47,6 × 83,5 cm.
Defrosting is manual. Check the exact opening type, climate class, annual energy consumption and storage time during a power cut.
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This option is suitable for family-sized storage or larger containers in a room with enough floor space.
Advertised features: 140 L, storage basket, counterbalanced lid, wheels, adjustable feet, front water drain and adjustable temperature control.
One basket is advertised, so plan an organising system if many small portions need to remain accessible. Also check the climate class and storage time during a power cut.
Yes. According to ADEME, fridges and freezers are among the categories covered by the new energy label. Compare the A to G scale and the displayed annual energy consumption between appliances of a similar size and format.
No. Compare the minimum and maximum temperatures permitted by the model with those of the room. Some models specify operation at temperatures as low as -15 °C, but this does not apply to all freezers.
Check that you can open the door and remove the drawers or compartments in the actual space available. An upright freezer generally makes it easier to separate portions; a chest freezer is better suited to larger quantities, provided you use baskets or storage zones.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for goods sold by a professional to a private individual. It may cover an appliance that does not match its description, labelling or the installation conditions set out in the contract. Keep documents showing the dimensions, accessories and climate class.