Households that batch-cook
You want to keep portions separate and find them easily, so compare usable capacity and the layout of the compartments. MesMenus explains how to store frozen meals to help you organise food prepared in advance.
Who is this choice for?
Families who buy in bulk
You want to build up a larger reserve, so weigh up the capacity of a chest freezer against how easy it is to reach food in an upright model. UFC-Que Choisir lists capacity and format among the key factors when choosing a freezer.
Households short on space
You need to work out whether a small freezer or replacing your fridge-freezer will give you enough extra capacity without taking up too much room. Compare the dimensions and freezer compartment capacity of the models you’re considering.
What to look for
To choose between a separate appliance and a fridge-freezer, start with how much you store and how much space you have. Then check how easy it is to access, the installation requirements and what it’ll be like to use every day.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Estimate how much space your portions and provisions take up, then compare the freezer compartment capacity in litres. | If I regularly store prepared meals or bulk buys, I want enough capacity without taking up unnecessary space. Around 28 % of consumers put storage capacity first. |
| Access and organisation | Look at the number and layout of the drawers or baskets, as well as how the door or lid opens. | When I freeze different portions, I want to separate them and find them without having to search at the bottom. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise access and organisation. |
| Space and temperature | Measure the width, height and depth, allow room for the door or lid to open, and check the operating temperatures for the model. | If the appliance needs to fit in a restricted or cold space, I want to check the dimensions and installation requirements before choosing. Around 22 % of consumers put available space and room temperature first. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh and noise level in dB for specific models. | For an appliance I use regularly, I want to consider its energy consumption and, if it’s near a room people use, its stated noise level. Around 17 % of consumers put these everyday considerations first. |
| Storage time during a power cut | Check the stated storage time in hours and find out what the associated test measures. | If I’m concerned about a power cut, I want to understand the stated storage time and the test conditions rather than treat it as a universal guarantee. Around 11 % of consumers consider storage time their top priority. |
Pitfalls to avoid
-
Comparing a fridge-freezer’s total capacity with that of a separate freezer
The total capacity of a fridge-freezer includes the fridge compartment too, so it can be much greater than the space actually available for frozen food.
Check the freezer compartment capacity separately before deciding whether a fridge-freezer will give you the extra storage you need.
-
Choosing a chest freezer without measuring the space
A large capacity won’t help if the chest freezer won’t fit in the room or its lid can’t open properly. The Liebherr CFe 2500 is 167 cm wide, according to the manufacturer.
Measure the space and check how much room is needed to open the lid from above before choosing a model.
-
Assuming every freezer will work in a cold room
The stated operating temperatures down to −15 °C for the Liebherr CFe 2500 and Haier H4F240WEE apply to those specific models, not to all freezers.
Compare the actual room temperature with the operating conditions given for the model you choose.
-
Treating the stated storage time as a universal guarantee
Storage time depends on how it’s defined and the conditions under which it’s measured. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol measures, among other things, how long the temperature takes to rise from −17 °C to −9 °C during a power cut.
Compare the times in hours in light of the relevant test protocol, and don’t automatically treat them as a guaranteed food storage time.
Brands and models to know
Liebherr
The CFe 2500 and Fd 1404 show two different formats: a large-capacity chest freezer and a small freezer for extra storage.
- Liebherr states that the CFe 2500 has a capacity of 497 L and the Fd 1404 a capacity of 107 L.
- The CFe 2500 is 167 cm wide, so check you have enough space and room to open the lid from above. The features of one model don’t apply to the whole range.
Haier
The H4F240WEE upright freezer is an example of a separate freezer with vertical storage.
- Haier states that this model has a capacity of 240 L, four drawers and Total No Frost technology.
- Its stated depth is 737 mm. The manufacturer says it can be used indoors at temperatures as low as −15 °C, so check that its dimensions and operating conditions are right for your room.
Beko
The B5RCNE416HXB is an example of a fridge-freezer for when you need to replace your fridge as well.
- The Joybuy product listing gives a total capacity of 415 L, including 118 L for the freezer.
- Compare the freezer compartment capacity rather than just the total volume. Cross-check the capacity shown on a retailer’s listing against the model’s energy label.
Whirlpool
The WHM46122FR chest freezer is an example of a high-capacity option for home use.
- Whirlpool states that the WHM46122FR has a capacity of 437 L and comes with four baskets.
- The manufacturer states that this model is 140,5 cm wide and can operate in ambient temperatures down to −15 °C. Don’t assume these features apply to another model.
Joybuy products for your needs
This selection includes separate freezers and fridge-freezers, so you can compare an independent freezer with an integrated freezer compartment.
Image unavailable
Heinrich’s 161 L upright freezer
Worth considering if you want to divide prepared meals between several storage spaces.
Stated capacity of 161 L, with three drawers and two shelves. The product name lists a No Frost function and energy class C.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG 360 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you need to replace your fridge and want to keep an integrated freezer compartment.
The freezer is stated to have a capacity of 125 L and three drawers; the stated total capacity is 360 L. The product name mentions Total No Frost and energy class E.
Image unavailable
AUCMA 291 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for separate storage for meals or bulk buys and have a suitable space for a chest freezer.
Stated capacity of 291 L, with a removable basket, LED lighting and five-level digital control. The product name says it can be switched between fridge and freezer modes.
Image unavailable
AUCMA 197 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you want extra freezer space without replacing your fridge.
Stated capacity of 197 L, with a removable basket and five-level digital control. The product name says it can be switched between fridge and freezer modes.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR525WSE 525 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want one appliance for fresh and frozen food, with a generously sized freezer compartment.
Stated total capacity of 525 L, split between 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer. The product name lists No Frost, Multi-Airflow, 37 dB and energy class E.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare a separate freezer with a fridge-freezer?
First compare the space available, then look at the capacity set aside for frozen food rather than just the appliance’s total capacity. If you mainly want extra storage, consider separate freezers. If you also need to replace your fridge, compare fridge-freezers by the capacity of their freezer compartments.
Can I put a freezer in a cold garage?
Only if the actual temperature in the garage falls within the operating conditions for the model you choose. Liebherr states that the CFe 2500 is protected down to −15 °C, while Haier says the H4F240WEE can be used down to −15 °C. These specifications don’t apply to all freezers.
How do I compare noise levels and maintenance requirements?
Check the cooling technology and noise level stated for each model. Haier lists Total No Frost for the H4F240WEE; Liebherr describes SmartFrost on the Fd 1404 as reducing frost build-up, not eliminating it completely. If the appliance is near a living area, compare the dB ratings too.
What costs and rights should I check after buying?
Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh shown on the energy label and check the delivery or installation terms with the seller. In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional trader to a private individual; the Ministry of the Economy states that new goods are covered for two years. This is separate from a commercial warranty.
What labelling and end-of-life rules apply in France?
The DGCCRF states that the energy label and product information sheet for applicable appliances must be in French in France, including when sold online. If you’re replacing an old refrigeration appliance, ADEME says you can hand it to the retailer or delivery driver, or take it to the appropriate area at a recycling centre. It must not be abandoned or put in an ordinary skip.