If you’re keeping your fridge, a small freestanding freezer can give you more storage space, provided you have a stable, well-ventilated spot for it, with enough room to open the door or lid. If your current appliance needs replacing and your kitchen can accommodate a larger model, a fridge-freezer means you won’t need to install a second appliance. Don’t put a freezer on top of your fridge unless the manufacturers have explicitly confirmed that this setup is suitable.
A freestanding freezer provides separate space for frozen food without replacing your existing appliance. However, you’ll need a suitable place for it, either on the floor or on a stand confirmed as suitable for the model you choose.
Depth matters just as much as width: Liebherr and BUT list tabletop models measuring 55 × 60,7 × 85 cm and 47,5 × 45 × 85 cm respectively. Remember to measure the space needed to open the appliance and allow for ventilation.
A fridge-freezer combines refrigeration and freezing in one appliance, provided it fits the space. Electrolux’s built-in ENA6LE18S, for example, requires a niche measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm. This is a different space consideration from adding a small freezer.
Consider this: if you’re keeping your fridge and have a suitable surface for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space and needs to be easy to access when loading food.
Consider this: only if the manufacturers concerned confirm that the stand is suitable for the freezer and its installation.
Bear in mind: check the load capacity, stability, fixings and airflow. Using a separate stand does not mean you’re authorised to stack two appliances.
Consider this: if your fridge already needs replacing and your kitchen can accommodate an appliance that does both jobs.
Bear in mind: this option replaces your existing appliance rather than adding separate freezer space.
Start by comparing the space you actually have with the capacity you need, then check the installation requirements and usage information for the exact model.
| What to consider | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height, then allow the space needed to open the appliance and meet the clearances specified in the manual. Check whether it’s freestanding or built-in. | I want the appliance to be accessible without blocking a walkway, a cupboard or its own door. |
| Storage | Compare the stated capacity and internal layout. If you often freeze fresh food, also check the freezing capacity stated in kg/24 h. | I have more frozen food than my current space can hold, but I don’t want to use more kitchen space than necessary. |
| Installation | Follow the model’s instructions for ventilation, ambient temperature and levelling. Electrolux highlights these points in its installation advice; they do not mean that stacking is permitted. | Having a free space isn’t enough if air can’t circulate properly or the surface isn’t stable. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the stated noise level in dB and the cooling system for the exact model. Check its defrosting instructions rather than assuming what maintenance it needs based on its size. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to compare the stated noise level and the maintenance involved. |
| Energy | For new domestic refrigeration appliances covered by the rules in France, the DGCCRF refers to energy labelling. Compare the model’s energy rating and annual consumption on its label and product information. | I want to check the stated consumption of each option, without assuming that a smaller appliance necessarily uses less energy. |
This format doesn’t confirm that the top of a fridge can bear the weight, that two appliances will be stable when stacked or that there’ll still be enough room for ventilation.
Choose a freestanding spot if possible. If you want to raise the appliance, ask the manufacturers concerned to confirm that the stand is suitable, including its load capacity, fixings and the clearances required.
A larger capacity can mean greater depth or a less convenient opening style for your kitchen.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, and check access to the drawers, door or lid of the exact model.
Ventilation, proximity to a heat source, ambient temperature and levelling requirements depend on the instructions for the appliance. Electrolux particularly stresses the importance of allowing air to circulate and making sure the appliance is level.
Check these requirements before choosing a spot, then follow the manual for the model you buy when installing it.
For new domestic refrigeration appliances covered by the rules in France, the energy label and product information include more than just the rating, including annual consumption.
Check the documents for each model you’re considering, whether you’re adding a freezer or replacing your fridge.
These models illustrate some formats you can compare; their features don’t apply to every model from the same brand.
Beko describes the FSE1174N as a freestanding tabletop freezer for extra storage; its product information gives a width of 54 cm.
According to Liebherr’s product information, the Fd 1404 Pure tabletop freezer measures 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm and has a stated capacity of 107 l.
E.Leclerc’s product information for the FRTTF91W tabletop freezer states a capacity of 91 l and dimensions of 55 × 58 × 85 cm.
The ENA6LE18S is a built-in fridge-freezer to consider when replacing an appliance, rather than adding a small extra one.
These options include freestanding freezers for keeping your current fridge, as well as fridge-freezers to consider if you want to replace it. A chest freezer opens from the top, so check that there’s enough room for the lid before comparing it with an upright model.
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A separate appliance that lets you keep your existing fridge. This chest freezer opens from the top and is described as convertible between refrigeration and freezing. It has a 7-setting thermostat, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Allow room to open the lid and check the installation requirements in the manual.
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Add an upright freezer rather than a chest model that opens from the top. The model title specifies that it’s freestanding, with a reversible door, adjustable temperature and an E energy rating. Check the door clearance and installation instructions; don’t assume its noise level based on the word “quiet”.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge rather than adding a freezer. This fridge-freezer is listed with a 70/30 split, a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm. Make sure its height, door clearance and required gaps are suitable for the space.
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Add more storage without replacing your fridge, provided you have a suitable spot for a chest freezer. This model is listed with a sliding lid, removable basket, adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. Check that you can access the lid and allow for the clearances required for installation.
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Another replacement option, rather than a separate freezer for extra storage. The title specifies that it’s freestanding, with Low Frost technology, a reversible door and LED lighting. Before choosing, check its dimensions against your available space and consult the energy label and model manual.
Don’t assume that stacking is permitted. Electrolux’s installation advice highlights the need to allow air to circulate and make sure the appliance is level, but doesn’t approve this setup. Before going ahead, get explicit confirmation from the manufacturers concerned about the support, load, stability and ventilation.
Measure the width, depth and height, and don’t forget to allow room to open the door or lid. Then check the model’s manual for clearances, permitted ambient temperature, ventilation and levelling requirements. These conditions may rule out a spot even if the appliance physically fits.
It depends on what you plan to store in it. BUT lists the Frigelux CTT62BD with a capacity of 60 l and dimensions of 47,5 × 45 × 85 cm, while Liebherr states that the Fd 1404 Pure has a capacity of 107 l and measures 55 × 60,7 × 85 cm, making it deeper. Compare the capacity with the amount you usually store and measure the space available.
Consider a fridge-freezer if your fridge already needs replacing, you’ll need extra freezer capacity for the long term and the new model will fit. For example, Electrolux states that its built-in ENA6LE18S requires a niche measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm. It isn’t a like-for-like replacement for a small extra freezer in terms of the space it takes up.
Check the energy label and product information for each model, including its stated annual consumption as well as its energy rating. The DGCCRF includes fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers among the domestic refrigeration appliances subject to energy labelling requirements.