Start by working out how much frozen food no longer fits in your fridge, then measure the space available. A mini freezer can provide a little extra capacity, while a table-top model, small upright freezer or chest freezer may offer more storage, depending on the space you have and how you want to access your food. Before you buy, check the appliance dimensions against the clearances specified in the manual, make sure its climate class suits the room you have in mind, and compare its annual energy consumption in kWh on the energy label.
Adding a freezer lets you keep your existing fridge while adjusting your frozen food storage to suit your needs and the space available.
If there’s no longer room for your frozen food in the fridge compartment, a separate appliance can provide the extra capacity you need. BUT’s guide, for example, presents a small freezer as a useful top-up in this situation.
If you want to keep ready meals, individual portions and other frozen food separate, consider the layout of the drawers or shelves as well as the total capacity. Easy access to your food may matter more to you than a few extra litres.
If space is your main constraint, a mini freezer is worth considering. The Frigelux CUBE CV40A featured by BUT is one example, with a 31 L capacity and a height of 47 cm. It offers a little extra storage, rather than a large reserve.
To add to your existing fridge, compare the different formats based on what you need most: more capacity, separate storage areas or a compact footprint.
Worth considering: for a few extra items when space is very limited; the Frigelux CUBE CV40A featured by BUT offers 31 L of capacity.
Bear in mind: this capacity leaves little room for a regular stock of portions.
Worth considering: if you want more capacity in a model around 85 cm high; Liebherr lists its Fd 1404 as having a capacity of 107 L.
Bear in mind: measure the depth with any installation fittings in place. According to Liebherr, the wall spacer for the Fd 1404 adds 3.5 cm.
Worth considering: if separate storage levels are important to you; idealo.fr lists the Beko FSE1174N with a capacity of 95 L and a height of 84 cm.
Bear in mind: check the layout and defrosting instructions for your chosen model in its documentation.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Extra capacity | Compare the capacity in litres with the amount you actually want to add, then check the appliance dimensions. | If my fridge compartment regularly overflows, I want extra storage to meet that need without replacing my existing appliance. Around 46% of consumers would make extra capacity their priority. |
| Space for portions | Check the number and type of drawers or shelves, as well as the space needed to open the door. | To find portions and different frozen foods easily, I’d choose separate storage areas over one large compartment. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this kind of layout. |
| Minimum footprint | Measure the height, width and depth, along with the door opening and required clearances; check that the climate class suits the room you have in mind. | In a home where every bit of space counts, I’d rather keep the footprint small, even if that means storing less. Around 27% of consumers would make space their priority. |
The appliance dimensions don’t always tell you how much space you’ll need. According to Liebherr, the wall spacer for the Fd 1404 adds 3.5 cm to its stated depth.
Measure the space, taking into account the door opening and the clearances required in the manual for the exact model.
The expected room temperature can affect whether a garage, pantry or utility room is suitable. Electrolux recommends keeping the appliance within its specified temperature range.
Compare the climate class of the model you’re considering with the room’s temperatures in both cold and warm weather.
A 31 L cube, such as the Frigelux CUBE CV40A featured by BUT, doesn’t offer the same storage capacity as the 107 L Liebherr Fd 1404 table-top freezer.
Make a list of the items that no longer fit in your fridge before narrowing your choice down to the smallest footprint.
When comparing appliances with similar capacities and uses, the energy rating doesn’t replace the annual energy consumption figure in kWh.
Check both details on the energy label. If available for your chosen model, you can also look it up in the European Commission’s EPREL database.
These examples show a range of formats. The specifications given apply to the models named, not to every freezer from each brand.
The Fd 1404 Pure is an example of a table-top freezer. Liebherr lists its capacity as 107 L and its dimensions as 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm.
The FSE1174N is a small upright freezer listed by the idealo.fr comparison site with a capacity of 95 L and a height of 84 cm.
The CUBE CV40A featured by BUT is an example of a mini freezer for extra storage, with a capacity of 31 L and a height of 47 cm.
These products offer a few different ways to add freezer space to a home that already has a fridge: upright freezers, chest freezers with top-opening lids and mini models. Compare their capacity with your needs, then make sure the installation is suitable for your room.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for plenty of extra storage with separate compartments.
The product name lists a capacity of 161 L, drawers, No Frost protection, a reversible door and a C energy rating.
Before deciding where to put it, check its dimensions, the required clearances and its climate class. Also compare the annual energy consumption on the energy label.
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Worth considering if you want to keep frozen food separate in a compact upright appliance.
The model is listed with three drawers, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
Measure the space, allowing for the door to open and the clearances in the manual. Also check the annual energy consumption and climate class for this model.
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Worth considering if you want extra storage and have enough room to open a chest freezer from the top.
The product is listed with fridge and freezer modes, a removable basket, a seven-level thermostat and an E energy rating.
Make sure you have room to open the lid, and check the manual for the climate class and clearances required in your chosen room.
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Worth considering if a chest freezer with a capacity of around 100 L matches the extra storage you need.
The model is listed with a removable basket, sliding lid, adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating.
Check access to the lid, defrosting instructions, installation clearances, annual energy consumption and the climate class for this model.
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Worth considering for a little extra storage if your priority is finding space for a mini model rather than building up a large stock of frozen food.
The product is listed with a reversible door, adjustable feet, an E energy rating and stated energy consumption of 147 kWh/year.
Check its dimensions, required clearances and climate class before choosing a specific room or location.
Measure the appliance and allow enough room to open the door, then add the clearances specified in the manual for that model. The stated depth doesn’t always account for the full space required: Liebherr says the wall spacer for the Fd 1404 adds 3.5 cm.
Yes, as long as the room temperature is within the climate class of the model you’re considering and you follow its installation requirements. Check the temperature range in the manual or on the rating plate, then compare it with the room’s temperatures in winter and summer. Electrolux highlights the importance of the ambient temperature the appliance is designed for.
Compare their annual energy consumption in kWh on the energy label, ideally between models with similar capacities and uses. The energy rating is another useful guide. The European Commission’s EPREL database may provide further information about the model you’re considering.