If your fridge is still working but its freezer compartment no longer has enough room, consider a separate appliance, provided you can fit it in and open its door without obstructing the kitchen. If you need to replace both appliances, compare fridge-freezers and check how many litres are reserved for freezing. A mini model is best for occasional extra storage. Whatever you choose, measure the space and check the ventilation requirements for the model.
If you prepare several portions in advance, check there’s room for your containers and enough space to open the door and remove the drawers. A separate freezer is only a good choice if you’ll still be able to use it once it’s in place.
A separate appliance can give you more space for frozen food without replacing your fridge. You’ll need to find a well-ventilated spot for it, though, and consider its energy use and noise levels, especially if your kitchen opens onto your living space.
If you’re fitting an appliance into a cabinet, check the housing, door system and ventilation requirements in the manual. The front-facing dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it can be installed.
Start by checking the space you actually have, including room for the door to open and for ventilation. Then work out what needs to fit in the freezer at the same time. If you also need to replace your fridge, compare the freezer compartment in your new appliance with the extra capacity a separate freezer would offer.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space and door clearance | Measure the space, access route and door clearance. Check the model’s manual for ventilation requirements and access to the drawers. | If the door blocks a walkway or a cabinet, I won’t be able to use the appliance properly, even if it fits in the space. Around 36% of shoppers would put this installation constraint first. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the net capacity in litres and the internal layout with the portions and packaging you need to store at the same time. | When I cook several meals in advance, I need enough room for my containers, not just a theoretical storage space. Around 29% of shoppers would prioritise capacity. |
| Noise, maintenance and energy use | For appliances of a similar size and type, compare kWh/year, noise levels and the defrosting method. If it matters to you, check the stated storage time in the event of a power cut. | In a kitchen that opens onto my living space, noise and day-to-day maintenance matter just as much as the space saved. Around 21% of shoppers would prioritise these practical considerations and energy use. |
| Replacing both appliances | For a fridge-freezer, distinguish the fridge capacity from the freezer capacity. For an integrated model, also check the housing and fitting requirements. | If I’m already replacing my fridge, I can combine both functions in one appliance, but the freezer compartment needs to fit my usual stock. Around 14% of shoppers would prioritise replacing both appliances. |
An appliance may fit between two cabinets but still prevent the door from opening, the drawers from being removed or the required ventilation from working properly.
Mark out its dimensions in your kitchen, check how the door opens and read the installation instructions for the exact model.
A small compartment may be fine for a few frozen items, but there might not be enough room for several portions and their containers.
Make a list of everything you need to store at once, then compare it with the net capacity and internal layout rather than relying on the word ‘mini’.
An energy rating letter on its own doesn’t tell you the available capacity, noise level or annual energy use of two different appliances.
Compare kWh/year and the other information on the label for appliances with a similar function and capacity.
An integrated appliance may need a housing, ventilation grille or cabinet door parts to match your kitchen.
Ask for a list of the parts you’ll need, and check the door system and ventilation plan before choosing a model.
For the integrated HÅLLNÄS fridge-freezer, IKEA says the housing with ventilation grille, doors, plinth and handles are sold separately.
The GTV15NWEB is an example of an under-counter freestanding freezer to consider if you’d like extra storage in a separate appliance.
The FSE1174N is an example of a freestanding upright freezer to consider if the door opening direction matters in a narrow kitchen.
The Fd 1404 Pure is a separate table-top model to consider if you need to compare capacity with external dimensions.
The integrated HÅLLNÄS fridge-freezer is a useful comparison if you’re replacing both appliances in a fitted kitchen.
These appliances offer several ways to freeze food in a small kitchen: a fridge-freezer, a mini freezer or extra storage in a separate appliance. A chest freezer needs access from above, while the larger upright freezer makes it especially important to check that you have enough space.
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Worth considering if you’re also replacing your fridge and want a freezer compartment in the same appliance.
The model name indicates 153 l of fridge capacity, 74 l of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm and a reversible door. Check the height, depth and installation requirements before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this when replacing an integrated appliance, provided the housing and ventilation arrangements suit the model.
The product name indicates a total capacity of 249 l and TwinTech No Frost technology. Check the freezer capacity separately, as well as the housing dimensions and any fitting parts you’ll need.
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This chest freezer can provide extra storage if you have a spot where you can easily access the lid.
The model name indicates a capacity of 99 l and a removable wire basket. Check there’s enough clearance above the appliance and follow the ventilation instructions. Manual defrosting also means it needs regular maintenance.
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This capacity is better suited to occasional extra storage than to several batches of pre-prepared meals.
The product name indicates a reversible door and energy use of 147 kWh/year. Check its external dimensions and installation clearances before choosing a spot for it.
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A separate freezer of this capacity may suit people who regularly store pre-prepared meals, provided they have enough room for it.
The product name mentions drawers, a reversible hinged door and No Frost. Check the dimensions, installation requirements, annual energy use and noise level for the model you’re considering.
Measure the space, the route into your kitchen and the room needed to open the door and remove the drawers. Then check the manual for the exact model to confirm the door opening direction and ventilation requirements. An integrated model may also need a ventilation grille built into the cabinet.
Compare kWh/year and noise levels for appliances with a similar function and capacity, rather than relying on the energy rating letter alone. For applicable appliances, the EU energy label shows details including the rating, annual energy use, capacity and noise level.
It may be, if the freezer capacity can hold all the portions and frozen food you store at the same time. Check this capacity separately from the fridge capacity. For example, IKEA lists 16 l of freezer capacity for its integrated HÅLLNÄS fridge-freezer. Compare that with the size of your containers before deciding you don’t need a separate appliance.