If you take out pre-prepared portions every day, start by considering the space available and how easy the freezer is to access. A compact model suits a small reserve, while an upright freezer lets you separate more meals. A chest freezer needs floor space and is useful for storing large containers; consider a fridge freezer if you’re replacing your fridge too. For the model you’re considering, check the capacity of the freezer compartment alone, the clearance needed, noise level, annual energy consumption and the room conditions it can operate in.
If you prepare several recipes and eat them throughout the week, drawers or compartments can make it easier to organise them. An upright freezer gives you easy access without having to rummage at the bottom of a chest freezer.
Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the door and move around. In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, the noise level of your chosen model is also worth considering.
A chest freezer can hold bulky dishes if you have enough floor space and clearance for the lid to open. Accessing portions at the bottom will be less straightforward than with drawers.
First, work out where the appliance can go and how you’ll use your portions. Then compare the specifications of the exact model you’re considering, rather than assuming its usable capacity or storage time in the event of a power cut based on its type alone.
Consider one if: you want a small amount of extra freezer space in a very tight spot.
Bear in mind: capacity will be limited if you want to store lots of meals at once.
Consider one if: you have enough height and want to organise portions in drawers.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to leave enough room in front of the door to access the contents.
Consider one if: you need to store batches or large containers and have floor space available.
Bear in mind: you may need to move food on top to reach items at the bottom.
Consider one if: you also need to buy or replace your fridge and don’t want a separate appliance.
Bear in mind: only part of the total capacity is available for freezing.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Access to portions | Layout and usable dimensions of the drawers or compartments; whether the door can open in the space you have. | If I regularly eat different meals, I want to find a portion without moving everything else. Around 36% of consumers would put easy everyday access first. |
| Available space | Overall dimensions, the ventilation clearance required in the manual, and the space needed for the door or lid to open. | In a narrow kitchen, an appliance that blocks the way or won’t open fully won’t meet my needs. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise saving space. |
| Storage capacity | Capacity of the freezer compartment and the size of spaces that can accommodate your containers. | When batch-cooking, I need to know my dishes will fit in the appliance between cooking sessions. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise storage capacity. |
| Operating conditions | Energy consumption in kWh/year, noise in dB, storage time in the event of a power cut, and the permitted room temperature for the model. | If the appliance will be near a living area or in a room that isn’t heated much, I want to know how it operates before choosing. Around 14% of consumers would put these factors first. |
Some of that capacity is used for refrigeration. For example, the Whirlpool WFNF82EOXFR specifications list 223 L for the fridge and 97 L for the freezer.
Compare freezer capacity separately, then check that the drawers can accommodate the containers you usually use.
The floor dimensions alone won’t tell you whether you can lift the lid and reach food at the bottom.
Measure the space and the clearance above the appliance. If you take out portions every day, compare access with that of an upright freezer too.
The permitted room temperature depends on the individual model and its specifications. A claim that one appliance is suitable for a particular space doesn’t apply to other freezers of the same type.
Compare the room’s usual temperatures with the model’s climate class and the operating conditions stated in its manual.
Two appliances that fit in the same kitchen can have different energy consumption, noise levels and storage times in the event of a power cut.
For models that suit your space, check the kWh/year and noise level on the energy label, then look up the storage time in the technical documentation.
The range includes upright and chest freezers, with specifications that let you compare factors such as capacity and storage time in the event of a power cut.
Its upright freezers are worth considering if you’re looking for vertical storage and, depending on the model, a NoFrost function.
The range’s fridge freezers are worth considering if you want refrigeration and freezing in one appliance.
This selection brings together compact freezers, chest freezers and an upright model, so you can compare options for a small reserve, large containers and organised portions. If you’re considering a fridge freezer instead, compare the capacity of its freezer compartment separately.
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Worth considering if you need a small reserve of portions in a space-constrained kitchen. The model name indicates a 60 L capacity, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the space needed for the door to open and for ventilation before choosing where to put it.
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Worth considering if you have floor space for a chest freezer and containers to store without using drawers. The model is listed with a removable basket, sliding lid and E energy rating. Food stored underneath the basket may take longer to reach.
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Consider this for small quantities that you replenish regularly, rather than a large stock of meals. The model name indicates 147 kWh/year, an E energy rating and a reversible door. Measure the space before choosing this size.
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Worth considering for storing portions if you can open the lid without it getting in the way. The model is listed as convertible between fridge and freezer modes, with a removable basket and an E energy rating. Before installation, confirm which mode suits your needs and the permitted room temperature.
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Worth considering if you want to organise a stock of portions in an upright appliance. The product name indicates a 161 L capacity, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions and door clearance to make sure it fits your kitchen.
Check the energy label for each model. According to the European Commission, it shows information including annual energy consumption in kWh, storage volumes and noise emissions. Compare the volumes and features as well as the energy rating.
Before installing it there, check the permitted room temperature for the specific model. Its climate class and, where applicable, any specific guidance on operation in a cold room must cover the conditions in that space. Don’t assume it’s suitable based on the appliance type alone.
This stated duration indicates how long the appliance can keep food cold under the conditions specified for the model. It’s separate from its capacity and energy rating. Check the figure in hours in the technical specifications and follow the manual’s instructions in the event of a power cut.
Measure the space where it will go, the delivery route and the room needed to open the door or lid fully. Also leave the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s manual. Electrolux highlights the importance of allowing air to circulate around the appliance.
Yes. According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, when you buy a new appliance in store or online, the retailer must offer to take back the old one on a «1 for 1» basis. Confirm the practical arrangements for collection before delivery.