A standalone freezer is worth considering when the freezer compartment in your fridge-freezer regularly runs out of space for frozen food, prepared portions or bulk buys. Choose a chest freezer if you have the floor space and are happy to access it from above, an upright freezer if you often use the drawers, or an under-counter model for a small amount of extra storage. If a larger fridge-freezer already has enough freezer space for your needs, you won’t need a second appliance.
If you buy in bulk or prepare several portions in advance, compare the freezer capacity with the space the appliance will take up. A chest freezer could suit you if you don’t mind reaching further in to find food at the bottom, as UFC-Que Choisir points out in its guide to freezer formats.
If you open your freezer often, the drawers in an upright model make it easier to organise food by category. Check their size, though, and make sure there’s enough room to open the door and pull them all the way out.
If you mainly need a little extra storage, consider an under-counter freezer. A larger fridge-freezer might also be enough, provided you compare the capacity of its freezer compartment rather than its total volume.
Start by working out what you actually want to keep frozen, then compare each format with the space you have and how often you’ll need to access it. UFC-Que Choisir highlights differences between chest and upright freezers in terms of capacity, footprint and access to food. For a fridge-freezer, always compare the space set aside for freezing.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the litres dedicated to freezing with the space the appliance will take up. | When I buy in bulk, I want enough room to store my larger packs and portions, even if that means using more space; around 25% of consumers would prioritise capacity. |
| Access and organisation | Check the size of the drawers and the space needed to open them; for a chest freezer, consider how easy it is to reach the bottom. | If I’m often looking for a particular portion, I’d rather be able to find it without moving everything else; access and organisation would be the priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Footprint | Measure the space available and the clearances required, then compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone if you’re considering a fridge-freezer. | With limited kitchen space, I want an extra appliance that can hold my food without taking up too much room; keeping the footprint small would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Location and power cuts | Check the permitted ambient temperature range and the exact model’s storage time in hours during a power cut. | If the appliance needs to go in an unheated room or I’m concerned about power cuts, I want to know its operating conditions before choosing; around 19% of consumers would make this compatibility their priority. |
A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee a large freezer compartment. For example, Electrolux France lists 62 L of freezer capacity for its LNG7TE18S4 fridge-freezer, which has a total capacity of 256 L.
Compare the freezer capacity separately with the portions and shopping you want to store.
The temperature in an unheated cellar or garage may fall outside the appliance’s recommended range. Beko says that some models with Freezer Guard can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to all of its chest freezers.
Check the possible temperatures in the room and compare them with the documentation for the model you’re considering.
The open compartment can hold larger packs, but food at the bottom is less easy to reach. A chest freezer also needs suitable floor space and room to open the lid from above.
If you often take out specific portions, compare it with an upright freezer with drawers, or plan to organise the contents using baskets and labels.
Two freezers in the same format can have different figures for energy use, noise, storage time during a power cut and freezing capacity.
For models that fit your home, compare their energy labels and technical specifications before making a decision.
Bosch offers under-counter freezers and freestanding upright models, among other options. Both formats are worth considering depending on your space and how you want to organise your food.
Beko chest freezers are worth considering if you store larger packs or are thinking of installing one in an unheated room.
Whirlpool offers upright freezers for households that want to organise food in drawers.
Liebherr offers chest freezers as well as built-in models, which meet different installation requirements.
These appliances offer three ways to add storage: an upright model for organising portions, chest freezers with different capacities for stocking up, and a compact upright model to consider under a worktop. Compare each format with your available space and the capacity you need.
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For organising extra portions: the stated capacity is 161 L, with three drawers listed in the product title.
Energy rating C, an alarm and a stated temperature setting range of −14 °C to −22 °C. Check the dimensions, installation clearances and permitted ambient temperature before choosing a location.
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For larger packs that need dedicated storage: the stated capacity is 291 L and it comes with a removable basket. The appliance switches between freezer and fridge modes; you can’t use both modes at the same time.
Energy rating E and a five-level digital control are listed. Allow space for the appliance and its opening lid, then check the permitted ambient temperature if it’s going in an unheated room.
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Add a chest freezer with a stated capacity of 140 L without opting for a 291 L model; the product title mentions a storage basket.
Energy rating E and an adjustable thermostat are listed. Check the space needed for the appliance, lid and clearances, as well as the recommended ambient temperature range.
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For a little extra storage rather than large bulk buys: the stated capacity is 99 L, with a removable metal basket to keep a few items separate.
Energy rating E and an adjustable thermostat are listed. Check the space needed to open the lid and make sure the appliance is suitable for the room temperature.
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For a small amount of extra freezer space when room is limited: the stated capacity is 60 L, with three drawers listed in the product title.
Energy rating E and a reversible door are listed. Measure the height beneath your worktop, check the ventilation clearances and make sure 60 L is enough for your needs.
For the relevant appliances sold in the European Union, the label includes information such as the efficiency rating from A to G, annual energy consumption, compartment capacity and noise level, according to the European Commission. Compare this information for the exact models you’re considering; the European EPREL database provides access to their detailed specifications.
Yes, if the model’s recommended ambient temperature range covers the actual conditions in your garage. Check the documentation: Beko France says that some chest freezers with Freezer Guard can operate down to −15 °C, while Liebherr offers FrostProtect on some of its chest freezers. These specifications don’t apply to other models.
Compare the number of hours listed in the specifications for each model. Don’t assume that one appliance’s figure applies to every model in that format. Bosch Home Appliances France lists 16 h for the GTV15NWEB and 14 h for the GSN54EWCV; Whirlpool France lists 24 h for the UW8F2YWBIF2.
The DGCCRF explains the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme, under which an old appliance can be taken back when you buy a new one in France. Before ordering a large appliance, confirm the practical arrangements with the seller, particularly if it’s being delivered to your home.