Households that like to stock up
They want to store bulk buys or large items and have room for an extra appliance. UFC-Que Choisir compares the different formats by capacity, organisation and available space.
Who is this option for?
Batch cooks
They prepare several portions in advance and want to find different dishes easily. The E.Leclerc Observatory describes batch cooking, but this alone doesn’t mean you need extra freezer storage.
Households short on space
They’re looking for an appliance that will fit in the space available and work at the temperature of the room it’s going in. ADEME recommends checking the climate class specified for the model.
What to look for, depending on your priorities
Upright freezer
Choose this if: you often take out different portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Things to consider: check the height, depth and door clearance; drawers can make it harder to store bulky items.
Chest freezer
Choose this if: you store large quantities and have enough floor space.
Things to consider: it’s harder to reach items at the bottom and keep track of what’s inside than with drawers, so think about how you’ll find things.
Compact or under-counter freezer
Choose this if: you only need a little extra storage and have limited height available.
Things to consider: Bosch lists the GTV15NWEB as having 83 l of usable capacity, according to Bosch France. Compare the usable capacity with your needs before opting for a compact model.
Large fridge freezer
Choose this if: you also need to replace or upgrade your fridge.
Things to consider: compare the freezer compartment capacity separately: a larger total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean more room for frozen food.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for bulk buys | Compare the usable freezer capacity, dimensions, opening and arrangement of the baskets or drawers. | If I buy in bulk or store large items, I want enough room for my shopping and the space available; around 31% of consumers prioritise storage capacity. |
| Access and organisation | Check the number and layout of the drawers, how the door opens and whether there’s room for your containers. | If I regularly take out different portions, I want to find them without moving everything else; around 31% of consumers prioritise access and organisation. |
| Suitability for the room | Measure the space and required clearances, then check the ambient temperature range specified for the model. | If the appliance needs to go in a room with a particular height or temperature, I want to make sure it can be installed and used there; around 23% of consumers prioritise suitability for the intended location. |
| Running costs and maintenance | Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh and energy rating of models suited to the same needs; check separately whether manual defrosting is required. | For an appliance that runs all the time, I want to compare its stated energy consumption and maintenance requirements before choosing; around 15% of consumers prioritise running costs and maintenance. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing a large fridge freezer based on its total capacity alone
The appliance’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food.
Compare the freezer capacity of the fridge freezer you’re considering with your needs before ruling out a standalone freezer.
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Putting any freezer in a cold garage
The permitted ambient temperature varies by model. The word ‘freezer’ doesn’t guarantee that it’s suitable for a cold room.
Compare the room’s usual temperature with the climate class or temperature range listed in the documentation for the exact model, as ADEME recommends.
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Confusing reduced frost build-up with no need to defrost
SmartFrost and No Frost don’t mean the same thing: Liebherr says SmartFrost limits frost build-up, while Bosch states that the GTV15NWEB doesn’t have No Frost.
Check the technology and maintenance instructions for the model you choose rather than relying on the product name alone.
Brands to consider by format
Haier
Haier’s French range includes upright and chest freezers; the H4F272WCH1 is an example of a drawer-style upright model.
- Haier France lists the H4F272WCH1 as having a capacity of 276 l, four drawers, Total No Frost and dimensions of 600 × 742 × 1 775 mm.
- These specifications apply to this particular model. Check its dimensions and usable capacity against the space you have and what you plan to store.
Bosch
The GTV15NWEB is an example of an under-counter option for when height is limited and you only need a little extra storage.
- Bosch France lists this model as having 83 l of usable capacity and dimensions of 850 × 560 × 580 mm.
- Bosch says the GTV15NWEB doesn’t have No Frost; check the defrosting instructions if you want to minimise maintenance.
Liebherr
The CFd 2085 Plus is an example of a chest freezer designed for storing larger quantities.
- Liebherr lists the CFd 2085 Plus as having a capacity of 248 l and FrostProtect -15 °C.
- According to Liebherr, SmartFrost limits frost build-up; it doesn’t mean that defrosting is no longer necessary. Check the ambient temperature range and maintenance guidance for the model.
Electrolux
Electrolux’s French buying guide describes upright freezers as easy to organise and also covers compact under-counter models.
- The Electrolux guide helps you compare formats based on the organisation and capacity you’re looking for.
- Dimensions and capacities vary by model, so check the specifications of the exact appliance before measuring the space for it.
Joybuy products for storing more frozen food
This selection includes upright and chest freezers for storing more frozen food, prepared portions or bulk buys. Compare the stated capacity, format and installation requirements with your space and how you like to access your food.
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Heinrich´s, 161 l No Frost upright freezer, energy rating C
Its upright design and drawers are ideal if you want to organise different types of food.
The title lists a capacity of 161 l, No Frost, an LED display, an alarm and energy rating C.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 l chest freezer, energy rating E
A chest freezer is a good choice if you want to store items of different shapes; check that the lid can open fully in the space you have in mind.
The title lists a capacity of 140 l, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid, an adjustable thermostat and energy rating E.
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TCL CF126EWE0FR, 98 l chest freezer, energy rating E
This 98 l chest freezer is an option for extra storage. Compare its capacity with how much you want to keep frozen and the floor space available.
The title lists a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid, an adjustable thermostat and energy rating E.
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AUCMA, 291 l convertible chest freezer, energy rating E
Its stated capacity may suit a large stock of frozen food. Check that the selected mode meets your storage needs.
The title lists a capacity of 291 l, a fridge-to-freezer conversion function and energy rating E. It also mentions integrated LED lighting, five-level digital controls and a removable basket.
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CHiQ JR99DWE, 99 l chest freezer, energy rating E
With a capacity of 99 l, this model is better suited to extra storage than building up a large stock. Compare it with the amount you want to store.
The title lists a removable wire basket, an adjustable thermostat, a sliding lid and energy rating E. The description recommends manual defrosting when the frost exceeds 5 mm.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a freezer will work in my cellar or garage?
Check the usual temperatures in the room and compare them with the ambient temperature range specified for the exact model. ADEME recommends checking the climate class in °C. For example, Liebherr lists FrostProtect -15 °C for the CFd 2085; this specification applies to that model only.
Do No Frost and SmartFrost mean the same thing for maintenance?
No. Bosch states that its GTV15NWEB doesn’t have No Frost. Liebherr describes SmartFrost on the CFd 2085 as a way to limit frost build-up, not as a guarantee that defrosting won’t be needed. Check the maintenance instructions for the model you choose.
What should I compare to estimate the electricity costs of an extra freezer?
Compare the stated annual energy consumption in kWh and the energy rating of models with the same capacity. To estimate your annual electricity costs, multiply the annual kWh by the price per kWh on your tariff.
In France, does a commercial warranty replace the statutory guarantee of conformity?
No. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that statutory guarantees apply under their own terms, even when a commercial warranty is available. It states that the time limit for bringing a claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity is two years from the date the goods are delivered.
Are household freezers covered by EU energy labelling rules?
The EU regulation consulted covers mains-powered refrigerating appliances with a volume greater than 10 l and less than or equal to 1 500 l, subject to the exclusions set out in the regulation. Also check the dimensions and ambient temperature range for the model you choose.