If you want to store more ready meals and frozen food, choose an upright freezer if you often need to access individual portions, or a chest freezer if you mainly want bulk storage and have enough space. A large fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing your fridge too, provided its net freezer capacity is sufficient. Whatever the style, check the space available, noise level, suitable ambient temperature and stated power-cut storage time.
If you freeze portions after a batch-cooking session, capacity matters just as much as being able to find each meal or ingredient quickly. Drawers can help you separate different types of food when you open the freezer frequently.
If you’re storing bags or large packs, first compare the freezer capacity in litres and the space the appliance will take up. In a chest freezer, baskets can make smaller items easier to reach.
Whether it’s going in an open-plan kitchen, utility room, garage or cellar, check the dimensions, door or lid clearance, noise level and the ambient temperature range the model can handle. ADEME recommends taking the room temperature into account.
Choose this if: you often take out individual portions and want to organise them in drawers.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space in front of the door, and usable capacity depends on the internal layout.
Choose this if: you mainly want to store food in bulk and have a clear area of floor space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room to open the lid, and smaller items may be harder to find at the bottom.
Consider this if: you’re replacing your fridge too and would prefer one appliance.
Limitation: a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough freezer space for your needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Access to individual portions | Drawer or basket layout; clearance and opening direction. | If I often take out a ready meal, I want to find it without moving other food. Around 31% of consumers would put easy access first. |
| Storage capacity | Net freezer capacity in litres; appliance dimensions and space needed to open it. | For storing bulk buys, I need room for large packs, even if smaller items are less easy to reach. Capacity would be the priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Replacing the fridge | Net capacity of the freezer section, separate from the total capacity; installation type. | If I’m already replacing my fridge, I’d prefer to avoid a second appliance without giving up the freezer space I need. Around 15% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Installation and keeping food frozen | Suitable ambient temperature, noise level in dB(A) and stated storage time in hours. | If the room is unheated or close to my living space, I need to know whether the model suits the room and my day-to-day needs. These factors would come first for around 23% of consumers. |
This figure combines the fridge and freezer sections. For example, Electrolux lists a total capacity of 249 L for its LNA7CE18S0, but only 62 L of freezer space.
Compare the net freezer capacity and internal layout with the amount of frozen food you want to add.
The suitable ambient temperature varies from one appliance to another. Beko states that its B3RMFNE314XB, which features FreezerGuard, can operate down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to all freezers.
Check the operating temperature range and ventilation instructions for the model and room you have in mind. ADEME recommends checking the recommended ambient temperature.
Stated figures vary by model: Beko lists 34 dB and 10 h of storage time for the B3RMFNE314XB, compared with 37 dB and 15 h for the RFSM200T41WN.
Compare the specifications of the appliances you’re considering, and distinguish stated storage time from the results of an independent test.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. Any commercial guarantee is in addition to this and does not replace it.
Read the written terms to see what it offers beyond your statutory rights.
Worth considering if drawers, noise or installation in a cool room are important factors in your choice of upright freezer.
A brand worth comparing for drawer-style upright freezers and models with No Frost.
Worth considering for chest freezers if lid opening and frost-related maintenance are important to you.
These appliances suit three different needs: adding a chest freezer for bulk storage, adding an upright freezer to keep portions separate, or replacing your fridge with a fridge freezer. Compare freezer capacity and installation requirements according to your needs.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for bulk storage if you have enough room for the chest freezer and its lid.
Stated capacity of 291 L, removable basket, LED lighting and five-level digital temperature control. Check the net freezer capacity, suitable ambient temperature and stated storage time before choosing where to put it.
Image unavailable
For keeping a few portions separate in a secondary space, rather than storing a large supply.
Stated capacity of 60 L, reversible door and adjustable thermostat. Check the net capacity, stated noise level and ambient temperature range if the room has particular requirements.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you’re replacing your fridge as well: this fridge freezer doesn’t add a separate freezer appliance.
Stated total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and energy class E. Check the net capacity of the freezer section separately, along with the clearances required in the instruction manual.
Image unavailable
An upright freezer to consider if you want to organise portions in a separate freezer.
Stated capacity of 161 L, drawers, No Frost protection, reversible door hinge and alarm. Check the dimensions, noise level and suitable ambient temperature for the space you have in mind.
Image unavailable
For extra storage in a chest freezer if you’re happy with less organisation than an upright model offers.
Stated capacity of 99 L, removable basket and adjustable thermostat. Check the space needed for the lid, as well as the ambient temperature range and storage time for your needs.
Yes, if you’re replacing your fridge too and the net capacity of its freezer section meets your needs. Don’t rely on the total capacity alone: for example, Electrolux lists 249 L in total but just 62 L of freezer space for its LNA7CE18S0.
Choose a model only if its ambient temperature range is suitable for your garage, and follow the installation instructions. ADEME recommends checking the recommended room temperature; a model’s stated suitability for a particular setting doesn’t apply to all freezers.
Compare the figures for the appliances you’re considering rather than relying on their marketing names. For the appliances concerned, the energy label and product information sheet show energy consumption and noise figures; check that they relate to the exact model variant you’ve chosen.
No. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. A commercial guarantee can be added to it, but does not replace it. Check the terms to see what extra services are included.
Take it to a collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in household rubbish. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition provides information about this scheme in France; check whether the retailer offers a take-back service or find a local collection point.