Households that regularly stock up
If you buy provisions in bulk or often freeze prepared meals, consider the usable capacity, floor space and whether it can accommodate packaging in different sizes.
Who is this choice for?
Households that use portions every day
To find meals and bags quickly, look at how easy the compartments are to access, how visible the contents are and whether the model has any alerts.
Households with limited installation space
Whether you’re placing it in a kitchen, utility room, cellar or garage, measure access routes and clearance space. Also check the noise level and the ambient temperatures the model is designed to operate in.
What are the key differences between the options?
UFC-Que Choisir highlights differences between upright and chest freezers, including their capacity, footprint and how easy it is to access food. A large fridge-freezer suits a different need: replacing your existing fridge.
Upright freezer
Consider it if : you often take out portions and want to keep them separate in drawers.
Bear in mind : the drawers need to fit your larger dishes, and the door needs room to open.
Chest freezer
Consider it if : you stock up on larger packs and have enough floor space.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to organise food to reach items at the bottom, and the lid needs clearance to open.
Large fridge-freezer
Consider it if : you also need to replace your fridge and want more storage space in both sections.
Bear in mind : check that the freezer section can genuinely hold your stock, rather than relying on the appliance’s total capacity.
| Criterion | What to check | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the largest amount you’re likely to store with the net capacity and dimensions of the storage compartments. | If you freeze provisions or large dishes in quantity, available capacity matters more than household size alone; around 31 % of consumers would put this need first. |
| Access to portions | Check the size of the drawers or baskets and whether there’s room for bulky packaging. | If you often rely on frozen meals, you need to be able to find a portion without rummaging through your entire stock; this would be the priority for around 31 % of consumers. |
| Installation | Measure access routes and the clearance needed to open the door or lid; check the permitted ambient temperatures. | In a narrow or unheated room, the appliance must be suitable for installation and use in the conditions specified for that model; around 23 % of consumers would prioritise this constraint. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare annual kWh for models with similar capacities and check how they defrost. | If you want to limit the energy use of an appliance that stays plugged in, as well as the time spent defrosting it, these factors would come first for around 15 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing the largest capacity without taking stock of your food
Extra litres won’t necessarily make storage more convenient if the drawers or baskets aren’t suited to your packaging.
Make a note of the quantity and size of the food you store when your freezer is at its fullest, then compare this with the net capacity and interior layout.
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Assuming No Frost means lower energy use
No Frost relates to frost management on models that have this feature; energy use depends on the model you choose.
For appliances with a similar capacity, compare their energy labels and annual kWh separately.
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Putting a freezer in a garage without checking the temperature
Some models are designed for use in an unheated room, but you can’t assume this based on the format or brand.
Compare the temperature in your room with the operating range specified for the exact model.
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Overlooking how long it can keep running during a power cut
Advertised storage times vary between models. Enedis warns that a prolonged power cut can lead to the contents of a freezer being lost.
Check the stated storage time for each appliance and, if you do lose food, keep your proof of purchase and check the claims process with your insurer.
Brands to consider by model
Bosch
Upright freezers to consider if you’re looking for drawers and a flexible interior layout.
- Bosch lists a usable capacity of 328 l, No Frost and 14 h of storage time during a power cut for the GSN54EWCV.
- These features apply to the GSN54EWCV: check the layout and dimensions of the model you choose.
Beko
Upright freezers to compare if defrosting and installation conditions are important to you.
- Beko lists a capacity of 286 l, No Frost and 9 h of storage time for the B1RFNE314W.
- Check that the specific model is suitable for use in an unheated room; don’t assume this applies to the entire range.
Liebherr
A range of freezers in different capacities and dimensions, including some No Frost models.
- Liebherr product specifications let you compare the capacity and dimensions of the models available.
- No Frost doesn’t replace the need to compare each model’s energy use, noise level and installation conditions.
Whirlpool
Upright freezers to consider if you want to store a large stock across several drawers.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 404 l, six drawers and interior lighting for the WHFF 6403 W4E.
- Check that the capacity and appliance dimensions suit your stock and the space available.
Freezers to increase your storage
These upright and chest freezers offer a range of capacities to add to your household storage. First choose the style that suits your everyday access needs and available space, then compare the features of each model.
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Heinrich´s, 161 l stainless steel upright freezer
Worth considering if you want extra storage while keeping the food you use regularly separate.
The title lists a capacity of 161 l, three drawers, No Frost, an alarm and an energy rating of C. Check the dimensions, annual energy use and installation conditions in your room.
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AUCMA, 291 l convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you want to store a large stock and have room for a chest freezer, with space to organise food beneath the basket.
The title lists a capacity of 291 l, a removable basket, fridge and freezer modes, and an energy rating of E. Check the clearance needed to open the lid and the ambient temperature range before installation.
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COMFEE' RCU60WH2(E), 60 l upright freezer
This compact capacity could work as extra storage, but if you’re stocking up in bulk, compare it with the quantities you usually need to store.
The title lists a capacity of 60 l, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Check the interior layout and the operating conditions for the intended installation location.
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AUCMA, 95 l convertible chest freezer
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a chest freezer with a moderate capacity and can reach food stored beneath the basket.
The title lists a capacity of 95 l, a removable basket, fridge and freezer modes, and an energy rating of E. Measure the space needed to open the lid and check the permitted ambient temperature.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 l chest freezer
This chest freezer offers a mid-range capacity to compare with the size of your provisions and the floor space available.
The title lists a capacity of 140 l, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an energy rating of E. Check the clearance needed to open the lid, annual energy use and installation conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Does a new freezer need an energy label in France ?
Yes. According to the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, household freezers are among the appliances covered by energy labelling rules that have applied since 1 March 2021. Compare the energy rating and annual consumption of the exact model, taking its capacity into account.
Can you install any freezer in an unheated garage ?
No: the temperature in the garage must be within the operating range of the model you choose. Beko says that some models with Freezer Guard can be used at temperatures down to −15 °C, but this does not apply to all freezers.
How long should a freezer keep running during a power cut ?
Compare the stated storage time for each model with the amount of food you want to keep; it varies between appliances. Bosch lists 14 h for the GSN54EWCV, while Beko lists 9 h for the B1RFNE314W. Enedis warns that a prolonged power cut can lead to food loss.
What should you do with your old freezer when replacing it ?
Arrange for it to be collected, reused or taken to an appropriate recycling facility for electrical and electronic equipment. If you’d like your old appliance taken away when the new one is delivered, confirm the arrangements with the seller before you buy.