For a few single portions of tomato sauce, a separate freezer may not be necessary. If your existing freezer has enough space and can be set to around −18 °C, you can use it. If you regularly run short of space, compare compact under-counter models by their layout, external dimensions and annual energy consumption. A chest freezer is more suited to storing larger quantities. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises cooling cooked sauce quickly and not leaving it out of the fridge for more than two hours.
You cook sauce ahead for one person and want to be able to find small, well-sealed portions easily. Your existing freezer may be enough, provided it reaches the right temperature. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a freezer temperature of −18 °C and cooling leftovers promptly.
Your current freezer space is not enough, and you’re looking for an appliance whose external dimensions and drawers suit the space available. The Consumers’ Association notes that food can be easier to access in a drawer-style freezer.
You’re considering extra freezer space but want to factor in the ongoing energy consumption. Milieu Centraal advises choosing a suitable size and checking the energy label.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing safely | Check that the freezer can reach around −18 °C; use clean containers with secure lids. | I want to store sauce quickly and safely after cooking; around 36% of consumers put safe freezing first. |
| Space and portion layout | Measure the available space and compare the external dimensions, capacity and drawer layout with your containers. | If my current freezer is too small, I want to find small portions easily; around 29% of consumers prioritise space and layout. |
| Annual energy consumption | For models that are the right size, compare both the energy label and the stated consumption in kWh per year. | I want to know how much energy an extra appliance uses, even when it is not very full; around 21% of consumers prioritise energy consumption. |
| Positioning and defrosting | Check the permitted ambient temperature range and whether the model has NoFrost. | If the freezer will be in a cold room or I want to avoid manual defrosting, I check these features for each model; around 14% of consumers prioritise positioning and maintenance. |
You don’t automatically need another appliance for a few portions; it takes up space and uses energy continuously.
First, check the space available and the temperature. Then compare appliances by suitable size and kWh per year, as Milieu Centraal advises.
A freezer cannot make sauce safe to store if it has been left out of the fridge for too long.
Cool cooked sauce quickly, divide it into sealed portions and put them in the fridge or freezer within two hours of cooking. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises not leaving leftovers out of the fridge for more than two hours.
The permitted range varies by model. For example, Inventum lists a minimum ambient temperature of 10 °C for the VR550.
Compare the temperature where you plan to put the freezer with the stated range for the exact model you’re considering.
Energy consumption, capacity and the defrosting system answer different questions. A NoFrost label alone does not tell you how much space you need or what the annual energy consumption will be.
Compare capacity and kWh per year separately, and also check whether manual defrosting is required. For example, Bosch states that the GTV15NWEB does not have NoFrost.
According to Inventum, the freestanding VR550 is an 88-litre under-counter model with three drawers and a stated freezing capacity of 4 kg per 24 hours.
According to Bosch, the Bosch GTV15NWEB is a freestanding under-counter model with 83 litres of freezer capacity and three drawers.
ETNA describes the VV956WIT as a freestanding 85-litre under-counter model with three transparent drawers.
According to Liebherr, the Liebherr FNdi 1624 is a 92-litre under-counter model with NoFrost.
This selection of Joybuy products includes compact freestanding under-counter models and a chest freezer for anyone looking for extra space.
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An option if you’re looking for a freestanding under-counter model to give you extra freezer space.
The product title states that it has No-Frost and energy class D.
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An option if you’re looking for a small freestanding freezer for a little extra storage.
The product title states that it has a 31-litre capacity and an under-counter design.
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An option if you’d like to consider the convertible fridge mode mentioned in the product title, as well as extra freezer space.
The product title states that it has a 122-litre capacity, No-Frost and energy class E.
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An option if you’re looking for a freestanding under-counter model and don’t mind defrosting it manually.
The product title states that it has an 85-litre capacity and energy class C. Manual defrosting is required.
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An option if you want to store other frozen foods in a chest freezer as well as portions of sauce.
The product title states that it has a 99-litre capacity and a 4-star freezer rating. Manual defrosting is required.
Not necessarily. If your existing freezer has enough space and can be set to around −18 °C, you can store sealed single portions in it. Only compare a separate appliance if you regularly run short of space.
Cool the sauce quickly, divide it into well-sealed portions and don’t leave it out of the fridge for more than two hours. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises putting cooked leftovers in the fridge or freezer promptly.
For models that are the right size, compare the stated energy consumption in kWh per year and check whether the appliance has NoFrost or needs to be defrosted manually. Annual energy consumption is a standard figure and may differ in everyday use.
It depends on the stated ambient temperature range for the exact model. For example, Inventum lists a minimum of 10 °C for the VR550. Check that the conditions where you plan to put it fall within the model’s specifications.
Compare the current EU energy label and product information for household refrigerating appliances covered by EU rules. According to the Government of the Netherlands, when you buy a product in the Netherlands, you are entitled to a product that works properly; if there is a fault, contact the seller. The Netherlands does not have a fixed general statutory warranty period.
