Households that batch-cook each week
If you refrigerate meals for the next few days and freeze a few portions, look at the space available in each compartment rather than the total capacity alone.
Who are these appliance types suited to?
Households that store lots of frozen portions
If you regularly cook in larger quantities to build up a stock of meals, compare the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer with a separate appliance. With a separate freezer, access via drawers or baskets matters just as much as capacity.
People whose fridge is often full
After a batch-cooking session, overfilled shelves can make it harder to organise your food. The Anses notes that how full the fridge is can affect its temperature, so choose a layout that lets you store meals without cramming everything in.
What should you compare before choosing?
Fridge with a freezer compartment
Consider this if: most of your meals will be kept in the fridge and you only freeze a few portions at a time.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough for a household that eats a lot of frozen food.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you need space each week for chilled meals and several frozen portions in one appliance.
The trade-off: a large total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for the freezer.
Upright freezer
Consider this if: you want to add a separate freezer compartment and access your portions on different shelves or in drawers.
The trade-off: you’ll need to make room for an extra appliance and check there’s enough space to open the door.
Chest freezer
Consider this if: you want a separate freezer and have a suitable spot where the lid can open upwards.
The trade-off: check whether the baskets will make it easy to find and retrieve portions stored at the bottom.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity in each compartment | Compare the net capacity in litres for the fridge and freezer separately, then check the usable dimensions of the shelves and drawers. European product information lists the capacities of each compartment separately. | I want enough room for meals for the next few days, without running out of space for portions to freeze. |
| Temperature and storage layout | Check the temperature controls and the layout of the compartments, without planning to overfill them. The Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge and highlights the importance of an even temperature throughout. | When I store several meals, I need to be able to arrange them without cramming them in and check the appliance’s settings. |
| Access to portions | Check the number and dimensions of the drawers or baskets, how the door or lid opens, and where you plan to put the appliance. For a separate freezer, UFC-Que Choisir also recommends checking the climate class and cooling system. | If I freeze food regularly, I want to find my portions without having to empty most of the appliance. |
| Energy use | Compare the energy rating and kWh/year of appliances with a similar format and capacity. The energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL database let you check the model’s declared specifications. | An appliance that runs continuously should suit my storage needs, but I shouldn’t choose based on the energy rating alone. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
-
Looking only at the total capacity
A high overall capacity can hide a freezer compartment that’s too small for the portions you plan to store. Each compartment is designed for a different purpose.
Work out separately how many meals you’ll keep in the fridge and how many portions you’ll freeze at once, then check the net capacity and layout of each compartment.
-
Assuming No Frost guarantees food will keep well
A feature designed to prevent frost doesn’t replace correct temperature settings or good organisation in the fridge. The Anses highlights that food storage depends, among other things, on maintaining an even temperature.
Check the controls, leave space between items and make sure you can check the temperature at the coldest point.
-
Comparing energy ratings without considering the appliance size
ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously. Comparing the energy ratings of models with very different capacities won’t tell you much about which one is right for your storage needs.
Compare the kWh/year, net capacity and appliance format on the energy label; check the model’s EPREL entry if it’s available.
-
Forgetting to plan where a separate freezer will go
A chest freezer with a lid that’s difficult to open, or an upright freezer with drawers that don’t suit your portions, can make it harder to access your food.
Measure the space and allow room for the door or lid to open, then check the climate class, dimensions and storage layout of the model you’re considering.
Which branded models can you use as a guide?
These features apply to the models listed, not to every appliance made by each brand.
Bosch
The KGN36VLED fridge-freezer is an example of a model to consider if you want to set the fridge and freezer compartments separately.
- Bosch lists individual temperature controls and Total NoFrost on the KGN36VLED.
- These model-specific features don’t mean you can skip checking its capacity or the temperature in everyday use.
Liebherr
The CBNsdc 765i Prime fridge-freezer is a useful example for looking at the internal layout of a high-capacity appliance.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 423 L, along with BioFresh and NoFrost features, for this model.
- Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the space needed for installation: total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen portions.
Beko
The RFNE448E35W upright freezer is an example of what to look at when considering separate freezer storage.
- Beko lists No Frost and fast-freeze features for the RFNE448E35W.
- To decide whether it suits your portions and the space available, also check the drawers, capacity and climate class on the model’s product information.
A fridge-freezer option on Joybuy
This four-door fridge-freezer is an option if you’re looking for one appliance that can both chill and freeze batch-cooked meals. Compare the space in each compartment with the portions you plan to store.
Image unavailable
Candy CFQQ5T817EPS four-door fridge-freezer, 467 L, silver
If you’re dividing meals between the fridge and freezer, check the space available in each compartment rather than relying on the stated total capacity. This model is listed with Total No Frost, Smart Inverter and an E energy rating. Check the internal dimensions of the storage compartments and the space needed to install it.
Frequently asked questions
For batch-cooked meals, should I look at the total capacity or the capacity of each compartment?
Check the net capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Meals for the next few days and portions to freeze place different demands on each compartment. UFC-Que Choisir points out, in particular, that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you need to store a lot of frozen food.
Is No Frost enough to store batch-cooked meals properly?
No. A No Frost feature designed to prevent frost doesn’t replace the right temperature settings or good organisation in the fridge. According to the Anses, temperature and keeping it even throughout the appliance are important for maintaining the cold chain. It recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge.
How can I use the energy label to compare two appliances?
Compare the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh for models with similar capacities and formats that meet your needs. The European Commission’s EPREL database can provide more information about the model’s specifications than the energy label alone.
Should I choose a much larger appliance so I can store everything after cooking?
Not necessarily. Look for a capacity and layout that let you store meals without overfilling the compartments. The Anses notes that how full the fridge is, the thermostat setting and how often the door is opened can all affect the temperatures inside.