If you keep fresh food for everyday use and only freeze a few portions, start by comparing the capacity of the two compartments in a fridge freezer. If batch cooking or less frequent shopping means you need more freezer space, consider a separate freezer: an upright model makes it easier to organise food in drawers, while a chest freezer needs more floor space and a well-planned storage system. In either case, check the installation dimensions and annual energy consumption of the model you choose.
If you cook for several days, separate the dishes you want to keep chilled from the portions you plan to freeze. The E.Leclerc Observatory of New Consumer Trends describes both storage methods as part of preparing meals in advance.
If you shop less often or your portions are piling up, freezer capacity and ease of access become important. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between the vertical storage of an upright freezer and the deep compartment of a chest freezer.
If the appliance needs to fit into an alcove or its doors need room to open, check the dimensions before choosing its capacity. Bosch and Electrolux product specifications show that widths and built-in dimensions vary by model.
First work out how much space you need for fresh food and frozen portions, then compare the available appliance types with your space and their energy labels.
Consider it if: you use your fridge regularly and also want to freeze some of your meals.
Bear in mind: the amount of freezer space depends on how each model is divided up.
Consider it if: you only freeze food occasionally and the stated capacity of the compartment is enough for your portions.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment can fill up quickly after a few cooking sessions.
Consider it if: you want a separate freezer and often need to find portions organised in drawers.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, upright freezers generally have less maximum capacity than chest freezers.
Consider it if: you plan to stock up on a large amount of food and have space for a top-opening appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to plan how to organise and find portions in the compartment.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen storage | Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment separately, and check there’s room for your containers. | I keep meals for the next few days chilled, but also want to freeze a few portions without filling the compartment straight away. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer capacity and choose between drawers and a deep compartment based on how you like to organise your food. | When I cook in bulk or shop less often, I need enough freezer space to store food and find it easily. This is the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Available space | Measure the height, width and depth. For a built-in appliance, also check the space available in the alcove and the clearances specified in the instructions. | My kitchen or alcove has its limits: an appliance that’s too large won’t meet my needs, whatever its capacity. Around 17% of consumers prioritise a good fit. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Check the kWh/year and noise level on the energy label, and look at the model’s defrosting instructions. | For an appliance that runs all the time, I want to choose the right capacity and know what routine maintenance it needs. Around 25% of consumers make this their main concern. |
Two fridge freezers with a similar total capacity may have different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. Bosch and Whirlpool list the capacities of these compartments separately.
Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment with the amount of food you plan to store in it.
A chest freezer needs to fit on the floor, with enough room to open the lid. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this type of appliance generally takes up more floor space than an upright freezer.
Measure the room and the route to its final position, then think about how you’ll organise portions in the compartment.
The energy rating on its own won’t tell you what capacity you need. The European Commission says the label also shows annual energy consumption, storage volumes and noise levels. ADEME also points out that the size of an appliance that runs continuously affects its energy use.
Compare the kWh/year of similar appliance types and capacities, and avoid choosing a model that’s larger than you need.
Having enough space doesn’t mean you can overlook food storage conditions. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C.
Check the temperature, put foods that need careful storage in the right area, and leave space between items so the air can circulate.
The French range includes freestanding fridge freezers with separate capacity figures for the fridge and freezer compartments.
Depending on the model, the range includes fridge freezers that bring generous fridge and freezer compartments together in one appliance.
The range includes built-in appliances, including a fridge freezer and a separate freezer featured by Electrolux France.
These appliances suit two ways of storing prepared meals: keep chilled and frozen food together in a fridge freezer, or use a chest freezer to create a separate stock that can also be switched to fridge mode. Compare the space you need for your portions with the room you have available.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh food chilled and freeze portions in the same appliance. The product name lists a total capacity of 330 L. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the dimensions and required clearances before installation.
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Worth considering if your prepared meals need both chilled and frozen storage in a four-door appliance. The product name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the capacity of each compartment, the overall dimensions and the installation clearances.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh food and frozen portions in separate sections of a three-door fridge freezer. The product name lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment and the clearances needed in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want to keep meals chilled while setting aside part of the appliance for frozen food. The product name lists a capacity of 344 L and a D energy rating. Before comparing installation requirements and energy use, check the model’s depth and kWh/year.
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Worth considering if your priority is a separate freezer and you have room for a top-opening chest freezer. The product name lists a capacity of 291 L, an E energy rating, a removable basket and convertible fridge and freezer modes. Choose the mode that suits the food you’re storing. If you plan to keep it in a garage or utility room, check the model’s permitted temperature range and ventilation clearances.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of your fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Put foods that need careful storage in the right area, check the temperature and avoid overfilling the appliance so air can circulate.
For the household appliances covered, the European Commission says the label shows the energy rating, annual consumption, storage volumes and noise level. Compare the kWh/year, taking into account the appliance type and the capacity you need.
First check that the model’s specified temperature range covers the temperatures in your garage. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the climate class when placing a chest freezer in a room such as a cellar or utility room. Don’t assume that every model is suitable for an unheated garage.
Follow the defrosting instructions for the model you choose. Anses recommends defrosting your fridge regularly and taking action if frost builds up unusually quickly. If your appliance is listed as No Frost or Low Frost, also check its maintenance instructions.