To store your family shop in one appliance, start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the appliance can be delivered and installed in your kitchen. A freestanding fridge-freezer is a good choice if its freezer is large enough. A multi-door model offers more space if you have room for it, while a built-in model must fit its housing, doors and ventilation requirements precisely. Finally, compare noise levels and annual energy consumption between models with a similar layout.
If you store several days’ worth of fresh food, check the usable space on the shelves and in the drawers, including those in the freezer. UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 l for one person, then adding 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guideline to suit your shopping habits.
If frozen food or ready meals often fill the drawers, how the capacity is split between the two compartments matters more than the total volume. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol looks in particular at how appliances perform after a full weekly shop.
In a living space, compare the declared noise levels of the models you’re considering. If you have a built-in housing unit or narrow access, measure the delivery route and the available space, including door clearance and the ventilation gaps required for the appliance.
First, work out how much space you need in each compartment. Then choose a format that suits your kitchen: a freestanding fridge-freezer, a multi-door model if you need more capacity, or a built-in model if your housing unit requires it. The checks below are for a main appliance intended for the family shop.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and layout | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, then look at the layout of the shelves and drawers. UFC-Que Choisir’s guideline is 100 to 150 l for one person, then 50 l for each additional person; adjust this to suit your household’s shopping habits. | When I put away a big shop, I need enough accessible space for fresh food without sacrificing room for frozen food; around 33% of consumers prioritise capacity and layout. |
| Freezing and temperature stability | Check the freezing capacity and, where comparable test results are available, how well the temperature is maintained after food is added. | If I regularly freeze groceries or meals, I want to be able to fit new food in without compromising the temperature of the rest of the compartment. Freezing and temperature stability are the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Access and installation | Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go, including with the doors open. For a built-in model, check the housing unit, door fitting and ventilation against the model’s instructions. | If I have a fitted kitchen or narrow access, I need to check that the appliance can be brought in and installed correctly; around 20% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the dB(A) and kWh/year figures for appliances with a similar capacity and layout; the energy label also shows the A to G rating. | With an open-plan kitchen, I notice the noise of an appliance that runs continuously more, and I keep an eye on its energy use; around 20% of consumers put these two features first. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A large advertised capacity doesn’t necessarily mean the drawers will fit your usual packaging, either.
Make a note of how much storage space you need in each compartment, and check the layout of the drawers, bins and shelves.
An appliance may fit in its intended spot but still not get through the doors or up the stairs. A built-in model must also fit the housing unit and meet the installation requirements set by its manufacturer.
Measure the whole delivery route, the door clearance and, for a built-in model, the housing unit and fixing system. Follow the ventilation clearances set out in the instructions for the model you choose.
The letter on the energy label doesn’t replace checking the annual kWh consumption or whether the capacity and features meet your needs. A cooling feature alone also doesn’t tell you how much energy an appliance uses.
Compare the kWh/year figures for models with a similar type and capacity, then check their noise levels and, where available, test results for temperature stability.
These brands offer options to compare in specific formats and with particular features; always check the specifications and installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
Worth considering if compatibility with your existing kitchen will influence your choice between a freestanding and built-in model.
Compare this brand if you’re looking for a built-in fridge-freezer with specialist food storage compartments.
Worth considering if you want to compare the stated capacity and noise levels of certain freestanding fridge-freezers.
Worth a look if you’re comparing freestanding or built-in fridge-freezers with No Frost.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 l for one person, then adding 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guideline to suit how often you shop, and check the freezer capacity separately if you store lots of frozen food.
No: the extra capacity is only useful if it suits your shopping habits and the appliance can be brought into your kitchen and fitted in its intended space. UFC-Que Choisir states that an American-style fridge-freezer can hold around 400 l, compared with around 300 l for a standard fridge-freezer; still, compare the capacity and dimensions of the specific models you’re considering.
Measure the route to your kitchen, the final installation space and the clearance needed to open the doors. For a built-in model, also check the housing unit dimensions, door fixings and the ventilation clearances specified in its instructions.
Compare the kWh/year and dB(A) figures for models of a similar type and capacity, rather than looking at the energy rating alone. The European Commission states that the energy label for refrigerating appliances has used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021; model details are also available in EPREL.
No: also check the drawer capacity, freezing capacity and how well the temperature is maintained after food is added. Manufacturers present No Frost as a solution to ice build-up, while UFC-Que Choisir’s tests look at how appliances perform in different loading situations.