If you want to keep fresh food for several days and regularly store frozen food, a fridge-freezer is a good place to start: it gives you separate spaces in one appliance. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment, then check the dimensions and installation requirements. A multi-door model needs more room, while a small freezer compartment may limit how much frozen food you can store.
If you store several days’ worth of fresh and frozen food, look for a layout that suits your shopping habits rather than simply choosing the largest total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the right format depends in particular on how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food.
The freezer’s usable capacity matters more to you than the total capacity advertised. Also look at how the compartment is organised and check the model’s stated freezing features.
Capacity alone won’t tell you whether the replacement will fit. Measure the housing and check the hinges, door-fixing system and ventilation requirements in the new model’s manual.
If you shop less often and buy both fresh and frozen food, start by checking how the storage is divided, then make sure the format will fit your available space. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a simple freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Consider it if: you regularly store fresh and frozen food in two separate compartments.
Bear in mind: freezer capacity varies by model. A fridge-freezer won’t necessarily have enough room for your frozen food just because it has two compartments.
Consider it if: space is limited and keeping fresh food is your priority.
Bear in mind: check the freezer compartment on the exact model you’re considering. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a simple freezer compartment isn’t suitable if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Consider it if: you need large compartments for fresh and frozen food and have enough room in your kitchen.
Bear in mind: check the appliance’s dimensions, the route into your kitchen and the energy consumption stated for the model. Don’t assume these details based on the multi-door format alone.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | Compare the fridge and freezer’s usable capacities separately against what you usually buy. | When my shopping needs to last several days, I want room for fresh food without cutting back too much on space for frozen food. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Freezer space | Check the freezer’s usable capacity, its drawers and the freezing features listed for the model. | If frozen food makes up a large part of my shopping, a small compartment could limit what I can store. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance and the space where it will go. For a built-in model, also check the housing, hinges and ventilation requirements in the manual. | If I’m replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, the first thing I need to know is whether the new model can be installed there. Around 21% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Noise and energy use | Once you’ve confirmed the storage and installation requirements, compare the energy label, kWh/year and noise level of suitable models. | In a kitchen where noise matters, I want to compare appliances that already meet my storage needs. Noise or energy consumption would be the main deciding factor for around 14% of consumers. |
An appliance may look spacious but still not have enough freezer space for your frozen food. The two compartments serve different needs.
Make a note of what you store between shopping trips, then compare the stated usable capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food separately.
The width, depth, hinges and ventilation instructions can also determine whether the appliance is right for your kitchen.
Measure the housing and compare it with the installation instructions for the exact model before placing your order.
If the housing or door-fixing system isn’t compatible, you may need to adapt the cabinetry or arrange an installation visit.
A large capacity won’t solve issues with access, door clearance or the energy consumption of the model you choose. For example, LG lists a width of 91,2 cm and an annual consumption of 365 kWh for its GML945NS9E; these figures don’t apply to all multi-door models.
Measure the access route and the space needed to open the doors, then compare the energy label with that of a fridge-freezer that also offers the storage you need.
Getting a bulky appliance into your home and having your old fridge-freezer taken away both need planning. The DGCCRF explains the principle of taking back an equivalent used appliance when selling a new one.
Before confirming your order, check the delivery slot, access arrangements and collection options with the retailer.
These examples show configurations worth comparing for your needs. The specifications quoted relate to the models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
Worth considering for a built-in fridge-freezer in a fitted kitchen, provided you check the housing and door system.
A brand to explore for freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, checking the specifications of each model individually.
Worth considering if you’re looking at a multi-door model and your kitchen and storage needs call for a larger appliance.
These Joybuy models include fridge-freezers that separate fresh and frozen food, as well as larger appliances to consider if you have enough room in your kitchen. For each one, compare the stated specifications with your storage needs and the installation instructions.
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Worth a look if you want to organise fresh and frozen food in a three-door appliance. The product title lists a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check how the capacity is divided, the dimensions and the clearance requirements in the manual.
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Consider this if you need a large appliance for fresh and frozen food and have enough space for it. The product title lists four doors, a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the access route and door clearance before choosing this format.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a 495 L capacity and an E energy rating. Confirm the exact door layout and dimensions, and if you’re interested in the water dispenser, check the connection requirements for this model.
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Compare this model if width is just as important as having separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm and a four-star compartment. Check the height and depth too before you decide.
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Worth considering if you want to compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately. The product title lists 182 L of fridge capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, No Frost and a noise level of 39 dB. Check the full dimensions and ventilation requirements for your kitchen.
A simple freezer compartment may not be enough for storing a large amount of frozen food, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. Before choosing a single-door or under-counter fridge, compare the usable capacity and features of the exact model’s freezer compartment with what you usually buy.
The same height doesn’t guarantee that a built-in fridge-freezer will fit. Also check the width and depth of the housing, the hinges, the door-fixing system and the ventilation clearances specified in the new model’s manual.
For fridge-freezers that meet the same storage needs, compare the energy rating, stated annual consumption and noise level. ADEME describes the energy label as a useful aid when choosing an appliance. Also compare the compartment capacities before deciding between models.
Check the collection arrangements with the retailer before delivery. The DGCCRF explains the “one-for-one” principle: when a new appliance is sold, an equivalent used appliance can be taken back. Let the retailer know where the old appliance is and how its removal will be arranged.
No. Whatever cooling system you choose, it’s still important to organise your food and monitor the temperature. The National Consumer Institute also recommends checking the information on food packaging so you can store food in the right place.