Start by choosing separate capacities for chilled and frozen food, then compare appliances using the information on the energy label rather than their total capacity alone. A fridge freezer is suitable when your needs remain balanced in a single space; a separate freezer is a better choice if frozen portions or bulky containers are the priority, provided you are happy to accommodate the extra appliance and compare the annual energy consumption of both appliances.
Divide your meals between chilled and frozen storage without adding unnecessary appliances. The European Commission and Gifam recommend looking at refrigerated and frozen capacities separately, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
A dedicated space can make storage easier: an upright freezer helps you organise food in drawers, while a chest freezer can hold more and accommodate bulky containers if you have enough suitable space.
A compact appliance takes up less space, but its freezer compartment may be limited. Check the stated freezer capacity in litres before deciding that it will be sufficient for your portions.
Consider this: if you need both chilled and regular freezer storage, but only have room for one appliance.
Check: the litres allocated to each compartment, as the total capacity does not show how much space is available for frozen portions.
Consider this: in a small space where freezing is only occasional.
Check: the actual freezer capacity, as it does not automatically replace a dedicated space for batches of prepared meals.
Consider this: if freezing portions has become a priority or your meals are bulky.
Allow for: an additional space and the installation requirements of your chosen model, particularly if it will be kept outside a heated kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Balance between chilled and frozen storage | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Also check the appliance dimensions and the space available. | I want to store both meals to eat soon and portions for later, without running out of room in either compartment. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Compare the energy class, annual kWh, noise emissions and noise class between appliances with a similar purpose and capacity. | In an open-plan kitchen or studio flat, I want to know the stated noise level while comparing annual consumption on a like-for-like basis. |
| Freezer format | An upright freezer prioritises drawers and vertical storage; a chest freezer offers more capacity and room for bulky meals. Check the climate class if it will be kept in an unheated room. | I am looking either for organised access to portions or for greater freezer capacity, depending on the floor space actually available. |
| Replacing your old appliance | Ask about the collection service available with your purchase. If you are considering a repair, check whether the appliance and repairer are eligible. | I want to arrange the replacement without overlooking collection of the old appliance or the potential benefits of having it repaired. |
A fridge freezer may seem spacious while offering too little room for frozen portions. The energy label shows the capacities of the refrigerated and frozen compartments separately.
Make a note of the usual number of boxes or meals you need to keep chilled and freeze, then compare these two capacities separately before choosing.
Using an appliance in an unheated room depends on the model; it is not guaranteed simply because it is a chest freezer.
Check the climate class, ambient temperature range and the manufacturer’s instructions. A feature such as Freezer Guard should only be considered if it is specified for the exact model.
The energy class, annual kWh, usable capacity and noise emissions each address different needs.
Compare all the regulated information on the label between appliances in the same category and with a similar usable capacity.
Replacing a refrigeration appliance also means planning for its collection or taking it to an appropriate recycling facility.
Before the new appliance is delivered, find out about the collection arrangements and check whether repairing the old model is a viable option.
According to ADEME, the Repair Bonus can reduce the cost of certain repairs carried out by an approved repairer by between 15 € and 50 €, depending on the type of repair.
A range of freestanding or integrated fridge freezers, with the freezer at the top or bottom, to compare according to your kitchen layout.
A range of fridge freezers and single-door fridges that makes it easy to compare dimensions, capacity, noise levels and freezer configuration precisely.
A range of chest freezers to consider when high-capacity frozen storage is more important than integrating the appliance into a kitchen.
A range of fridge freezers, including integrated models, to consider when your kitchen requires a housing unit and a precise balance between chilled and frozen storage.
Joybuy options for organising chilled and frozen meal storage at home, including fridge freezers and separate freezers suited to different capacity requirements.
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For preparing fresh meals and freezing portions in a single appliance.
187 L fridge capacity, 75 L freezer capacity, 4-star compartment, three freezer drawers, stated consumption of 215 kWh/year and 39 dB(A). Dimensions: 1760 × 540 × 550 mm.
Not suitable for a garage or a room where the temperature may fall below 16 °C. The 75 L freezer capacity may be limiting if frozen portions make up the majority of your storage needs.
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For keeping food chilled and freezing portions in a single appliance.
182 L fridge capacity, 71 L freezer capacity, stated noise level of 39 dB, energy class D, No Frost, LED lighting and a reversible door.
Check the annual consumption, width, depth and ambient temperature requirements before installation.
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For adding dedicated space for frozen portions without installing a second tall appliance.
99 L capacity, 4-star freezer, removable basket, adjustable thermostat, stated noise level of 39 dB, energy class E and a stated freezing capacity of 4,5 kg/24 h. Dimensions: 54,5 × 47,6 × 83,5 cm.
The chest format provides top access and does not offer drawer-style organisation. Check the installation requirements and annual consumption before using it in an unheated room.
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For regularly organising frozen meals alongside an existing fridge.
161 L of dedicated freezer capacity, three drawers, two shelves, No Frost system, Fast Freeze function, LED display, alarm and stated energy class C.
A separate fridge is still required for food that needs to be kept chilled. Check the dimensions, noise level, annual kWh and climate class before buying.
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For households looking for a large overall capacity in a single appliance.
Stated total capacity of 474 L, four doors, Vario Box, vegetable drawer with three temperature settings, adjustable freezer drawers and energy class E. Dimensions: 838 × 653 × 1775 mm.
Check the separate chilled and frozen capacities, annual kWh and noise emissions before comparing. Its width of 83,8 cm requires a substantial amount of space.
Compare refrigerated and frozen capacities separately, annual consumption in kWh, the energy class, and noise emissions together with their class. The European Commission and ADEME state that this information appears on the energy label of the appliances concerned.
It may be sufficient if the stated freezer capacity genuinely matches your portions. Gifam points out that table-top formats and some single-door fridges are primarily designed around refrigerated storage, with a freezer or ice-making compartment depending on the model.
Choose an upright freezer if you prioritise drawers and a vertical footprint similar to that of a fridge. Choose a chest freezer if large capacity and bulky meals are the priority: Gifam states that upright freezers offer capacities from around 45 L to over 450 L, while chest freezers range from 100 L to over 750 L.
No. Check the installation requirements for the exact model, particularly its climate class or any explicit statement that it is suitable for use in an unheated room. Beko states that operation down to -15 °C is available only on appliances equipped with Freezer Guard.
Yes, provided the type of repair and the professional meet the applicable requirements. ADEME states that the Repair Bonus can range from 15 € to 50 € for certain repairs carried out by an approved repairer.