People who prepare several meals for the week
If you need to fit prepared meals, ingredients and reusable containers in at the same time, look at the shelf space and how easy the drawers are to reach, not just the advertised total capacity.
Who is this type of fridge for?
Households that freeze some of their portions
A fridge-freezer gives you space for fresh meals and frozen portions. Compare the capacity of both compartments and check that the drawers will fit your containers.
Buyers considering a large or refurbished appliance
For a large appliance, measure the delivery route too. If you’re buying a refurbished model, confirm the exact model, its dimensions, the stated condition and the terms offered by the professional seller.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with your containers and how you’ll divide space between fresh meals and frozen portions. Then look at cooling performance, the space it takes up and the internal layout.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space for dishes | Measure your largest containers. Check the usable width and height between the shelves, and whether the shelves can be adjusted. | I want to store several containers without having to move other food every time I need a meal. |
| How the capacity is divided | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Look at the number of drawers and how easy they are to access, rather than focusing only on the total capacity. | Some of my meals stay chilled, while others go in the freezer. |
| Cooling performance | If you load the appliance after shopping, look for test results on how quickly it returns to temperature. Que Choisir’s test protocol includes daily additions and a full weekly shop. | I store several prepared meals at once and want to know how the appliance performs when it’s full. |
| Separate storage for ingredients | Check which drawers or dedicated zones are available on the specific model. Make sure they offer enough usable space: a drawer for fresh ingredients won’t replace a shelf for prepared meals. | I’d like to keep vegetables and delicate ingredients separate from my meal containers. |
| Installation and everyday use | Measure the space where the appliance will go and the route it will take while still packaged. Compare the annual energy consumption on the energy label and the noise level if your kitchen is open-plan. | A larger appliance will only suit me if it can be delivered through the access route and works well in my kitchen every day. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Looking only at the total capacity
The advertised capacity won’t tell you whether a large dish will fit between the shelves or how much room will be left in the freezer.
Measure your largest containers, then compare their size with the internal layout and the separate capacities of the two compartments.
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Choosing a multi-door fridge just for the extra capacity
A very wide appliance needs more room in your kitchen and along the delivery route. According to Que Choisir, American-style fridges generally use more energy than standard models.
Make sure you’ll use the extra space, then compare the external dimensions and annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering.
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Confusing a freshness drawer with space for meals
A dedicated zone for certain fresh ingredients doesn’t guarantee that a casserole dish or large container will fit on the shelves.
Consider separately whether the drawers suit your ingredients and whether the storage space for dishes offers the right dimensions.
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Ordering a refurbished appliance without identifying the model
In France, the term ‘refurbished’ means the appliance has undergone functionality tests, according to the Ministry of the Economy. But this alone won’t tell you its dimensions or internal layout.
Confirm the model number, stated condition, measurements and delivery arrangements with the professional seller. Keep a copy of the listing and sales documents.
A few brands and models to consider
These examples show some formats you could compare; their features won’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Bosch
For the KGN86AIDP fridge-freezer, Bosch lists 479 L for the fridge and 152 L for the freezer. Compare these capacities with the space you need for each use.
- Bosch lists a VitaFresh XXL drawer with humidity control on this model. It’s worth considering if you want to keep some fresh ingredients separate.
- Measure the space where it will go and the delivery route, then check separately how much room the shelves offer for your dishes.
Samsung
The RB38C7B6AS9/EF fridge-freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a model with a bottom freezer.
- Samsung recommends measuring doorways, corridors and lifts to check that the packaged appliance will fit through.
- Before choosing this model, also check that its internal storage will fit your containers.
Haier
Haier lists a capacity of up to 700 L for its HCW99F18DHMB multi-door fridge. It’s worth considering if you need several large dishes to be accessible at the same time.
- The brand highlights several storage zones on this model. Check how they’re designed and how much usable space they offer for the foods you want to keep separate.
- With a model this large, check that it will fit in your kitchen and through every access point on the delivery route.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge-freezers and a multi-door model, giving you space to chill meals and freeze portions. Compare their sizes with your containers and the space you have at home.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L, three doors, No Frost
If you want to keep prepared meals and fresh ingredients separate, consider the layout of this three-door model and how much space its shelves actually offer.
The product name lists 360 L, Total No Frost, energy class E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the usable dimensions of the storage spaces and the delivery route.
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Samsung RB34C704DB1, 344 L fridge-freezer, black
If you’re sharing the storage between fresh meals and frozen portions, compare the space in each compartment with the amounts you usually store.
The product name lists a total capacity of 344 L and energy class D. Measure the depth needed for installation and the usable space for your containers.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L multi-door fridge-freezer, silver
This four-door model is worth considering if you regularly need to store several large dishes, provided its interior has enough space for them.
The product name lists 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and energy class E. Check the space it needs in your kitchen, the delivery route and the usable dimensions of the compartments.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L fridge-freezer, black
If space is limited, compare this fridge-freezer with the amount of fresh meals and frozen portions you prepare.
The product name lists a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost technology. Check that your containers will fit on the shelves and find out what freezer maintenance is required.
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Sonlu CD‑400RW, 355 L fridge-freezer
To divide your prepared meals between the two compartments, compare their listed capacities with the proportion of meals you freeze.
The product name lists 252 L for the fridge, 103 L for the freezer, a width of 60 cm and energy class E. Check the other external dimensions and the internal layout before choosing your containers.
Frequently asked questions
How many litres of capacity do I need to prepare several meals in advance?
There’s no one-size-fits-all capacity for batch cooking: the number of people, how many portions you freeze and the size of your containers all affect how much space you need. As a general guide, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Then check the capacity of both compartments separately and the space between the shelves.
Fridge-freezer or multi-door: which is best for prepared meals?
Consider a fridge-freezer if you need to chill meals and freeze portions without choosing an especially wide appliance. A multi-door model makes sense if you’ll genuinely use the extra space and your kitchen and delivery access can accommodate its dimensions. Que Choisir points out that large American-style fridges generally use more energy than standard models.
Is the type of cooling enough to judge a fridge that’s often full?
No. A label such as No Frost doesn’t tell you on its own how quickly the temperature recovers after you’ve put away a large amount of food. To assess this, look for test results for the specific model: Que Choisir’s test protocol includes simulated daily additions and a full weekly shop.
Does a refurbished fridge sold by a professional come with a legal guarantee?
Yes. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity also applies to refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Check the details of any commercial guarantee separately: it doesn’t replace the legal guarantee.
What should I measure before a large fridge is delivered?
Measure the space where you plan to put it, then check the doorways, corridors and lift along the entire delivery route, allowing for the appliance while it’s still packaged. Samsung includes this check in its delivery guidance; also confirm with the seller what unpacking and installation services are available.