Who is this type of fridge for?

Households that prepare several meals in advance

If you regularly store sealed containers, check there’s enough room between the shelves and leave space for cold air to circulate, in line with Anses guidance.

People who want to keep a close eye on the temperature

You want to be able to set the temperature and check it at the coldest point. Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C in this area.

Households that also store frozen food

You need to divide the space between fresh and frozen food, while choosing a model that fits the space available in your kitchen.

What should you look for?

For prepared meals and fresh food, start by checking temperature control and the space actually available for your containers. Whether you need a separate freezer compartment will depend on your storage habits.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Temperature control Check the temperature settings and plan to measure the temperature at the coldest point, between 0 and +4 °C, as recommended by Anses. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses temperature stability and how quickly the temperature recovers in its tests. If I often store home-prepared meals, I want to check that the area where I keep them stays cold enough; around 42% of consumers put temperature control first.
Usable capacity and storage Compare the usable capacity of the fridge compartment and measure the height of your containers against the space between the shelves. My containers need to fit without filling the shelves so tightly that cold air can’t circulate; for around 33% of consumers, space for meals and fresh food comes ahead of other criteria.
Freezing and format Decide whether you need a separate freezer compartment, then measure the space available and the route into your kitchen. I regularly store frozen food and need to get the appliance into my home; around 25% of consumers prioritise this combination of freezer space and format.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Relying on the total capacity alone

    This figure doesn’t tell you whether your containers will fit between the shelves or how much room there is in the fridge compartment. Overpacking can also restrict the cold air circulation highlighted in Anses guidance.

    Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and measure your tallest containers before choosing the interior layout.

  • Assuming a display shows the temperature inside your food

    A control panel, app or No Frost label doesn’t remove the need to check the coldest point. Anses recommends checking the temperature regularly and not overloading the appliance.

    Check the setting after installation, using a thermometer if needed, then leave space for cold air to circulate between items.

  • Choosing a fridge freezer without working out how much freezer space you need

    A separate freezer changes how the space is divided between fresh and frozen food. Conversely, a small built-in freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly store frozen food.

    Think about what you usually freeze and compare the usable capacity of each compartment.

  • Measuring your kitchen but not the delivery route

    An appliance that fits its allocated space also needs to get through the doors, corridors and lifts on the way to your kitchen.

    Measure the access route and compare it with the dimensions of the packaged appliance, if these are provided.

Brands to consider for selected models

LG

The freestanding GBM21HSADH fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a model with a stated total capacity and multi-level air circulation.

  • LG France lists a 304 L capacity, Multi Air Flow, Total No Frost, a noise level of 35 dB and an energy consumption of 194 kWh/year for this model.
  • These specifications don’t tell you whether your containers will fit between the shelves or what temperature the appliance will maintain at its coldest point in your home.

Bosch

The built-in KIS86AFE0 fridge freezer is worth considering if you have a cabinet niche and want easier access to fresh food.

  • Bosch lists 192 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, an Easy Access shelf, and open-door and temperature-rise alarms.
  • This model isn’t No Frost. Check that its built-in dimensions are also suitable for your cabinet.

Samsung

The RB38C7B6AS9/EF fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a large capacity and want to use connected monitoring features.

  • Samsung France lists a 387 L capacity, Twin Cooling and SmartThings features for this model.
  • SmartThings features require a Wi-Fi connection, a Samsung account and a compatible app. Connected monitoring doesn’t replace checking the temperature inside the appliance.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should I aim for when storing prepared meals and fresh food?

Aim for between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge, as recommended by Anses. For home-prepared meals containing ingredients of animal origin, the agency recommends storing them in the coldest area, below 4 °C.

Is a fridge thermometer useful?

Yes. It lets you check the temperature at the coldest point, particularly after installation or if the appliance doesn’t display the temperature there. Anses recommends checking the temperature regularly.

Does the energy label need to be visible for a new fridge sold online in France?

Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that an energy label is required for new fridges sold both in shops and online. It lets you check details such as the model reference, energy rating and stated annual consumption.

When should you put prepared meals in the fridge?

Don’t put food in the fridge while it’s still hot, but don’t wait more than two hours before chilling it, according to Anses. Avoid overloading the shelves too, so cold air can circulate.

Are fan-assisted cooling or No Frost enough to ensure the right temperature?

No. On their own, these features don’t show that the appliance maintains a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C at its coldest point. Check the setting and the temperature inside the appliance, and make sure air can circulate freely.