Households that prioritise fresh food
If most of your shopping goes in the fridge and you only freeze a few portions, check that a small freezer compartment will meet your needs without choosing a larger appliance than necessary.
Which setup is right for you?
Households that alternate between fresh food and prepared meals
If you need to store both the week’s shopping and meals prepared in advance, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. The layout of the drawers and shelves also matters when you’re storing containers.
Households that store lots of frozen food
If you regularly freeze lots of portions, a separate freezer could give you the extra space you need. You’ll still need somewhere suitable to put it, and it will run continuously alongside your fridge.
What should you look for before buying?
Fridge with a freezer compartment
Consider this if: fresh food takes up most of your space and you don’t freeze much.
The trade-off: the compartment may be too small for a regular stock of prepared meals or frozen food.
Fridge freezer
Consider this if: you regularly need space for both fresh and frozen food, but only have room for one appliance.
The trade-off: a large overall capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the freezer compartment.
Separate freezer
Consider this if: your stock of portions and frozen food regularly exceeds the capacity of a fridge freezer.
The trade-off: this second appliance needs its own space and also runs continuously.
| What to consider | What to check | What shoppers say |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities, then check how much room the drawers offer for your containers. | If I’m storing the week’s shopping as well as freezing meals, I need enough room for both. Around 46% of shoppers would prioritise this balance. |
| Freezing capacity | Compare the usable capacity with your maximum stock of portions and frozen food. If you’re considering a chest freezer, check how easy it is to reach food at the bottom, too. | When I prepare lots of meals in advance, I want to store them without filling the freezer to capacity. Around 27% of shoppers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Space and continuous operation | Measure the space available and the delivery route. Compare the stated noise levels and annual energy consumption of appliances with similar capacities. | If space is limited at home, I’d rather avoid a second appliance that’s rarely full. Around 27% of shoppers would prioritise the space an appliance takes up and its continuous operation. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of space for frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not meet the needs of someone who eats a lot of frozen food.
Work out what you need to store at the same time, then check the usable capacity of each compartment and the drawer layout.
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Adding a freezer for occasional use
An extra appliance runs continuously. ADEME advises taking the size and number of refrigeration appliances into account, even if you only use the additional storage space now and then.
Before planning for a second appliance, check whether a fridge freezer with a better balance of fresh and frozen storage would be enough.
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Underestimating the space a chest freezer needs
A chest freezer can offer plenty of capacity, but its floor space and lid clearance need to suit the room.
Measure the model you’ve chosen, allow room to open the lid, and check the entire delivery route, including doors and stairs.
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Putting a freezer in a cold room without checking the model
Whether an appliance can operate in a room with little or no heating depends on the model. You can’t assume this applies to every appliance from the same brand.
Before installing a freezer in a garage or utility room, check the climate class, the stated minimum ambient temperature and the instructions for the exact model.
Brands to consider by appliance type
These ranges can help you compare formats. Check the capacity, noise level and installation requirements for the specific model you’re considering.
Bosch
Bosch’s fridge freezer range combines refrigeration and freezing in one appliance, with freestanding and integrated options depending on the model.
- Bosch lists a 189 L fridge capacity and 90 L freezer capacity for the KGN33NWDA, giving you a specific split to compare with your usual storage needs.
- These capacities and its stated noise level of 40 dB(A) apply to this model, not the entire range.
Liebherr
The range includes high-capacity fridge freezers, worth considering if you need to organise both fresh and frozen food.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 423 L and a noise level of 34 dB for the CBNsdc 765i Prime. Check the capacity split between its compartments, too.
- For a larger appliance, measure the space, required clearances and delivery access before choosing.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers upright freezers, a format to consider if you want to organise portions in drawers.
- Whirlpool describes the WHMFF6312W5E as a 286 L No Frost upright freezer, with a stated noise level of 34 dB(A).
- A separate upright freezer needs its own space. Check the dimensions and specifications of the model you choose.
Beko
Some Beko upright freezers are designed for installation in rooms with little or no heating, subject to the conditions specified for each model.
- Beko lists a capacity of 404 L for the RFNE448E55W and states that it can operate at an ambient temperature as low as −15 °C.
- This stated suitability doesn’t apply to other Beko models. Check the climate class and instructions for the model you choose.
Joybuy products related to this choice
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between two appliances with the same total capacity?
Compare their usable fridge and freezer capacities separately. If you prepare meals in advance, also look at the drawer layout and how much space there really is for your containers.
Does noise matter in an open-plan kitchen?
Yes, if the appliance is close to your living space. Compare the stated noise levels of models in a suitable size. UFC-Que Choisir describes fridges rated below 40 dB(A) as particularly quiet; also check the noise class shown on the label.
What should I arrange when having my old appliance taken away?
In France, retailers must offer to take back your old appliance, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition. When you place your order, check how a large fridge or freezer will be collected, especially if access to your home is difficult.
Can I put a freezer in an unheated garage?
Only if the model’s operating conditions are suitable for the temperature in your garage. Check its climate class and instructions. For example, Beko states that the RFNE448E55W can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to other models.
What temperature should I set my fridge to?
Anses recommends keeping your fridge below 4 °C. After installation, check the temperature setting on the appliance you use to keep fresh food.