If you need to store both fresh and frozen food in one appliance, start by comparing the fridge and freezer capacities of a fridge freezer with the space you actually have available. A fridge may be enough if you don’t use much frozen food or already own a freezer. Two separate appliances or an additional freezer can meet greater freezing needs, as long as you have room for them. Then check the dimensions, door clearance, annual energy consumption and noise level of the model you’re considering.
In a narrow kitchen, an alcove or an open-plan room, check the delivery route, appliance dimensions, door clearance and noise level before deciding on capacity. Bosch, Whirlpool and Liebherr product specifications show that width, depth and noise levels vary from one model to another.
If you use both compartments every week, a fridge freezer lets you keep them together in one appliance. Check the net capacity of each compartment separately: a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee the right balance for your shopping.
Compare kWh per year, noise levels and the defrosting system, then find out what support is available for the model you’ve chosen. ADEME recommends checking the energy label, while the European EPREL database provides information about registered models.
First, decide whether one appliance can hold all your fresh and frozen food. Then choose a split of the capacity that suits your shopping, while keeping the available space and installation requirements in mind.
Choose this if: you don’t use much frozen food or already own a freezer.
Keep in mind: you’ll need another solution if you regularly want to store frozen food.
Choose this if: you need to store fresh and frozen food in the same space.
Keep in mind: the space allocated to each compartment varies by model, so compare their capacities separately.
Choose this if: you need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food, and your home has room for two appliances.
Keep in mind: two appliances take up two spaces. Add their annual energy consumption together to assess the total.
Choose this if: your fridge already meets your needs for fresh food, but you need more space for frozen food.
Keep in mind: it means another appliance and additional energy use. If it will be kept in an unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperature in the manual.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and noise | Measure the delivery route, the space available and door clearance. Check the model’s installation dimensions and noise level in dB. | In a narrow or open-plan kitchen, I want the appliance to be delivered and used without obstructing the way or disturbing the living space. Around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Capacity and storage | Compare the net capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately, then look at the drawers and shelves. | If my shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, I need enough space in each compartment rather than a large overall capacity. Around 29% of consumers would put this balance first. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Check the kWh/year for appliances with a similar function and capacity, and see which compartments are covered by No Frost. | When an appliance runs every day, I want to know how much energy it uses and whether I’ll still need to defrost it. Around 24% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
| Replacement and aftercare | Check the warranty and service terms, information about spare parts and arrangements for taking away your old appliance. | If I’m replacing a faulty appliance, I need to arrange its removal and know who to contact about my new model. Around 18% of consumers would make this their priority. |
Two fridge freezers can divide their capacity differently between the fridge and freezer. The total can therefore hide a compartment that’s too small for your usual shopping.
Compare the net capacity of each section and the storage layout before choosing.
An appliance may offer the storage you want but still be too large to fit through the access route or leave enough room for the doors to open properly.
Measure the delivery route and the final location. For an integrated model, check the appliance dimensions against the installation instructions for your cabinet space.
According to the list published by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and updated on 8 July 2025, fridge freezers aren’t among the categories covered by this rating. Its absence therefore tells you nothing about a model’s repairability.
Ask about the warranty and after-sales service terms, as well as the information available on parts for the specific model.
The option to have an old appliance taken away doesn’t mean collection has already been arranged.
When replacing a used appliance with an equivalent new one, check before ordering how to use ecosystem’s free ‘one-for-one’ take-back service, including for distance sales.
These examples can help you identify types and features to compare. Always check the details of the model you’re considering.
Worth considering for freestanding fridge freezers that list fridge and freezer capacity separately.
Worth considering if you’re looking at high-capacity fridge freezers and their dedicated compartments.
Worth considering when comparing the compartments and features available across different fridge freezers.
Worth considering when comparing freestanding fridge freezers with integrated models, which have different installation requirements.
These appliances combine fresh-food storage and freezing in one unit, with options including standard fridge freezers, multi-door models and side-by-side designs. First choose a style that works in your kitchen, then check its capacity against your shopping needs.
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A 344 L fridge freezer for keeping fresh and frozen food together. Before choosing it, check the space needed to open the doors and the capacity of each compartment.
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Worth a look if you want to organise fresh and frozen food in a multi-door appliance. The model name indicates a total capacity of 467 L and Total No Frost. Check its dimensions and the space needed to open all four doors.
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For households considering a multi-door appliance with a total capacity of 495 L. Before choosing this style, check the delivery route, door clearance and how much of the capacity is set aside for freezing.
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A 282 L fridge freezer with a bottom freezer compartment, bringing fresh and frozen food together in one appliance. If your kitchen opens onto your living space, check the model’s noise level before making your decision.
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Worth a look if you’re after separate capacities of 333 L for fresh food and 192 L for frozen food in a side-by-side appliance. The model name indicates No Frost and 37 dB. Measure the available space and check the model’s kWh/year on its energy label before choosing.
Compare the energy rating, consumption in kWh/year, fridge and freezer capacities, and the model’s noise level. For appliances with similar functions and capacities, these figures give you a better basis for comparison than the rating alone. The European Commission provides access to information on registered models in EPREL.
Fridge freezers aren’t among the categories covered by the repairability rating in the Ministry for Ecological Transition’s list, updated on 8 July 2025. To find out what support is available for a model, ask about its warranty terms, after-sales service contact details and information on spare parts.
When you buy a new, equivalent appliance to replace a used one, the retailer must offer free ‘one-for-one’ take-back, according to ecosystem, including for distance sales. Check the arrangements when you place your order and confirm the collection with the seller.
It depends on the permitted ambient temperature range for the specific model, so check its manual before installation. Beko lists Freezer Guard down to −5 °C on selected models, but this feature isn’t available on every appliance.
No. The system’s coverage depends on the model and the wording used by the manufacturer. Check the product details to see whether the stated defrosting system applies to the freezer only or to the fridge as well.