Households doing a big weekly shop
To store food for several people, look separately at the capacity for fresh food and frozen food. The total capacity doesn’t show you how the space is divided between the two.
Who is it for?
Families with a standard-width kitchen
A large fridge-freezer can still be close to 60 cm wide. The LG GBV3200CEP, for example, is 595 mm wide but also 2 030 mm tall, according to LG France. Measure all the available space, not just the width.
Households with a large open-plan kitchen
A multi-door model is worth considering if you need plenty of space and several storage zones. Check that it can be brought through to the kitchen, and check the stated noise level for the specific model.
What should you check before buying?
Start by working out how much fresh and frozen food you need to store after your shop. Then compare the dimensions, noise levels and energy figures of appliances that can actually be installed in your home.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you want to keep the width close to 60 cm while having separate fridge and freezer compartments.
Bear in mind: a compact width doesn’t guarantee enough room for frozen food or a height that will fit your kitchen.
Multi-door
Worth considering: if its large capacity and access to several storage zones suit your shopping habits.
Bear in mind: check the width, depth and delivery route. Samsung France lists the RF50A5202S9 as 817 mm wide and 715 mm deep.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to me |
|---|---|---|
| Food storage space | Compare the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer, then look at the layout of the compartments. Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits. | After a big shop, I want to be able to store fresh food without running out of room for frozen food. |
| Freezing | Check the freezer capacity and, if you regularly freeze large amounts of fresh food yourself, the freezing capacity stated in kg/24 h. This figure doesn’t replace the storage capacity. | If I regularly freeze food bought fresh, the amount I can freeze in a day also matters when I’m choosing. |
| Size and space | Measure the width, height and depth, the door clearance and the space required around the appliance as stated in the manual. Also check the dimensions of the packaged appliance and the entire delivery route. | The appliance needs to fit through doors and hallways, and I need to be able to open its doors without blocking movement around the kitchen. |
| Noise and energy | For each specific model, check the noise level, energy efficiency class and annual consumption in kWh/year. The European Commission says the EPREL database also provides declared dimensions and capacities. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen. I compare the energy consumption of appliances whose capacity and format suit my needs. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Looking only at the total capacity
An appliance may have plenty of space for fresh food, but too little room for the frozen food you buy every week.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres. If you often freeze fresh food, also check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h.
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Measuring only the space where it will go
A fridge-freezer may fit in your kitchen but still be difficult to get through a doorway, hallway or lift.
Measure the delivery route and the packaged appliance, then check the door clearance and the space required around it, as specified in the manual.
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Comparing only the energy label rating
The energy efficiency class doesn’t tell you how the capacity is divided or how noisy the appliance is. Both factors could affect a family’s choice.
For appliances that meet your needs, also compare the kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment in litres and the noise level of the specific model.
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Choosing a water dispenser without checking what installation involves
Que Choisir says that some multi-door models have a water dispenser on the front. This is another feature to consider for everyday use.
Check the product information and manual for the model you’re considering to find out about installation requirements and maintenance.
Which brands and models should you consider?
These models illustrate different formats and ways of dividing storage space. Their features don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
LG
The GBV3200CEP fridge-freezer is worth considering if you want a large capacity in a width close to 60 cm.
- LG France lists a total capacity of 387 L and dimensions of 595 × 2 030 × 675 mm for this model.
- At 2 030 mm tall, it needs to fit in the available space and make it through to your kitchen.
Beko
The B5RCNE365HXB is worth a look if freezer space is an important factor when choosing a fridge-freezer.
- Beko France lists a total capacity of 316 L for this model: 210 L for the fridge and 106 L for the freezer.
- Check that this split suits your shopping habits, and confirm the model’s dimensions before choosing it.
Samsung
The RB38C600CS9 and RF50A5202S9 offer a standard-width fridge-freezer and a wider multi-door model to consider, respectively.
- Samsung France describes the RB38C600CS9 as a 390 L standard-width fridge-freezer, measuring 60 cm wide, and the RF50A5202S9 as a 495 L multi-door model.
- Samsung France lists the RF50A5202S9 as 817 mm wide and 715 mm deep. Check that you have enough space and that it can be delivered to your kitchen.
Models available on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge-freezers and a multi-door model. To compare them, check how much space you need for your shopping and frozen food, and make sure the dimensions will suit your kitchen.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3 doors, 360 L
A three-door option worth considering if you like to keep fresh food and frozen food separate. The model name indicates a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost, an E energy efficiency class, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check how the capacity is divided and make sure it will fit before choosing.
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Samsung RB38C603CS9, 390 L, class C
This 390 L fridge-freezer is worth comparing if you need space for several days’ shopping. Check the freezer capacity, dimensions and annual energy consumption for the RB38C603CS9 itself. It’s not the RB38C600CS9 mentioned among the brand models.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4 doors, 467 L
This four-door multi-door model is worth considering if you need a large capacity and have room for its format. The name indicates a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy efficiency class. Measure the delivery route and check the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
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Hisense RB3K330SAFC, 330 L, No Frost
This freestanding 330 L fridge-freezer is another option for storing fresh and frozen food. The name mentions No Frost and 35 dB. Check the energy label for the RB3K330SAFC and make sure each compartment has enough space for you.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L, 54 cm wide
Its stated width of 54 cm makes it an option worth measuring for a narrow kitchen. The name also indicates a 262 L capacity, a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost. Check that the freezer has enough space for your shopping habits.
Frequently asked questions
How much capacity do I need for a household shop?
Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit how often you shop. If you regularly buy frozen food, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
How do I compare the energy use of two fridge-freezers?
Compare the energy efficiency class and annual consumption in kWh/year for appliances with a format and capacity that suit your needs. The European Commission says the EPREL database includes details such as annual consumption, dimensions and declared capacities. Check the listing for the exact model rather than relying on its energy efficiency class alone.
Will a multi-door model suit every kitchen?
No. Check its dimensions and make sure you can get it into your home before choosing one. For example, Samsung France lists the RF50A5202S9 as 817 mm wide and 715 mm deep. Also measure door clearance and access routes, and check the space required around the model in its manual.