For family food shops made to last several days, first compare the usable capacity for fresh and frozen food, then check that the appliance will fit through your access routes and open properly in its intended position. A fridge-freezer can offer a good balance of storage in a more compact width; a multi-door model gives you a different layout, but you’ll need to check the dimensions and energy consumption of the specific model.
If your food shops are spaced out and include several days’ worth of fresh food, prepared meals and leftovers, compare the fridge compartment’s capacity and layout, without forgetting to allow space for frozen food. Que Choisir Ensemble describes several formats to suit different lifestyles.
If frozen food makes up a large part of your shopping, check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately from the total capacity, and make sure the drawers are easy to access. Bosch and LG provide the capacities of each compartment for some models in their product specifications.
If the route into your home, the available space or the door opening could limit your choice, compare the model’s dimensions with your measurements at home and check its installation instructions. Manufacturers publish the dimensions of their appliances, but these won’t tell you about any constraints in your home.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the overall dimensions and compare the annual energy consumption of models with enough room for your needs.
Worth considering: if you want two separate compartments in an appliance with a more compact width.
Check: the specific model’s height, depth and usable capacities, as well as whether it can be brought through to your kitchen.
Worth considering: if you want to organise food across several zones and have enough space for the appliance.
Check: the dimensions, the capacity of each compartment and the model’s annual energy consumption, rather than looking only at its total capacity.
Worth considering: if a separate compartment within the fridge suits the way you organise your frozen food.
Check: its exact capacity. A separate compartment doesn’t necessarily have enough room for several days’ worth of frozen food.
Manufacturer examples show how much capacities can vary between models, but there’s no universal capacity for each format. The Bosch KGN39VLCT is listed with 260 l of usable fridge capacity and 103 l of freezer capacity, at a width of 60 cm; the LG GML844PZAE lists 286 l and 220 l respectively. Bosch and LG publish these specifications for these specific models.
| What to compare | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food capacity and storage | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity in litres and the layout of the shelves and drawers. | If I mainly store fresh food, prepared meals and leftovers for several days, I want a fridge compartment that suits my shopping; around 33% of consumers prioritise fresh food storage. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and the layout of the drawers, rather than relying on the total capacity alone. | If my shopping includes lots of frozen food, I want to know how much space is actually set aside for it; around 27% of consumers prioritise frozen food storage. |
| Access and door clearance | Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go, then check the clearance needed for doors and drawers in the model’s instructions. | If access to my kitchen or the space around the appliance is limited, I want to make sure I can get it inside and use it properly; around 20% of consumers prioritise how well an appliance fits into their kitchen. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year and usable capacities on the energy labels of models that suit your needs. | Once I’ve found the capacity I need, I want to take annual energy consumption into account; around 20% of consumers put energy consumption first. |
When comparing models, look at the capacity of each compartment alongside the kWh/year figure on its energy label. The European Commission lists the capacities of fridge and freezer compartments separately, as well as annual energy consumption. An energy rating alone won’t tell you whether an appliance has enough room for your household.
Total capacity combines spaces that can’t be used interchangeably for fresh and frozen food.
Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment separately, and check that the layout suits what you usually buy.
An appliance may fit in the space you’ve set aside but still be too big to get through the access route, or its doors and drawers may not open far enough.
Measure the route to your kitchen and the space where the appliance will go, then check the model’s installation plan before ordering.
A freezer compartment built into a single-door fridge won’t necessarily offer as much space as the freezer in a fridge-freezer.
Check the capacity in litres of the freezer compartment in the exact model you’re considering. Don’t confuse this option with buying a separate freezer.
The KGN39VLCT fridge-freezer is an example of a 60 cm-wide appliance with separate capacities listed for fresh and frozen food.
The GML844PZAE multi-door model lets you explore an appliance with separately listed fridge and freezer capacities.
The RQ768N4GBE multi-door model is an example of a large-format appliance listed by the manufacturer.
The Horizon HCR59F18DNMB collection includes a freestanding four-door appliance.
The KPsle290-26 is an example of a single-door fridge with an integrated four-star freezer compartment.
This selection features multi-door and side-by-side fridges with dedicated spaces for fresh and frozen food.
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The listed capacity is split between a fridge and a freezer compartment, making it easier to organise fresh and frozen food shopping.
329 l for the fridge and 159 l for the freezer; Twin Cooling; filtered water dispenser and ice maker listed.
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The separately listed capacities make it easy to compare the space available for fresh and frozen food.
311 l for the fridge and 156 l for the freezer; No Frost; four doors, six door balconies and two freezer drawers. Listed dimensions: 83.3 × 65 × 181.5 cm.
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You can compare its listed total net capacity with your needs, bearing in mind that the split between compartments isn’t detailed here.
444 l total net capacity; E energy rating; listed annual energy consumption of 289 kWh; Total No Frost technology listed for the fridge and freezer compartments.
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The separate capacities let you check whether the model’s balance of fresh and frozen food storage suits your household.
330 l for the fridge and 165 l for the freezer; Twin Cooling and No Frost listed; listed annual energy consumption of 301 kWh.
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The listed fridge and freezer capacities help you check whether the split suits your shopping needs.
333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer; No Frost and Multi-Airflow listed; adjustable shelves.
No. Check the listed capacity in litres for fresh food and freezer compartments separately on the model’s product page or energy label, then compare each one with what you usually buy.
Measure the route to the space where the appliance will go, as well as the available space, then compare your measurements with those of the exact model. Also check its instructions for the clearance needed and to make sure the doors and drawers can open.
Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy labels of models that both offer the capacities you need. To estimate your annual energy costs, multiply the stated consumption by your own price per kWh; actual consumption will depend on how the appliance is used.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Follow the food storage instructions, too, and check the temperature after installation.
The ministry responsible for ecology lists options including taking it to a collection point or recycling centre, or returning it to a retailer. Check with the retailer and delivery service about the practical arrangements for any home collection.