Start by choosing the format based on the available space, the amount of fresh food you store and the freezer capacity you need. Then compare the litres in each compartment, kWh/year and noise level on the energy label. A standard-width fridge freezer is often a good fit for a narrow kitchen; a French-door model, American-style fridge freezer or two separate appliances require careful checks of access, door clearance and ventilation.
If you shop for several people but do not have room for an appliance close to 90 cm wide, a fridge freezer with separate compartments is a sensible starting point. However, check the model’s height, depth, noise level and annual energy consumption.
When fresh food, leftovers and frozen items all need plenty of space, compare the usable capacity of each section rather than looking at the total capacity alone. A French-door model, American-style fridge freezer or two separate appliances could be suitable if space allows.
In an open-plan kitchen, compare the energy class, kWh/year, capacities and noise emissions for appliances with similar capacities. Que Choisir considers appliances rated below 40 dBA to be quiet.
Start by defining the capacity you genuinely need, then check the installation requirements and label information before choosing between formats.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the net capacities of the fridge and freezer separately; relate them to a week’s shopping and your freezing habits; examine the layout of the compartments. | I want enough room for my weekly shop without choosing a large appliance whose freezer or fresh-food section is unsuitable for my needs. |
| Food organisation | Look at the bins, drawers, shelves and separate zones; check how easy it is to see the food; take stock of what you have before shopping. | I need to spot leftovers and food that needs using, so I can avoid buying duplicates. ADEME notably recommends checking existing stocks before writing a shopping list. |
| Noise and energy consumption | For similar formats and capacities, compare the energy class, kWh/year, capacities and dB(A); consult the information on the European energy label. | In an open-plan living space, I want a noise level that fits comfortably into daily life while understanding the stated annual energy consumption. |
| Access and installation | Measure the width, height, depth, delivery routes and door clearance; follow the ventilation clearances and climate class specified for the exact model. | My appliance must fit through the access points in my home, open without hitting furniture and be installable in line with its instructions. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity can offer very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A household that cooks frequently may run out of room in the fridge, while one that freezes food in batches may need more freezer space.
Compare the usable litres in each section with a typical week’s shopping before prioritising finishes or additional features.
French-door and American-style appliances can approach a metre in width and need enough space for the doors to open. Bosch recommends checking the model’s dimensions with the doors open and closed, as well as its ventilation requirements.
Measure the front door, corridors, lift, turns, final position and clearance beneath cabinets, then consult the installation diagram for the chosen model.
A modified installation, postponed delivery or doors that are difficult to use can complicate setting up the appliance.
The class alone is not enough when formats and capacities differ. The European energy label also shows annual energy consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions.
Compare the class, kWh/year, usable litres and noise level between appliances with comparable capacities and formats.
Depending on the model, a dispenser may require a mains water connection or work with a reservoir. Installation requirements and any consumables also vary from one model to another.
Check the exact model’s instructions, required water supply, ventilation clearances, dimensions with the doors open and the climate class suitable for the room.
Bosch’s installation documentation helps you compare freestanding, built-in and wide appliances, with particular attention to dimensions with the doors open, levelling and ventilation.
The RB38C600 series illustrates a family fridge freezer in a standard width. For the RB38C600ESA/EF, Samsung states a capacity of 390 L, a width of 59.5 cm and a noise level of 35 dB.
LG offers fridge freezers of around 387 L as well as French-door models exceeding 600 L, allowing you to compare a standard-width appliance with a larger family model.
The FTN461WCE1 is a high-capacity appliance with an intermediate width: Hisense states 467 L and a width of 70.4 cm.
This selection brings together fridge freezers, French-door models and American-style appliances to help you compare family storage needs, the fresh-to-frozen split, noise levels and overall dimensions.
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A fridge freezer that separates fresh shopping from frozen food in a standard-width kitchen.
Stated capacity of 360 L: 235 L fridge and 125 L freezer; 35 dB(A), 271 kWh/year, width of 59.5 cm and height of 185 cm. Check access points, door clearance and the specified ventilation gaps.
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This fridge freezer could suit a household looking for a standard-width appliance with a stated noise level of 34 dB.
Stated capacity of 333 L, including 183 L of fridge space, 37 L of chill compartment space and 113 L of freezer space; class C, 169 kWh/year and a width of 59.7 cm. Confirm that the 5 cm clearances are compatible with the installation position.
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A French-door option for large shops and regular freezing, provided your kitchen can accommodate a wider appliance.
Stated capacity of 495 L: 330 L fridge and 165 L freezer; 40 dB, 301 kWh/year, width of 81.7 cm and depth of 71.5 cm. Check access routes, the stated 50 mm ventilation gap and the requirements for the water and ice dispenser.
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This American-style model is designed for households with large shops and enough space for delivery and door opening.
Stated capacity of 488 L: 329 L fridge and 159 L freezer; 41 dB, 298 kWh/year, width of 83.3 cm and depth of 74 cm. Check whether a mains connection is required for the filtered water dispenser.
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A side-by-side format for households that need plenty of room for both fresh and frozen food.
Stated capacity of 525 L: 333 L fridge and 192 L freezer; 37 dB, No Frost and class E. Check the dimensions, weight, door opening, ventilation clearances and kWh/year before buying.
For appliances with similar capacities and formats, compare the A to G class, annual consumption in kWh, the capacity of the fresh and frozen compartments, as well as noise emissions and their class. The European Commission states that this information appears on the label; its QR code can also provide access to EPREL for the relevant model.
No. Measure the delivery routes and installation position, then check the depth, height, ventilation and dimensions with the doors open on the model diagram. With larger appliances, the doors may still be awkward to open even when the appliance fits into its space.
No, it depends on the model. Some appliances with a dispenser require a mains water connection, while Hisense states that the FTN461WCE1 uses a reservoir without a mains connection. Check the product details and instructions for the exact model rather than relying only on the presence of a dispenser in a photograph.
No. ADEME first recommends checking existing stocks, preparing a shopping list and planning meals to avoid buying duplicates. A clear layout can make it easier to see your food, but the capacity should remain appropriate for your household’s habits.
Retailers are subject to French rules on taking back used equipment, as published by Légifrance. Before ordering, confirm with the seller the arrangements for collection, disconnection and removal that apply to your address and your old appliance.