When choosing a family fridge freezer, first consider how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, energy use and noise levels for the specific model. A fridge freezer with a freezer drawer at the bottom is worth considering if space is limited; a multi-door or American-style model may suit you better if you need more storage, provided you check the installation requirements and whether the extra features are useful to you. If no single appliance offers the balance of space you need, separate fridge and freezer units let you choose the capacity of each independently, but each comes with its own installation and running requirements.
If you fill your appliance after a big shop, look beyond its capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests assess how well it responds when food is added, so results for the specific model can help you judge whether it suits your needs.
A large total capacity doesn’t tell you how the space is divided. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, based on what actually fills your shelves and drawers.
The stated noise level matters when your kitchen is close to living areas. Measure the space and the delivery route, then check the clearances required in the manual. If you want a water dispenser, check how it’s supplied with water too.
Start with your shopping habits, then compare the available styles with the dimensions of the exact model. The energy label displayed under European Commission rules includes details such as capacity, energy use and noise emissions.
| What to compare | What to check | What suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with how easy it is to access the doors or drawers. Gifam recommends matching capacity to the size of your household and home. | I mainly buy fresh food, or I need plenty of space for frozen food. I need a layout that suits my shopping, not just a large total capacity. |
| Style and installation | Measure the space, delivery route and clearances specified in the manual. If you’re considering separate fridge and freezer units, check the installation requirements for both. | My kitchen can accommodate the dimensions of the model I’ve chosen, and I’ll still be able to open its doors once it’s in place. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the energy rating, kWh/year and dB for the exact model on its EU energy label. If you’re buying two separate appliances, check both labels. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to noise. I also want to compare the stated energy use rather than assume it based on the appliance’s size alone. |
| Temperature performance | Look for tests covering temperature stability and cooling after food is added. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes simulating the addition of a full week’s shopping. | I bring home a lot of food at once and want to know how the model performs after I’ve put it away. |
| Water dispenser | The manual should say whether the dispenser needs a mains water connection or uses a refillable tank. Bosch distinguishes between these two types of installation. | If I want a dispenser, I check that it will work in my kitchen and that I’ll actually use it. |
Different splits between fridge and freezer space won’t suit the same storage habits. Gifam recommends choosing a capacity that suits your household rather than relying on one overall figure.
Estimate how much room you need for fresh and frozen food separately, then check the capacity of each compartment on the energy label or product page.
An American-style or multi-door fridge freezer needs to fit through the access points and be installed with the clearances specified for that model.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the manual for the clearance needed around the appliance.
A plumbed-in model needs a water connection, while one with a tank needs to be refilled by hand. How it works depends on the model, as Bosch and Samsung explain for their respective appliances.
Check the manual to find out what type of dispenser it has before choosing this feature for your kitchen.
According to Gifam, No Frost fan-assisted cooling prevents frost from building up. That feature alone doesn’t tell you how a model performs when you put in a large amount of food.
For that, look for cooling and temperature-stability test results for the model you’re considering.
These range references can help you find different configurations. The features mentioned apply only to the specific models listed.
Bosch’s freestanding fridge freezer range includes models with different splits between fridge and freezer space.
Haier’s French multi-door range includes four-door models that offer a different way to organise your food.
Some Samsung American-style fridge freezers have a water dispenser supplied by a tank.
These models include a fridge freezer with a stated width, multi-door appliances and an American-style model for household food storage. Compare their compartments and installation requirements against your shopping habits. Their inclusion here doesn’t tell you how well they maintain temperature.
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Worth considering if a three-door layout suits the way you shop. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before choosing, check how much space each compartment offers and the required clearances.
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Its four doors are worth considering if you want to organise your food separately. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the space and delivery access, then compare the capacity of each compartment.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for more room for your shopping. Check the separate capacities for fresh and frozen food, as well as the installation dimensions. If the dispenser matters to you, consult the manual for this model to find out how it’s supplied with water.
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Consider this style if you want side-by-side access to the compartments and have enough room for it. The model name indicates an E energy rating and a capacity of 583 L. Check the usable capacity of each compartment on the energy label, as gross capacity isn’t the same as usable capacity. Also check the kWh/year figure for the exact model.
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This fridge freezer is worth considering if space is limited and its compartments suit the food you buy. The model name indicates a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost. Check the separate capacities and remember to check the freezer’s defrosting instructions.
First, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the energy rating, kWh/year and noise level for the exact model. The European Commission says these details are shown on the EU energy label. Also check that the dimensions and layout suit your kitchen.
No, it depends on the model. Bosch distinguishes between dispensers connected to a water supply and models with a tank. Samsung also describes a tank on the RS68N8320S9/EF. Check the manual for the model you’re considering.
Because it doesn’t tell you how much space is available for fresh and frozen food. Gifam recommends matching capacity to your household and storage habits, so compare the space in both compartments with what you usually store.
Look for cooling and temperature-stability test results for the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes simulating the addition of a full week’s shopping. Stated capacity or No Frost alone won’t give you the same insight.