Households that freeze food every week
If you batch-cook, regularly buy frozen food or keep prepared portions in the freezer, assess freezer capacity and layout separately from those of the fridge.
Who is this choice for?
Families that store lots of fresh food
If you need space for fruit, vegetables, drinks and meals between shops, look at the net fridge capacity as well as how much space is genuinely easy to reach on the shelves and in the drawers.
Households with a small kitchen or restricted access
A narrow entrance, hallway, open-plan kitchen or doors close to the appliance may rule out a larger model. Measure the delivery route and the space where it will go, then consider noise levels if it’s near your living area.
What sets the different styles apart?
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if fresh food is your priority and you want one appliance with space for everyday frozen food.
The trade-off: the freezer compartment may be too small for batch-cooked food or large stocks of frozen items.
Multi-door or side-by-side
Worth considering: if you need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food and your kitchen can accommodate a wide appliance.
The trade-off: these models take up more space and can be harder to get through your home on delivery. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that American-style models generally use more energy than conventional fridges.
Separate freezer
Worth considering: if you need dedicated freezer capacity, while choosing or keeping a fridge for fresh food.
The trade-off: you’ll need space for a second appliance and should take the energy consumption of both into account.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the net capacity of each compartment with your usual shopping and how much frozen food you keep in stock. Total capacity alone doesn’t tell the whole story. | If I freeze portions every week, I want enough room to store them without sacrificing too much space for fresh food. Around 36% of consumers would make this balance of capacity a priority. |
| Size and access | Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go. Check how much clearance you’ll need to open the doors and remove the drawers on the model you’re considering. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to get the appliance in and still move around when its doors are open. This would be the first consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare kWh/year for appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. Check the stated noise level if your kitchen opens onto a living area. | If the fridge is near the living room, I want enough capacity without overlooking energy use or everyday noise. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Storage and maintenance | Check the drawers and how easily they can be removed. For the exact model, confirm which compartments have a No Frost function. | If I open the freezer often, I want to find food easily and spend less time defrosting. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
A large stated capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room for frozen food. For a standard fridge-freezer, UFC-Que Choisir gives a rough guide of around two-thirds fridge space and one-third freezer space, but that may not suit your habits.
Note the net capacity of each compartment separately and compare it with your usual shopping, as well as the times of year when you freeze more food.
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Forgetting the delivery route and door clearance
A multi-door model may fit the space you have in mind but still not get through a doorway or leave enough room to pull out its drawers. UFC-Que Choisir notes that large American-style fridges can be almost a metre wide.
Measure doorways, hallways, turns and the final space. Check the dimensions and clearance requirements for the exact model.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
Appliances with different sizes or capacities may not meet the same storage needs. So, look at the energy rating alongside annual energy consumption and capacity.
Check the energy label and compare the kWh/year of models with similar compartments and intended uses.
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Assuming a dispenser doesn’t need a water connection
Requirements vary by model: Bosch states that the ice maker on the KAD93AIDP needs a water connection.
Before deciding where to put the appliance, check whether the model you’re considering uses a water tank or needs a mains water connection.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The range includes American-style and side-by-side fridges for households considering a larger model.
- Bosch lists 371 L of fridge capacity and 191 L of freezer capacity for the KAD93AIDP.
- Its dimensions, noise level and water connection for the ice maker are specific to this model, so check these details for any other product code.
Samsung
The range includes multi-door and side-by-side models, with storage and connectivity features that vary between products.
- Samsung offers models with capacities of over 600 L and widths of more than 90 cm.
- A feature advertised across the range doesn’t replace checking the net capacity of both compartments, dimensions, kWh/year and noise level of the model you choose.
Whirlpool
The brand offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers, with layouts that vary by model.
- Depending on the model, Whirlpool offers features such as No Frost, door alarms and adjustable storage.
- Check the product details for the fridge-freezer you’re considering to confirm which features it has and how much freezer space is available.
Liebherr
The range includes fridge-freezers with different capacities and layouts.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 423 L, a width of 74.7 cm and a noise level of 34 dB for its CBNsdc 765i Prime.
- These specifications apply to this product code, not to all Liebherr fridge-freezers. Check how much space is available for frozen food too.
Fridges to compare on Joybuy
These appliances include fridge-freezers and multi-door models for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance. If your priority is having a separate freezer for extra capacity, compare that option too before making your choice.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four doors, 467 L
Worth considering if you want one four-door appliance for fresh and frozen food; check how much space is allocated to each compartment.
Stated total capacity: 467 L. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
Measure the delivery route, the space where it will go and the clearance needed to open the doors.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L
Worth considering if you need plenty of storage in one appliance, after comparing the fridge and freezer capacities.
Stated total capacity: 495 L; E energy rating.
Confirm the door layout of the version on sale, then check the access route and clearance in your kitchen.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 L fridge-freezer
This fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer is worth comparing if the compartment can hold your usual amount of frozen food.
Stated total capacity: 282 L; E energy rating.
Check the freezer capacity and noise level separately, especially if it’s near a living area.
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COMFEE' RCF470LS2EU(E), four doors, 474 L
Worth considering if the storage layout of a large four-door appliance suits your fresh and frozen food shopping; check the capacity of each compartment.
Stated total capacity: 474 L; E energy rating. The product name mentions Vario Box, a three-temperature crisper drawer and Flip Tray.
Check the dimensions, kWh/year and noise level against your available space and priorities.
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Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 L
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a high-capacity appliance with a freezer: first work out how much space you need for frozen food.
The product name states a total capacity of 444 L, a frost-free function, 40 dB and an E energy rating.
Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the clearance needed before choosing this size.
Frequently asked questions
How do you estimate the capacity a family needs?
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh food and your usual stock of frozen food separately. For fridge capacity, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. This doesn’t determine the freezer capacity you need on its own.
What noise level should you look for in an open-plan kitchen?
Compare the stated noise level of the exact model, taking into account how close it is to your living room or bedrooms. UFC-Que Choisir gives less than 40 dB(A) as a guide to the quietest appliances, but this doesn’t guarantee that you won’t notice any noise.
What should you look for on the energy label?
Check the energy rating, kWh/year, fridge and freezer capacities, and noise level. The label helps you compare models suited to similar needs; the product details in the European EPREL database can provide further information.
Does the legal guarantee apply to a fridge bought from a trader in France?
Yes. As the French Ministry of the Economy points out, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France, whether they’re new, second-hand or refurbished. If the appliance is faulty or doesn’t match its description, contact the seller to discuss the remedies available in your situation.