Families who mainly store fresh food
If a few days’ worth of shopping fills the shelves and salad drawers, check the fridge capacity and the space available for dishes before looking for a larger freezer.
Which households should consider this choice?
Households that keep plenty of frozen food
If the drawers are full before your next shop, compare the freezer capacity in litres separately from the appliance’s total capacity.
Families with limited kitchen space
If the space is fixed or your kitchen opens onto a living area, weigh up your desired capacity against the dimensions, noise level and annual energy consumption of the model you’re considering.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
To choose between a fridge freezer and a multi-door model, start with the compartment that’s short of space in your home. Then compare appliances that can fit your shopping, without forgetting where they’ll go in the kitchen.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food storage | Compare the fridge capacity in litres and the layout of the shelves and drawers. | When there’s no room for the meals and fresh food from the weekly shop, I want more accessible space without unnecessarily increasing the freezer capacity. Around 36% of consumers in this situation would prioritise this need. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer capacity in litres, as well as the number and size of its drawers. | If my frozen food already fills the drawers, the total capacity doesn’t tell me whether the next appliance will solve my storage problem. This would be the priority for around 36% of consumers in this situation. |
| Fit and everyday use | Measure the space and check how the doors open, then compare the kWh/year and dB ratings of models with similar storage capacities. | With a narrow or open-plan kitchen, I need an appliance that fits in its space without overlooking noise or energy consumption. Around 28% of consumers in this situation would put these constraints first. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Looking only at total capacity
Two fridges with a similar total capacity can divide the space between fresh and frozen food differently. So a large capacity figure doesn’t guarantee enough room in the compartment you need.
Make a list of the foods that are difficult to store, then check the capacity of each compartment on the energy label and the model’s product information.
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Choosing a multi-door model before measuring access routes
Measuring the space isn’t enough if the appliance won’t fit through the doorways or its doors can’t open properly once it’s in place. For example, Haier lists the HCR59F18DNMB as 905 mm wide and 738 mm deep.
Measure the space, delivery routes and clearance for the doors, then compare these with the dimensions of the exact model.
An unsuitable access route or location can also complicate delivery or mean you need a different installation solution.
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Comparing only the energy efficiency rating
The European Commission says the label also shows energy consumption in kWh/year, storage capacities and noise levels. The rating letter alone won’t answer every question about how the appliance will work for you.
Compare these details across appliances with capacities suited to similar needs, rather than choosing between a fridge freezer and a large multi-door model based on just one figure.
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Assuming a bigger appliance will keep your shopping fresher
More storage doesn’t replace the precautions you need to take between the shop and putting food away.
The DGCCRF recommends keeping transport time to a minimum, putting food in the fridge or freezer promptly and following its storage instructions.
Brands to consider by format
These example models illustrate different sizes and formats. Always check the specifications for the exact model and variant you’re considering.
Bosch
Worth exploring if you’re looking for a freestanding, 60 cm-wide fridge freezer with a bottom freezer.
- Bosch lists a 216 L fridge capacity and an 89 L freezer capacity for the KGN36ELEA.
- Its stated noise level of 42 dB applies to this specific model, not all Bosch fridge freezers.
Samsung
Worth a look if you want a standard-width fridge freezer with a higher total capacity.
- Samsung describes the RB34C600CWW/EF as a 344 L fridge freezer with a C energy rating.
- Check the capacity of each compartment and the features of your chosen variant rather than assuming the total capacity tells you how the storage is arranged.
LG
A model to consider if your family’s storage needs have you thinking about a multi-door appliance.
- LG lists a 637 L capacity and an E energy rating for the GML960MBBE.
- Before choosing this format, compare the fresh and frozen food capacities, dimensions, dB and kWh/year for the model.
Haier
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large multi-door model and your kitchen and access routes can accommodate it.
- Haier lists four doors and dimensions of 905 × 738 × 1825 mm for the HCR59F18DNMB.
- Its width means you’ll need to measure the space, access routes and clearance needed to open the doors.
Fridges to explore on Joybuy
These models offer several ways to store the family shop: multi-door appliances for larger quantities, a standard-width fridge freezer and an integrated fridge freezer. Compare how the fresh and frozen food storage is divided, along with any installation requirements, before choosing.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L multi-door fridge freezer, four doors
Worth considering if your shopping calls for a multi-door appliance. The title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, then measure the space and clearance for the doors.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L multi-door fridge
Worth considering if you’re looking for plenty of space for the family shop and have a suitable place for it. The stated energy rating is E. Check the exact door layout, the fresh and frozen food capacities and the space needed to open the doors.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer
Compare it with multi-door models if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one fridge freezer. The title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that each compartment has enough capacity to last until your next shop.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L integrated fridge freezer
Worth considering if your kitchen needs an integrated appliance and this capacity can accommodate your household’s shopping. The title lists TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that it’s compatible with your housing unit and doors, and check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year on the energy label.
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COMFEE' RCF470LS2EU(E), 474 L four-door fridge
Worth considering if you’re looking for a four-door appliance for a large family shop. The title lists an E energy rating and mentions a Flip Tray. Check the fresh and frozen food capacities, kWh/year, noise level and dimensions before comparing it with the other models.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare on a family fridge’s energy label?
Compare the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on fridge energy labels. For your shopping, check the space for fresh and frozen food separately.
Does total no-frost technology mean you never have to defrost?
Darty describes total no-frost technology as working in both compartments to prevent frost from forming. Check which technology is listed for the exact model: a different marketing name doesn’t necessarily describe the same set-up.
How should I store food after a big shop?
Put fresh and frozen food in the appropriate compartment promptly. The DGCCRF also recommends keeping transport time to a minimum, following the temperatures shown on packaging and checking your appliance’s manual for advice on where to store food.
What should I do with my old fridge?
You can take an old electrical appliance to a collection point or recycling centre, or return it to a retailer, in line with guidance from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition. If you’re considering an out-of-warranty repair instead, the Ministry of the Economy says the repair bonus requires, among other things, using an approved repairer. Check the scheme’s other conditions too.