To store your weekly shop, start by considering how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge-freezer combines both in one appliance, while a separate freezer is better suited to a greater need for frozen storage. If you often take food out, consider the drawer access offered by an upright freezer. If you’re considering a chest freezer for its capacity, make sure you have enough floor space and can access it from above. Then check the dimensions, room temperature and features of the model you’re considering.
If your weekly shop regularly includes frozen food or meals prepared in advance, look at the freezer capacity rather than the total capacity. Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
A fridge-freezer lets you store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare the two capacities separately, then measure the space available. For an integrated model, check the dimensions of the housing too.
Whether it’s going in a cellar, garage, utility room or conservatory, compare the temperatures it will actually be exposed to with the climate range specified for the model. Bosch explains that a climate class indicates the ambient temperatures an appliance is designed to operate in.
Consider this if: fresh food makes up most of your shop and you only buy frozen food occasionally.
Limitation: according to Que Choisir, a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Consider this if: you need both types of storage but don’t have room for a second appliance.
Limitation: the space available for frozen food depends on how the model’s capacity is divided.
Consider this if: you already have a fridge and want to find frozen food easily in drawers.
Limitation: an upright freezer needs extra space and enough height.
Consider this if: you want a separate space for a large stock of frozen food.
Limitation: you’ll need to allow for its floor space and reach food stored beneath the items on top.
| Criterion | What to check | Relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for frozen food | Usable freezer capacity; drawer or basket layout. | When my frozen food quickly fills its compartment, I look first for more freezer space. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen food | Usable capacity of each compartment, listed separately; interior layout. | If I buy fresh and frozen food every week but can’t add another appliance, the space allocated to each matters. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Where it will go | Dimensions, door opening and required clearances; climate class suited to the room. | Before choosing a capacity, I need to make sure the appliance will fit and can be installed in a suitable room. Around 31% of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Stated storage time during a power cut | Duration stated for the specific model in the event of a power cut; any conditions listed in its product information. | If I have a stock of frozen food I want to protect, I compare the stated duration for each appliance I’m considering. This is a priority for around 13% of consumers. |
A fridge-freezer may offer plenty of space for fresh food without meeting your needs if you buy lots of frozen food. The total capacity doesn’t show how the space is divided between the two compartments.
Think about what you store over the course of a week, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, along with the interior layout.
A climate class defines the ambient temperature range an appliance is designed for. Bosch warns that a room that’s too cold or too hot can affect how it works.
Check the temperatures in the space where you plan to put the appliance, then compare them with the climate class and installation instructions for the exact model.
The stated storage time varies by model, not simply by freezer type. Bosch and Whirlpool list 12 h for the GSN36VLDG upright freezer and 32 h for the WHM4612 chest freezer respectively. These figures don’t apply to every appliance in those formats.
Compare the stated duration and any conditions in the product information for the models you’re actually considering.
Removing an old fridge or freezer means planning how to get it out and make sure it goes to an appropriate recycling facility. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition points out that electrical and electronic equipment can contain components with environmental implications.
Ask the seller what take-back options are available and make sure there’s clear access to the appliance before delivery.
French product information to consult when comparing a freestanding fridge-freezer with an upright freezer.
A brand to consider when comparing access and space requirements for a chest freezer and an upright freezer.
A useful point of comparison for an integrated fridge-freezer when the existing housing determines your choice.
Dedicated freezers to consider if your priority is adding more freezer space.
These models let you compare different ways of dividing fridge and freezer space in a fridge-freezer, as well as a small chest freezer designed exclusively for frozen food. Start by choosing the format that suits your shopping habits and available space, then check the installation requirements for the model.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance for your weekly shop.
Stated total capacity: 282 L; bottom-mounted freezer; energy rating E. Check how the capacity is divided, the climate class and the storage time during a power cut if these factors will influence your choice.
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Consider this if you’re looking for two storage compartments in a freestanding appliance and need to choose which way the door opens.
Stated total capacity: 174 L; reversible door, adjustable thermostat and Low Frost system. Compare the space allocated to frozen food with your usual shopping habits, and check the installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you already have a fridge for fresh food and want to add a separate space for frozen food.
Stated capacity: 99 L; removable wire basket and adjustable thermostat. Allow room to open the lid, and check the climate class and stated storage time during a power cut for your needs.
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Compare this if you want to store both types of food in one appliance and check how much space is allocated to each.
Stated capacities: 182 L for refrigeration and 71 L for freezing; No Frost and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Measure the width, depth and required clearances before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if kitchen width is just as important as how space is divided between fresh and frozen food.
Stated capacities: 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing; 54 cm wide, reversible door and Low Frost. Check the height, depth and required clearances too.
A fridge-freezer may be enough if its fridge and freezer capacities separately meet your storage needs. Que Choisir advises you to consider how much frozen food you eat in particular: a small freezer compartment may not be suitable if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Yes, as long as the room temperature stays within the climate range specified for the model and you follow its installation instructions. For example, Bosch gives a range of 10 to 32 °C for climate class SN. Check the climate class of the appliance you choose and the clearances specified in its manual.
No. Compare the stated storage time for the specific models rather than drawing conclusions from their format. Bosch states 12 h for the GSN36VLDG upright freezer, while Whirlpool states 32 h for the WHM4612 chest freezer. These figures don’t apply to every upright or chest freezer.
Wait until the appliance is ready to use and has reached the temperature stated in its manual before loading it. Whirlpool recommends waiting 24 hours before plugging in a new appliance for the first time. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the model you receive.
Arrange for it to be taken away or dropped off at an appropriate recycling facility before your new appliance is delivered. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition points out that electrical and electronic equipment can contain components with environmental implications. Ask the seller what take-back options are available.