Households that regularly buy frozen food
If you do a weekly shop that includes fresh and frozen food, start by looking at a fridge-freezer. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment, not just the total capacity.
Who are the different formats suited to?
Small households and kitchens
If limited height beneath the worktop or a lack of floor space narrows your options, consider table-top and single-door models. Be sure to check how much room they offer for your shopping and whether they have a freezer compartment.
Families who stock up between shops
A multi-door or side-by-side model can meet your need for more storage, provided it can be brought into the kitchen, its doors can open fully and its installation requirements can be met.
What should you compare before buying?
Table-top fridge
Consider it: if your kitchen has limited headroom or you don’t need much storage for your shopping.
Be prepared for: limited storage space and, depending on the model, little or no room for frozen food.
Single-door fridge
Consider it: if fresh food is your priority and you only freeze food occasionally, or have a separate freezer.
Be prepared for: a small freezer compartment may not meet your need for a separate freezer.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it: if you need to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Be prepared for: the freezer takes up space that could otherwise be used for fresh food. Compare the balance between the compartments against your shopping habits.
Multi-door or side-by-side
Consider it: if you buy large shops and have a spacious enough kitchen.
Be prepared for: a larger footprint. Check the energy use of the specific model rather than assuming it from its format.
Once you’ve chosen a format, match your storage needs to the space available, then check the practicalities of everyday use.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and how often you shop | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | If I shop less often, I want to be able to store fresh food until my next shop without relying on a misleading total capacity figure. Around 33% of consumers would put storage capacity first. |
| Size and installation | Measure the delivery route, the space needed for the doors to open and the final position. For a built-in model, also check the housing and installation requirements in the manual. | In a narrow kitchen or one with a fitted housing, I need to be able to install and use the appliance without blocking access. This would be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Freezing and maintenance | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and cooling system. Low Frost does not mean No Frost. | If I keep frozen food between shops, I need enough freezer space and must be prepared to carry out any required maintenance. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Noise and electricity use | Check the stated noise level and kWh/year. Compare energy use between appliances with similar functions and capacities, rather than looking only at the energy rating. | If the fridge is near my living area, its noise and continuous operation are important factors in my choice. Around 20% of consumers would put these factors first. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
A large total capacity can hide a freezer compartment that’s too small for regular frozen-food shops, or leave you with less room for fresh food than you expected.
Think about what you buy in a typical week and compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately.
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Forgetting the delivery route and door clearance
An appliance may fit in the space you’ve set aside but still be too large to get through a doorway, or block access to cupboards once installed.
Measure the route from the entrance, then check the model’s manual for door-opening space and ventilation clearances.
A difficult route may also mean you need to make special arrangements for delivery and installation.
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Focusing only on the energy label rating
According to ADEME, a fridge runs continuously, so it’s worth considering its annual energy use alongside the capacity you need.
Compare the kWh/year of appliances with similar functions and capacities, while also taking noise and installation space into account.
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Not arranging for your old appliance to be taken away
Used fridges are covered by the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme, as described by the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
When replacing a fridge in France, ask the retailer how to arrange for your old one to be taken away when you buy an appliance of the same type.
Brands to consider by format
Bosch
Worth considering if you want to compare freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers.
- Bosch offers fridge-freezers with a bottom freezer in both installation types.
- Features such as No Frost vary by model. Check the housing dimensions, noise level and kWh/year for the model you’re considering.
Beko
A range to explore if you want to compare different fridge-freezer configurations and freshness compartments.
- Beko features AeroFlow and dedicated compartments on some models.
- These features don’t replace the need to compare the specific model’s capacity, dimensions, noise level and energy label.
Liebherr
A range that includes table-top models, fridge-freezers and built-in appliances.
- Liebherr product specifications let you compare the dimensions and capacities of individual models.
- For a built-in model or a feature such as NoFrost, check the specifications and installation requirements for the model you choose.
Samsung
Worth exploring for multi-door and side-by-side models if your household needs plenty of storage.
- Samsung offers models in this range with capacities of over 600 L and widths of over 90 cm.
- With this much capacity, it’s important to check the delivery route, door clearance and energy use of each model.
Fridges for different needs on Joybuy
This selection includes multi-door models for storing larger shops, fridge-freezers combining fresh and frozen storage, and a built-in model with a small freezer compartment, best suited to occasional or limited use.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS 4-door multi-door fridge-freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you store plenty of fresh and frozen food between shops.
Stated capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost system and E energy rating.
Measure the route into your kitchen and check door clearance and installation requirements.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 multi-door fridge, 495 L, black
Worth comparing if your priority is storing a large shop in a multi-door appliance.
Stated capacity of 495 L and E energy rating.
Check the delivery route, door clearance and installation requirements for this model.
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Heinrich´s 253 L fridge-freezer, stainless steel
If you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, compare how much space each compartment offers.
Stated capacity of 182 L for the fridge and 71 L for the freezer; No Frost and a stated noise level of 39 dB.
Check the width, depth, installation clearances and kWh/year before deciding. This model is not designed to be built in.
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CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L fridge-freezer, silver
Its stated width of 54 cm is worth considering if your kitchen is narrow and you also need a freezer.
Stated capacity of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; reversible door, Low Frost and E energy rating.
Low Frost does not mean you won’t need to defrost it. Also check the height, depth, clearances and kWh/year.
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SMEG S4C122E built-in single-door fridge-freezer, 188 L
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if you prioritise fresh food and have limited need for a freezer.
Stated total capacity of 188 L, top-mounted freezer and E energy rating.
The small freezer needs to be defrosted manually. Check that the housing is compatible and confirm the sliding-rail installation requirements; the furniture door is not included.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity do I need for my everyday shopping?
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a starting point for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guideline to your shopping habits and compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Is a fridge-freezer suitable if I often buy frozen food?
Yes, if its freezer compartment has enough space for the amount you keep between shops. Check this capacity separately: two fridge-freezers with a similar total capacity may divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food.
What should I measure before ordering a large fridge?
Measure the space and the entire route into your kitchen, then allow room for the doors to open. Check the manual for the chosen model’s ventilation clearances. If it’s a built-in appliance, also check the housing and installation system.
How do I compare fridge energy labels?
The energy label used in the European Union has a scale from A to G. When comparing two fridges, also check their kWh/year and compare appliances with similar functions and capacities.
Does No Frost always mean you won’t need to defrost?
Check which compartment the feature applies to. On a model whose freezer is listed as No Frost, it is designed to prevent that compartment from needing to be defrosted. Low Frost is a different feature and does not mean that defrosting is no longer needed.