For a household that regularly buys fresh and frozen food, a fridge freezer is generally the most balanced place to start, as it separates the two types of storage. A top-mounted freezer model is best suited to modest stock levels and limited space, while a fridge-only model already assumes you have a separate freezing solution; a multi-door model requires you to check its capacity, footprint and energy consumption.
Distinguish the space reserved for fresh food from the freezer capacity rather than relying on the total capacity alone. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends, as a guide, 100 to 150 litres for one person, followed by 50 litres for each additional occupant; a fridge freezer is the first format to consider when frozen food is part of your regular shop.
A top-mounted freezer model may be suitable if you keep modest stocks, but its limited capacity and smaller freezing compartment may mean shopping more often or buying a separate freezer. Also check the stated noise level if the appliance will be close to your living space.
A larger format can provide more fresh and frozen storage, provided you measure the installation space, delivery route and access points. Before choosing a multi-door model, also compare its noise level and annual energy consumption with those of similarly sized appliances.
Start by dividing your needs between fresh and frozen food, then check your kitchen measurements before comparing the energy label and noise level.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer litres separately. A fridge freezer separates the two compartments; a top-mounted freezer or fridge-only model may have limited or no freezing capacity, depending on the model. | I want to store my shop until the next one without discovering that the space reserved for frozen food is too small. |
| Energy label | Compare the A to G class and annual consumption in kWh between appliances of a similar format and capacity. The A to G scale has applied to household fridges and freezers in the European Union since 1 March 2021, according to the European Commission. | As the appliance runs continuously, I want its capacity to match my actual usage before accepting higher energy consumption. |
| Noise | Check the sound emissions in dB(A) and the noise class shown on the label. Compare appliances of the same format and install the fridge level, in line with its instructions. | In an open-plan kitchen or small home, I want to know the stated noise level before placing the appliance near the living area. |
| Installation and delivery | Measure the height, width, depth, doors, corridors and manoeuvring space. For an integrated appliance, check the niche dimensions, door mounting system and ventilation required by the model. | I want to be sure the fridge can reach the kitchen and that it fits the unit or space already provided. |
A top-mounted freezer or fridge-only model may appear sufficient in litres while leaving too little room for frozen food, or none at all, depending on the model.
Assess the space needed for fresh and frozen food separately. If you regularly freeze food, compare the freezer capacity first and consider a fridge freezer or separate freezer.
Larger formats are wider and may use more energy than standard appliances. Water or ice-making features can also increase consumption.
Measure the installation space and delivery route, then compare annual kWh with fridges of a similar capacity and format. Choose water or ice features only if they meet a regular need.
An integrated appliance depends on the niche dimensions, door system and installation clearances; the external dimensions alone are not enough to confirm compatibility.
Before ordering, measure the niche precisely and compare it with the model’s technical specifications and instructions, including the ventilation and door-fitting requirements.
Noise is particularly important in an open-plan kitchen, but the stated value does not cover every operating sound you may hear day to day.
Compare the stated dB(A) levels between similar models and ensure a stable, level installation in accordance with the instructions.
The Bosch range includes freestanding fridge freezers, fridge-only models and table-top formats.
Samsung is worth considering if you are looking for a large-capacity multi-door fridge.
Electrolux is worth considering when integrated installation is a priority and the niche dimensions are already known.
Liebherr is worth considering for fridge-only or compact models when fresh food is the priority or a separate freezer is already available.
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers designed to keep your household’s fresh and frozen shopping organised in separate compartments.
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For fresh and frozen shopping, it provides 276 L of fridge space and 114 L of freezer space.
Class C, 169 kWh/year, 35 dB, fan-assisted frost-free cooling and stated dimensions of 59.5 × 203 × 65.8 cm.
Check the available height, delivery access and ventilation clearances. The Wi-Fi and SmartThings features require network configuration.
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It offers 311 L for fresh food and 129 L of freezer space for households storing larger shops.
Class D, 223 kWh/year, 35 dB, 4-star freezer and stated dimensions of 70 × 203 × 66.7 cm.
The 70 cm width and 203 cm height require careful checks of access and installation space. If avoiding manual defrosting is important to you, check this point in the model specifications.
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This fridge freezer divides your shopping between 230 L of fridge space and 114 L of freezer space.
Class D, No Frost, rapid cooling and freezing, reversible door and stated width of 59.5 cm.
Check the energy label for noise and annual kWh, then verify the depth, ventilation and delivery access. SmartThings and AI Energy require Wi-Fi and the app.
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With 193 L of fridge space and 89 L of freezer space, this model suits a household looking for two separate storage zones without a large format.
Class E, 228 kWh/year, NoFrost freezer, MultiAirflow and stated dimensions of 176 × 60 × 66 cm.
Check the dB(A) rating and noise class if the fridge will be near a living area, as well as the clearances required around the appliance.
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It reserves 279 L for fresh food and 89 L for frozen food, making it suitable for households with larger fresh-food shops.
Class E, 238 kWh/year, NoFrost freezer, MultiAirflow, LED lighting, reversible door and stated dimensions of 203 × 60 × 66 cm.
Before buying, check the noise level, the available height and depth, as well as the delivery route and ventilation clearances.
The label for household fridges and freezers has used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021. According to the European Commission, it shows the energy-efficiency class, annual consumption in kWh, the capacities of the fridge and freezer compartments, as well as the noise level and its class; its QR code provides access to detailed model information in EPREL.
No. Also measure doors, corridors, lifts and manoeuvring space. For an integrated appliance, check the niche dimensions and door-fitting system specified for the model; for any appliance, follow the instructions regarding ventilation and clearance from heat sources.
Electrolux France recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging in its fridges and fridge freezers, allowing the oil to flow back into the compressor. Always consult the instructions for the model you have bought, as they set out the correct procedure.
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that a “one-for-one” take-back scheme applies when buying a household appliance of the same type. Take-back without a purchase, known as “one-for-zero”, applies to this category in retail shops with at least 400 m² of sales area dedicated to the relevant category.