First, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the appliance will fit and work properly in your kitchen. A fridge freezer is worth considering if you regularly store both; a table-top or single-door model may suit more modest needs. Finally, compare the capacity of each compartment and the annual energy consumption of models that fit your space.
You need enough room to keep fresh food between shops, without choosing an unnecessarily large appliance. UFC-Que Choisir recommends matching usable capacity to the number of people in your household, how often you shop and the space available.
Freezer capacity matters just as much as the total volume. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough when frozen food makes up a significant part of your shopping.
Before choosing a capacity, check the available space, delivery access and installation requirements. The required niche dimensions and ventilation vary by model, as Bosch Électroménager France notes for its appliances.
Start by considering what you need to store between shops, then check that the format you choose will fit your available space. A larger capacity is no help if the balance between fresh and frozen storage does not suit what you buy.
Worth considering: for a studio flat or a very small kitchen, if you shop frequently and buy very little frozen food.
Bear in mind: usable capacity is limited; check whether it has a freezer compartment and how large it is.
Worth considering: if fresh food is your priority and you only buy frozen food occasionally.
Bear in mind: there is limited space for frozen food; UFC-Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment is not enough for high consumption.
Worth considering: if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to balance the capacity of both compartments against the space the appliance takes up once installed.
Worth considering: for a household that needs a large capacity and has enough room for it.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space; ADEME notes that a larger appliance and excess capacity can increase energy consumption.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for fresh food | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity in litres with the space the appliance will take up, rather than looking at the total capacity alone. | If I shop for several days at a time, I want to store fresh food without buying an unnecessarily large appliance. Around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the type of freezer compartment and its usable capacity; a small freezer may not meet the needs of someone who regularly buys frozen food. | If frozen food is a regular part of my shop, I’m looking for a separate space that’s suitable for it. This capacity would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Positioning and delivery | Measure the appliance, its intended position and the access route; check the instructions for door clearance and ventilation requirements. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to get the fridge in and install it before I can make use of its capacity. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this requirement. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for models with a similar format and usable capacity. | As the appliance runs constantly, I’d rather choose a capacity that meets my needs and check its energy consumption in use. Around 19% of consumers would make this their top criterion. |
The total figure doesn’t tell you how much room there is for fresh and frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir warns that a small freezer may not be enough if you buy a lot of frozen food.
Compare the usable capacities of both compartments with what you usually put away after shopping.
An appliance may have the right capacity but still not fit through the access route or meet the installation requirements in its instructions. Built-in and ventilation requirements vary by model.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the niche, door clearance and the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the appliance doesn’t fit, you may need to adapt the cabinetry or rearrange the delivery.
According to ADEME, refrigeration appliances run constantly, and their size or excess capacity can increase energy consumption.
First work out the capacities and compartments you need, then compare the annual energy consumption of similar models.
In France, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains that the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme applies when you buy a new appliance of the same type.
Before ordering, ask how to arrange the take-back, especially if your new appliance is being delivered to your home.
These fridge freezers and large-capacity models let you explore separate storage for fresh and frozen food. First choose the layout and size that suit your household, then check the installation requirements for each model.
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Worth considering if you want separate fresh and frozen food storage in a fitted kitchen.
The product description lists an energy rating of C and No Frost technology. Check the niche dimensions, ventilation and fixing system in the instructions before ordering.
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Worth considering if your household needs plenty of space for fresh and frozen food.
The product description specifies four doors, an energy rating of E and Total No Frost. Measure the space, door clearance and delivery route.
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Worth considering if you’d like a freezer at the bottom and a separate space for fresh food.
The product description lists an energy rating of E. Check the installation clearances in the instructions; the model uses flammable R600a refrigerant, so its circuit must not be damaged.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food and have room for a large appliance.
The product description lists an energy rating of E. Before buying, check the access route, door clearance and installation requirements for the water and ice dispenser.
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Worth considering if you need separate fridge and freezer compartments in a fitted kitchen.
The product description lists an energy rating of E and TwinTech No Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment, along with the niche dimensions and whether the fitting is compatible with your kitchen.
Consider the number of people in your household, how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your habits, and check the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Measure the final position and the entire delivery route, then compare these measurements with the model’s height, width and depth. Also check the door clearance and installation space specified in the instructions. For a built-in appliance, check the model’s niche dimensions and ventilation requirements.
Compare their stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year, taking usable capacity and format into account: appliances with different capacities won’t meet the same needs. ADEME notes that refrigeration appliances run constantly, and that their size or excess capacity can affect energy consumption.
Yes. According to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme applies when you buy a new appliance of the same type. Before ordering, ask how it works in practice, especially if you’d like the old appliance collected when your new one is delivered to your home.