If you want to shop once every one to two weeks, first work out how much usable space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then check that the appliance will fit where you plan to put it. A fridge freezer combines both compartments in one appliance. If you need plenty of freezer space, also consider a multi-door fridge or a separate freezer, bearing in mind that this will take up extra room.
If you shop for one to two weeks at a time, make sure there’s enough usable space for fresh food. Don’t assume the total capacity is the same as the fridge capacity. UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person, as a starting point. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits.
Check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately from the fridge’s. A small freezer compartment may limit how much frozen food you can store between shops. If you need a substantial reserve, it’s also worth considering an additional freezer.
Measure the available space, delivery access and clearance needed to open the doors before choosing a large appliance. For a built-in model, also check the housing dimensions and the model’s instructions. If the room’s temperature varies, check the climate class too.
When you shop less often, your choice of appliance mainly depends on how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, and for the appliance itself.
Consider this if: you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, without needing more freezer space than fridge space.
Limitation: the freezer compartment may be too small if you store lots of frozen food or batch cook.
Consider this if: most of your shopping is fresh food and you only buy frozen food occasionally.
Limitation: check the freezer compartment’s capacity and features. Its name alone won’t tell you what you’ll be able to store in it.
Consider this if: you want plenty of storage in one appliance and have a kitchen that can accommodate its size.
Limitation: check its width, the access routes and door clearance before you buy.
Consider this if: your priority is plenty of freezer storage, separate from the space you need for fresh food.
Limitation: you’ll need to allow for the space and energy use of a second appliance, as well as a room with suitable operating conditions.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity and the space available for your containers. UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person, as a starting point. | When I buy enough fresh food to last several days, I want to be able to put everything away without cramming the food in. Around 31% of consumers prioritise having enough fridge space. |
| Freezer storage | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres and its layout, rather than relying on the appliance’s total capacity alone. | If my frozen food needs to last until my next shop, I want a separate compartment that’s big enough for what I buy. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Kitchen space | Measure the space, access routes and door clearance. For a built-in model, check the housing dimensions in the model’s instructions. | In a narrow kitchen or one with existing cabinets, I need to make sure I can fit the appliance in and open it. For around 25% of consumers, finding a suitable spot for the appliance is a priority. |
| Everyday use | For appliances of a similar size and capacity, compare their kWh/year and noise levels. Check the climate class against the room’s temperature. | If the appliance is near a living area or in a room where temperatures vary, I want to consider its noise level and operating conditions. These factors are the main priority for around 19% of consumers. |
Two appliances with similar total capacities may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. As a guide, UFC-Que Choisir describes a typical fridge freezer of around 300 l, with approximately two-thirds for refrigeration and one-third for freezing.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with the types of food you usually buy.
An appliance with enough capacity for your shopping won’t necessarily fit through your doors or hallways, or alongside your kitchen furniture. With a built-in model, the appliance dimensions and the housing dimensions aren’t interchangeable.
Measure the space and access routes, then check the model’s instructions for door clearance, ventilation and, if necessary, how to secure it to the cabinet.
According to Bosch Home Appliances, the climate class indicates the ambient temperatures the appliance is designed to operate in. A kitchen and an unheated utility room may need different checks.
Compare the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures with the range specified for the exact model.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you the appliance’s annual energy use or how noisy it will be near a living area. Direct comparisons are also less useful if the appliances have different capacities.
For models with similar sizes and capacities, check the product details for kWh/year and the noise level.
This selection includes large-capacity multi-door models and fridge freezers, including a built-in model. If you shop less often, start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that your chosen format will fit in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want to store a large shop in a multi-door appliance.
Advertised total capacity of 467 L, with Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating listed in the product title. Check the usable fridge and freezer capacities, as well as the clearance needed for the doors.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for plenty of capacity to shop less often and have enough space for it.
Advertised total capacity of 495 L and an E energy rating. Check the door configuration, fridge and freezer capacities, and the model’s dimensions before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one built-in appliance.
Advertised total capacity of 249 L, with TwinTech No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Before buying, check the housing dimensions, clearances and fixing system against the instructions for the exact model.
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Worth considering if width is a key factor and the capacity suits your shopping needs.
The product title lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a reversible door, Low Frost technology and an E energy rating. Also check the height, depth and clearance required.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large four-door appliance to organise your shopping.
Advertised total capacity of 474 L, with a Vario Box drawer and an E energy rating. Check the usable capacity of each compartment to see how much room there is for frozen food.
It depends on the size of your household and what you buy, not just how long you leave between shops. UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person, as a starting point. Adjust this if you store lots of bulky fresh food, and check the freezer capacity separately.
No. Also compare their annual energy use in kWh/year, choosing models of a similar size and capacity. The space available for fresh and frozen food, as well as the noise level, also matters if you store frozen food or plan to put the appliance near a living area.
Yes, provided the model’s recommended ambient temperature range covers the actual temperatures in the room. Bosch Home Appliances explains that this range depends on the climate class. Check the appliance’s rating plate and instructions before choosing an unheated or very warm location.
Check the collection options for your old appliance and the practical arrangements for delivery. The DGCCRF states that when you buy a new appliance, the retailer must offer free take-back of an equivalent used appliance under the ‘one-for-one’ scheme. Ask the retailer how to arrange this for your order.