If you regularly store fresh and frozen food, start by looking at a fridge freezer with compartments that suit your needs. If you only keep a small amount of frozen food, a fridge may be enough. Choose a separate freezer only if you’ll genuinely use the extra capacity: according to ADEME, these appliances run continuously, and their size or features can increase energy use. Then compare the capacity in litres for each compartment and the annual energy consumption in kWh/year of models designed for the same purpose.
If you regularly store both types of food, compare the fridge and freezer capacity separately. A fridge freezer combines them in one appliance, but its total capacity won’t tell you whether the split between compartments suits you.
If you buy in bulk or store food for longer periods, work out how much extra space you genuinely need beyond your fridge freezer. Then check whether you have room for a second appliance and whether its annual energy consumption makes sense for your needs.
Measure the space and delivery route before choosing a format. Check the model’s instructions for ventilation clearances and climate class.
First choose the configuration that suits the amount of food you usually store. Then compare the capacity and annual energy consumption of appliances in that configuration.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and buy very little frozen food, or already have a suitable way to freeze food.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment, if there is one, may not be suitable for storing frozen food regularly.
Consider this if: you regularly store both fresh and frozen food and want one appliance to do both.
Bear in mind: the capacity split between the two compartments needs to suit your shopping habits, even if the total capacity seems sufficient.
Consider this if: the freezer compartment in your fridge freezer isn’t big enough for the amount of frozen food you usually store.
Bear in mind: a second appliance runs continuously and needs a suitable space. Also compare how easy it is to access food in a chest or upright freezer.
| Factor | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacity in litres separately. Compare them with what you typically store in a week and during periods when you have more food in stock. | If I mainly store fresh food, I don’t need to choose a large freezer compartment by default. For fridge capacity, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year of models that do the same job and offer a suitable capacity. Read the energy label alongside this figure, not instead of it. The European Commission’s EPREL database lists details including the capacity and annual energy consumption of each model. | I want to make use of the capacity I choose, rather than run an appliance with far more space than I need. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that a larger size or unnecessary features can increase running costs. |
| Features | Check whether frost-free technology, connected features or a dispenser meet a specific need. Then compare the kWh/year and capacity of the models you’re considering. | Would defrosting be a hassle for me? If I’m unlikely to use connectivity or a dispenser, these options won’t make up for choosing the wrong capacity. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route. Check the model’s instructions for ventilation and climate class, and confirm the arrangements for taking away your old appliance when you place your order. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to make sure the appliance can be brought in and installed according to the instructions, not just check that it fits in the space I’ve measured. |
A large total capacity can hide an unsuitable split between fresh and frozen food. According to ADEME, the size of an appliance that runs continuously can affect its energy consumption.
Take stock of what you usually store and how much you have during your busiest periods, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
Two appliances with different capacities or configurations may not meet the same needs. The European Commission’s EPREL database lists details including their annual energy consumption and capacity.
Compare the energy class and kWh/year of models with a function and capacity that suit your household.
A separate freezer means another appliance running continuously, even if you don’t make much use of its extra capacity.
Check whether you genuinely need more space for frozen food. If you do, compare the usable capacity and kWh/year of the models you’re considering with how you’ll use them.
An appliance might fit in the space you’ve measured but still lack the necessary clearance. Electrolux, for example, advises allowing air to circulate and following the appliance’s climate class requirements.
Before ordering, check the instructions for the exact model, the delivery route and the practical arrangements for taking away your old appliance.
Bosch’s range of fridge freezers includes a variety of layouts and features.
Liebherr offers freestanding and built-in fridges, with dimensions and capacities listed for some models.
Whirlpool offers No Frost fridges and fridge freezers, with freestanding and built-in models available.
These options include fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a convertible chest freezer to consider for a separate storage need. Choose a format based on the capacity you’ll genuinely use before comparing models.
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If you want fresh and frozen storage in one appliance and width is a consideration in your kitchen, check that its 70/30 split suits what you store. Listed width: 54 cm; height: 176 cm. Before choosing a spot, check the instructions for ventilation clearances and climate class.
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This fridge freezer combines both types of storage. Check that its 360 L capacity suits the amount of fresh and frozen food you usually store. The model name indicates Total No Frost, an E energy class, Wi-Fi and My Zone. These features don’t replace comparing kWh/year. Check the instructions for installation clearances.
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This format is worth considering if you regularly need plenty of fridge and freezer space. Check how the capacity is split before making your choice. The model name indicates Total No Frost, an E energy class, Smart Inverter and a silver finish. Check the dimensions, ventilation and climate class for the space you have in mind.
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If you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food, check that the stated 495 L capacity meets your needs in each compartment. The model name indicates an E energy class. Measure the delivery route and check the instructions for installation requirements. Also confirm the features included with the version on sale.
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This chest appliance could suit a separate storage need if 95 L is the right capacity for you. Its fridge and freezer modes are alternatives, so it can’t store fresh and frozen food at the same time. The product name indicates an E energy class, a seven-level thermostat, a removable basket and a defrost drain. Check that you have enough room to open it and allow for the recommended clearances.
First compare the capacity you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the kWh/year of appliances that meet those same needs. The energy class alone doesn’t show their annual energy consumption. The European Commission’s EPREL database lists details including consumption, capacity and dimensions for each model.
Don’t choose these features for that reason without comparing the kWh/year of the models you’re considering. ADEME notes that extra features, including on-demand ice production, can increase running costs. Choose these options based on how you’ll use them.
Measure the space and the delivery route, then check the model’s instructions for ventilation and climate class. Electrolux, for example, recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance. The exact clearances depend on the model you choose.
Follow the instructions for your model. For its appliances, Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging them in, to allow the oil to flow back into the compressor. Don’t automatically apply this waiting time to another model.