To keep energy use in check without running out of space, work out how much room you need for fresh food and frozen supplies separately, then compare the kWh/year figures for models that suit your habits. A fridge-freezer may be enough if its freezer compartment meets your needs. A separate appliance is mainly worthwhile if you regularly build up substantial stocks, as it adds another appliance that runs continuously. Que Choisir Ensemble offers guidance on capacity that you can adapt to your household’s habits: the energy label doesn’t replace comparing kWh/year figures.
You prioritise space for fresh food and freeze little or nothing. Comparing the capacity of each compartment can help you decide whether a fridge or a fridge-freezer suits your needs, as Que Choisir Ensemble and Electrolux France point out.
You want to compare appliances that run continuously and avoid paying for capacity or features you don’t need. ADEME notes that newer refrigeration appliances can be more energy-efficient, but this doesn’t allow you to draw conclusions about a specific model.
You regularly freeze meals or buy in bulk. Before adding a separate appliance, first compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with the amount you usually store, bearing in mind the guidance from Que Choisir Ensemble.
Consider this: if you don’t need to freeze food at home and want to choose a fresh-food capacity that suits your shopping habits.
Bear in mind: this setup doesn’t provide the frozen-food storage of a fridge-freezer.
Consider this: if you need to store fresh and frozen food in the same appliance.
Check: the freezer compartment may not be large enough for substantial stocks.
Consider this: if your supplies regularly fill the freezer compartment of a fridge-freezer.
Bear in mind: you’ll be adding another appliance that runs continuously, so add its annual energy use to that of your fridge.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare appliance capacities and energy use with your kitchen and your habits.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for fresh food | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity in litres with the food you actually store from your shopping and meal preparation. Que Choisir Ensemble gives a guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. | When I shop regularly and freeze little, I want enough room for fresh food without choosing an oversized appliance. Around 33% of consumers prioritise usable capacity for this food. |
| Energy use and how you use it | Compare the kWh/year figure and energy class for each model. If you keep several appliances running, add together their annual energy use. | If I’m keeping an eye on electricity use, I compare models with capacities that suit how I use them and take all the appliances I run into account. Around 27% of consumers say electricity costs are their main concern. |
| Space for frozen supplies | Check the freezer’s usable capacity in litres and whether the drawers are easy to access. Only add a separate appliance if a fridge-freezer compartment regularly falls short of your needs. | When I prepare meals to freeze or buy in bulk, I want to store my supplies without adding an appliance that will be unnecessary the rest of the time. Around 20% of consumers prioritise frozen-food storage. |
| Installation and everyday use | Check the appliance’s dimensions, the housing dimensions if needed, and the instructions in the manual. For a cellar or pantry, make sure the climate class is suitable for the room temperature. | If my kitchen has a specific space for the appliance, I check that it will fit and that the installation conditions are suitable before choosing a capacity. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a fit with their space and how they use the appliance. |
The energy class tells you about energy efficiency, while the kWh/year figure shows the stated annual energy use for that model. They serve different purposes.
Compare the energy class and kWh/year figures for the models you’re considering, taking their usable capacities into account. If you keep several appliances, add together their stated energy use.
Capacity for fresh food doesn’t make up for a smaller freezer. The total capacity could therefore hide a compartment that’s too small for your needs.
Check the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately, then compare them with your shopping and the supplies you usually keep.
A separate appliance gives you extra capacity, but takes up space and adds to your ongoing electricity use.
First check whether a fridge-freezer compartment is enough. If your supplies regularly fill it, compare the capacity you need, access to the drawers and the kWh/year figure for the freezer you’re considering.
Installation dimensions vary by model, and the permitted ambient temperature also depends on the appliance’s climate class.
Measure the space, check the manual’s instructions and confirm the climate class for the exact model before buying.
Examples of a fridge-freezer and a freestanding freezer make it possible to compare different configurations and capacities.
The built-in LRB3AE88S is an example of a fridge to consider if its fresh-food capacity and housing suit your kitchen.
The RFNE448E45W upright freezer is an example of a separate appliance for a household with a confirmed need for extra storage.
Some fridge-freezers offer special freshness compartments worth considering if their layout suits your needs.
This selection includes fridge-freezers and a separate freezer, so you can compare your needs for fresh and frozen food storage.
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This fridge-freezer suits a household that wants to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Fridge capacity: 230 L; freezer capacity: 114 L. E energy class and stated energy use: 254 kWh/year. Freestanding model, 59.5 cm wide. Allow at least 50 mm of clearance at the back and sides for ventilation.
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This built-in fridge-freezer is designed for a kitchen with a space suited to a sliding-hinge installation.
Fridge capacity: 186 L; freezer capacity: 62 L. The title states a total capacity of 249 L and an E energy class. The doors are reversible; check the dimensions and type of housing before buying.
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This separate freezer is for frozen supplies and can’t replace a fridge for fresh food.
Stated capacity: 161 L. The title gives it a C energy class. The description mentions No Frost and an arrangement of drawers and shelves.
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This multi-door fridge-freezer may suit you if you need separate spaces for fresh and frozen food.
Fridge capacity: 311 L; freezer capacity: 156 L. Stated energy use: 290 kWh/year; E energy class. Dimensions: 83.3 × 65 × 181.5 cm. Freestanding model.
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This side-by-side model combines refrigeration and freezing in one freestanding appliance.
Total capacity: 444 L; stated energy use: 289 kWh/year. E energy class and SN-T climate class. The stated ambient temperature range is 10 °C to 43 °C.
For the exact model, compare its A to G energy class and annual energy use in kWh, then check the compartment capacities and noise level. The French Ministry of the Economy notes that energy labelling applies to the relevant appliances sold both in shops and online. The European Commission provides EPREL to search for registered models. An old A+++ rating can’t be compared directly with the new scale.
Work out separately how much space you need for fresh shopping and frozen supplies. Que Choisir Ensemble gives a guide of 100 to 150 L of fridge capacity for one person, then 50 L for each additional person, but how often you shop and what you prepare can affect your needs. Then compare a fridge-freezer’s freezer compartment with the supplies you actually keep.
It depends on the room temperature and the climate class of the model you choose. Check the manual and installation requirements before buying: the word “freezer” alone doesn’t guarantee that an appliance is suitable for a cold room.
According to Anses, the coldest part should be between 0 and +4 °C. Check the temperature, put perishable food there, allow air to circulate and avoid overfilling the appliance. Freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive freezing.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory and is provided by the professional seller. For a new product, the Ministry of the Economy states that it lasts two years; this is separate from any optional commercial warranty. Check separately what delivery, installation and removal services are included with your order.