Households planning meals several days ahead
If you do a big shop and keep leftovers, consider the usable capacity and how easy it is to store fresh food, without overlooking the space available in the freezer.
Who are these options for?
Households that freeze food regularly
If you prepare portions in advance or stock up on frozen food, the freezer’s net capacity matters more than the appliance’s total capacity alone.
Smaller households with a compact kitchen
A compact model is worth considering if it fits the space available and has enough capacity for your shopping and freezing habits.
What should you look for?
Start with how much you need to store, then compare the different styles against the space you have available. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough freezer space or that the appliance will fit in your kitchen.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it if: you want one appliance for fresh food, leftovers and a moderate amount of frozen food.
Keep in mind: the fixed split between the two compartments may not suit you if you freeze a lot of food.
Tabletop
Consider it if: you live alone, store only a little food at a time and have limited space.
Keep in mind: its smaller capacity leaves less room for a big shop and leftovers.
Multi-door
Consider it if: you need a large capacity and have enough room in your kitchen for this style of appliance.
Keep in mind: check the space available, the route into your kitchen and the clearance needed to open the doors.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider it if: regularly freezing batch-cooked meals or stocking up is your main priority.
Keep in mind: two appliances take up more space, and you’ll need to check each one carefully before buying.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for groceries and leftovers | Compare the net usable capacity with how much you buy between shops. | When I need groceries to last several days, I want to store leftovers without hiding the food I’ll need to use soon. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this fresh-food storage capacity. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer’s net capacity separately from the fridge’s. | If I prepare portions in advance or keep frozen food in stock, freezer space becomes a deciding factor. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space required | Measure the space where the appliance will go, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the doors. | In a small kitchen, I can manage with less storage, but I don’t want an appliance that blocks the way. For around 21% of consumers, fitting the available space matters more than capacity. |
| Food storage and maintenance | Check the temperature settings and cooling features in each compartment. | When I regularly store fresh food, I want to be able to monitor its temperature and organise it properly. Around 14% of consumers put control over food storage and maintenance first. |
As a starting point for choosing a suitable capacity, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your actual shopping habits and how you want to divide the space between the fridge and freezer.
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a typical fridge-freezer of around 300 L may allocate roughly two-thirds of its capacity to fresh food and one-third to frozen food. This split may not work for you if you freeze lots of portions.
Look at what fills each compartment between shops, then compare their net capacities separately.
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Choosing a multi-door model without measuring access
An appliance with the capacity you need may still be too wide for your kitchen or difficult to get into position.
Measure the delivery route, the available space and the clearance needed to open the doors on the model you’re considering.
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Relying on a cooling feature to prevent food waste
No Frost or a dedicated compartment won’t replace keeping track of what you have in stock. ADEME highlights the importance of planning your shopping and keeping food you need to use in plain sight.
Rotate your food and check the temperature: Anses recommends setting your fridge below 4 °C.
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Overlooking the energy label and your old appliance
In France, the authorities state that fridges must carry an energy label. If you’re replacing an appliance, it’s also worth planning what to do with the old one.
Compare the model’s annual energy consumption and noise level, then check with the retailer how they’ll take away your old fridge.
Brands to know when comparing models
Bosch
Worth considering for fridge-freezers and single-door models that, depending on the model, offer dedicated storage compartments.
- Bosch describes VitaFresh as a zone designed, among other things, to keep certain types of food separate.
- Check whether this feature is included and how it works on the specific model you’re considering; it isn’t available across the entire range.
Electrolux
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in fridge-freezer to fit an existing space.
- Electrolux lists the KNT6ME18S4 as having a 186 L fridge and a 62 L freezer.
- These capacities apply to this model. Check the housing dimensions, compartments and energy label of the model you’re considering.
Whirlpool
Worth considering among the W7 fridge-freezers if you’re looking for dedicated compartments and a No Frost feature.
- Whirlpool describes its W7 Total No Frost range as designed to limit frost build-up.
- Compare the capacities, dimensions and features of the exact model rather than assuming that every product in the range has the same specifications.
Fridges selected on Joybuy
These fridge-freezers and multi-door models give you a chance to compare different fresh and frozen food storage capacities. Choose based on your usual shopping and the dimensions of your kitchen, rather than looking at total capacity alone.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge-freezer, 360 L
Worth considering if you shop regularly and want one appliance for both fresh and frozen food. The model name lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone. It has an E energy rating; compare its annual energy consumption and check that its dimensions and compartment capacities suit your needs.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door fridge-freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you do a big shop, provided you have enough room for this multi-door model. The model name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the route into your kitchen and check that the doors can open fully, then compare each compartment’s capacity with your needs.
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Heinrich´s, 253 L fridge-freezer, 182 L fridge and 71 L freezer
If you need space for groceries and leftovers, with a moderate amount of freezer space, the listed capacities make it easy to assess each use separately. The product name also lists No Frost, LED lighting and a noise level of 39 dB. Check the width and depth before choosing this fridge-freezer for a specific space.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer, 153 L fridge and 74 L freezer
Worth considering if kitchen width is an issue and these capacities are enough for your shopping. The model name lists a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Low Frost may not eliminate the need to defrost; also check the height and clearance needed for installation.
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COMFEE' RCF470LS2EU(E), 4-door fridge, 474 L
Worth comparing if you need plenty of storage and your kitchen can accommodate a four-door appliance. The model name lists a total capacity of 474 L, a Vario Box configuration and an E energy rating. Ask for the net capacities of the fridge and freezer before deciding whether it has enough room for your frozen food.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity does my household need?
UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop and how many leftovers you keep, and compare the net capacities of the fridge and freezer separately.
Will a larger fridge on its own reduce food waste?
No. The right capacity makes food easier to store, but it doesn’t replace planning meals and keeping track of what you already have. ADEME recommends doing this to avoid buying duplicates and forgetting about food.
What temperature should I set my fridge to?
Anses recommends setting it below 4 °C. Check the actual temperature inside the appliance regularly and follow the storage advice for the food you keep in it.
What should I compare on the energy label?
For a fridge sold in France, check the energy label required by the French authorities. Compare the energy rating and annual consumption of the exact model, as well as its compartment capacities and noise level.
How should I arrange for my old fridge to be taken away?
Before ordering a replacement, check with the retailer whether they’ll take away your old appliance when you buy it or, if needed, when it’s delivered. Also make sure the old fridge can be moved out through the available doors and access routes.