First, think about how much space you really need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge-freezer covers both needs, while a separate freezer is mainly worthwhile if you regularly use extra storage. Then compare the capacities and annual energy consumption of similarly sized appliances, and remember to allow enough room for installation. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, so adding an appliance or choosing one that is too large should also factor into your decision.
If you regularly cook with fresh ingredients and keep a modest stock of frozen food, check how the capacity is split between the two compartments. A fridge-freezer could meet both needs without adding a separate freezer.
If you buy in bulk or regularly freeze food, the capacity set aside for frozen food and how easy it is to access become key considerations. Check whether a fridge-freezer compartment is large enough, or whether an upright or chest freezer would suit you better.
If you’re replacing an appliance or thinking of adding another, compare its annual energy consumption with that of models of a similar capacity. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and having more appliances than you need can increase energy use.
The key difference is how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, not the total capacity on its own. Model information in EPREL includes details such as capacity, dimensions and annual energy consumption. Use these figures to compare appliances suited to the same needs.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and have little frozen food to keep, or already own a freezer.
Bear in mind: check the capacity of any freezer compartment before relying on it for extra storage.
Worth considering: if you use fresh and frozen food every week but don’t need a large frozen-food reserve.
Bear in mind: check the freezer capacity separately. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee the split you need.
Worth considering: alongside a fridge if you want a regularly used stock of frozen food that’s easy to access in drawers.
Bear in mind: this second appliance also runs continuously, so check you’ll make good use of the extra capacity.
Worth considering: if you keep a large stock of frozen food and have space where the lid can open fully.
Bear in mind: a chest freezer takes up floor space, and it can be less convenient to reach food stored at the bottom.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen-food storage | Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone and how easy it is to reach the food. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between upright freezers with drawers and chest freezers with a large open space. | If I buy in bulk or freeze food often, I want storage I can make proper use of rather than filling it at random; around 31% of consumers put frozen-food storage first. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen food | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then measure the space available. | I store both types of food every week and want to avoid a second appliance; for around 25% of consumers, getting the right balance in one appliance is the priority. |
| Annual energy consumption | Compare kWh/year figures for models of a similar size and capacity, rather than looking at the energy rating letter alone. | When replacing an appliance that stays on all the time, I want to keep energy use down without sacrificing the capacity I need; around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Space and access | Measure the space and allow for doors or lids to open. If you’re placing the appliance in a cellar or garage, also check the permitted ambient temperature range. | In a small room or separate space, I need to be able to install the appliance and reach its contents easily; this comes before other considerations for around 19% of consumers. |
The letter alone doesn’t tell you the appliance’s annual energy consumption in absolute terms. Nor does it mean you can skip checking that the models you’re comparing offer the capacity you need.
First choose a format and capacity that suit your needs, then compare the kWh/year figures for similar models. The model information in EPREL can help you find these details.
A separate appliance gives you more space, but it runs continuously. ADEME notes that having more appliances than you need can increase your household’s electricity use.
Work out how much frozen-food storage you use regularly, then compare it with the freezer capacity of a suitable fridge-freezer before considering a second appliance.
A large capacity won’t be much use if the freezer takes up too much floor space or its lid can’t open fully.
Measure the space, allow room for the lid to open and check the delivery route. If you access your frozen-food storage often, also compare it with the drawer layout of an upright freezer.
The temperature in a cellar, pantry or garage may fall outside the ambient temperature range permitted for some models.
Before buying and installing a freezer, check the permitted ambient temperature range in the manual or technical information for the exact model.
These brands offer examples of formats and features to check for each model. Their inclusion here doesn’t imply that all their appliances have the same energy consumption or availability.
Worth a look if you’re after a fridge-freezer and want to compare the capacity of each compartment carefully.
Worth a look if features such as NoFrost or BioFresh are important when choosing a model.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a chest freezer to store frozen food in a dedicated space.
The appliances below combine refrigeration and freezing, so they’re best suited to households that want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Choose a capacity that gives you the space you need for each, and don’t mistake this selection for a range of separate freezers.
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Combines storage for fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Check that the stated 344 L capacity is divided in a way that suits your needs.
This model is listed with an E energy rating. Check its annual energy consumption and dimensions on the label and in the information for the exact model.
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For households that need both fresh and frozen storage in a four-door appliance. Measure the space and check the capacity of each compartment before choosing this size.
This model is listed with Total No Frost, Smart Inverter and an E energy rating. Compare its annual energy consumption with appliances of a capacity that suits your household.
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Stores fresh and frozen food in a three-door appliance. Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
This model is listed with Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, My Zone and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions and annual energy consumption before buying.
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For everyday storage of fresh and frozen food. Check how the 368 L capacity is split between the two compartments before choosing this format.
This model is listed with an E energy rating. Compare its annual energy consumption with similar-capacity models and check the available height.
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Stores fresh and frozen food in an appliance with a bottom freezer. Check that the 282 L capacity is split in a way that meets your needs.
This model is listed with an E energy rating. Check its annual energy consumption and the dimensions and clearance needed for installation.
Focus on annual energy consumption in kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment, while taking the energy rating into account. For applicable appliances, the label and model information in EPREL also show noise levels. Use the details for the exact model and compare appliances with a similar capacity.
No. It’s a figure measured under standard conditions and is useful for comparing models. How you use the appliance and where it’s installed can affect its actual energy consumption. Choose a suitable capacity first, rather than treating this figure as a guarantee.
Yes, as long as the room temperature stays within the permitted ambient temperature range for the model you’ve chosen. Check the manual or technical information before buying: not every chest freezer is suitable for an unheated room.