Start by working out how much space you really need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge, a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer won’t all suit the same habits. Then match the capacity to your shopping and compare the annual energy consumption of appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. An extra freezer is only worthwhile if you regularly make use of its capacity.
If your shopping doesn’t take up much space, start by estimating the usable capacity you need rather than choosing a larger model just in case. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres as a starting point for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. How often you shop, whether you buy in bulk and how many meals you prepare can all affect this figure.
If you use both compartments every week, check the capacity for fresh and frozen food separately. The total capacity of a fridge-freezer alone won’t tell you whether the split suits your needs.
Prepared meals, home-grown produce or bulk buys may mean you need more space for frozen food. Choosing between an upright freezer and a chest freezer also depends on how easy it is to access your food, the space you have available and the ambient temperature range the model is designed for.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the energy labels of appliances that offer the right balance.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Enough space for fresh food | Usable capacity of the fridge compartment and appliance dimensions. | When I don’t buy much fresh food, I want enough space without shelves that will sit empty; around 29% of consumers would prioritise getting the right capacity for fresh food. |
| A good balance of fresh and frozen storage | Capacity of each compartment and annual energy consumption in kWh. | If I regularly store both types of food, I want a practical split in a single appliance; around 36% of consumers would share this priority. |
| Organised access to frozen food | Usable capacity of an upright freezer, internal storage and annual kWh consumption. | When I often freeze meals or bulk buys, I prefer to be able to find food in drawers; around 21% of consumers would put organised access first. |
| Plenty of storage in a chest freezer | Usable capacity, floor space and clearance to open the lid. | To store large quantities bought in bulk, I’m happy to access food from above if I have enough space; nearly 14% of consumers would prioritise this type of storage. |
According to ADEME, refrigeration appliances run continuously, so any extra capacity should be chosen to meet a genuine need. To compare similar models, check their annual kWh consumption, compartment capacities and noise levels on the energy label, then look at the installation requirements for the exact model.
The letter on the energy label doesn’t tell you the usable capacity or annual energy consumption. Appliances with different capacities or intended uses can’t be compared on the letter alone.
Compare annual kWh consumption and the capacity of each compartment across models that meet the same need, then check their dimensions and noise levels.
A separate freezer runs continuously, on top of your fridge. ADEME distinguishes between the average annual energy consumption of different types of appliance, so a large capacity that you rarely use isn’t automatically an advantage.
Think about your usual shopping habits, bulk buys and the amount of freezer space you already have.
Remember to factor in the additional appliance’s continuous energy consumption, too.
The permitted ambient temperature varies from model to model. A feature advertised for certain models designed for unheated rooms may not apply to others.
If you’re planning to put the appliance in a cellar, garage or utility room, check the minimum and maximum ambient temperatures for the model in its documentation or EPREL product fiche.
You’ll need to arrange suitable removal for a fridge or freezer that’s being replaced.
Before placing your order, ask the retailer how to arrange collection and what to expect on delivery.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers in France.
The French range includes fridges, fridge-freezers and integrated appliances.
Beko offers fridge-freezers and upright freezers in France.
The French range includes freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers that combine refrigeration and freezing.
These appliances suit three of the needs covered here: keeping fresh and frozen food together in a fridge-freezer, organising frozen food in an upright freezer or storing larger quantities in a chest freezer. First choose the format that suits your habits, then check the specifications of your chosen model against its energy label.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Its stated capacity is 333 L; the product title lists No Frost and an A rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the annual kWh consumption on the energy label for this model.
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This format is suited to households whose food storage needs justify a large capacity for both fresh and frozen food. The product title lists Total No Frost and an E rating. Measure the available space and compare the capacity of each compartment and the model’s annual kWh consumption.
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Worth considering if you regularly store large quantities of frozen food and have enough floor space. The product title says it can switch between fridge and freezer modes. Allow room to open the lid and check the ambient temperature range before installing it in an unheated room.
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This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for one appliance for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a capacity of 344 L and an E rating. Check how the capacity is split between compartments, the annual kWh consumption and the installation requirements for this model before comparing it with other fridge-freezers.
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Worth a look if you want a separate freezer with easy access to food from the front. The product title lists a C rating and No Frost. To assess its energy consumption and plan where to put it, check the model’s annual kWh consumption, dimensions and ambient temperature range.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh and compartment capacities for appliances with similar intended uses and capacities. The European energy label uses a scale from A to G and also shows the noise level. You can find more detailed information about a model in its EPREL product fiche.
Use your shopping habits as a starting point rather than aiming for a fixed capacity. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this depending on whether you buy in bulk, prepare meals and how much space you need for frozen food.
Yes, as long as the permitted ambient temperature range for your chosen model is suitable for the garage. Check the minimum and maximum temperatures in the documentation or EPREL product fiche. Beko’s claim that some models are suitable for unheated rooms doesn’t apply to every appliance.
First, follow the food storage temperatures shown on the packaging, as recommended by the DGCCRF. Then check the recommended settings for each compartment of your appliance. These vary by model and don’t override the instructions on food packaging.