Choose a standalone fridge, a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer based on how much space you actually need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare appliances of the same type and with a similar capacity by looking at their kWh/year figures and the capacity of each compartment. According to ADEME, the energy label can help you make a choice, but its rating doesn’t replace checking these figures. Noise and defrosting features matter if they address an everyday need, but they don’t in themselves prove that an appliance uses less energy.
If electricity use is influencing your choice, compare your current appliance’s consumption with the kWh/year figure for a new model with a suitable capacity. Replacing an appliance doesn’t automatically guarantee lower energy use.
To choose between a fridge-freezer and two separate appliances, work out how much space you need in each compartment. The total capacity of a fridge-freezer doesn’t tell you how much is reserved for the freezer.
If you have an open-plan kitchen or are concerned about defrosting, check the stated noise level and the features of the exact model. Compare its annual energy use separately: a convenience feature isn’t proof of lower electricity consumption.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then use the figures on the energy label to compare models that meet those needs.
Worth considering if: you mainly store fresh food and already have a freezer, or rarely freeze food.
Bear in mind: check how you’ll store frozen food if your needs change.
Worth considering if: you need one appliance for your everyday fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: the total capacity may be ample, but the freezer compartment could still be too small for your needs.
Worth considering if: you already have a suitable fridge and regularly freeze quantities that need a separate space.
Bear in mind: this second appliance will also run continuously, so choose a capacity that suits how you use it.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Compare kWh/year figures for appliances of the same type and with a similar capacity. Check the A to G rating on the EU energy label and the details for the exact model in EPREL, the European Commission’s product database. | I want to take account of an appliance that runs continuously, without choosing based on its energy rating alone. |
| Capacity and dimensions | Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. Verify the overall dimensions, delivery access and the clearances specified in the instructions. | I may need a different amount of space for frozen and fresh food, and the appliance must also fit in my kitchen. |
| Noise and maintenance | Compare the stated noise level in dB. If defrosting matters to you, check which feature is available, then compare the exact model’s kWh/year figure rather than assuming it will use less energy. | Noise may influence my choice in a living area; I may also want an appliance that reduces the need for manual defrosting. |
| Installation and removal | Check the installation instructions and the delivery, connection and old-appliance collection options available for the model you choose. | I’m replacing a bulky appliance, so I need to plan for its removal as well as the installation of the new one. |
Appliances of different types or capacities may not meet the same needs, even if their energy ratings seem easy to compare.
First shortlist the type and capacity you need, then compare kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and noise levels. The EU energy label and EPREL, the European Commission’s product database, let you check a model’s specifications.
A large stated capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food, and it doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit in its intended space.
Work out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food separately, measure the space and check the dimensions and both compartment capacities on the model’s product details.
Manufacturers describe NoFrost as a feature that helps prevent frost build-up. Its presence alone doesn’t prove that one model uses less energy than another.
Choose this feature if it suits your maintenance needs, and compare the stated kWh/year figures of suitable models to assess their annual energy use.
An appliance that looks suitable on paper may need installation clearances or delivery arrangements that aren’t practical for your home.
Read the instructions, measure the route to the space where the appliance will go, and confirm the delivery and old-appliance collection arrangements before you order.
These examples show the specifications of specific models, not those of every product range from each brand.
The freestanding KGN39AIAU fridge-freezer may be worth considering if you want to compare the capacity and noise level of an appliance with space for both fresh and frozen food.
The CBNsfc 5223 Plus is an example of a fridge-freezer with dedicated compartments and a NoFrost feature.
The WHK26493X4E is an example of a large-capacity fridge-freezer to consider if you have the storage needs and space for it.
These models combine fridge and freezer space. If you only need one or the other, work out the capacity you need before considering a fridge-freezer.
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If you want to store fresh and frozen food in a narrow space, check whether its stated width of 54 cm will fit, along with the clearances specified in the instructions. The title gives a 70/30 split; check the label for the exact model to compare its annual energy use.
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If you’re looking for a fridge-freezer of this capacity, check how much space it offers for fresh and frozen food. To compare its energy use, check the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model you’ve chosen, as well as its installation requirements.
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The three-door layout may appeal if you want to organise fresh and frozen food separately. The title mentions Total No Frost, an E rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Choose these features based on how you’ll use the appliance, then check the kWh/year figure and compartment capacities for the exact model.
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This large capacity is only worth considering if you’ll make good use of the storage space. The title states an E rating; also check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure, the space available and delivery access.
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If defrosting and noise matter in your kitchen, the title lists No Frost and 35 dB. Still, check the fridge and freezer capacities, rating and kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model before comparing it with another fridge-freezer.
First compare appliances of the same type and with a similar usable capacity, then check their stated annual energy use in kWh/year. Also note the capacity of each compartment and, where available, check the exact model’s details in EPREL, the European Commission’s product database.
No. The rating on the EU energy label is a useful guide, but it doesn’t tell you whether the capacity and how it’s divided will suit your needs. Compare the kWh/year figures and the capacity of each compartment for appliances that meet the same requirements.
No. Manufacturers describe NoFrost as a feature that helps limit frost build-up, but it isn’t enough on its own to compare the energy use of two appliances. Check their stated kWh/year figures and capacities instead.
Not automatically. If you know or can measure how much energy your current appliance uses, compare it with the stated kWh/year figure for a new model that meets the same storage needs. Also consider the condition of your existing appliance: the new model’s energy rating alone can’t predict the results you’ll see at home.
Measure the space and the route into your kitchen, then check the clearances required in the new model’s instructions. Before ordering, confirm with the retailer the arrangements for delivery, any installation and collection of your old appliance.