To store prepared meals for several days, first choose a fridge with enough space for your containers without blocking the airflow, then find its coldest area: Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C there. A fridge-freezer is a good choice if you also need to freeze portions; if you rarely use the freezer or have a separate one, a fridge-only model may offer more refrigerated storage space. Finally, compare the dimensions and energy consumption of appliances suited to your needs rather than choosing on total capacity alone.
If you cook in one or two batches, your meal containers and fresh ingredients need to be easy to reach without being crammed together. Find the coldest area and leave enough space around food for air to circulate, in line with Anses guidance.
If some of your meals need to go in the freezer, check the available space in each compartment of a fridge-freezer separately. The total capacity won’t tell you how many containers will fit in the fridge.
A few extra containers don’t necessarily justify buying a much larger appliance. Measure the available space and compare usable capacity with the energy label: ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, and its size affects its energy consumption.
Start by working out how much space you need for food that must be kept chilled, then decide whether you need an integrated freezer. Next, check the internal layout, dimensions and energy consumption. Don’t assume that an airflow feature means you can skip checking the temperature.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Coldest area | Where it is, whether you can check the temperature there, and how much space is left for air to circulate. Anses recommends between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point. | If I store homemade meals that need to stay chilled, I want to be able to put them in an identifiable area without overfilling it. Around 36% of consumers prioritise having control over this cold area. |
| Capacity and storage | The fridge capacity on its own, rather than the total capacity, as well as shelf height and the space available for your containers. | When several meals and ingredients are stored together, I need to be able to reach a container without moving everything else. Around 29% of consumers prioritise how their prepared meals are stored. |
| Freezer space | The separate capacities of the fridge and freezer compartments, and how the freezer is laid out for your portions. | If I’m planning to eat some meals soon but freeze the rest, I want a suitable balance between the two spaces. This flexibility is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Size and energy consumption | The dimensions of the space available, usable capacity and energy label consumption figures, comparing appliances of similar sizes and with similar features. | I don’t want to give up a lot of space for an appliance when I’d only use part of it, but I still need enough room to avoid cramming food in. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this balance between space and energy consumption. |
In a fridge-freezer, some of the capacity is taken up by the freezer. Even a large fridge compartment may not be practical if the shelves won’t fit your containers.
Measure the containers you use most often, then compare the capacity of each compartment, shelf height and door clearance.
An appliance filled right to the back leaves less room for cold air to circulate. Anses advises against overfilling the fridge.
Make space for each meal and keep the air vents clear. Follow Anses guidance on cooling cooked meals and putting them in the fridge.
A zone close to 0 °C, a humidity-controlled drawer or an airflow system are specific features. Their availability and use vary by model. These features don’t replace checking the temperature.
Check the model’s specifications to see which foods are intended for each zone, then find out where to put meals that need the coldest area.
ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, and that a larger size or extra features can increase energy consumption.
First, choose a capacity that lets you store your shopping and meals without blocking the cold air. Then compare the energy labels of appliances with similar dimensions and features.
The features below apply to specific ranges or models. Check how they compare with the space you need for your containers and the specifications of the appliance you’re considering.
The range includes fridge-freezers with airflow features and flexible interiors, depending on the model.
Some ranges include BioFresh compartments designed for particular types of fresh ingredients.
Some fridge-freezers combine a large capacity with dedicated drawers and separate cooling systems for the two compartments.
The range includes large-capacity appliances, including side-by-side models with advertised air distribution.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. It specifically advises storing homemade meals containing animal products there: find this area and check its temperature with a thermometer.
No. A fan-assisted cooling system doesn’t mean you can skip checking the temperature or leave no space for air to circulate between foods. Manufacturers describe features that vary by model; for the meals concerned, follow Anses guidance on the coldest area.
Compare their energy labels and consumption figures, making sure the appliances are similar in size, usable capacity and features. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, so also check that the extra capacity meets your storage needs.