Households that store fresh and frozen food
If you use both compartments every day, compare their usable capacities separately. The total capacity of a fridge-freezer doesn’t tell you how much space each compartment has.
Who are these formats for?
Smaller homes where little food is frozen
A larder fridge or a model with a small freezer compartment may meet your limited freezing needs, provided you check how much usable space is actually available for frozen food.
People with an open-plan kitchen or limited space
If the appliance will be near a living area or in an alcove, check the stated noise level, dimensions and installation instructions for the model before ordering.
What should you compare?
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the energy consumption and where the appliance will go. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and their size can affect energy consumption.
Larder fridge
Worth considering: if you freeze very little or already have a separate freezer.
Keep in mind: check whether the model has a freezer compartment. Without one, you’ll need another appliance to store frozen food.
Fridge with a freezer compartment
Worth considering: if you want to keep a few frozen items without setting aside as much freezer space as you would with a fridge-freezer.
Keep in mind: make sure the compartment’s capacity and intended use suit your habits.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you regularly store fresh and frozen food in the same appliance.
Keep in mind: choose the balance of fridge and freezer space to suit your shopping habits, rather than looking at the total capacity alone.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and size | Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities, then check the dimensions against the space available. | When space is limited, I want to store my usual shopping without taking up more room in the kitchen than necessary; around 31% of consumers would make the right capacity and dimensions their priority. |
| Energy consumption | Check the stated annual energy consumption and energy rating of the exact model, comparing appliances of a similar format and capacity. | For an appliance that runs all the time, I check its energy label before choosing extra features; energy consumption would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Noise and installation | Check the stated noise level, along with the clearances and installation requirements in the instructions. | In an open-plan kitchen or an alcove, I want to know whether the appliance is suitable for the space and how much noise it’s rated to make; around 23% of consumers would prioritise these considerations. |
| Freezing and maintenance | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and, if maintenance matters to you, the cooling system used in the relevant compartment. | If I regularly store frozen food, I need enough freezer space without overlooking maintenance; this would be the top concern for around 15% of consumers. |
What to avoid before buying
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two fridge-freezers can divide their capacity differently between the fridge and freezer. A total capacity that looks right may still leave too little room for your frozen food.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with the amount you usually store.
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Choosing extra features without checking energy consumption
ADEME highlights that an oversized or over-equipped refrigeration appliance can use more energy, particularly as it runs continuously.
When comparing models of a similar format and capacity, check the stated annual energy consumption and choose features you’ll actually use.
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Measuring the alcove without checking the instructions
An appliance that fits the measured space may not meet the model’s installation requirements, particularly when it comes to opening the doors and ventilation.
Before ordering, check the instructions against the planned location and delivery access.
Brands to know across different ranges
Bosch
The French range includes larder fridges and fridge-freezers. Some models feature Total NoFrost or VitaFresh zones.
- Bosch Électroménager France lists 260 l of fridge space, 103 l of freezer space and a noise level of 35 dB for the KGN392XCF fridge-freezer.
- These specifications apply to this model only. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for the model you’re interested in.
Liebherr
The brand offers freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers; some models combine BioFresh and NoFrost.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 320 l and a noise level of 35 dB for the CBNsfc 5223.
- Check the dimensions and features of the model you choose: the specifications of the CBNsfc 5223 don’t apply across the whole range.
Beko
The French fridge-freezer range includes models with fan-assisted cooling and, depending on the model, features such as AeroFlow or a 0-3 °C compartment.
- Features vary between models, so you can look for the ones that best suit how you’ll use your appliance.
- Claims about the effects of AeroFlow or EverFresh+ are made by Beko; check the specifications of the exact model first.
Samsung
The French range includes SpaceMax fridge-freezers, including models listed as 60 cm wide.
- Samsung lists a capacity of 390 l and a noise level of 35 dB for the RB38C672CWW/EF, which is a different model from the products featured below.
- On this model, SmartThings features require a Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account. Don’t assume that every model includes all the same features.
Fridge-freezers available from Joybuy
These models combine fridge and freezer storage and are available in freestanding or built-in formats. Choose one to suit the space available and the balance of storage you need; check the instructions and energy label for the model you choose.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 L black fridge-freezer
If you want fresh and frozen storage in one freestanding fridge-freezer, check that the split between compartments suits your shopping habits.
The product name lists a capacity of 344 L and an energy rating of E. Check the instructions for the space needed to install it.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge-freezer
This multi-door format is worth considering if you need plenty of room for fresh and frozen food, as well as enough space to install the appliance.
The product name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Measure the space and access routes before choosing this format.
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LG GBBSJ1CCSW, 333 L white fridge-freezer
If you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with separate storage zones, check the capacity of each compartment before judging the total.
The product name lists a capacity of 333 L, an energy rating of C, and NatureFRESH, DoorCooling+ and LinearCooling features. Check the installation requirements in the instructions.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, built-in TwinTech No Frost fridge-freezer
To fit both fresh and frozen storage into a fitted kitchen, check that the alcove and door are compatible with this built-in model.
The title lists a capacity of 249 L and an energy rating of E, but the stated total doesn’t match the compartment capacities shown. Confirm the exact capacities before choosing.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge-freezer
At 54 cm wide, this model may suit a narrow space, but be sure to check its height, depth and installation requirements too.
The product name lists 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually.
Frequently asked questions
What should you compare on a fridge’s energy label?
Compare the energy rating and annual energy consumption for the exact model, taking its format and capacity into account too. In the European Union, EUR-Lex sets out the energy-labelling rules for refrigeration appliances. The product details and the European Commission’s EPREL public database let you look up information for a specific model.
Is an alcove with the right dimensions enough to install the appliance?
No. Check the ventilation and door-opening requirements in the instructions for your chosen model too. Measure the alcove and delivery access; Bosch Électroménager France also advises checking the instructions for each appliance before installation.
Does NoFrost mean you can choose a smaller freezer?
No. On models with this feature, NoFrost helps manage frost; it doesn’t affect storage capacity. Work out how much room you need for frozen food, then check the usable capacity and the features listed for the specific compartment.
What should you do with your old fridge when replacing it?
Ask the retailer how to arrange for your old appliance to be taken away when you place your order. Confirm the practical details before delivery so you know when and how to make the old appliance available.