If you keep meals chilled while regularly freezing portions, start by comparing the separate capacities of a fridge-freezer. Measure your containers and the available space before choosing a size : a smaller freezer compartment may be enough if you freeze only a little, while an additional freezer is worth considering only if you regularly run out of room.
You prepare several meals in one session and freeze some of the portions. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately, then check whether your containers fit on the shelves and in the drawers.
You need room for prepared meals without blocking the doors or restricting movement around the kitchen. Check the appliance’s external dimensions and internal layout rather than relying on the stated capacity alone.
If you build up a stock of meals for the weeks ahead, the freezer drawers could be the deciding factor. Before adding another appliance, check whether you run into this problem over several cooking sessions.
Start by separating what will go in the fridge from what will go in the freezer. Then check that your containers will fit, review the storage conditions and compare the energy consumption of appliances suited to your space.
Consider this : if you store fresh meals and frozen portions at the same time.
Bear in mind : a suitable total capacity doesn’t guarantee that each compartment or drawer will fit your containers.
Consider this : if most of your meals stay chilled and the compartment is genuinely suitable for the few portions you want to freeze.
Bear in mind : check its usable capacity and freezing temperature before relying on it to store a stock of meals.
Consider this : if your frozen portions regularly exceed the capacity of your existing freezer, while you have enough fridge space.
Bear in mind : this appliance takes up extra space and uses electricity continuously, as ADEME points out.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen storage | Work out how many portions will go in each compartment, then compare their usable capacities separately. | When I prepare meals for the next few days as well as portions to freeze, I want to make sure there’s room for everything. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise this balance between fresh and frozen storage. |
| Room for containers | Measure your containers with their lids on, as well as the clearance between shelves and the width of the drawers. | My large dishes need to fit without having to pile up the rest of the food. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise making sure their containers fit. |
| Storage conditions | Find the coldest area and leave enough space for air to circulate. | After a long cooking session, I need to store perishable meals without overfilling the fridge. Around 23 % of consumers put these storage conditions at the top of their list. |
| Size and energy consumption | Check the available space, then compare the kWh/year of appliances with a capacity that suits your needs. | If my portions fit in a smaller appliance, I’d rather not take up more space for food I won’t use. Around 15 % of consumers prioritise this. |
Anses recommends keeping the temperature at 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and avoiding overfilling it. To compare energy consumption, check the energy label for details including the rating and kWh/year. Compare appliances of a type and capacity suited to your needs.
This figure doesn’t show how much space is available for each type of storage. For example, the French product information for the Bosch KGN39AIAU lists 260 l for refrigeration and 103 l for freezing.
Measure your containers in two groups: one for chilled food and one for frozen food. Then check the dimensions of the corresponding storage spaces.
According to Anses, overfilling the fridge interferes with the air circulation needed to maintain suitable storage conditions.
Leave space between containers and put perishable foods in the cold area specified in the manual. Anses also recommends not leaving food at room temperature for more than two hours before refrigerating it.
A larger appliance won’t necessarily solve problems caused by drawers or shelves that aren’t the right size. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously and that having more appliances than you need can increase energy consumption.
Make a note of when you run out of space over several cooking sessions, then compare the dimensions and kWh/year of options that address this recurring need.
The KGN39AIAU is a fridge-freezer to consider if you want to compare models with separate stated capacities for fresh and frozen food.
The CNd 5704 Pure NoFrost is worth considering if you want to organise your fresh and frozen food separately.
The RB34T600CSA shows why it’s worth comparing stated capacity with depth when kitchen space is limited.
These Joybuy models are fridge-freezers with different capacities and designs. To compare them for batch cooking, consider how many fresh and frozen portions you prepare, the dimensions of your containers and the space available in your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a four-door fridge-freezer to divide your fresh and frozen food. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the size of the storage spaces and how capacity is divided before deciding whether it’s right for you.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if a three-door design suits the way you organise meals. The model name mentions Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the installation space and the usable dimensions of the storage areas.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if this capacity suits your prepared meals and the space you have for the appliance. The model name indicates a C energy rating and the NatureFRESH™, DoorCooling+™ and LinearCooling™ features. Check the installation requirements and make sure your containers will fit.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you need a large capacity while keeping a separate freezer compartment. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the split between compartments and the dimensions of the storage spaces.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you freeze only a few portions and want a smaller appliance. The model name indicates Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat and a reversible door. Check that both compartments can accommodate your containers and compare the annual energy consumption on the label.
Anses recommends keeping the temperature at 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and storing perishable foods, including cooked meals, there. Check your appliance manual to find this area.
Anses recommends not leaving food at room temperature for more than two hours before refrigerating it. Make sure there’s enough room in your appliance before you start cooking.
No. A No Frost feature doesn’t replace temperature checks or following recommended storage times. Anses also advises against overfilling the fridge, so that air can circulate.
Compare the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh across appliances of a type and capacity suited to your needs. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously : the space you actually need should also factor into your choice.