Households that use both fresh and frozen food
If you prepare meals for several days at a time and regularly freeze portions, check how much space is available in each compartment, not just the total capacity.
Who is this choice for ?
Compact kitchens
If storage space is already limited, compare the capacity you want with the appliance’s dimensions, the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors.
People mindful of noise and energy use
In an open-plan kitchen or one close to a living area, compare the noise emissions and annual energy consumption shown on the energy label, taking the appliance’s format and capacity into account.
What should you look for first ?
First decide whether your batch cooking takes up more space in the fridge or the freezer. Then choose a format with dimensions, access and features that suit your kitchen.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering : when you regularly use both compartments for fresh ingredients and frozen portions.
The trade-off : the freezer shares the appliance’s overall size with the fridge, so compare their capacities separately.
Fridge with a small freezer compartment
Worth considering : if most of your prepared meals are kept chilled and you only occasionally store frozen food.
The trade-off : a small compartment may not have enough room for regular frozen storage, so check its type and capacity.
Multi-door
Worth considering : if you need extra storage for larger shops and your kitchen can accommodate this format.
The trade-off : check the width, depth, access route and door clearance before choosing a large model.
Additional freezer
Worth considering : if your current fridge has enough room for fresh food, but you’re short of space for frozen supplies.
The trade-off : this appliance takes up extra space and uses electricity.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge space | Usable fridge capacity and the layout of the shelves and drawers. Anses recommends avoiding overfilling the appliance so that air can circulate. | When ingredients and meal containers quickly fill the shelves, I want to be able to put everything away without cramming in fresh food : around 36 % of consumers make well-organised fridge space their top priority. |
| Frozen storage | Usable freezer capacity and drawer layout; check the freezing functions if you regularly add large quantities of food. | If I often freeze prepared portions, I need enough room to find and access them easily ; freezer capacity comes first for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Size and access | Appliance dimensions, the route into the kitchen, door clearance and the clearances specified in the instruction manual. | A spacious appliance is no use to me if it won’t fit through the door or gets in the way in my kitchen : around 21 % of consumers put a suitable size first. |
| Noise and energy use | Noise emissions in dB and annual energy consumption in kWh on the energy label; compare appliances with similar formats and capacities. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to everyday noise and the electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously ; this is the top priority for around 14 % of consumers. |
What mistakes should you avoid ?
-
Choosing based on total capacity alone
An appliance may offer plenty of litres overall without enough space in the compartment you need most. As a guide, Que Choisir describes a typical fridge-freezer of around 300 L, split approximately two-thirds for the fridge and one-third for the freezer.
Compare the litres available for fresh food separately from those for frozen portions.
-
Choosing a multi-door model without measuring the route
Having space in your kitchen isn’t enough if the appliance won’t fit through the access points or its doors can’t open properly. For example, Samsung France lists one of its multi-door models as 817 mm wide and another as 912 mm wide. Measure the exact model you’re considering.
Check the doors and access routes all the way to the final position, then check the clearances required in the instruction manual.
-
Confusing a small freezer compartment with several weeks’ worth of storage
Que Choisir warns that a basic freezer compartment won’t be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. Its presence alone doesn’t tell you how much space there is for your portions.
If you regularly freeze prepared meals, check the compartment’s capacity and how easy it is to access the storage before choosing a format.
-
Relying on the energy rating alone
The European Commission explains that the label for refrigeration appliances also shows energy consumption, storage capacities and noise levels. The rating letter doesn’t replace this information when you’re comparing appliances with different capacities.
Check the annual kWh and dB figures, then compare appliances with similar formats and capacities.
Brands to consider
These ranges offer formats to compare; features vary by model.
Bosch
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers, including models with a bottom freezer.
- Bosch Home Appliances lists separate fridge and freezer controls on the KGN367ICT, as well as a drawer for bulky frozen food on the KIS87EDD0.
- These features aren’t available across the entire range, so check the capacity and dimensions of your chosen model.
Samsung
Samsung multi-door models may suit households looking for plenty of storage space and a kitchen that can accommodate their size.
- Samsung France lists multi-door models with capacities of 495 L and 654 L, with layouts that are worth checking model by model.
- According to Samsung France, the two models mentioned are 817 mm and 912 mm wide respectively. Check the access route and available space before choosing.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, including models advertised with the Total No Frost function.
- Whirlpool France lists the freestanding W9C841COX as 59,5 cm wide and the built-in WHC18T323P as having a capacity of 250 L.
- A built-in model must also fit the housing and meet the installation requirements set out in its instruction manual.
Appliances for different storage needs
These Joybuy models include fridge-freezers and multi-door appliances for storing fresh food and frozen portions. First choose the layout and capacity you need, then check that the appliance can be installed in your home.
Image unavailable
Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L multi-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you need a large appliance with separate access for your shopping and prepared meals. This four-door model is listed with a total capacity of 467 L, the Total No Frost function and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the door clearance for your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L fridge-freezer
This three-door fridge-freezer lets you store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Its name indicates a total capacity of 360 L, the Total No Frost function, an E energy rating, as well as Wi-Fi and My Zone. Compare the compartment capacities and installation dimensions with your usual storage needs.
Image unavailable
Heinrich´s, 253 L fridge-freezer with 71 L freezer
If you need more space for fresh food than frozen supplies, this fridge-freezer lists 182 L for the fridge and 71 L for the freezer. The product name mentions No Frost, a reversible door and 39 dB. Check that 71 L is enough for the portions you plan to store, as well as the appliance’s width and depth.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer
If width is your main constraint, this model is listed as 54 cm wide. Its stated capacities are 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; it has Low Frost rather than No Frost, as well as an E energy rating. Check the height, depth and maintenance requirements before choosing.
Image unavailable
COMFEE' RCF470LS2EU(E), 474 L four-door fridge
This four-door model is worth considering if you’re looking for a large total capacity with multiple access points. Its name indicates 474 L, a three-temperature crisper drawer, the Flip Tray function and an E energy rating. Ask for the separate usable capacities of the fridge and freezer before deciding how much room there is for your portions; also check the available space and door clearance.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity do you need for several days’ worth of meals ?
Start by estimating separately how much space your fresh meals and frozen portions will take up. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and compare it with the containers and shopping you actually plan to store.
Is a small freezer compartment enough for prepared portions ?
It may be suitable for occasional use, but it’s less suited to regularly stocking up on frozen food. Que Choisir says that a basic freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food, so compare its capacity and storage access before deciding.
What should you measure before ordering a multi-door model ?
Measure the space where it will go, every access point on the way to the kitchen and the room needed to open the doors. Also check the installation clearances in the instruction manual for your chosen model : the appliance’s width alone won’t tell you whether it can be installed.
How can you use the energy label to compare two appliances ?
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise emissions, as well as the energy rating. The European Commission says this information appears on the label for refrigeration appliances. Comparing models with similar formats and capacities will make it easier to choose the right one for you.