Start by working out the actual split between fresh and frozen food in your stock, then compare the usable litres of each compartment, the dimensions, the kWh/year and the noise level shown on the energy label. A fridge-freezer is suitable when both areas are used regularly in one appliance; a separate appliance or additional freezer may make sense if your frozen stock consistently exceeds the available capacity and you have enough space for the extra energy consumption.
Storing containers of fresh meals, ingredients and frozen portions at the same time means looking at how the two areas are divided, as well as the shelves and drawers, rather than the total capacity alone.
Compare your usual volume of frozen food with the capacity of the freezer compartment. If it is not sufficient, you could consider a separate or additional appliance, depending on the space available.
Capacity needs to be considered alongside the dimensions and stated noise level. The noise rating on the label is a useful starting point, but it cannot by itself predict how disruptive the appliance will feel in a living space.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity and layout | Compare the fridge and freezer litres separately. Also check the adjustable shelves, drawers and the usual dimensions of your containers and bags. | I want to store groceries, ingredients and prepared meals without paying for unused capacity. The European Commission distinguishes between the fresh and frozen compartment capacities on the energy label. |
| Ongoing energy consumption | Consider the energy rating, kWh/year, compartment capacities and dimensions together. Compare appliances that meet the same storage needs. | I want to limit the electricity used throughout the year without choosing solely on the basis of a rating letter or a large capacity. |
| Noise and placement | Use the dB rating and noise class to shortlist models. If the appliance will be near a living area, also consult independent tests of the exact model. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to reduce the risk of disruption during meals, working from home or sleep. Que Choisir stresses that the figure on the label is not enough on its own to predict acoustic comfort. |
| Organising weekday meals | Match the drawers, shelves and capacities to the proportion of meals eaten quickly and the proportion of frozen portions. Avoid oversizing both areas equally. | I want to keep meals and ingredients easy to reach on busy evenings. In an OpinionWay survey for Lustucru of 1 020 French adults carried out in August 2024, 61 % said they spent 30 minutes or less preparing dinner on a weekday evening ; this figure measures reported preparation time, not batch-cooking habits. |
Two appliances with a similar overall capacity can offer very different splits between fresh and frozen storage. A household that prepares lots of portions for freezing may run out of drawers despite a high total capacity.
Make a list of what you usually store in each area, then compare the fresh and frozen litres shown separately on the label and in the model specifications.
The energy rating alone does not tell you the usable capacity or kWh/year. A larger appliance or one with a different design should be compared on a like-for-like basis.
For appliances meeting the same need, look at the rating, kWh/year, compartment capacities and dimensions. The EPREL database can help you check the declared data for the exact model.
A fridge-freezer runs day and night, while how disruptive it feels also depends on the home and changes in its operation. Que Choisir states that the noise level on the label alone cannot predict comfort in a living space.
Use the dB rating and noise class to narrow down your selection, then look for independent tests and prepare the appliance’s intended location before buying.
In France, the Ministry for the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years for new and second-hand goods. A commercial warranty should therefore be assessed for what it genuinely adds.
Ask about exclusions, the additional duration, repair arrangements and the risks covered before accepting an extension.
A range of freestanding fridge-freezers which, depending on the reference, includes models with a bottom freezer, Total NoFrost, a VitaFresh compartment and separate cooling circuits.
A range of fridges and fridge-freezers featuring, depending on the model, HarvestFresh, AeroFlow and partial or full No Frost cooling systems.
A range of fridge-freezers sold in France in several capacities, including formats advertised at 340 L, 360 L and 376 L, as well as No Frost models.
These Joybuy options include fridge-freezers that divide storage between fresh and frozen food, as well as an upright freezer designed to complement an existing fridge.
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A fridge-freezer for directly comparing the fresh and frozen storage space available for groceries and prepared portions.
Advertised with 230 L of fridge space and 114 L of freezer space, plus four shelves and three freezer drawers.
Advertised at 254 kWh/year, 35 dB, 59.5 cm wide, with a reversible door. Check the ventilation clearances and whether the capacities suit your usual stock.
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This fridge-freezer could suit a household that regularly stores fresh food and frozen portions in a kitchen with installation constraints.
It is specified with 183 L of fridge space, 113 L of freezer space and a 37 L compartment, plus Total No Frost, two vegetable drawers and an adjustable fresh-food zone.
Advertised at 169 kWh/year and 34 dB. The doors open to 110° against a wall, but the specifications require at least 5 cm of clearance at the back, above and on the sides.
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At 54 cm wide, this model is designed for narrow kitchens where frozen portions are kept to a moderate level.
It is specified with 187 L of fridge space, 75 L of freezer space, three freezer drawers and four shelves, three of which are adjustable.
Advertised at 215 kWh/year and 39 dB, with dimensions of 1760 × 540 × 550 mm. The Low Frost system requires manual freezer defrosting, and the appliance is not intended for use below 16 °C according to the specifications.
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This model is designed for a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing unit, offering separate areas for fresh and frozen food.
It is specified with 186 L of fridge space, 62 L of freezer space, five shelves, one vegetable drawer and three freezer drawers.
Advertised with TwinTech Total No Frost, MultiFlow, separate controls and 37 dB. Check that the housing unit is compatible, as this model is not a substitute for a freestanding appliance, and consult the energy label for the kWh/year.
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An additional appliance for an existing fridge when prepared meals and frozen food regularly overflow from the freezer compartment.
It is specified with 161 L net capacity, three drawers, two shelves, No Frost, an LED display, an alarm and a Fast Freeze function.
This product does not cover everyday fresh-food storage. Check the dimensions, noise level and kWh/year before planning its location and continuous use.
Compare annual consumption in kWh, the litres in the fresh and frozen compartments, as well as the format and dimensions. The European label displays these details : prioritise comparisons between appliances that meet the same storage needs.
No. The dB rating and noise class are a useful first filter, but Que Choisir states that the displayed level is not enough to determine whether the appliance will genuinely be disruptive in a living space. When noise is a deciding factor, look for independent tests of the exact model.
No. It is a feature found on some models ; Bosch, for example, says that Total NoFrost prevents the need to manually defrost the freezer on the relevant appliances. Also check the usable capacities, drawers, kWh/year and noise level that match your usage.
The legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years for a new product. The Ministry for the Economy states that this period also applies to second-hand goods, with the rules corresponding to their status.
The “one-for-one” take-back scheme allows you to hand over a used product of the same type when buying another product. Confirm the take-back, collection and delivery arrangements with the seller before placing your order.