If you shop less often and prepare meals in advance, start by choosing fridge and freezer capacities that suit the amount you store, rather than focusing on total capacity alone. A fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in one appliance; a compact model or a separate freezer may be better suited to other space and storage needs. Then check the installation dimensions, annual energy consumption and noise levels of comparable models.
If you need fresh food, ready meals and frozen food to last until your next shop, compare the usable capacity of each compartment in litres. Two appliances with the same total capacity may not offer the same amount of space in each section.
Containers and frozen portions need shelves and drawers that make them easy to store. Also think about how much room you want to leave for the rest of your shopping.
A compact under-counter fridge or fridge freezer is worth considering if space is limited. Measure the space and check how much freezer capacity you need before settling on this type of appliance.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then rule out any appliances that will not fit in your kitchen before comparing their features.
| Criterion | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, then look at the layout of the shelves and drawers. If you choose an under-counter fridge, check whether it has a freezer compartment and how much space it offers. | I want to store fresh food and prepared meals without sacrificing the space I need for frozen food. |
| Type of appliance | A fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen storage; a fridge and a separate freezer need two spaces. For a built-in model, check the niche dimensions and the door-fixing system. | If I store a lot of frozen food, I could consider a separate freezer, provided I have room for two appliances. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route. Check the instructions for ventilation requirements, door clearance and the direction the door opens. | In a narrow kitchen, width is not the only consideration: I also need to be able to open the door and use the drawers. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the energy rating and kWh/year of appliances with a similar type and capacity. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the energy label applies to fridges sold both in shops and online. | I want to compare appliances that meet the same storage needs, rather than relying on their energy rating alone. |
| Noise and maintenance | Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A), especially if you have an open-plan kitchen. Check which compartments are covered by No Frost or Low Frost, and what the instructions say about defrosting. | If the appliance is near my living area, noise matters. I also want to know what maintenance the freezer will need. |
Total capacity does not show how much room is set aside for frozen food. A freezer compartment that is too small can make it difficult to store portions prepared in advance.
Estimate how much fresh and frozen food you store separately, then check the usable capacity and drawers of each model.
The depth, height or door clearance could prevent installation or make it difficult to access the drawers. A built-in model must also fit the niche and be compatible with its fixing system.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check them against the instructions for the exact model you are considering.
No Frost relates to frost management in the specified compartments; it does not replace the appliance’s annual energy consumption figure.
Check the kWh/year, capacities and scope of the feature on the model’s product information.
According to Que Choisir, American-style fridge freezers offer plenty of space, but use more energy than the standard fridges featured in its guide.
Before considering this type, work out how much space you actually need for your shopping and frozen food, and make sure you can fit the appliance.
These examples show different configurations you can compare; their features do not apply to every model from each brand.
The range includes freestanding fridge freezers that split storage between fresh and frozen food.
The B3BCNA294HS is an example of a built-in fridge freezer worth considering for a fitted kitchen.
The brand offers built-in fridge freezers with layouts you can compare to suit the food you need to store.
These models combine a fridge and freezer and are available as freestanding or built-in appliances. If you shop less often, compare how much space they offer for fresh and frozen food before checking whether they will fit in your kitchen.
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A freestanding fridge freezer to consider if you regularly store both fresh and frozen food. The title lists a capacity of 360 L and Total No Frost; check the model documentation to confirm the usable capacity of each compartment and the clearance needed for installation.
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For a fitted kitchen, the stated capacity split is 186 L for the fridge and 62 L for the freezer. Check whether the freezer capacity suits how much frozen food you store. Before choosing this TwinTech Total No Frost model, check the niche dimensions, door-fixing system and annual energy consumption.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth considering for a narrow space, but remember to measure the depth, door clearance and required gaps too. The stated capacity split is 187 L for the fridge and 75 L for the freezer; Low Frost does not remove the need for manual defrosting.
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The stated capacities of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer give you an idea of how much room it offers for shopping and prepared portions. Its stated width is 54 cm; check the full height, required clearances and maintenance needed for the Low Frost freezer.
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The stated capacity split is 182 L for the fridge and 71 L for the freezer. Compare this with the amount of frozen food you keep between shops. The product information lists No Frost and 39 dB; check the installation dimensions and kWh/year to compare its running costs with those of other fridge freezers.
Compare both, paying particular attention to the kWh/year figures for fridges of a similar type and capacity. The energy rating alone does not tell you the annual energy consumption of a specific model.
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that fridges must carry an energy label whether they are sold in shops or online.
Compare its height, width and depth with the space available and the delivery route. Check the instructions for ventilation requirements and door clearance too. For a built-in model, also check the niche dimensions and door-fixing system.
No. In the compartments it covers, No Frost reduces frost build-up and may mean you do not need to defrost them manually. Still, follow the model’s instructions for installation, settings and cleaning.