For big shops and meals prepared in advance, start by considering the usable fridge and freezer space you need, rather than the total capacity. A fridge freezer, even a larger one, is a good fit if its freezer can hold your maximum stock of portions. A multi-door model needs more space, while a separate freezer is worth considering if freezing is a long-term priority. Also check the dimensions, delivery access, annual energy consumption and defrosting method for each model.
If you freeze portions for the week, check the freezer’s usable capacity and how easy it is to store containers and bags. The appliance’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room will be left for these portions once your other frozen food is stored.
When you bring home a large amount of fresh and frozen food, check the usable capacity of both compartments separately. Also measure access to your kitchen: an appliance with plenty of room inside still needs to be deliverable and installable.
If you need more storage without restricting movement, compare the width and depth of a large fridge freezer with those of a multi-door model. Check the door clearance and delivery route before choosing a format, too.
For big shops and batch cooking, think about what actually takes up space in your fridge and freezer when they’re at their fullest. A fridge freezer combines both uses in one appliance. A larger or multi-door model needs its dimensions checked, while two separate appliances need two spaces.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for frozen portions | Compare the freezer’s usable capacity in litres, then check that the drawers or baskets can hold your usual containers. | When I batch-cook several meals to freeze, I want to store them without losing space for other frozen food; around 31% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Space for fresh food | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity and shelf layout. Que Choisir Ensemble suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | After a big shop, I need enough room to put away fresh food without overfilling the appliance; around 31% of consumers would make this capacity their top priority. |
| Size and access | Measure the space, door clearance and delivery route. For a chest freezer, also allow for its floor space and the lid opening. | If my kitchen or access routes are narrow, I need to choose a format that can be delivered and used without blocking the way. Around 23% of consumers would put this constraint first. |
| Energy consumption and defrosting | Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy label for models with similar storage capacity, then check whether No Frost applies to the freezer. | Once I have the storage I need, I want to keep energy use down on an appliance that runs continuously and spend less time defrosting it; around 15% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
An appliance may seem spacious, but its freezer might not fit all the portions you’ve prepared. The space for fresh food and the space for frozen food matter more than one overall figure.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately against a typical shop and your maximum stock of frozen meals.
A large appliance may fit the space you’ve chosen but still not make it through a doorway, hallway or lift. A chest freezer also needs room for its lid to open.
Measure the delivery route, the space where the appliance will go and the door clearance. Compare these measurements with the exact dimensions of the model, including packaging if those details are provided.
Anses recommends not overfilling the fridge so that air can circulate. A large capacity doesn’t mean you can stop monitoring the temperature in the coldest area.
Leave some space after a big shop and check that perishable food can be stored in an area at 4 °C.
As ADEME points out, refrigeration appliances run continuously. When comparing two models, the energy rating alone doesn’t tell you their annual consumption, especially if their capacities differ.
Check the kWh/year figure on the energy label or in the model’s EPREL entry, bearing in mind how much storage space you actually need.
These examples show formats and dimensions worth comparing. The features mentioned apply to the named models, not every model from each brand.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge freezer with both compartments in one appliance.
Worth considering if you need separate compartments in a multi-door model and have a reasonably spacious kitchen.
Worth considering if you want to store a large amount of food in one multi-door appliance and have space for a wide model.
These appliances combine refrigeration and freezing in one unit, including fridge freezers with different capacities and multi-door models. Check that the format suits your space, then make sure each compartment can hold your shopping and prepared portions when your stocks are at their fullest.
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If you want to keep fresh and frozen food together in a multi-door appliance, compare the space in each compartment with your usual shopping needs. The model title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Also check its width, door clearance and delivery access.
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This format keeps fresh food and frozen portions together without the need for a second appliance. Check that the freezer can hold your maximum stock, though. The model title lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an energy rating of E, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
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If you prefer a fridge freezer for your big shops, check the space for fresh food and frozen portions separately. The model title lists a total capacity of 368 L and an energy rating of E. Measure the available height before choosing this format, too.
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If you want to fit a large shop into one appliance, check how the space is divided between fresh and frozen food before choosing this multi-door model. The model title lists a capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E. Check the exact dimensions, door clearance and delivery access, too.
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If you want more storage without having to buy two appliances, compare the usable capacity of each compartment with your needs for fresh and frozen food. The model title lists a total capacity of 440 L and an energy rating of D. Check the required width and the freezer’s defrosting method on the product details page for this model.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest area at 4 °C and storing meat, fish and cooked dishes there, among other foods. Keep an eye on the temperature and avoid overfilling the appliance so that air can circulate.
No. Anses recommends freezing food as soon as you buy or prepare it, rather than waiting until the end of its use-by date. Freezing at −18 °C does not eliminate most micro-organisms. Once thawed, eat the food promptly and don’t refreeze it.
Compare their annual energy consumption in kWh/year alongside the capacity of each compartment, so your storage needs are taken into account. The energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL database provide the declared figures for the models concerned that are sold in the European Union.
No Frost can reduce the need for manual defrosting, provided the feature is fitted to the freezer in the model you choose. Check the details for the exact model: Bosch, for example, lists it for the KGN36VLED and KGN362WDF fridge freezers.