Fridge-Freezer Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One

Choosing a new fridge-freezer can quickly feel overwhelming. Between the different types, various capacities, and innovative technologies, it's easy to get lost. This appliance is a long-term investment and an essential part of your daily life. This guide is here to decode the technical jargon and give you the keys to finding the perfect model for your habits and your kitchen.

By Joybuy, your high-tech shopping guide.

How to choose the right fridge-freezer for your needs?

Before diving into product specifications, it's crucial to define your priorities. Here are the questions to ask yourself to guide your decision.

Type and capacity: combi or American-style?

The first step is choosing the format. This mainly depends on the size of your household and the space you have available in your kitchen.

• The combi fridge-freezer: This is the most common format in Europe. It stacks a refrigerator section on top of a freezer section (or vice versa). Its compact design allows it to fit easily into most kitchens. Its capacity is generally suitable for a single person, a couple, or a small family of three to four.
• The American-style fridge: Recognisable by its two vertical doors, it offers a large storage capacity, ideal for large families or those who like to stock up on groceries. It often includes handy extras, like a water and ice dispenser on the front. Be mindful of its generous dimensions: make sure you have the necessary space!

Capacity, expressed in litres, is a decisive criterion. As a general rule, we recommend:

• Up to 250 litres for a single person or a couple.
• Between 250 and 350 litres for a family of 3 to 4 people.
• Over 400 litres for households of 5 or more.

Key technologies and features

Today's fridges do more than just keep things cold. The latest technologies improve food preservation, convenience, and even your electricity bill.

• No Frost technology: This technology circulates cold, dry air evenly, which prevents ice build-up. Say goodbye to the chore of manual defrosting! It also ensures a constant temperature and a faster return to the set temperature after each door opening, for optimal food freshness.
• Noise level: Is your kitchen open to the living room? A quiet refrigerator is no longer an option, it's a must. The noise level is indicated in decibels (dB). A model is considered quiet below 38 dB.
• Energy efficiency class: Shown on the energy label, it gives you a clear idea of its electricity consumption. Since 2021, the scale ranges from A (very efficient) to G (energy-intensive). A good rating promises significant savings on your bill.
• Connectivity: A smart refrigerator can be controlled remotely from an app on your smartphone. You can adjust the temperature, receive alerts if the door is left ajar, or even manage your shopping lists on some models.

Installation: the flexibility of freestanding

The vast majority of models on the market are freestanding. This means you can install them wherever you like, as long as you leave a small ventilation space at the back and on the sides to ensure they function correctly. A real advantage for designing your kitchen without constraints.

Our Recommended Fridge-Freezers

To help you see more clearly, here are three models that perfectly illustrate the different options on the market.

LG GSXE90BSAD 628 L American-Style Fridge

Why it stands out: This LG American-style fridge is for families who think big. With its 628-litre capacity, it effortlessly handles groceries for the whole household. Its star feature: InstaView Door-in-Door technology. Knock twice on the glass panel, and the interior lights up, allowing you to take a peek inside without opening the door and letting cold air escape.

Pros:

• XXL capacity of 628 L: Ideal for large families.
• InstaView Door-in-Door technology: Quick access and less cold air loss.
• Water, ice cube, and crushed ice dispenser with UVnano purification system.
• Quiet refrigerator: Guaranteed discretion with only 35 dB.
• LG ThinQ connectivity: Remote control via Wi-Fi.

Who is it for? Large families and those looking for a high-end appliance with a very large capacity and smart features to simplify daily life.

See the LG GSXE90BSAD product

CHiQ FBM205L42 205 L Combi Fridge-Freezer

Why it stands out: The CHiQ FBM205L42 combi fridge-freezer is the smart solution for small spaces. With a 205-litre capacity, it's perfect for single people, couples, or student kitchens. Its Low Frost technology limits ice build-up, making maintenance much easier. Its reversible doors are a real plus for installing it wherever you want.

Pros:

• 205 L capacity: Optimised for small households and compact kitchens.
• Low Frost technology: Less ice and less frequent defrosting.
• Reversible doors: Adapts to your kitchen layout.
• Quiet operation: 39 dB noise level.
• Sleek and modern design.

Who is it for? Students, people living alone or as a couple, and anyone looking for an efficient, no-fuss first appliance or a secondary fridge.

See the CHiQ FBM205L42 product

Samsung RB38C604DSA 390 L Combi Fridge-Freezer

Why it stands out: This Samsung combi fridge-freezer offers an excellent balance between capacity and size. Thanks to SpaceMax technology, it provides a generous 390-litre volume within standard dimensions. It's a smart refrigerator compatible with the SmartThings app, which helps you manage its energy consumption via AI Energy mode. Its Total No Frost system (No Frost fridge) ensures perfect food preservation.

Pros:

• 390 L capacity with SpaceMax technology for optimised space.
• Total No Frost: No ice build-up and a stable temperature.
• Very quiet: Only 35 dB, ideal for open-plan kitchens.
• Wi-Fi connectivity with AI Energy mode to optimise consumption.
• Integrated water dispenser on the front.

Who is it for? Families of 3 to 4 people looking for a high-performance, energy-efficient, and smart appliance without switching to the XXL format of an American-style model.

See the Samsung RB38C604DSA product

Can't find the model that's right for you?

Our selection is just a taste of what's available. If your needs are different or you simply want to explore more options, feel free to browse our full catalogue to find the perfect fit.

Discover our full range of fridge-freezers

Frequently Asked Questions about Fridge-Freezers

What is the difference between fan-assisted cooling and No Frost?

Fan-assisted cooling uses a fan to distribute cold air more effectively than a static system, but it doesn't manage humidity. Ice can still form, especially in the freezer. No Frost technology circulates cold, dry air that completely prevents ice from forming anywhere in the appliance, saving you the chore of manual defrosting.

What fridge capacity for a family of 4?

For a family of four, a total capacity (fridge + freezer) of between 250 and 350 litres is generally recommended. However, this can vary depending on your habits: if you do large weekly shops and cook a lot, a volume closer to 350 litres, or even more, will be more comfortable.

How to choose a quiet refrigerator?

To choose a quiet refrigerator, check the energy label, which indicates the noise level in decibels (dB). An appliance is considered quiet if it emits less than 38 dB. Models around 35 dB, like the Samsung and LG options in our selection, are particularly discreet and perfect for kitchens that open into a living area.