Households that freeze some of their meals
If you cook for several days at a time, make sure you have room for fresh ingredients, meals in containers and portions to freeze. The total capacity doesn’t tell you how that space is divided.
Who is this choice for ?
Compact or fitted kitchens
A space under the worktop, a kitchen unit or a corner position means you’ll need to check not only the dimensions but also the door clearance and whether the drawers can be pulled out. Que Choisir recommends checking access once the appliance is in place between units or next to a wall.
Households that regularly freeze large quantities
If prepared portions and other frozen food regularly exceed the space available in a fridge freezer, consider adding a separate freezer. Where you’ll put it and how easily you can reach its contents matter just as much as its capacity.
What should you look for ?
Start by working out what you’ll keep chilled and what you’ll freeze, then compare those needs with the space available. Choose the format next: a table-top model suits a tight space, a built-in model needs to fit your kitchen unit, while an American-style fridge freezer is worth considering only if its larger capacity suits the way you shop and cook.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check there’s room for your largest containers. | When fresh ingredients share an appliance with portions to freeze, each needs to fit in the right compartment. Around 33 % of consumers would prioritise this split. |
| Installation and access | Measure the space and allow for the clearances specified by the manufacturer; check that the doors can open and the drawers can be pulled out. | In a narrow or fitted kitchen, you need to be able to install the appliance and reach the storage without moving the furniture. This would be the main concern for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Interior storage | Check the layout of the shelves, bins and drawers against the dishes and containers you use. | For some households, easy-to-reach storage makes it simpler to find meals throughout the week and matters more than the stated capacity alone. Around 20 % of consumers would prioritise this everyday layout. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the model’s annual energy consumption and noise level, taking its required capacity and location into account. | If the appliance is near a living area, you’ll want to consider the noise as well as the electricity it uses. These factors would be the main priority for around 20 % of consumers. |
When choosing between formats, think about how you’ll use the appliance. A fridge freezer combines chilled and frozen storage in one appliance; a separate freezer is better suited to a regular surplus of food to freeze, but it does take up extra space. Que Choisir describes American-style fridge freezers as less energy-efficient than standard fridges. If you’re interested in their larger capacity, compare the stated energy consumption of the specific models before you decide. ADEME also notes that the energy label lets you compare energy use and noise levels.
What mistakes should you avoid ?
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Looking only at the total capacity
A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the compartment you need. Information for models listed in the European EPREL database shows fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Make a list of the containers you’ll use for chilled and frozen food, then compare the capacity of each compartment in the exact model you’re considering.
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Measuring the space without allowing for the doors to open
If a door can’t open wide enough, you may not be able to remove a bin or drawer, even if the appliance fits the space. Que Choisir highlights this for appliances positioned between kitchen units or in a corner.
Measure the width, height and depth, then check the clearances listed in the instructions and the space needed in front of the doors.
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Adding a freezer without deciding where it will go
A chest freezer takes up floor space, and its contents may be harder to reach. The installation location also needs to suit the conditions specified for the appliance.
Before choosing a chest or upright freezer, check the available space, the model’s climate class and how easily you can reach the different storage areas.
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Assuming a larger model will suit every kitchen
An American-style fridge freezer may appeal to a household that stores lots of food, but its size and energy consumption are still important factors. Que Choisir notes that this category generally uses more energy than standard fridges.
Compare the usable capacity with your routine, check the installation dimensions and look at the annual energy consumption of the model you’re considering.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Fridges selected by Joybuy
These models combine chilled and frozen storage for ingredients and prepared portions: two freestanding appliances, an American-style fridge freezer and a built-in fridge freezer. Compare their formats with your kitchen before considering the stated capacity.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you want to store fresh food and frozen portions in a single freestanding appliance. The model name lists a 360 L capacity, three doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before choosing, check the installation clearances in the instructions and make sure your containers will fit on the shelves and in the drawers.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge freezer
Consider this if your meals and ingredients need plenty of space in a freestanding appliance. The model name lists four doors, a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the route into your kitchen and the space available, allowing for the doors to open and the drawers to slide out. Also check that the usable interior dimensions suit your dishes.
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Samsung RF48A401EB4, 488 L American-style fridge freezer
This format may suit households looking for plenty of chilled and frozen storage, provided there’s enough room to install it. The model name lists a 488 L capacity and an E energy rating. Check the clearance required around the appliance, the space needed to open the doors and how easily you can reach the compartments in your kitchen.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L built-in fridge freezer
Worth considering if your kitchen has a unit designed to house a built-in fridge freezer. The model name lists a 249 L capacity, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Before ordering, check the specifications for the exact model against the unit dimensions, door-fixing system and ventilation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How can you estimate how much space you’ll need for prepared meals ?
List separately what you’ll keep chilled and what you’ll freeze, rather than automatically converting the number of meals into litres. Then compare the capacity of each compartment and check the model’s dimensions and diagrams to make sure your largest dishes will fit on the shelves or in the drawers.
What should you check on the energy label ?
Pay particular attention to annual energy consumption and noise information, and compare these with the capacities you need. ADEME describes the energy label as a way to compare these features; the energy rating alone doesn’t replace checking the details for the exact model.
What should you measure before choosing a built-in fridge freezer ?
Measure the inside of the kitchen unit and check the ventilation requirements and door-fixing system for the model you’ve chosen. Also make sure the doors open far enough to remove the bins and drawers : Que Choisir highlights how important this is in an existing fitted kitchen.
When should you consider a separate freezer instead of an American-style fridge freezer ?
Consider a separate freezer if you’re regularly short of space for frozen food and have room for a second appliance. An American-style fridge freezer is better suited to those who need a large capacity in one appliance ; Que Choisir describes this type as less energy-efficient than standard fridges. Whichever you choose, compare the space required and the energy consumption figures for the specific models.