Households doing a big weekly shop
If you need to store fresh and frozen food until your next shop, compare the usable capacity of each compartment rather than the total capacity. A fridge-freezer lets you assess the compartments separately.
Who is this guide for?
People who regularly buy frozen food
The capacity and type of freezer compartment are key: a small freezer section may not be enough for several days’ worth of frozen food shopping.
People living in studio flats and small kitchens
Height, width, depth and door clearance can limit your choice before capacity even comes into it. A table-top model takes up less space, but leaves less room for food.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
The right format depends on what you store between shops: first compare the fridge and freezer space, then rule out any appliances that won’t fit the space available.
Table-top
Consider it: for a studio flat or under-counter space, if you shop for fresh food often and buy little frozen food.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited and, depending on the model, the freezer compartment may be very small or not included.
Single-door fridge
Consider it: if fresh food matters more than freezing and you only buy frozen food occasionally.
Bear in mind: a small freezer section, if included, may not meet your needs if you regularly store frozen food.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it: if you want separate fridge and freezer compartments in one appliance.
Bear in mind: height and the split between compartments vary by model; a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee plenty of freezer space.
Multi-door
Consider it: for large shops less often, if your kitchen and the route into it can accommodate the chosen model.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space, and you should check its annual energy consumption on the label.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge capacity | Compare the litres allocated to refrigeration, separately from the total capacity. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, then 50 L for each additional person; adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | When shops are less frequent, I want enough room to keep fresh food until my next shop. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise fridge capacity. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the capacity in litres of the freezer compartment and distinguish a freezer from a small freezer section. | If I often buy frozen food, I need to be able to store it without relying on the overall capacity shown. Around 31% of consumers would put freezer capacity first. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and access route; check the doors can open and allow the clearances specified in the manual. For a built-in appliance, also check the housing and door system. | In a small kitchen or when replacing a built-in appliance, I first need to find a model that can be delivered and installed. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise this practical consideration. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Compare kWh/year for appliances of a similar size and capacity, then check the noise level. The European Commission says the label provides both of these details, as well as storage capacities. | With an open-plan kitchen, I want to consider day-to-day noise and electricity use once my storage needs are met. Around 15% of consumers would make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at total capacity
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of freezer space. A small freezer section may not be enough if you shop for frozen food regularly.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately in the details for the model you’re considering.
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Choosing a multi-door model before checking access
Its capacity may suit less frequent shopping, but the appliance might not fit through the doors and hallways or into the space you have planned for it.
Measure the delivery route, the space in your kitchen and the door clearance, then check the manual for the required clearances.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
An energy rating doesn’t tell you everything about storage capacity or the annual energy consumption of two different-sized appliances.
Compare kWh/year and usable capacities on the labels of similar models. If your kitchen is next to a living space, include noise levels among your criteria.
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Forgetting to check the temperature after installation
The selected setting alone won’t tell you the temperature inside the appliance. Anses recommends setting the fridge below 4 °C to keep food safely.
Check the temperature with a thermometer and follow the manual’s guidance on where to place food.
Brands to consider for the format you need
Beko
Worth considering for a built-in fridge-freezer or a compact appliance: BUT’s range includes the 254 L BCNA275E44SN built-in fridge-freezer and a Beko table-top model.
- These two formats suit different installation requirements.
- For a built-in model, check the housing dimensions and door system; for a table-top model, check the space available for frozen food separately.
Samsung
Worth considering for a family-sized fridge-freezer: a 344 L Samsung model is included in the selection reviewed at BUT.
- The stated capacity gives you a starting point for assessing how much you can store between shops.
- Check the split between fridge and freezer space and the dimensions of the specific model; the features of the brand’s multi-door models don’t automatically apply to a fridge-freezer.
Hisense
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer, including a 304 L Hisense model featured by BUT.
- This format lets you consider fridge and freezer storage together.
- Check the capacity of each compartment, energy consumption and noise level on the product details for the model you’re considering.
Haier
Worth considering for a higher-capacity fridge-freezer: a 355 L Haier model features among the appliances presented by BUT.
- This capacity is worth comparing with the needs of a household that shops less frequently.
- Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is reserved for frozen food; also measure the space and access route.
Fridge-freezers to consider on Joybuy
These multi-door and fridge-freezer models offer a range of capacities and suit different kitchen layouts. Before choosing, compare the capacity of each compartment with your shopping needs, then check the installation dimensions of your chosen model.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door multi-door fridge-freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you do a big shop and want a multi-door appliance for fresh and frozen food.
The model name indicates Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check how the 467 L is split between compartments, as well as the space, access route and required clearances.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, three-door, 360 L
Worth considering if you want to divide less frequent shops between fridge and freezer space in a three-door appliance.
The model is listed with Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, My Zone and an energy rating of E. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities, then check access and installation clearances.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, black multi-door fridge, 495 L
Worth considering if you need plenty of storage, provided you have enough space and suitable access for a multi-door model.
The model is listed with an energy rating of E. Check the capacity of each compartment and the installation requirements for the water and ice dispenser, including whether a water connection is needed.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L built-in fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing a fridge-freezer in a fitted kitchen, provided it’s compatible with the housing and door system.
The model name indicates TwinTech No Frost and an energy rating of E. Before ordering, confirm the housing dimensions, door fixing system and fridge and freezer capacities.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, silver fridge-freezer, 227 L
Worth considering for a kitchen where width is a key factor, without giving up separate fridge and freezer compartments.
The model offers 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space and a width of 54 cm, with Low Frost, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Also check its height, depth and required clearances; Low Frost does not mean Total No Frost.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity does my household need?
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop, and check freezer capacity separately if you regularly buy frozen food.
Is the energy label enough to compare two models?
It helps you compare appliances with similar functions and capacities, but you still need to check their dimensions. The European Commission says the label includes details such as energy consumption, storage capacity and noise levels. Compare these figures together rather than looking at the rating alone.
Can I replace my fridge-freezer with a multi-door model in the same kitchen?
Only if the space, access route and door clearance suit the model you have in mind. Que Choisir gives a width of around 1 m and a depth of 75 to 80 cm for American-style fridges; you should still measure the specific appliance and check its installation manual.
What temperature should I set my fridge to after installation?
Anses recommends setting the fridge below 4 °C. Check the temperature inside with a thermometer and follow the manual’s guidance on food placement, particularly after installation or changing the setting.