First, choose fridge and freezer capacities that suit your shopping habits. Then compare annual energy consumption and noise levels between appliances of a similar size and capacity. A fridge freezer suits households that regularly buy both fresh and frozen food; if you rarely freeze food, a fridge with a small freezer compartment may be enough. A separate freezer is best if you need long-term storage and have room for an extra appliance.
If your current appliance feels too small or takes up more space than you need, start with your usual shopping habits. Compare the capacity of both compartments, the dimensions and the kWh/year of models suited to the same needs. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
A fridge, either on its own or with a small freezer compartment, is worth considering if most of your storage is for fresh food. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Check separately how much room you need for frozen food.
Look at the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer rather than just its total capacity. If you regularly keep large stocks, a separate freezer may suit your needs, provided you have a suitable space for a second appliance.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the labels of appliances that meet those needs.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, in litres. Compare them with how often you shop and the size of the containers you use. | I mostly store fresh food, so a fridge on its own may be suitable. If I regularly store frozen food, I need a separate freezer compartment with enough space. |
| Electricity | According to the European Commission, the label shows the energy efficiency class, annual energy consumption and capacities. Compare the kWh/year of appliances with a similar format and capacity that meet the same needs. | I want to keep the energy consumption down on an appliance that runs all year, without choosing a model that’s too small for my food. |
| Installation | Measure the available height, width and depth, as well as the route to the installation space. Check the manual for ventilation requirements and, for built-in models, the fixing instructions. | I need an appliance that fits in my kitchen and whose doors can still be used once it’s installed. |
| Noise | Check the noise level shown on the label and compare it with other appliances that suit your capacity needs. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters just as much as the space an appliance takes up. |
| Maintenance and features | Check the defrosting system and the features you’ll actually use, then look again at the capacity and kWh/year of the model you’ve chosen. | If manual defrosting would be a hassle, I can consider No Frost. A door alarm or different storage zones are only useful if they suit my habits. |
Extra capacity won’t help if it doesn’t match your shopping habits. ADEME recommends considering the size of appliances and avoiding buying more capacity than you need, as they run continuously.
Think about how much fresh and frozen food you usually keep, then check each compartment’s capacity separately before comparing energy consumption.
The class doesn’t tell you on its own how much an appliance can hold. The EU energy label also shows annual energy consumption, capacity and noise level.
First shortlist appliances with a similar format and capacity that meet the same needs, then compare their kWh/year and energy efficiency classes.
No Frost, alarms and storage zones suit different needs; none of these features can make up for choosing the wrong capacity.
Match each feature to a specific need, such as avoiding manual defrosting or dealing with a door that’s sometimes left open, and check the details of the exact model.
Installation that restricts airflow, or placing the appliance near a heat source, can affect its energy consumption, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Follow the clearances and settings given in the manual. Look after the seals and defrost any appliance that requires manual defrosting.
These examples show different configurations to compare model by model; a feature found on one model won’t necessarily apply to the whole brand.
The brand offers freestanding fridge freezers, among other options, for households looking for two separate storage compartments.
Its fridge freezers include models with fan-assisted cooling, which are worth considering based on your storage and maintenance needs.
Its built-in models may suit kitchens designed for this type of installation.
This selection includes four fridge freezers and one separate freezer. The freezer is for households that already have a fridge and need more room for frozen food.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your kitchen is designed for a built-in fridge freezer. The model name indicates No Frost, a C energy efficiency class and an Inverter compressor. Before buying, check the niche dimensions and that the fixing system is compatible.
Image unavailable
Compare its total capacity of 440 L with the amount of fresh and frozen food you usually keep. Check the capacity of each compartment, annual energy consumption and the space needed for installation.
Image unavailable
Consider whether the three-door design suits the way you store food and the space available. The model name indicates Total No Frost, an E energy efficiency class, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Compare the separate compartment capacities and kWh/year with other fridge freezers suited to your household.
Image unavailable
Its stated width of 54 cm could be useful if space is tight, provided you allow for the clearances needed for installation. The model is 176 cm tall and is labelled Low Frost; check the defrosting requirements rather than assuming it works like a No Frost model.
Image unavailable
This standalone freezer is worth considering if you already have a fridge and need extra storage space over the long term. Its name indicates a C energy efficiency class, drawers, an alarm and a reversible door hinge. Check its dimensions and annual energy consumption before deciding where to put it.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare appliances that meet those same needs. According to the European Commission, their labels show the energy efficiency class, annual energy consumption, capacity and noise level. An appliance with a lower total kWh/year that is much smaller may not offer enough storage for your needs.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this according to how often you shop and the containers you use. If you buy frozen food, check the freezer compartment capacity too.
No. Choose this feature first and foremost if you want to avoid manual defrosting. To assess energy consumption, check the kWh/year on the label of the No Frost model and compare it with appliances of a similar size and capacity.
Follow the clearances and settings in the manual, and keep the appliance away from heat sources. UFC-Que Choisir recommends making sure air can circulate around refrigeration appliances. You should also look after the seals and defrost models that need it.
When you buy an equivalent appliance, ecosystem says the retailer must offer a free “one-for-one” take-back service. Check the practical arrangements when you place your order, especially if your new appliance is being delivered.