For most households that need more space for fresh food, leftovers and a few frozen items, a fridge freezer is a practical choice. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately, along with the dimensions, noise level and energy consumption. A separate freezer is more suitable when the main shortage is freezer space and you have a dedicated location available.
You prepare several meals in advance or regularly keep leftovers: prioritise genuinely usable fridge space, clearly visible storage areas and an arrangement that does not restrict airflow. Anses particularly recommends avoiding overfilling the fridge.
You buy in bulk, freeze portions or store bulky products: compare freezer capacity, internal layout, annual energy consumption and the available space before adding a separate freezer.
If the appliance will be placed near a living area or in a restricted recess, check the full dimensions, the clearances specified by the manufacturer, the noise level and access through your home before ordering.
Start by identifying whether your main shortage is fresh-food, leftover or freezer space, then compare appliances of the same type and a similar capacity. The European energy label makes it easier to check storage volumes, annual consumption and noise levels.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility and fresh-food storage | Compare the usable fridge volume, adjustable shelves and drawers, and the space available for leftover containers. Avoid overfilling the appliance so that air can circulate. | I want to see my groceries and leftovers without stacking delicate foods or overcrowding the coldest area. |
| Balance between fresh and frozen food | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Match the type of appliance to your meal-preparation, freezing and bulk-buying habits. | My needs are mainly for fresh food every day, or instead for portions to freeze and shopping that will be stored for longer. |
| Everyday food storage | Check the temperature settings, access to the coldest area and any alarm functions available. Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest area of the fridge. | I store cooked meals and perishable foods; I need an arrangement that helps me rotate food properly. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Compare the energy class from A to G, annual consumption in kWh and noise level between appliances in similar categories and of similar capacity. Check the exact model specification. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters just as much as capacity. I also want to compare energy consumption on a like-for-like basis. |
A large total capacity may be poorly distributed for your habits. A lack of room for fresh leftovers will not necessarily be solved by an appliance whose capacity is mostly dedicated to freezing.
For one or two weeks, note when the appliance is full and separate your needs: fresh food, leftover containers, portions to freeze, drinks and bulky products. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
An overfilled appliance can restrict airflow. Food storage also depends on temperature, organisation and following recommended storage times.
Anses recommends checking that the coldest area is at 4 °C, placing perishable foods there, covering prepared dishes and not waiting until the use-by date to freeze food.
Large fridge freezers and separate freezers require you to check not only the dimensions of the space, but also the delivery route and the constraints of the room.
Measure the space, doors, hallways and lifts before ordering. Also check the clearances and installation requirements set out in the instructions for the exact model.
An appliance that is too bulky may prevent delivery or require the space to be adapted.
A fault or frost build-up does not automatically mean that a new appliance is needed, particularly if the current capacity still suits your needs.
Have the appliance assessed where practical. If you do replace it, use the take-back or collection services provided for appliances containing refrigerants.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding fridge freezers, including tall models with features such as No Frost, a door alarm and air circulation.
Liebherr offers fridge freezers and refrigeration appliances with technologies such as SmartFrost, NoFrost and DuoCooling, as well as variable storage solutions depending on the model.
Samsung offers high-capacity fridge freezers with a standard width, with connected features on certain models to monitor selected settings and usage.
Beko offers upright and chest freezers, making it easier to compare adding separate freezer capacity with replacing the fridge freezer altogether.
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers designed for everyday storage of fresh food, leftovers and portions to freeze.
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For groceries, fresh leftovers and portions to freeze in one appliance.
220 L of fridge space and 113 L of freezer space; 108 kWh/year, 29 dB, No Frost, Multi Air Flow, fast freezing and a door alarm listed on the specification sheet.
Stated ambient temperature range of 16 to 43 °C: check the clearances, the route for the 89 kg appliance and whether the dimensions of 59,7 × 186 × 67,4 cm are suitable.
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Suitable for households looking for generous fridge space with additional freezer capacity.
311 L of fridge space and 129 L of freezer space; 223 kWh/year, 35 dB, Multi Airflow, VitaFresh, fast freezing and a stated storage time during a power cut of 18 h.
Its 70 × 203 × 66,7 cm format may not suit a narrow kitchen; also check how the freezer is defrosted and the required clearances.
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A standard-width option for frequent grocery shopping and portions to freeze.
230 L of fridge space and 114 L of freezer space, a width of 59,5 cm, four shelves including one foldable shelf, three freezer drawers, and rapid cooling and freezing functions.
A water dispenser is listed on the specification sheet; check how it is supplied and whether any connection is required before buying.
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For preparing meals regularly and keeping fresh food separate from frozen portions.
235 L of fridge space and 125 L of freezer space; Total No Frost, 35 dB, 271 kWh/year, a door alarm, three freezer drawers and a stated freezing capacity of 10 kg/24 h.
The energy class is E. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features require the hOn app and do not replace proper organisation and stock rotation.
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Suitable for weekly grocery shopping, leftovers and portions to freeze in a combined format.
230 L of fridge space and 114 L of freezer space, three freezer drawers, No Frost, Power Cool, Power Freeze, a reversible door and a stated cold-retention time of 9 h.
Check the noise level and annual energy consumption before comparing. Wi-Fi and SmartThings features require app configuration.
Anses recommends monitoring a temperature of 4 °C in the coldest area of the fridge and placing meat, fish and cooked meals there in particular. A larger appliance alone is not enough: also avoid overfilling the compartments so that air can circulate.
Anses advises freezing food as soon as you buy or prepare it, rather than at the end of its use-by date. Once defrosted, eat it promptly and do not refreeze it.
For domestic refrigeration appliances, the European label shows the energy class from A to G, annual consumption in kWh, the volumes of the fridge and freezer compartments, as well as the noise level and its class. Compare these details between appliances of a similar type and capacity.
This depends on the ambient temperature range declared by the manufacturer for the model in question. Beko, for example, states that its BR3XRFNE274W1 can operate at ambient temperatures as low as -15 °C with Freezer Guard; this feature does not automatically apply to other freezers.
ADEME states that a replaced appliance can be handed back to the retailer or delivery driver, or taken to the designated area for electrical and electronic equipment at a recycling centre. Depending on the type of repair, some refrigeration appliances may also qualify for the Bonus Réparation when repaired by an approved service provider.