To store more fresh and frozen food without making your appliance much wider, start by comparing the usable capacity of each compartment. A fridge freezer could be just what you need. A multi-door or side-by-side model is better suited to a household that regularly needs plenty of storage, provided the packaged appliance can be brought all the way into your kitchen and the doors can open properly. In an open-plan kitchen, check the energy consumption and noise data too, but don’t assume that a lower decibel rating guarantees silence.
If you store both fresh ingredients and frozen meals, check the capacity of each compartment before looking for the largest overall volume. A fridge freezer is a good format to consider for this purpose, although the split between compartments varies by model.
A multi-door or side-by-side model could offer the layout you need for larger shops. However, check that the compartments suit your habits and that the delivery route, available space and door clearance will let you use the appliance properly.
Capacity isn’t everything if the appliance gets in the way or can be heard in your living space. Compare the noise emissions and measure the access route, door clearance and ventilation space required for the model.
First, choose a format that suits the food you store and the space you have. Then compare the compartments and energy label data of models that will fit your kitchen.
Worth considering: if you want more room for fresh food and a separate freezer, without immediately opting for a particularly wide appliance.
Check: the usable capacity in each section. The guide figure given by Que Choisir for a standard fridge freezer doesn’t reflect the layout of every model.
Worth considering: if big shops and food you want to store make several separate compartments useful.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to be able to open every door and drawer in your kitchen. Capacity and layout vary from model to model.
Worth considering: if you regularly need plenty of fridge and freezer space and have a sufficiently large kitchen.
Check: the width, whether the packaged appliance will fit through your access route, and its annual energy consumption. Que Choisir highlights how much space this format takes up.
Worth considering: if space is very limited and you don’t store many frozen foods.
Limitation: a small freezer compartment won’t meet the same needs as a separate freezer if you’re increasing your stocks of both fresh and frozen food.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Compare the usable capacity of each compartment on the energy label or in EPREL, rather than looking at the total volume alone. | I prepare meals to freeze while keeping fresh food for the week, so I need space for both. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Capacity and storage | Check the capacity of each section and the layout of the model’s doors, drawers and shelves. | When the household shop takes up a lot of room, I want to store food without making everyday items hard to reach. This layout would be the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the access route with the packaging on and check the required clearances. Look at the dB rating and noise class on the label. | In an open-plan kitchen or one that’s difficult to access, I need to be able to install the appliance and live with its noise. Around 20% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Space and energy consumption | Check the dimensions against the available space, and compare kWh/year with models that offer the usable capacity you need. | If my kitchen is small, I want extra storage without using up all the available space. This would be the main consideration for around 10% of consumers. |
A large appliance may still leave too little room in the compartment you use most. For a standard fridge freezer, Que Choisir gives a guide figure of around two thirds for refrigeration and one third for freezing, but this split doesn’t apply to every model.
Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately against what you usually buy.
Its width could make it impossible to get through the access route or prevent the doors from opening properly once it’s in place. For example, a Samsung model listed by the brand is 912 mm wide without packaging; this doesn’t tell you its delivery dimensions.
Measure doorways, corridors and lifts along the whole delivery route, then check the space needed to open the doors and remove the drawers.
If a packaged appliance won’t fit, it may not be possible to deliver it to the space you’ve chosen.
Noise emissions help you compare product specifications, but they don’t tell you on their own how disruptive an appliance will feel. Que Choisir also draws attention to the type of noise and vibrations.
For an open-plan kitchen, use the dB rating and noise class as a starting point, then, if possible, look for independent tests that assess perceived noise.
A wall, cabinet or heat source that’s too close could affect the installation and how the doors work. The clearances required vary by model.
Before choosing a location, check the manual for ventilation clearances, the climate class and the space needed to open the doors.
In France, LG offers multi-door fridges in a range of capacities.
In France, Samsung offers multi-door and side-by-side formats, including high-capacity appliances.
Haier’s French range includes fridge freezers, multi-door models and American-style fridges.
This selection includes fridge freezers, a multi-door model and larger appliances. Compare their compartments and make sure each format will fit the space you actually have at home.
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Worth considering if you want to spread a big shop across several compartments. This four-door model has a stated capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy class. Check the capacity of each section, as well as the access route and door clearance.
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Consider this if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food and have a suitable place for it. The listing states 333 L for the fridge, 192 L for the freezer, 37 dB, No Frost and an E energy class. Check the model’s dimensions and energy consumption data before choosing.
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This bottom-freezer fridge freezer could suit a household that wants separate spaces for fresh and frozen food without immediately choosing a particularly large format. It has a stated capacity of 282 L and an E energy class. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the noise data if your kitchen is open-plan.
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This format is suited to a household that regularly needs plenty of storage and has room for a wide appliance. The model has a stated capacity of 488 L and an E energy class. Before choosing it, check the fridge and freezer capacities, whether it will fit through the access route with the packaging on, and the installation requirements.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a higher-capacity fridge freezer with two separate compartments. The model has a stated capacity of 344 L and a D energy class. Check its depth, the capacity of each section, kWh/year and noise level for your chosen location.
First compare the fridge and freezer capacities, then look at kWh/year and noise emissions. The European Commission says the label for the appliances concerned also shows their energy efficiency class. You can use EPREL to look up detailed information about a specific model.
No. The dB rating and noise class can help you narrow down your options, but they don’t predict on their own how disruptive an appliance will feel. Que Choisir points out that the type of noise matters too. Consider where you plan to put the appliance and, if available, look for independent tests that assess perceived noise.
Measure the delivery route using the dimensions of the packaged appliance, then check the space where it will go. Also check how much room you’ll need to open the doors and drawers, as well as the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s manual.
Before delivery, ask the seller how to arrange for your old fridge to be taken away. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition explains that a “one-for-one” take-back scheme applies when you buy an appliance of the same type, subject to the relevant conditions. For a new, second-hand or refurbished product bought by an individual from a professional seller, the Ministry of the Economy points out that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory. It is separate from any commercial guarantees offered by the seller.