Start by choosing the usable capacity you need based on the size of your household and how often you actually shop, then divide that capacity between refrigeration and freezing. A compact format suits smaller, more frequent shops, while a fridge freezer is ideal for weekly shopping; if you keep a large stock of frozen food, a bigger appliance or separate freezer may be more suitable. Above all, check the available space, ventilation and access.
If you buy small quantities, cook infrequently or have a compact kitchen, the key is to avoid choosing an oversized appliance while still having enough room for fresh food. UFC-Que Choisir recommends a table-top format for studio flats and gives a guideline of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, adjusted to suit individual habits.
To organise several days’ worth of fresh food and a supply of frozen products, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately rather than relying on the advertised total capacity.
If your freezer often holds multipacks, ready meals or large quantities of frozen food, you may want to consider a high-capacity appliance or separate freezer. In that case, check the floor space, climate class and ventilation requirements.
First compare how the capacity is divided between fresh and frozen food, then check the installation requirements and the specifications for each model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity by compartment | Compare the usable litre capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, as well as the number of drawers. UFC-Que Choisir gives a guideline of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, plus around 50 litres for each additional person. | I want to store a week’s worth of fresh food without running out of room for frozen products. Total capacity alone is not enough to assess this balance. |
| Installation and ventilation | Measure the width, height, depth, door opening and delivery route. Check the climate class and the clearances specified in the manual; Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² of free space behind and beneath the appliance in its installation guide. | My appliance must be deliverable, able to open fully and properly ventilated in my kitchen, utility room or cellar. |
| Energy use, noise and temperature | Compare kWh/year, noise in dB(A), capacities and energy class between comparable models. To distinguish between specific products, look for independent tests covering temperature stability, energy consumption and noise. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want a noise level that is suitable for a living space without compromising storage conditions. |
| Durability and maintenance | Check the durability or repairability information available for the exact reference, as well as access to the manual and the manufacturer’s support services. | I want to be able to find the installation, maintenance and usage instructions before choosing the appliance. |
An appliance may seem spacious while offering too little freezer capacity for regular purchases of frozen food, or too little fridge space for a week’s worth of fresh produce.
Note the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, then compare it with a typical week’s shopping.
Multi-door models can take up as much space as an American-style fridge freezer. UFC-Que Choisir states that a chest freezer is commonly 110 to 140 cm wide and around 70 cm deep.
Measure the installation space, delivery route, door opening and ventilation clearances. For a chest freezer, also make sure you can easily reach the food stored inside.
The required clearances depend on the model and where it is installed; general advice does not replace the instructions in its manual.
The Bosch guide mentions 200 cm² of free space behind and beneath the appliance as something to pay particular attention to. Then follow the installation conditions specific to the model you choose.
Worth considering if you are looking for a fridge or fridge freezer with easily accessible installation documentation and online support in French.
Worth comparing if you are looking for freestanding or built-in fridges, fridge freezers or freezers with product sheets and manuals that can be identified by appliance number.
Worth exploring for households interested in a multi-door fridge freezer, where freezer drawers beneath the fridge section can help separate fresh and frozen food.
These Joybuy options include fridge freezers for dividing your shopping between fresh and frozen food, as well as a separate freezer for increasing your freezing capacity.
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A compact option for dividing a week’s shopping between fresh and frozen food in two separate compartments.
115 L fridge capacity, 59 L freezer capacity, three freezer drawers, 4-star freezer, 39 dB, 50 × 55 × 150 cm, reversible door and Low Frost. Check the manual for clearances, dimensions with the doors open, kWh/year and climate class; Low Frost does not rule out manual defrosting.
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This fridge freezer lets you assess the space allocated separately to fresh and frozen food for regular shopping.
187 L fridge capacity, 75 L freezer capacity, three drawers, 4-star freezer, 215 kWh/year, 39 dB(A), N-ST climate class and dimensions of 1760 × 540 × 550 mm. The stated ambient temperature range is 16 to 38 °C; check the clearances and door opening in the manual.
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A larger capacity for a household that stores plenty of both fresh food and frozen products.
235 L fridge capacity, 125 L freezer capacity, three drawers, 4-star freezer, Total No Frost, 271 kWh/year, 35 dB(A) and SN/N/ST/T climate class. The stated dimensions are 59.5 × 66.7 × 185 cm; check the delivery route, door opening and ventilation.
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This fridge freezer offers a stated layout for weekly shopping with a regular supply of frozen food.
252 L fridge capacity, 103 L freezer capacity, 60 cm width, Full Frost-Free system, inverter compressor, reversible door and electronic controls. Check the height, depth, noise level, kWh/year, climate class, clearances and freezer layout before installation.
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A dedicated addition for frozen food when a fridge freezer no longer provides enough capacity.
161 L of freezer capacity, three drawers, two shelves, No Frost, Fast Freeze down to −22 °C, LED display, alarm and energy class C. This product has no fridge compartment; check the dimensions, noise level, energy consumption, climate class and ventilation requirements for the intended location.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, plus around 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop and your cooking habits, then check the freezer capacity separately if frozen food takes up a significant amount of space.
It may be enough if the freezer’s usable capacity and number of drawers genuinely match your shopping habits. If the drawers are always full or you store multipacks and ready meals, a multi-door model or separate freezer may be better suited to the way you organise your food.
Measure the installation space, delivery route and door opening, then consult the manual for the exact model. Follow the manufacturer’s clearance requirements: Bosch mentions at least 200 cm² of free space behind and beneath the appliance in its guide, but the instructions specific to the model take priority.
Compare kWh/year, noise level in dB(A), compartment capacities and energy class between appliances of a similar format and capacity. UFC-Que Choisir considers the quietest appliances to be below 40 dB(A) and carries out its tests with the recommended setting at 23 °C, including simulated repeated door openings.
Household refrigeration appliances covered by European regulations are subject to energy-labelling and ecodesign requirements. The label and product information make it possible to compare annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise for the relevant model.