Start by considering how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge on its own is suitable if you don’t need a freezer compartment in that appliance, while a fridge-freezer combines both functions and a separate freezer can add capacity if you need more room for frozen food. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year of appliances suited to similar needs. Finally, check the dimensions, door clearance and installation instructions for the exact model. ADEME’s general guidance cannot predict how much energy your household will use.
If you store several days’ worth of fresh food, leftovers and perhaps some frozen food, compare the usable capacity of each compartment and the internal layout rather than just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that how often you shop, and whether you shop for one or two weeks at a time, can influence your choice.
If you prepare meals in advance or regularly buy frozen food, check whether a fridge-freezer’s drawers will meet your needs or whether it’s worth considering a separate appliance. UFC-Que Choisir notes, in particular, the difference between upright and chest freezers, which offer different storage options.
If space, the delivery route, door clearance or noise in the room limits your options, check the model’s dimensions and installation instructions against the space you have available before choosing.
When replacing an appliance, start with your storage habits, then compare models suited to similar needs. The European energy label shows details including annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise level. ADEME also points out that an appliance’s size and features you don’t need can affect its energy use.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and don’t need a freezer compartment in this appliance.
Bear in mind: it won’t provide the freezer capacity your household may need.
Worth considering: if you want to store both fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
Bear in mind: some of the total capacity is set aside for frozen food, so compare the litres in each compartment separately.
Worth considering: if you regularly buy more frozen food or freeze more meals than a fridge-freezer can accommodate.
Bear in mind: this appliance needs a separate space and runs continuously. Check the permitted ambient temperature for the planned location, too.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the fridge compartment’s capacity in litres, shelves and drawers with your containers and how often you shop. | When I do a big shop, I want to fit in fresh food, leftovers and containers without running out of space. Around 31% of consumers prioritise fresh food capacity. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres, its storage layout and how much food you need to keep or freeze. | If I freeze food regularly, I want to know whether a fridge-freezer’s drawers will be enough before buying another appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise frozen food storage. |
| Energy consumption | Check the exact model’s energy label for its kWh/year, energy rating and compartment capacities. Compare appliances that meet similar needs. | I want to keep the storage space I need without overlooking the stated energy consumption. Around 25% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the delivery route and the space available, check door clearance and consult the manual for installation and ventilation instructions. Also check the noise level in dB. | In a kitchen where space or noise matters, I want to know whether the appliance can be delivered and installed as planned. Around 19% of consumers prioritise how well an appliance fits into their kitchen. |
Fresh and frozen food need different types of storage. So a high total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough room for your regular shop.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately, and check that the drawers and shelves can accommodate your containers.
ADEME says that an appliance’s size and features you don’t need can increase energy consumption, even for newer appliances. General guidance can’t predict how much energy your household will use.
Compare the kWh/year of the exact models that meet your needs, and consider whether you’ll use any extra features.
The delivery route, door clearance, available space and ventilation are separate considerations. An appliance that looks as though it will fit in an alcove may not be suitable for your planned installation.
Measure the route and the space, then check the manual for the exact model before ordering. Clearance requirements vary between appliances.
If delivery or installation can’t go ahead as planned, you may need to rearrange the installation.
A separate appliance can provide extra freezer capacity, but it needs its own space and runs continuously.
Before choosing this option, consider how much food you need to store, how easily you can access it, where the appliance will go and the kWh/year of the models you’re considering.
Freestanding fridge-freezers and upright freezers to compare if you’re deciding between one appliance and more freezer storage.
Fridge-freezers to consider when compartment capacity, dimensions and stated noise level are important to your choice.
Fridges and chest freezers to consider if you need separate storage for frozen food.
Built-in fridges to consider when the available housing and fresh food compartment layout determine your choice.
Fridge-freezers to consider if you want to compare capacity, installation and connected features.
This selection includes freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, so you can store fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
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A freestanding fridge-freezer with separate compartments for chilled and frozen food.
Fridge: 215 L; freezer: 115 L. Stated energy consumption: 165 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB. The product page lists a reversible door and a frost-free system.
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A built-in fridge-freezer to consider if your kitchen layout is compatible.
Fridge: 186 L; freezer: 62 L. The product page lists a sliding-door installation system, TwinTech Total No Frost technology and an ExtraChill drawer.
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A freestanding fridge-freezer with the fresh and frozen food capacities listed separately.
Fridge: around 249 L; freezer: 106 L. Stated energy consumption: 240 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB. The product page lists Total No Frost and a reversible door.
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A built-in fridge-freezer for storing fresh and frozen food in a compatible unit.
Fridge: 176 L; freezer: 76 L. Stated energy consumption: 150 kWh/year; noise level: 34 dB(A). The product page lists No Frost and a reversible door. Keep ventilation openings clear in line with the installation instructions.
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A freestanding, three-door fridge-freezer with separate storage for fresh and frozen food.
Fridge: 235 L; freezer: 125 L. Stated energy consumption: 271 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB(A). The product page lists Total No Frost and three freezer drawers.
First, work out how much fresh and frozen food you need to store, then compare the kWh/year on the energy labels of models suited to similar needs. The European energy label also shows compartment capacities and noise level. ADEME’s general guidance cannot predict how much energy your household will use.
Measure the route to your kitchen, the final location and the space needed to open the doors. Then check the manual for the exact model for ventilation requirements and, for a built-in model, the required housing dimensions. LG’s recommended clearances and Bosch’s instructions apply to their own installation guidance and aren’t universal rules.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C and checking the temperature regularly. Follow food storage advice too, along with the settings recommended in your appliance’s manual.
No. For a private purchase in France from a professional seller, the Ministry of the Economy points out that the statutory warranty of conformity is compulsory and separate from an optional commercial extension. It applies for two years from the date the goods are delivered.
The DGCCRF says that under the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme, retailers must take back equivalent used equipment free of charge when selling a new appliance, including online. Check with the seller how to hand over your old fridge.