If you buy fresh and frozen food every week but don’t want to install two large appliances, start by comparing fridge freezers. Separate fridge and freezer appliances let you choose each capacity independently, while a mini fridge is better suited to smaller stocks and frequent shopping trips. Whichever you choose, check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the installation requirements before you decide.
If you come home with lots of fresh food, ready meals and frozen food, look at the space available in each compartment rather than just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir suggests an average starting point of 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits.
If you prepare meals in advance or regularly add food to the freezer, its capacity and layout matter just as much as the space for fresh food. UFC-Que Choisir’s fridge freezer test protocol, for example, looks at several ways of loading a freezer.
Your appliance needs to fit through to its intended spot, leave room for the door to open and meet the clearance requirements for installation. Measure the delivery route and check the model’s instructions for any housing, ventilation and operating requirements.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check whether the right format can be installed in your home.
Worth considering if: you use both compartments regularly and want them together in one appliance.
The trade-off: the split between fresh and frozen storage is fixed by the model, so it may not suit you if you keep a particularly large stock of frozen food.
Worth considering if: your refrigeration and freezing needs are very different and you want to choose each capacity independently.
The trade-off: you’ll need space for two appliances and should compare their combined annual energy consumption. Don’t assume they will necessarily use more or less energy than a fridge freezer.
Worth considering if: you keep a small stock of food, for example in a studio flat where you shop frequently.
The trade-off: space for frozen food may be limited or non-existent. Check whether the model has a freezer compartment if you also need to freeze fresh food.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Compare the litres listed for each compartment separately and match them to how often you shop. | After shopping, I need enough room for fresh food and frozen supplies, without running short in either compartment. Around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Stated energy consumption | Check the kWh/year figure and energy class on the label, then compare appliances with similar formats and capacities. | As my appliance runs continuously, I want to factor in its energy consumption before choosing its size or features. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise keeping this down. |
| Access and installation | Measure the delivery route, the space where it will go and the door swing; check the instructions for housing and ventilation requirements. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to get the appliance in and open its door once it’s installed. Around 25% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Freezer use | Check the drawers, the stated freezing functions and the model’s defrosting instructions. | I regularly freeze prepared food and want to store it without making maintenance more complicated. Around 19% of consumers would prioritise this practical use. |
When comparing electricity use, ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously and that their size or certain additional features can affect consumption. The European Commission explains that the EU energy label shows information including kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise levels. An energy class letter on its own doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can divide the space between fridge and freezer differently. So, a sufficient total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the compartment you use most.
Work out separately how much space you need for fresh food, prepared meals and frozen food, then check the capacity listed for each compartment.
A fridge or freezer runs continuously. According to ADEME, its size and certain additional features, such as an ice dispenser, can affect its energy consumption.
Compare the kWh/year figures for models with similar formats and capacities, and choose features that suit the way you’ll use the appliance.
An appliance that suits your storage needs could still be too large for the access route, housing or available door clearance. Ventilation requirements also vary by model.
Measure the route to the kitchen, the space where the appliance will go and the door swing. For a built-in model, check the housing and clearances against the instructions.
Frost-free cooling, a fast-freeze function or a system that limits frost build-up each meets specific needs. Their presence doesn’t make up for an undersized compartment or remove the need to check the model’s energy consumption and noise level.
Match each feature to your habits, then check the product details and instructions for the exact appliance to understand how to use it.
The Bosch range includes freestanding, built-in and compact appliances. These are worth exploring if space or a housing requirement is a key factor in your choice.
The Whirlpool range includes built-in and freestanding fridge freezers, separate freezers and multi-door models.
Electrolux support provides transport and installation guidance that may be useful if delivery or the location presents challenges.
These Joybuy products are fridge freezers, including one built-in model. Compare their capacities and formats with your needs; to compare energy consumption, check the kWh/year figure on each model’s label.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity fridge freezer to store fresh and frozen food every day.
Stated capacity: 495 L; energy class E.
Check the dimensions, required clearances and any connection requirements before choosing this model.
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Worth considering if you want a fridge and freezer together in a kitchen designed for built-in appliances.
Stated total capacity: 249 L; TwinTech No Frost technology; energy class E.
Before buying, compare the capacity of each compartment with the stated total and check the housing, door system and clearances in the instructions.
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Worth considering if space is limited but you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Stated capacity: 174 L; Low Frost technology, adjustable thermostat and reversible door.
Low Frost may not eliminate the need for manual defrosting, so check the model’s maintenance instructions.
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Worth considering if you have limited width available and need separate fresh and frozen compartments.
Stated capacity: 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; 54 cm wide; Low Frost; energy class E.
Check the depth, door opening and defrosting instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with more stated capacity for frozen food.
Stated capacity: 211 L for the fridge and 99 L for the freezer; 60 cm wide; reversible door; energy class E.
Also check the height, depth and required clearances before arranging delivery and installation.
First, compare the annual consumption in kWh for appliances with similar formats and capacities. For the appliances concerned, the EU energy label described by the European Commission also shows the energy efficiency class, compartment capacities, noise level and noise class.
Measure the appliance, the space where it will go and the whole route to the kitchen, including doors, corridors, stairs and narrow access points. Also check the door swing and, for a built-in model, the housing dimensions and ventilation requirements in the instructions.
Follow the waiting time given in your model’s instructions before plugging it in. For the appliances covered by its transport guidance, Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours to allow the oil to return to the compressor. This advice doesn’t replace the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the appliance you’ve bought.
No. The DGCCRF explains that a commercial warranty is optional and is in addition to legal guarantees. According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years to new or second-hand goods bought from a professional seller in France. Check the terms of any commercial warranty offered with the appliance separately.
If you’re buying a new appliance to replace your old one, ask about having the old appliance taken back when you buy or arrange delivery. The organisation ecosystem explains the retailer’s take-back obligation. Agree the practical arrangements with the seller before delivery.