Start by considering how much fresh and frozen food you store. A fridge on its own prioritises fresh food, a fridge-freezer combines both uses, and a separate freezer gives you extra freezing capacity. Then compare the capacity in litres of each compartment and the model’s kWh/year, making sure it suits the space you have available. ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously, and that choosing one that’s too large or has more features than you need can affect energy use.
You want room for fresh food and, if needed, frozen food too, without relying on the total capacity alone. How often you shop and how much space you have in your kitchen will help you choose the right format. Que Choisir offers capacity guidelines that you can adapt to your household’s habits.
You want to know whether a fridge-freezer’s compartment will be enough, or whether a separate freezer would better suit the space you need for frozen food. Que Choisir provides capacity guidelines for different uses.
You’re comparing appliances that stay plugged in all the time and want to look at kWh/year alongside capacity and features. ADEME points out that choosing an appliance that’s too large or has more features than you need can affect energy use.
Que Choisir recommends choosing based on usable capacity and your household’s habits. ADEME also points out that size and extra features matter for an appliance that runs continuously.
Choose this if: you mainly store fresh food and already have the freezer capacity you need, if required.
Bear in mind: on its own, it won’t meet a significant need for frozen-food storage.
Choose this if: you regularly use both compartments and want both functions in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity doesn’t show how much space is available for fresh and frozen food.
Choose this if: your fridge is big enough, but you need more space for frozen-food supplies or less frequent shopping.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space and also runs continuously.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity and layout | Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment, how often you shop and the dimensions of the space available. | When I shop regularly, I want enough fresh-food space without choosing an appliance that’s too big for my kitchen. Around 31% of consumers prioritise capacity and how it is divided. |
| Freezing capacity | Check the capacity in litres for frozen food and compare a fridge-freezer with a separate freezer to suit your needs. | If I stock up or shop less often, I want enough room for frozen food without adding an unnecessarily bulky appliance. Around 25% of consumers put freezing capacity first. |
| Ongoing energy use | Check the kWh/year and the energy label rating for the exact model. Compare models with a suitable capacity for the same use. | As the appliance stays plugged in all the time, I want to weigh its annual energy use against the food storage I need. Around 25% of consumers prioritise electricity use. |
| Installation and features | Check the dimensions, required clearance, features of the exact model and any requirements for activation. | In a kitchen where space and maintenance matter, I want features that genuinely suit my needs and an appliance I can install. Around 19% of consumers prioritise how well it fits and how useful its features are. |
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for each compartment. The freezer may be too small for your supplies, while the fridge may offer more space than you need.
Compare the capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food separately, then consider how often you shop and how much space you have available.
ADEME points out that size and extra features can affect energy use. A feature advertised by the manufacturer doesn’t, on its own, guarantee lower energy use in every situation.
Check the kWh/year and capacity for the exact model. For a connected feature or energy management mode, also check the manufacturer’s activation requirements.
The DGCCRF describes free “one-for-one” take-back of an equivalent used appliance when you buy a new one. This doesn’t mean that every service associated with delivery is included.
Ask for the take-back terms in writing and a breakdown of any disconnection or installation services.
Disconnection and installation may be separate services, depending on the offer. Ask for a breakdown before you buy.
Cooling technology can differ between the fridge and freezer. For example, the Electrolux ENT6NE18S product specifications state that the fridge uses static cooling and the freezer uses No Frost.
Check the type of cooling listed for each compartment in the specifications for the exact model.
The B3RCHE305HW is a fridge-freezer worth considering if the balance between fridge and freezer space suits your needs.
The KGN492LDF is a freestanding fridge-freezer. Check that its compartment layout and dimensions suit your kitchen.
The Rd 5220 Plus and FNd 7026 Plus offer different options: prioritise fresh-food storage or increase your freezing capacity.
The RB38C600CS9/EF is a fridge-freezer to consider if connected energy management is one of your priorities.
The GBBS322APY is a 375 L fridge-freezer with additional features listed by LG for this model.
Consider the ENT6NE18S built-in fridge-freezer if your housing dimensions match those specified for this model.
The models below are fridge-freezers, combining fresh- and frozen-food storage in one appliance.
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Combines fresh- and frozen-food storage in a freestanding appliance.
Total No Frost, Inverter compressor, Multi Air Flow, B rating and 35 dB.
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Brings refrigeration and freezing together in one appliance.
C rating; NatureFRESH™, DoorCooling+™ and LinearCooling+™ features listed for this model.
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A three-door fridge-freezer combining fresh- and frozen-food storage.
Total No Frost, E rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
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Combines both functions in a compact 174 L format.
115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer, Low Frost, E rating and 39 dB.
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For households looking for a high-capacity fridge-freezer with space for both fresh and frozen food.
Total No Frost, Inverter compressor, Multi Air Flow, water dispenser, E rating and 38 dB.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately, then factor in how often you shop and the space available. Que Choisir gives an average guideline of 100 to 150 L of fridge capacity for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your habits.
For the household appliances covered, the European label uses a scale from A to G and shows details including annual energy use in kWh and capacity. The European Commission states that this scale has applied since 1 March 2021. Compare the exact model with appliances whose capacity suits your needs.
Check the appliance dimensions, the space needed for installation and the door opening requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. LG specifies a minimum gap of 4 mm between the sides of the GBBS322APY and the wall; this model-specific guidance doesn’t apply to every fridge. For a built-in model, also check the required housing dimensions.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 °C and 4 °C at the coldest point. Check your appliance’s temperature, particularly if the room is warm, the door is opened often or the fridge is very full. A feature advertised by the manufacturer doesn’t, on its own, guarantee this result.
No, cooling technology can differ between the fridge and freezer. For example, the Electrolux ENT6NE18S specifications state that the fridge uses static cooling and the freezer uses No Frost. Check the details for each compartment on the model you’re interested in.