If you mainly store fresh food, consider a fridge; if you regularly use both fresh and frozen food, a fridge-freezer brings the two compartments together. A separate freezer is better suited to a long-term need for extra storage. In each case, choose the capacity you need before comparing the kWh/year of appliances of the same type and similar capacity. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that choosing one that is too large or has more features than you need can increase your electricity bill.
If you want to keep the same balance between fresh and frozen food, check the usable capacity of each compartment before comparing the kWh/year of similar models. ADEME highlights that the size and extra features of an appliance that runs continuously can increase your electricity bill.
If you rarely freeze food, consider a fridge before choosing a fridge-freezer with a large compartment you won't use. Check that its capacity and temperature settings suit your eating habits.
If you buy in bulk or prepare meals ahead of time, compare the freezer capacity of a large fridge-freezer with that of a separate appliance. If you choose two appliances, check the space they will take up and the annual energy consumption shown for each.
Worth considering: if fresh food makes up most of what you store and you rarely freeze food.
Bear in mind: you'll need another solution if you start storing frozen food regularly.
Worth considering: if you use both compartments every day but don't need a large separate freezer.
Check: the total capacity doesn't tell you how many litres are reserved for frozen food.
Worth considering: if your long-term freezing needs exceed the capacity of a fridge-freezer that fits your home.
Bear in mind: you'll need space for both appliances, and should check the kWh/year for each one, as they run continuously.
Once you've chosen the type of appliance, compare models that suit the way you store food rather than relying on their total capacity alone.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Compare the energy label and kWh/year for appliances of the same type and similar capacity. Consider whether extra features will be useful: ADEME notes that having more features than you need can increase your electricity bill. | I want an appliance that meets my needs without continuously running a capacity or features I rarely use. |
| Capacity split | Check the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately, then check the appliance's dimensions. The same total capacity can be split in different ways. | Do I mainly buy fresh food, regularly store frozen food or need more space for larger supplies? |
| Food storage | Check the settings and whether you can monitor the temperature. Anses recommends a temperature of 0 °C to 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. | I need practical storage while being able to check that fresh food is kept at the recommended temperature. |
| Noise and positioning | Check the noise level in dB(A), dimensions, door opening direction and clearance required. For a built-in model, also check the housing and fittings. | In an open-plan kitchen or small home, noise and being able to open the doors fully matter just as much as the space the appliance takes up. |
| Replacement | Check the arrangements for taking away your old appliance and what's included in delivery, disconnection and installation. France's DGCCRF reminds retailers that they must offer free like-for-like take-back of an equivalent used appliance when selling a new one. | I'm replacing an existing appliance: its removal and access to my home need to be arranged before delivery. |
According to ADEME, the size and extra features of a refrigeration appliance that runs continuously can increase your electricity bill.
Look at the fresh and frozen food you usually buy, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
The energy rating alone doesn't tell you the appliance's annual energy consumption or how much food it can hold.
Also compare the kWh/year of models of the same type and similar capacity that meet the same storage needs.
A fridge-freezer may offer the capacity you want but still not fit the dimensions or fittings in your fitted kitchen. Installation and disconnection services should also be checked separately from delivery.
Measure the housing, access routes and door clearance, then check which services are offered before you order.
Refrigeration appliances need to be disposed of through an appropriate waste treatment system. ADEME says that a replaced appliance can be handed to the retailer or delivery driver.
Arrange for it to be taken away when you buy your new appliance, or find out about a suitable collection point.
The details below apply to the models mentioned, not to every range from these brands.
Two freestanding Bosch fridge-freezers show why it's important to compare models individually.
The B3RCNE364HDS features air circulation and lighting functions designed to help you organise your food.
Whirlpool's freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers are designed for different installation requirements.
These models combine fridge and freezer compartments. Compare their capacity and layout with your storage habits. This selection isn't a substitute for considering a fridge or two separate appliances if either would better suit your needs.
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Worth considering if you're looking for a 333 L fridge-freezer for fresh and frozen food. Compare its annual energy consumption with similar-capacity models, and check the installation type and clearance required.
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This 344 L fridge-freezer is designed for a mix of fresh and frozen food. Check how the capacity is divided between the compartments and compare its kWh/year with similar appliances before you choose.
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Its 467 L capacity is worth considering if you regularly need lots of storage space. This model is listed with Total No Frost; also check that you have enough room and compare its kWh/year with appliances of a similar capacity.
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This built-in fridge-freezer is worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a housing that suits the model. It's listed with TwinTech No Frost; check the housing dimensions, fittings and kWh/year before comparing it with other built-in models.
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This 282 L fridge-freezer has the freezer compartment at the bottom. Compare the capacity split and kWh/year with similar models. If noise is a concern in your home, check the noise level too.
Compare the kWh/year and energy rating of fridge-freezers with a similar usable capacity, after checking how much room you need in each compartment. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that their size or extra features can increase your electricity bill.
A fridge-freezer is a good choice if you regularly use both fresh and frozen food and want to store them in one appliance. If you rarely freeze food, consider a fridge; if you consistently need more freezer space than a fridge-freezer can offer, compare it with two separate appliances, taking annual energy consumption and space into account.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of your fridge between 0 °C and 4 °C. Check the temperature if the door is opened frequently, the appliance is very full or frost has built up.
In France, the DGCCRF says that under the like-for-like take-back scheme, a retailer must take back an equivalent used appliance free of charge when selling a new one. Before ordering, check the practical arrangements for collection and distinguish these from disconnection or installation services.
Don't assume it does: the services offered vary depending on the retailer and model. Check delivery, installation, disconnection of your old appliance and, if needed, changing the door opening direction separately.