Start by choosing an appliance that suits the amount of fresh and frozen food you actually store. A single-door fridge could be right if you rarely need freezer space, while a fridge freezer combines both functions; a standalone freezer means you’ll need another way to keep fresh food. Next, compare the annual energy use of models with similar sizes and capacities, and make sure you have enough room to install your chosen appliance. The ADEME reminds us that these appliances run continuously, so it’s worth checking that any extra capacity or features are justified by how you’ll use them.
If your electricity bill is prompting you to replace your appliance, compare the energy use of models that meet the same storage needs. A small fridge and a large fridge freezer don’t do the same job.
If you mainly shop for fresh food and have limited kitchen space, consider whether you’d actually use a freezer compartment or a separate appliance.
If you buy in bulk or prepare meals in advance, freezer capacity matters just as much as total volume. You’ll also need to allow for the space the appliance takes up and its ongoing energy use.
Consider it: if you mainly store fresh food and don’t need much freezer space.
Limitation: on its own, it won’t meet your needs if you regularly store frozen food.
Consider it: if you regularly need to store both fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Limitation: the space available in each compartment needs to suit your shopping habits. A large total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean the split is right for you.
Consider it: if you store frozen food regularly enough to justify a dedicated appliance, and already have somewhere to keep fresh food.
Limitation: it won’t replace a fridge and takes up extra space.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label for appliances with similar formats and useful capacities. The energy rating letter alone doesn’t tell you how much energy an appliance uses. | If my electricity bill is guiding my choice, I want to compare appliances that can store my usual shopping without choosing a larger model than I need. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise energy use when comparing appliances with similar capacities. |
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Check the litres available for refrigeration and freezing separately, then compare them with your usual shopping habits. | If I regularly store frozen food, I want enough room for it without sacrificing too much space for fresh food. Around 33% of consumers would put the balance of storage space ahead of other criteria. |
| Installation and comfort | Measure the space, delivery route and door clearance. Check the manual for ventilation requirements and the product information for the stated noise level. | If I have a narrow or open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to install the appliance properly and live with its noise day to day. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise whether it suits their home and their comfort. |
The same energy rating letter doesn’t mean two appliances offer the same capacity or meet the same freezing needs. The European Commission says EPREL product information includes details such as annual energy use, dimensions and capacity.
To compare similar models, check the kWh/year and useful capacity, then look at the stated dimensions and noise level.
The ADEME gives average figures of 180 kWh/year for a fridge, 315 kWh/year for a fridge freezer and 300 kWh/year for a freezer. These averages are for different types of appliance, so they can’t predict the energy use of a specific model or compare appliances with the same capacity.
Start by working out how much fresh and frozen food you actually store. Then choose a format and compare models within it.
The appliance dimensions may not include the clearance required for installation. This depends on the model and how it is fitted.
Measure the space, doors and access routes, then check the manual for ventilation clearances. Also check the delivery and old-appliance collection options available when you order.
The permitted room temperature range depends on the model. Beko highlights some appliances designed to operate in particular conditions, but this doesn’t apply to all freezers.
If you plan to keep your appliance in a cellar, garage or unheated utility room, check the permitted temperature range in the documentation for the model you’re considering.
Bosch Home Appliances offers single-door fridges, fridge freezers, freezers and integrated models. It’s a range worth exploring if you’re still deciding between formats or installation types.
Liebherr offers fridges, fridge freezers and freezers, with a focus on energy use, noise and storage space.
Beko offers a range of domestic freezers, including No Frost models and some designed to operate at particular room temperatures.
These five appliances combine refrigeration and freezing. If you’re considering a single-door fridge or a separate freezer instead, treat that as a different format to compare with these fridge freezers. For each model, check the useful capacities, kWh/year and installation requirements before making your decision.
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Worth considering if you regularly store fresh and frozen food and have room for an appliance of this size.
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Compare this model if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance and check whether its capacity suits your shopping habits.
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Worth considering if a large total capacity suits your storage habits and you have enough room for the appliance.
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Consider this model if you want a clear split between fresh and frozen storage in a 253 L fridge freezer.
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Worth considering for a kitchen where width is important, but check that each compartment meets your needs.
First, compare the kWh/year for appliances with similar formats and capacities, then look at the litres available for fresh and frozen food. Dimensions, installation requirements and stated noise levels can help you choose between models that meet your storage needs.
Follow the clearances given in the manual for your chosen model. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges, but this guidance doesn’t replace the instructions provided by another manufacturer or for an integrated appliance.
Check the collection arrangements when you order your new appliance. ecosystem offers free collection when you buy a new, equivalent appliance. It also states that, for home delivery, the old appliance is collected from where it is used.
No. This feature alone doesn’t tell you whether a model uses less energy. To compare energy use, check the kWh/year for appliances with similar formats and capacities. Consider frost-related features separately, based on how much maintenance you’re happy to do.