If you regularly store fresh food, leftovers and frozen portions, start by comparing the available fridge and freezer space separately: a fridge-freezer combines both functions. An integrated freezer compartment may be enough for small quantities, while a separate freezer is worth considering if you’re short of space for frozen food but your fridge still meets your needs. Then check the appliance’s dimensions, energy label and noise level. Don’t assume that a larger capacity will solve storage problems on its own.
If you need to keep several dishes chilled at once, look at the fridge capacity and how much usable space there is on its shelves. For cooked food, Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge, which should be 4 °C.
Storage that keeps food in sight can make it easier to keep track of what you have between shops. ADEME recommends checking your stocks before making a shopping list and tidying your fridge regularly. Your choice of appliance can support this routine, but it won’t replace it.
Compare the space for frozen food with the portions and products you usually store. If only your freezer space is lacking, a separate freezer can complement a fridge that still has enough room for fresh food.
Consider this if: your household regularly needs space for fresh shopping, leftovers and frozen food.
The trade-off: the total capacity is split between the two functions, and different fridge-freezers may allocate different amounts of space to chilled and frozen food.
Consider this if: space is limited and you only freeze small quantities.
The trade-off: check the compartment’s capacity before relying on it for meal portions or other supplies.
Consider this if: you’re running out of room for portions and frozen shopping, but your current fridge capacity is still right for you.
The trade-off: a second appliance needs its own space and adds to your electricity use, so factor this in.
Once you’ve chosen a format, compare how the capacity is divided, then check the installation and usage requirements for the specific model.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate capacities | Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities in litres, not just the total. Check whether the shelves and drawers can accommodate the containers you usually use. | I keep several dishes and fresh foods close to hand, while also freezing portions for later. |
| Cold zone | Check the instructions to find the coldest zone and how to adjust the temperature. Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature there, which should be 4 °C, and not overfilling the fridge. | I need to be able to store cooked dishes, meat or fish in the right zone without stacking food on top of other items. |
| Energy and noise | According to the European Commission, the label on refrigeration appliances shows information including the energy rating, energy consumption, capacity and noise level. Compare these figures for appliances with a similar format and capacity that meet the same needs. | With my kitchen close to the living area, I want to compare the noise level as well as the annual energy consumption. |
| Access to stored food | Look at the layout of the drawers and shelves, and how easy it is to see food stored at the back. Also plan to check your stocks regularly, as ADEME recommends. | When I make my shopping list, I’d like to find leftovers and food I’ve already bought easily. |
| Installation | Measure the space and access routes. Check the clearance needed, how the doors open and, for a built-in model, the housing and fittings. | The capacity that suits me also needs to fit in my kitchen and remain accessible when the doors are open. |
A large total capacity can hide a split that doesn’t suit your fresh shopping or frozen portions. Bosch’s product details for the KGN39VLEB and Whirlpool’s for the WHK25364XBR4E list fridge capacities of 279 L and 210 L respectively, compared with freezer capacities of 89 L and 106 L.
Think about what you’re short of space for at home, then compare the two usable capacities separately.
More space doesn’t automatically make your food easier to see. ADEME also recommends checking what you already have before shopping and tidying your fridge regularly.
Set aside an easy-to-spot place for food you plan to use soon, and keep it organised when putting your shopping away.
A feature advertised by the manufacturer doesn’t replace checking the temperature or storing food in the right place. Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge, which should be 4 °C.
Read the instructions to find this zone and avoid overfilling the appliance.
An appliance may have the right capacity but still be difficult to get through access routes or open properly in its final position.
Measure access routes, check which way the doors open and how much clearance is needed, then review the delivery, installation and old-appliance collection options before ordering.
These details for specific models illustrate differences in capacity and format; they don’t describe every range from each brand.
The KGN39VLEB is a freestanding fridge-freezer, while the KIL22NSE0 is an example of a built-in fridge with a freezer compartment.
The CNd 5704 Pure NoFrost is an example of a fridge-freezer you can use to compare stated capacity with the space it needs.
The details for the WHK25364XBR4E and the WHMFF6314W6E upright freezer let you compare two ways to make room for frozen food.
These models combine fridge and freezer functions in one appliance, with both freestanding and built-in formats. Compare how their capacity is divided and how they’ll fit into your kitchen with your shopping and meal-preparation habits.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you like to keep shopping and prepared food in several separate spaces. The model name gives a total capacity of 467 L, with four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check how the capacity is divided and how much room it needs in your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh shopping and frozen food separate in a three-door appliance. The model name gives a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment and the installation dimensions.
Image unavailable
This built-in fridge-freezer is designed for a fitted kitchen where the cabinetry determines the format you can choose. The model name gives a total capacity of 252 L, No Frost and a C energy rating. Before buying, check the separate capacities, the housing dimensions and the door-fixing system.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if your fresh shopping and leftovers take up more room than your frozen portions. Bosch lists a fridge capacity of 279 L, a freezer capacity of 89 L and a noise level of 39 dB for this model. Check that its height of 203 cm, access routes and clearances are suitable for your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need room for both fresh shopping and frozen food. The model name gives a fridge capacity of 333 L, a freezer capacity of 192 L, a noise level of 37 dB, No Frost and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions and clearances, as well as the annual energy consumption on the label for the exact model.
No. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately with your shopping, leftovers and the portions you want to freeze. The European Commission says the label on refrigeration appliances gives their storage capacities; the total alone doesn’t show how much space is available for each function.
Put them in the coldest zone specified for your appliance. Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature there, which should be 4 °C. Check the instructions to find this zone and avoid overfilling the fridge.
Look at the energy consumption, storage capacities and noise level, which the European Commission says are shown on the label for refrigeration appliances. Then compare models with a similar format and capacity split that meet similar needs.
The ministry responsible for the ecological transition lists options for electrical appliances including a collection point, a waste and recycling centre, or returning the appliance to a shop. Check what collection options are available with the delivery of your new appliance.