Start by thinking about how much space you regularly need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge-freezer combines both, while a separate freezer is mainly worthwhile if you have an ongoing need for extra frozen storage. Then compare appliances with a capacity that suits you, looking at annual energy consumption in kWh, dimensions and noise levels. More capacity or extra convenience features won’t necessarily mean a lower electricity bill.
If you’re replacing an older appliance, start by working out how much capacity you actually use. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and an appliance that’s too large or has more features than you need can increase your bills.
A fridge-freezer can cover both needs, as long as each compartment is large enough for your habits. For the relevant appliances, the fridge and freezer capacities are listed separately on the energy label, as the European Commission explains.
If you’re fitting the appliance into an alcove or an open-plan kitchen, check its dimensions, door clearance and noise level. Energy consumption alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit or be comfortable to use.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and have few or no frozen items.
Keep in mind: check whether it has a freezer compartment, and how large it is, if you need one.
Worth considering: if you regularly need space for both fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Keep in mind: total capacity alone won’t tell you whether each compartment is right for your needs.
Worth considering: if your fridge already meets your fresh-food needs, but you regularly need more space for frozen food.
Keep in mind: this extra appliance also runs continuously and needs its own dedicated space.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use and capacity | Compare the energy rating and kWh/year of models with similar formats and capacities, then consider these figures in relation to the space you need. | I want to avoid running an appliance all year round with litres of space I don’t use. Around 45% of consumers are said to prioritise keeping energy use under control. |
| Space for fresh and frozen food | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, especially before choosing a fridge-freezer. | If I regularly buy frozen food, I need to check how much space is available in each compartment. This split is said to be the main priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Installation and convenience | Measure the space and required clearances; check the stated noise level and maintenance features of the exact model. | In an open-plan kitchen or an alcove, the appliance needs to fit, open properly and be comfortable to use. This is said to be the main priority for around 19% of consumers. |
The rating doesn’t replace checking annual consumption in kWh and usable capacity. ADEME points out that having more capacity than you need can push up your bills.
First compare models with a format and capacity that suit the same needs, then check their kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment.
An oversized fridge-freezer or freezer gives you extra capacity that may go largely unused, even though the appliance runs continuously.
Estimate how much fresh and frozen food you usually store instead of buying an appliance sized for occasional needs.
Manufacturers describe this feature as a way to reduce frost or avoid manual defrosting; on its own, it doesn’t prove that an appliance uses less energy.
Check which compartment the feature applies to, then look at the exact model’s kWh/year if electricity costs are a key factor in your decision.
Replacing an appliance also means arranging to move and dispose of the old refrigeration equipment. ADEME says it can be handed over to the retailer or delivery person when it’s replaced.
Before placing your order, check the arrangements for collection and installation. If the appliance still works, also look into repair or donation options.
These examples can help you compare specific features, without assuming that every appliance from a brand has the same qualities.
The freestanding KGN33NWDA fridge-freezer shows why it’s worth looking at the capacity of both compartments, noise level and energy rating together.
The CNd 5704 fridge-freezer can be a useful comparison if storage capacity and stated noise level are important to you.
The fridge-freezer range includes different cooling systems, so compare the specific model rather than relying on the brand name alone.
These appliances combine refrigeration and freezing. Compare their stated capacities and installation requirements with your needs. To assess electricity costs, also check the exact model’s annual energy consumption on its energy label.
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Worth a look if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a single appliance. The stated capacity is 344 L and the energy rating is E. Before choosing, check the capacity of each compartment, annual energy consumption and required clearances.
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Consider this if your regular needs call for a large-capacity fridge-freezer. The product title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Check that you’ll use all that space, that the doors can open freely and that the annual energy consumption suits you.
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Compare this if you’re looking for an appliance that combines fridge and freezer space, with the freezer at the bottom. The product title lists a capacity of 282 L and an E rating. Check how the capacity is split, along with the noise level, dimensions and kWh/year for the KGN33NLEB, before making your decision.
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Worth a look if your kitchen needs a built-in fridge-freezer. The product title lists a capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an E rating. Check that it’s compatible with your kitchen housing and door system, and look up the exact model’s kWh/year.
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Compare this if you need both compartments and have a suitable space for its width. The product title lists 211 L for the fridge, 99 L for the freezer, a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and an E rating. Also check the other dimensions, noise level and kWh/year.
First compare the capacity you actually need, then look at each model’s kWh/year. The energy rating letter alone isn’t enough to judge running costs. The energy label for the relevant appliances also shows the fridge and freezer capacities, helping you check whether you’ll make use of any extra space.
Yes. For the household fridges and freezers covered by the scheme in the European Union, the European Commission says this scale has applied since 1 March 2021. Also check the annual energy consumption, capacity and noise emissions listed for the model you’re considering.
No. No Frost alone doesn’t prove that an appliance will use less electricity. If avoiding manual defrosting matters to you, check which compartment benefits from the feature, then compare the exact model’s annual energy consumption and capacity.
Ask about collection when you place your order: ADEME says a fridge or freezer being replaced can be handed over to the retailer or delivery person. If the appliance still works, donating it is another option. Confirm the practical arrangements before delivery.