First, choose a format that will fit in your kitchen, then check separately how much space you need for fresh food and frozen food. A fridge freezer suits households that regularly use both compartments. If you store a lot of frozen food, also compare the space needed and energy consumption of two separate appliances. Then compare models using the kWh/year, capacities and noise levels shown on their energy labels, while keeping ventilation and door-opening clearance in mind.
If you do a big food shop, make room for fresh food and check that the freezer can hold the amount you usually store. Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity to suit the size of your household, how often you shop and how much frozen food you eat.
Capacity is only part of the picture if the appliance blocks a door or won’t fit in its allocated space. Measure the space and check the ventilation requirements in the manual. For a built-in model, also check how the cabinet door is attached.
As ADEME points out, a fridge freezer runs continuously. To compare models that suit your needs, check the EU energy label, which shows information including energy consumption in kWh/year, capacity and noise level.
First decide how much room you need for fresh and frozen food, then rule out any formats that won’t fit your kitchen before comparing energy use.
Consider this if: you regularly eat frozen food and want separate spaces for fresh and frozen items.
Bear in mind: usable capacity depends on how space is divided between the two compartments, not just the total capacity.
Consider this if: you mostly buy fresh food and keep only a small amount of frozen food.
Bear in mind: the space set aside for freezing limits how much you can store.
Consider this if: freezing is a priority and you have space for two suitable appliances.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room for both appliances and should check their combined energy use.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity of both compartments | Separate fridge and freezer capacities in litres; space for your usual grocery shop. | If you need to fit both fresh and frozen food without cramming the compartments, how the capacity is divided matters more than the total. Around 33% of shoppers would put usable capacity at the top of their list. |
| Installation and door clearance | Dimensions, airflow and door clearance; for a built-in model, check the housing and cabinet-door fitting. | In a kitchen with limited space, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without obstruction. This compatibility would be the top priority for around 27% of shoppers. |
| Energy use and noise | kWh/year and dB(A) on the energy label; compare models with similar capacities and intended uses. | If the appliance is near a living area, I want to consider noise as well as its energy use over time. Around 20% of shoppers would make running costs and noise their main consideration. |
| Storage and maintenance | Layout of the shelves and drawers; cooling system and defrosting requirements for each compartment. | If everyday storage or defrosting becomes a hassle, the interior layout matters more than a feature advertised on the door. It would be the top deciding factor for around 20% of shoppers. |
An appliance may be spacious overall, yet still have too little room in the compartment you use most.
Compare fridge and freezer capacity separately. Que Choisir’s general guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person, should still be adjusted to suit your shopping habits and how much frozen food you keep.
The energy rating letter doesn’t replace the model’s annual energy consumption, particularly when the capacities you’re comparing differ.
Check the kWh/year on the energy label and compare appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. You can then work out what that consumption means for your own electricity tariff.
Differences in dimensions, ventilation or door fittings could prevent you from installing the appliance as planned.
Measure the housing and check its dimensions, door mechanism and ventilation requirements against the manual for the exact model.
Having No Frost or a specialised drawer isn’t enough on its own to tell you whether the capacity and layout will suit the food you store.
Check which features are available in each compartment and choose them to meet a specific need, without compromising on capacity, installation or energy use.
Worth considering if you’re comparing freestanding or built-in fridge freezers and value low noise levels and good fresh-food storage. Liebherr lists a capacity of 359 L, a noise level of 35 dB and dimensions of 201,5 × 59,7 × 67,5 cm for the CNd 5704.
Worth considering if you want to compare how capacity is divided in different fridge freezers. Whirlpool lists a total capacity of 370 L for the WHK22372X5EA1, split between 252 L of fridge space and 118 L of freezer space.
Worth considering for a built-in kitchen project where the housing and installation determine which model will fit. Electrolux lists a capacity of 249 L and housing dimensions of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for the ENC8MD18S.
These fridge freezers cater for everyday storage of fresh and frozen food. The selection includes freestanding models in a range of capacities and a built-in model. Check that each one suits your available space and the room you need for your groceries.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to divide your regular grocery shop between fresh and frozen food.
The model name lists a capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
Before choosing, check the space needed to open the doors and allow for ventilation, as well as the capacity of each compartment.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your grocery shop calls for plenty of storage space for both fresh and frozen food.
This four-door model is listed at 467 L, with Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
At 83,3 cm wide and 65 cm deep, it’s particularly important to measure the space available and check that the doors can open fully.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your kitchen is designed to accommodate a built-in fridge freezer.
This model is listed at 249 L, with TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating.
Before ordering, check the housing and cabinet-door fitting against the manual, then consult the energy label to compare kWh/year.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your kitchen is narrow but you still need two separate compartments.
The model name lists 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating.
Check the overall height, ventilation requirements and kWh/year before comparing its footprint and running costs. Low Frost does not mean frost-free.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prefer the freezer beneath the fridge compartment for everyday shopping.
This fridge freezer is listed at 282 L and has an E energy rating.
Compare the capacity of each compartment with what you buy. Also check the noise level and which way the door opens if your kitchen has specific requirements.
Compare the energy rating, kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise level in dB(A). The European Commission provides this information for fridges and freezers covered by the energy label. For a meaningful comparison, look at models with similar capacities and intended uses.
No. Check how many litres are set aside for fresh food and how many for frozen food. Que Choisir offers a general guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop and how much space your frozen food takes up.
Measure the housing and compare it with the installation dimensions for the exact model. Also check the ventilation, door system and opening direction in the manual. The 1780 × 560 × 550 mm housing listed by Electrolux for the ENC8MD18S does not apply to all built-in models.
Yes. You’ll need to follow the clearances and airflow requirements for your chosen model. Electrolux support recommends following the installation instructions and keeping the appliance away from heat sources. Check the manual for the exact clearances rather than assuming one distance applies to every appliance.