When replacing a fridge or freezer, start by thinking about the food you need to store: choose a fridge for fresh food, a fridge freezer for fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or a separate freezer if you mainly need space for frozen goods. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, the space needed for installation and the annual energy consumption shown on the energy label. A standalone freezer cannot replace the refrigerated storage you need every day.
If your shopping is mostly fresh food and perishables, look for a suitable fridge capacity and an interior layout that makes it easy to find the coldest area. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends keeping very perishable foods in an area at 4 °C or below.
A fridge freezer gives you both types of storage in one appliance. Check the space available for fresh food and frozen food separately: the total capacity won’t tell you how it is divided.
If freezing food and storing frozen goods are a big part of your routine, compare freezer capacity and the space needed for an upright or chest freezer. A freezer is a separate appliance from the fridge you need for fresh food.
Start with the food you store most often, then check how much room you have. The European Commission says that energy labels for refrigeration appliances show information including annual energy consumption, capacity and noise emissions.
| What matters | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food for everyday use | Fridge capacity and interior layout; where the coldest area is for very perishable foods. | If most of my shopping is fresh food, I need to be able to store it in areas with the right temperature. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this kind of everyday storage. |
| Fresh and frozen food together | The capacity of each compartment; the type of freezer compartment if you freeze food. | To keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance, I need enough room for both. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Frozen food storage | Freezer capacity, freezing rating and how easy it is to access food in an upright or chest freezer. | If I regularly stock up on frozen food, freezer capacity matters more than having a large fridge. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Installation and energy use | Appliance dimensions and door or lid clearance; kWh/year and noise for a capacity that suits your needs. | If space is limited or I want to keep an eye on the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously, these considerations come before looking for the largest capacity. Around 20% of consumers prioritise them. |
The European Commission lists fridge and freezer capacities separately on the energy label. So two appliances with the same total capacity may divide that space in very different ways, and one may be a much better fit for your shopping.
Before comparing appliances, work out how much space you need for each type of food.
The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between a freezer compartment, which is intended for temporarily storing food that is already frozen, and a four-star freezer, which can freeze food.
If you want to freeze home-cooked meals or fresh food you have bought, check the rating of the compartment or appliance.
Fridges and freezers run continuously, the ADEME points out. The energy rating letter doesn’t tell you everything: compare annual energy consumption across appliances with similar capacities and intended uses, too.
Check the kWh/year for the specific model, along with its capacity and the features you actually need.
Your old appliance should be taken to an appropriate collection or recycling scheme. You may also need to check that it can be moved out of your home and confirm the collection arrangements.
Before placing your order, check delivery and collection options with the retailer, or find a suitable collection point.
Beko offers a range of fridge freezers, with specifications that vary from model to model.
Liebherr’s range includes fridges, fridge freezers, upright freezers and chest freezers.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, with features that vary by model.
This selection of Joybuy products includes fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a chest freezer and an upright freezer for separate frozen storage. If you choose either of the standalone freezers, you’ll also need a fridge for any fresh food you want to store.
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A four-door appliance that combines fresh and frozen food storage. The product details list a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Measure the space available and allow room for the doors to open; also check how the capacity is divided between the compartments.
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A three-door fridge freezer for storing fresh and frozen food together. The product details list a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the dimensions before choosing this style.
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A separate freezer for storing frozen food alongside your fridge. The product details list a 99 L capacity, a four-star rating, an adjustable thermostat, a removable basket and an E energy rating. Check the floor space available, access from above and the model’s kWh/year.
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A fridge freezer that combines fresh and frozen storage when width is a key consideration. The product details list 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer and a width of 54 cm. They also mention Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth, kWh/year and defrosting requirements before choosing.
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An upright appliance for organising your frozen food, alongside a fridge if you also store fresh food. The product details list a 161 L capacity, No Frost, drawers and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions and kWh/year to assess whether it will fit your space and how much energy it uses.
Compare the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on fridge and freezer energy labels; scanning the QR code takes you to detailed model information in EPREL.
Use a thermometer to find the area at 4 °C or below, and store very perishable foods there, following the Ministry of Agriculture’s advice. Also follow the storage temperatures shown on food packaging.
No. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between a freezer compartment, which keeps food that is already frozen for a short time, and a four-star freezer, which can freeze food. If you prepare meals to freeze, check the rating before you buy.
Take your old fridge or freezer to an appropriate collection or recycling scheme. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains that retailers offer a « 1 for 1 » take-back service when you buy an appliance of the same type; check the arrangements with the retailer. You can also take it to a collection point or recycling centre.