If you’re replacing a refrigeration appliance, start by choosing according to the space you regularly need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge-freezer combines both functions, while a separate freezer is mainly worthwhile if you’ll use its extra capacity. Then compare appliances with the same function and similar capacities, looking at kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions. The energy rating alone won’t predict how much it will use in your home.
If you’re replacing an old appliance, compare the kWh/year of models with the same function and similar capacities. Don’t assume you’ll make the same savings in every home. ADEME recommends checking the energy label, while the European Commission provides data for the models concerned through EPREL.
If you store both fresh and frozen food, look at the usable capacity of each compartment rather than just the total capacity. A fridge-freezer combines both functions in one appliance, as shown in Bosch’s ranges.
If the appliance needs to fit through narrow access points or into a fitted kitchen, compare the appliance and packaging dimensions with the delivery route. Samsung France recommends measuring doors, corridors and lifts before delivery.
Before comparing labels, work out whether you regularly run short of space for fresh food, frozen food or both. This will help you decide whether to replace your existing appliance, add dedicated capacity or organise your storage more effectively.
Consider this if: fresh food is your main priority and you already have enough freezer capacity, or rarely buy frozen food.
Bear in mind: this new appliance won’t have a freezer compartment.
Consider this if: you regularly use both the fridge and freezer and want them in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between two compartments, so their proportions need to suit your habits.
Consider this if: the food you prepare or buy to freeze regularly exceeds the capacity of a fridge-freezer, and you have room for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: this extra appliance takes up space and runs continuously, as ADEME points out for refrigeration appliances.
Consider this if: you’re mainly short of space because food is hard to find or your appliance is already underfilled.
Bear in mind: you won’t gain any extra capacity and will need to rethink your shopping and how you rotate food.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Check the energy rating and kWh/year on the label or in EPREL, then compare appliances with the same function and similar capacities. | If an appliance runs day and night, I want to know its stated annual energy use without assuming it directly predicts my bill; around 27% of consumers put this criterion first. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable litres of fridge and freezer space separately against your regular needs. | If my frozen food is overflowing but the fridge is still mostly empty, the balance between compartments guides my choice; this is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the space and access points; for a built-in model, check the housing and fixing system. Check the stated noise level if needed. | In a fitted kitchen or near a living area, I need to be able to install the appliance and live with its operating noise; these constraints come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Additional appliance | Consider how often you need extra storage and how full your existing appliances are. | If I’d only use a second appliance occasionally, I’d rather rethink my storage before adding one; avoiding overbuying is the top priority for around 13% of consumers. |
The letter alone isn’t enough to compare two appliances with different functions or capacities.
For comparable models, look at the rating, kWh/year and litres in each compartment together. The European Commission lets you check data for the models concerned through EPREL.
A large stated capacity can hide a compartment that’s too small for the food you store most often.
Work out your regular needs for fresh and frozen food separately, then compare them with the stated usable capacity of each compartment.
An appliance that fits in its final position may not fit through the access points. A built-in model also needs to match the existing housing and fixing system.
Measure doors, corridors, the lift and the final space before ordering, then check the fixing system on the model’s product page.
An incompatible housing unit may need to be adapted.
According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, electrical and electronic equipment is handled through an appropriate take-back scheme.
Ask the retailer how to arrange collection when you buy, or find out where your nearest suitable recycling point is.
Bosch’s ranges include fridges, fridge-freezers and freezers, in both freestanding and built-in styles.
Liebherr fridge-freezers come in a range of configurations to suit the compartments and overall dimensions you’re looking for.
Samsung offers freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, some of which have smart features.
Beko’s fridge-freezer range includes built-in models to consider when the housing and fixing system determine your choice.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. The main factors in choosing between them are how much capacity you need for each use and your installation requirements. If you’re considering a fridge only or a separate freezer instead, start with that need before comparing products.
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Worth considering if you want to combine fresh and frozen food storage in a fitted kitchen. The model title lists a capacity of 252 L, a C rating and No Frost. Check the housing, fixing system and required clearances before buying.
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Consider this if you regularly need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food. The title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Measure the route to your kitchen and check how the capacity is split on the model’s product page.
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Compare this if you need space for both types of food and don’t want to choose based on total capacity alone. The title lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E rating and Wi-Fi. Check the capacity of each compartment and the delivery access points.
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Worth considering if you mainly need fresh food storage and want a built-in appliance. The title lists a capacity of 188 L, a top-mounted freezer and an E rating. The stated freezer capacity is 14 L and it needs to be defrosted manually. Check the housing, sliding hinges and required door panel.
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Compare this if you prefer a fridge-freezer with the freezer at the bottom. The title lists a capacity of 282 L and an E rating. Check the separate compartment capacities, noise level and installation dimensions before choosing.
Compare appliances with the same function and similar capacities, then look at the rating, kWh/year and usable capacities together. ADEME presents the energy label as a guide to choosing, while the European Commission lets you check data for the models concerned through EPREL.
Consider a separate freezer if you regularly need more freezer space than a fridge-freezer provides and have room for a second appliance. A fridge-freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance, but its capacity needs to suit both uses.
Measure the final space and the whole delivery route, including doors, corridors and the lift, taking the packaging into account. For a built-in model, also check the housing dimensions and fixing system specified by the manufacturer.
Arrange for the retailer to collect it or take it to an appropriate recycling scheme. The Ministry for Ecological Transition distinguishes between collection when buying an appliance of the same type and other collection options. Ask about the arrangements before delivery.