Start by choosing according to the balance between fresh food and frozen portions: a fridge freezer is suitable when both uses are regular and only one appliance can be accommodated, while a separate freezer makes sense if your frozen stock consistently exceeds the capacity of the freezer compartment provided. Compare usable capacities, kWh/year and installation requirements separately, especially for a chest freezer kept outside the kitchen.
It is worth separating the space for fresh dishes to be eaten quickly from the space intended for frozen portions: a large total capacity does not guarantee a suitable split. UFC-Que Choisir capacity guidelines and the information on the European energy label can help you compare these two areas.
If frozen food and prepared meals make up a substantial reserve, an upright or chest freezer can offer more capacity than a fridge freezer compartment, with different trade-offs for access and the space it occupies. UFC-Que Choisir states that chest freezers can reach 600 L, while upright models are commonly around 200 L.
The choice is between one appliance in the kitchen and a second appliance in a suitable utility room, cellar or garage. Floor space, climate class and the model’s instructions matter just as much as the stated capacity.
Start by defining how much of your stock is fresh and how much is frozen, then check that the appliance can be installed and used in your everyday space.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the refrigeration and freezer capacities separately, along with the drawers or compartments available. For fresh food, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by 50 L for each additional person. | I want to store both fresh shopping and my prepared portions, without discovering too late that one of the two compartments is too small. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the A to G energy class, kWh/year, capacities and noise level on the label. Compare kWh/year between appliances of similar capacity and format. | I am looking for an appliance that matches my actual storage needs, rather than judging its consumption from the energy class letter alone. |
| Location and access | Measure the available space, including the opening arc of the doors or lid. Check the climate class, ambient temperature range and clearances specified in the instructions. | I want easy access to the portions I use often and to install the appliance without obstructing the kitchen, utility room or walkway. |
An appliance may seem spacious while offering very little room for frozen portions. Fresh and frozen storage meet two distinct needs.
Make a note of the usual number of fresh meals and frozen portions you need to store, then compare the usable litres of each compartment on the label or product page.
The label also shows kWh/year, capacities and noise level. Two appliances with similar energy classes may not offer the same capacity or storage arrangement.
Compare kWh/year between models with similar formats and usable capacities, then check the split between refrigeration and freezing.
The room temperature and installation conditions can affect performance and energy use. A stated suitability for one product does not automatically apply to other freezers.
Before ordering, check the instructions for the climate class, ambient temperature range, required clearances and access to the lid.
The large open space of a chest freezer is ideal for bulky items, but individual portions may be less easy to find than in drawers.
For frequent use, plan to use baskets or labelled boxes; also compare an upright freezer with drawers if you store and sort lots of portions.
In France, Bosch offers fridge freezers, larder fridges and freezers, in both freestanding and integrated formats. The range is worth considering if you are looking for a fridge freezer with flexible storage or a high-capacity appliance.
Whirlpool sells freestanding and integrated single fridges and No Frost fridge freezers, depending on the model. The brand can provide a useful reference when comparing fridge freezer layouts and fan-assisted cooling.
Beko offers chest freezers and fridge freezers, among other appliances. The range is worth considering if you are planning to keep a reserve of frozen food in an additional storage space.
Joybuy options for comparing an upright freezer, a chest freezer and fridge freezers designed for storing prepared meals and frozen food at home.
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For a regular stock of frozen portions with drawer access, used alongside a separate fridge.
161 L, three drawers, two compartments, LED display, alarm, reversible door, Fast Freeze function and a stated temperature range of -14 °C to -22 °C. Check the dimensions, kWh/year, clearances and ambient temperature conditions before installation.
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For keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, particularly in a kitchen where available width is limited.
187 L of refrigeration capacity and 75 L of freezer capacity, a stated width of 54 cm, 215 kWh/year, 39 dB, three freezer drawers, a reversible door and adjustable feet. The stated range of 16 to 38 °C is not suitable for a garage or unheated room.
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For building up a substantial reserve of portions or products bought in bulk, if you have sufficient floor space.
291 L convertible cavity, stated dimensions of 1100 × 597 × 872 mm, removable basket, LED lighting, five-level digital control, defrost drain, 226 kWh/year and class E. The fridge or freezer mode can be switched: do not assume that both functions can be used simultaneously.
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For a small kitchen and mixed storage needs, when your frozen stock remains moderate.
153 L of refrigeration capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity, a stated width of 54 cm, 4-star freezer compartment, adjustable shelves, reversible door, adjustable feet and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Check the kWh/year, climate class and clearances in the instructions.
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For a household looking for substantial total capacity in one appliance and with a sufficiently spacious kitchen.
Stated capacity of 474 L, four independent doors, two adjustable freezer drawers, three-temperature drawer and class E. With a stated width of 838 mm, measure the space, access routes and door opening clearance; also check the split between fresh and frozen capacities before making your choice.
First compare the usable litres dedicated to refrigeration and freezing. A fridge freezer may show a large total capacity while offering little room for frozen portions; according to UFC-Que Choisir, a simple freezer compartment is not enough when frozen food consumption is high. For a fridge, the general guideline is 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by 50 L for each additional person, adjusted to your shopping habits and advance meal preparation.
At a minimum, note the A to G energy class, annual consumption in kWh, usable refrigeration and freezer capacities, and the noise level. The European Commission states that these details appear on the labels of fridges and freezers; compare them between appliances with similar formats and capacities.
No: check the climate class, ambient temperature range and ventilation clearances specified in the model’s instructions. Some chest freezers are designed to operate down to -15 °C, such as the Beko HSM27050 according to Beko, but this feature is specific to that product and does not apply to all freezers.
Yes, if it suits your space and your preferred storage method. UFC-Que Choisir states that chest freezers can reach 600 L and that their open space is suitable for large containers, but they take up more floor space and require careful organisation. For portions used every day, also compare an upright model with drawers.