Households storing fresh and frozen food
If you cook at home and shop regularly, a fridge-freezer gives you two storage spaces in a single appliance. Compare their usable capacities separately to see whether each one suits your habits.
Who are these configurations for?
Households storing large quantities
If you prepare meals in advance or buy lots of frozen food, check how much space each compartment offers before considering a large fridge-freezer or two separate appliances. Remember to measure the space and delivery route, too.
Small spaces and limited storage
A compact appliance may be suitable if you don’t buy much at a time. However, its overall size won’t tell you how much freezer space it has, so check whether the model includes a compartment suited to the food you want to store.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by working out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the type of appliance with the space available. The criteria below are for households choosing an appliance to store their shopping between trips to the supermarket.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately, then check the layout of the storage space. | If my shopping includes as much fresh food as frozen, I need room in both compartments, not just a large total capacity. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Size and installation | Measure the appliance, the space where it will go and the access route. For a built-in model, check the housing and fixings too. | In a kitchen where every centimetre counts, I need to be able to get the appliance in and open the door without blocking the way. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise whether it fits their space. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the energy rating and stated kWh/year figures for appliances with a similar configuration and capacity. | An appliance that runs day and night makes me check its energy consumption before adding capacity I won’t use. Around 20% of consumers would put this at the top of their list. |
| Defrosting and storage | Check which compartment has No Frost or another defrosting system, as well as the drawer layout. | If I store frozen food often, I want easy access to the drawers and less freezer maintenance. Around 20% of consumers would put this everyday convenience first. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Going by total capacity alone
The total capacity in litres doesn’t show how much room there is for frozen food. The specifications for the Bosch KGN33NWDA and Whirlpool WFNF82EOXFR fridge-freezers both list fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Think about what you store between shopping trips, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
-
Choosing a larger appliance without needing the extra space
According to ADEME, an appliance’s size and extra features can increase its energy consumption. Refrigeration appliances run continuously.
Compare annual energy consumption figures for models suited to your storage needs, rather than choosing based on maximum capacity alone.
-
Forgetting the route to your kitchen
An appliance may fit the space you’ve chosen but still be difficult to get through a doorway or along a corridor. A built-in model also needs to fit its housing.
Measure the delivery route and planned installation space. Check the services available and which way the door opens before placing your order.
-
Leaving your old appliance until delivery day
Taking away an old fridge requires arrangements that fit the delivery or collection option you choose.
Check the collection options offered when you place your order, and prepare your old appliance in line with the instructions provided.
Brands to consider, model by model
Bosch
The range includes fridge-freezers with different configurations. Bosch Electroménager France lists a 189 L fridge and a 90 L freezer for the KGN33NWDA.
- These separate capacities make it easy to compare the model with the balance of your shopping.
- The KGN33NWDA’s specifications don’t apply to every Bosch fridge-freezer.
Liebherr
Liebherr France features models including the CNsfd 7723 Plus NoFrost, with a stated total capacity of 485 L.
- This model lets you consider a configuration designed for storing larger quantities.
- Its stated dimensions, 201.5 × 74.7 × 67.5 cm, need to suit both the space and the delivery route.
Beko
Depending on the model, Beko France describes a range of storage and food-preservation features, including AeroFlow and freshness compartments.
- The range lets you look for an interior layout that suits the food you store.
- Check the features, compartment capacities and energy label for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France features both freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers. The WFNF82EOXFR has a stated fridge capacity of 223 L and freezer capacity of 97 L.
- The WFNF82EOXFR’s separate capacities help you assess how its space is divided between fresh and frozen food.
- For a built-in model such as the WHC18T323P, check the housing dimensions listed for that specific model.
Fridge-freezers to compare on Joybuy
These appliances combine fridge and freezer space. Compare their configuration and stated capacity with your shopping needs, then check their dimensions and installation requirements.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L, three doors
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a three-door appliance. The model name lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check that its layout and dimensions suit your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L, four doors
Worth comparing if your shopping calls for plenty of space in a four-door appliance. The model name lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the available space and access route to your kitchen before choosing this format.
Image unavailable
AEG NSC6M18FES built-in, 249 L
Consider this if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer to integrate into a fitted kitchen. The model name lists TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Before ordering, confirm the housing dimensions, installation system and capacity stated for this variant.
Image unavailable
Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L
Worth comparing if you need moderate storage capacity in a freestanding appliance. The model name lists Low Frost and a reversible door. Check the usable capacity of each compartment and the space needed to open the door.
Image unavailable
Bosch KGN33NLEB, bottom freezer, 282 L
Worth comparing if you want two compartments with the freezer at the bottom. The model name lists an E energy rating; check the capacity split and overall dimensions. The NoFrost feature described for this model applies to the freezer, not necessarily the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
Is total capacity enough to compare two fridge-freezers?
No. You need to look separately at the space for fresh and frozen food. Bosch Electroménager France lists 189 L and 90 L for the KGN33NWDA; Whirlpool France gives 223 L and 97 L for the WFNF82EOXFR. Compare these capacity splits with what you store between shopping trips.
What should you check when a model says No Frost?
Check which compartment the feature applies to and what the model specifications say. Manufacturers use terms such as No Frost and Total No Frost for features that prevent frost build-up, but the name alone doesn’t always explain how widely the feature applies throughout the appliance.
How can you arrange for your old fridge to be collected?
Check the collection options available with delivery or collection of your new appliance, then arrange for your old one to be handed over at the specified time. Ecosystem recommends arranging collection at the time of purchase through your retailer.
Does delivery always include installation?
Before ordering, check which services are available for your chosen model and address. Delivery and installation are not the same thing. For a built-in model, also confirm who will install it and whether your existing housing is suitable.
How do you compare energy labels?
Compare the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh for appliances with a similar use and capacity. Energy labels for refrigeration appliances are covered by delegated regulation (EU) 2019/2016. The rating doesn’t replace checking that the appliance has the capacity you actually need.