If you need to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance, choose a fridge-freezer with compartment capacities that suit your shopping and dimensions that fit your kitchen. A separate freezer is worth considering if your frozen food stock regularly exceeds what a fridge-freezer can hold. If you live in a studio flat or have an open-plan kitchen, compare the stated noise levels too. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your habits rather than choosing based only on the total capacity.
Width isn’t the only thing to consider: measure the depth, the delivery route and the space needed to open the door. If the appliance is near your living area, its stated noise level matters too. Then compare the fridge capacity with the space set aside for frozen food.
A fridge-freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in one appliance, provided the split between the compartments suits your usual shop. Two models with a similar total capacity won’t necessarily offer the same amount of space for each type of food.
If the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer is too small for the quantities you store, consider a separate freezer and the space it will take up. Que Choisir distinguishes between an upright freezer, arranged in drawers, and a chest freezer, which offers a large storage space but needs more floor area.
First, check that the appliance will fit where you plan to install it. Then compare fridge and freezer capacities to suit your shopping habits. Noise matters more if your kitchen is next to your living space.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space and the delivery route. For a fitted space, check the installation requirements, hinges and clearances listed in the model’s instructions. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its door without blocking the way; around 31% of consumers make this compatibility a priority. |
| Capacity for your shopping | Compare the usable litres of fridge and freezer space separately. Que Choisir’s guidelines should be adjusted to suit how often you shop. | When I shop for several days at a time, I need enough room for fresh food and can’t rely on the total capacity alone; around 25% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Frozen food storage | Check the freezer capacity and how easy it is to access your food. If you’re considering a separate appliance, also check its freezing capacity in kg/24 h and the conditions in the room where it will go. | If I regularly buy frozen food in bulk, I want to be able to store it and find items easily; around 25% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the stated noise level in dB(A) and annual energy consumption on the energy label. Compare appliances with similar capacity to meet your needs. | With an open-plan kitchen or an appliance close to the living room, I pay attention to noise and energy use in everyday use; around 19% of consumers put this feature first. |
The split between fresh and frozen storage can vary considerably from one appliance to another. According to their respective product specifications, Beko lists 167 L of fridge capacity and 119 L of freezer capacity for the RCSE300K40SN, while Bosch lists 311 L and 129 L for the KGN492IAF.
Make a note of how much space you need in each compartment before comparing models.
An appliance may fit in its intended space but still be difficult to get through the door or open. Haier lists dimensions of 905 × 738 × 1825 mm for its HCW99F18DIMB multi-door model. These dimensions apply to this specific model.
Measure the space, doorways and delivery route, then check the model’s instructions for installation clearances.
A chest freezer offers a large open space, but takes up floor area and can make food at the bottom harder to reach. An upright freezer arranges storage in drawers instead.
Choose according to the space you have and how often you need to find different items, not just the stated capacity.
Used fridges and freezers should be disposed of through the waste electrical and electronic equipment collection scheme, as set out by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition.
When buying a like-for-like appliance in France, ask the retailer about the one-for-one take-back service, or arrange to use a suitable collection point.
The features below relate to specific appliances or ranges. Always check the product details for the model you’re considering.
Fridge-freezers to consider as freestanding or built-in options, depending on the space available.
A useful point of comparison for the capacity split in a freestanding fridge-freezer.
Freestanding fridge-freezers to compare by width, capacity and stated noise level.
Multi-door models to consider if a large appliance is right for your big shops.
Multi-door models to consider when compartment width matters more than compact dimensions.
These Joybuy models include fridge-freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food together, as well as larger formats for bigger shops. Compare their dimensions and compartment layouts before choosing an appliance.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one three-door appliance. The model name indicates a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions against your needs before choosing.
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This format is for households considering a larger appliance to organise their shopping. The model name indicates a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check there’s enough space for installation and to open the doors.
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Consider this if your storage needs call for a large appliance and you have room to install it. The model name indicates a capacity of 628 L and a D energy rating. Measure the space, delivery route and door clearance before ordering.
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This fridge-freezer offers a substantial total capacity in one appliance. Its name indicates a capacity of 440 L and a D energy rating. Compare the space for fresh food with that for frozen food, then check the height and width needed for installation.
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Worth considering when ceiling height is limited and you still want space for frozen food. Its name indicates a height of 150 cm, a total capacity of 174 L, a four-star freezer, Low Frost, 39 dB and an E energy rating. Check that each compartment is large enough for your shopping.
Que Choisir suggests using 100 to 150 L for one person as a starting point, plus 50 L for each additional person. This isn’t a universal rule: adjust it to how often you shop and compare fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Consider one if the amount of frozen food you keep regularly exceeds the space available in a fridge-freezer. According to Que Choisir, an upright freezer makes it easier to organise food in drawers, while a chest freezer offers a large storage space but takes up more floor area.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check that the doors can open fully. If the appliance is built in, measure the cabinet opening too. Check the installation instructions for the exact model to find out how much ventilation clearance it needs.
Compare the stated noise level and annual energy consumption of appliances with a format and capacity that suit your needs. In France, ADEME says energy labels for large household appliances must be displayed in shops and online. Check the label alongside the product details rather than relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone.
Arrange for it to be collected through the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme. In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a one-for-one take-back service when you buy a like-for-like appliance. Ask the retailer how to arrange this with your delivery.