Start by working out how much space you need for fresh food and, separately, for frozen food. A fridge is suitable if you rarely freeze food; a fridge-freezer is a good choice if you regularly use both compartments; and a separate freezer is worth considering if you keep a large stock of frozen food. To avoid buying a larger appliance than you need, compare the usable capacities and kWh/year shown on the energy label of appliances of the same type and similar capacity.
If you want to keep the same amount of storage without choosing an unnecessarily large appliance, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately. You can then use the energy label to compare capacity and stated annual energy consumption.
Think about how much freezer space you need before choosing a fridge-freezer. A fridge may be all you need if you don’t regularly use a large freezer compartment.
A separate freezer is worth considering if your frozen-food stocks regularly exceed the space available in a fridge-freezer. Compare capacity, how easy it is to reach your food and the space needed for installation.
First decide how much freezer space you need, then compare the energy labels and installation requirements of appliances that meet those needs.
Consider this if: you keep very few frozen foods and prioritise fridge space.
Bear in mind: check whether it has a freezer compartment before relying on it for your frozen-food stocks.
Consider this if: you regularly use both the fridge and freezer compartments in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the freezer space should be enough for your usual stocks, not just a few occasional purchases.
Consider this if: you regularly freeze large quantities of food.
Bear in mind: a second appliance takes up space and runs continuously, so check its annual energy consumption and where you’ll put it.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Check the European energy label for the A to G rating and kWh/year figure. Compare appliances of the same type and with similar usable capacities, rather than looking at the letter alone. | I’m replacing an appliance that stays plugged in all year, so annual energy consumption is an important factor in my choice. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. As a guide for fridge space, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your household’s habits. | Do my groceries take up more space in the fridge, or do I need a regular stock of frozen food? |
| Temperature and frost | Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Check how to monitor the temperature and, if the appliance is prone to frost, how to defrost it. | I want to be able to monitor the temperature and carry out any necessary maintenance, without relying on a feature I won’t use. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the space, access routes and required clearances. Check the noise level in dB; if the room is cold, check the range of ambient temperatures the model can operate in. | Noise matters in an open-plan kitchen. In an unheated utility room, I need to check the appliance is suitable for the space. |
The letter alone won’t tell you the expected annual energy consumption of appliances with different capacities. The European label also shows kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment.
Compare these figures for models of the same type and similar capacity, then check the noise level and dimensions to make sure the appliance will fit.
A large freezer compartment or separate freezer takes up space and runs continuously, even if you usually keep only a modest stock of frozen food.
Make a note of what you regularly freeze before choosing the capacity of each compartment.
Heat from nearby appliances, poor ventilation and frost can all make it harder to keep food cold. UFC-Que Choisir says that a layer of frost more than 3 mm thick can increase energy consumption by 30%.
Follow the model’s ventilation instructions, keep it away from heat sources and allow for defrosting if required.
Extra features can’t make up for choosing the wrong capacity or failing to check annual energy consumption. Whether they’re useful depends on your household’s habits.
Consider separately whether NoFrost, a door alarm or connectivity would suit the way you use your appliance.
These example models illustrate features to look for; their specifications don’t apply to every model in a brand’s range.
The range includes freestanding fridge-freezers, with specifications that vary by model.
The brand offers fridge-freezers with a range of cooling features.
Depending on the model, Beko’s fridge-freezers include features designed for different installation conditions.
The range includes fridge-freezers in different capacities, some with smart features.
These options are fridge-freezers, combining fridge and freezer compartments in one appliance. Compare their stated capacities with your needs for each compartment, then check the energy label for the model you choose.
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Consider this fridge-freezer if you regularly store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The model name lists a total capacity of 333 L, No Frost and an A energy rating. Check the label for the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure.
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This 333 L fridge-freezer is worth considering if you need space for both fresh and frozen food. The model name lists a C energy rating. Check the label to see how the capacity is split between compartments and to find out the kWh/year figure. If you’re installing it in a cold room, also check the permitted ambient temperature range.
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This four-door model is worth considering if your storage needs justify its stated total capacity of 467 L. The model name lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the available space and compare its kWh/year figure with appliances of a similar capacity.
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This 344 L fridge-freezer is an option if you want one appliance for fresh and frozen food. The model name lists an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the ventilation instructions before deciding where to install it.
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Its stated width of 54 cm may make it a useful option for a narrow space, but remember to check the required clearances. The model name lists a total capacity of 262 L and Low Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the model’s defrosting instructions.
The European energy label shows the A to G rating, annual energy consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise emissions. Focus on comparing kWh/year figures for appliances of the same type and similar capacity. You can scan the label’s QR code to access detailed information about the model in EPREL.
UFC-Que Choisir gives an indicative guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Choose a fridge capacity that suits your shopping and cooking habits, then work out separately how much space you need for frozen food.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Check the temperature in this area and leave space for air to circulate around the food.
No. Its benefits depend partly on how much maintenance you want to do. If your appliance builds up frost, defrost it regularly. UFC-Que Choisir says a layer more than 3 mm thick can increase energy consumption by 30%.
First check the climate class and permitted ambient temperature range for the exact model. Don’t assume a chest or upright freezer is suitable for a garage or cold cellar just because of its type.