Households that shop for the week
If you put away several days’ worth of fresh food and a supply of frozen food at the same time, compare the capacity of each compartment. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee the right balance for your shopping.
Which households are these options suited to?
How often you shop matters, but it’s how much fresh and frozen food you need to store between shops that will mainly determine which style is right for you.
Households that store lots of frozen food
Check the freezer’s usable capacity in litres, as well as the number of drawers and how easy they are to access. A fridge freezer may suit you if its freezer can genuinely hold your supplies.
Larger households with a spacious kitchen
A multi-door model is worth considering if a fridge freezer doesn’t offer enough capacity. However, check its width, the clearance needed to open the doors and the access routes it will need to pass through.
Which criteria should you look at first?
Start by estimating what you need to store between shops. Then rule out any appliances that won’t fit in your chosen space before comparing their features.
Fridge freezer
Consider this if: you want separate compartments for your weekly shop, without immediately opting for a particularly wide appliance.
Check: freezer capacity varies between models, so don’t choose based on total capacity alone.
Multi-door
Consider this if: you need more storage space and your kitchen can accommodate a wider appliance.
Trade-off: check the overall dimensions, the route to your kitchen and the energy consumption of the specific model.
Larder fridge with a freezer compartment
Consider this if: space is limited and you only store frozen food occasionally.
Limitation: a small freezer compartment won’t offer the capacity you need for larger supplies of frozen food.
| Criterion | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Look at the drawers and shelves, and check there’s room for the containers you use. | I want to store fresh food and frozen supplies without filling one compartment while leaving the other underused. |
| Installation | Measure the available width, height and depth, as well as the doors and hallways the appliance must pass through. Check the opening and clearance instructions for your chosen model. | I’m interested in a large capacity, but the appliance needs to get into my kitchen and its doors must open in the space I’ve planned for it. |
| Energy and noise | When comparing appliances of a similar size and capacity, check the energy rating, stated annual energy consumption and noise level in dB(A). The European Commission’s energy label scale runs from A to G. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to consider noise as well as energy consumption, once I’ve found a capacity that suits my shopping. |
What mistakes should you avoid before buying?
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. For a weekly shop, that can make a difference to how much you can fit in the freezer drawers.
Check the usable capacity of each compartment and look at the size and accessibility of the drawers on the exact model you’re considering.
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Assuming a multi-door model will fit because its capacity is right
A wider appliance could make it harder to get into your kitchen or open its doors, even if its capacity suits your household.
Measure the space, delivery access routes and door clearance before choosing a model.
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Relying on a small freezer compartment for all your frozen food
A compact larder fridge may have a freezer compartment without offering the capacity and layout you need for larger frozen food shops. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from the needs of a household that eats a lot of frozen food.
If frozen food is a regular part of your weekly shop, compare the stated freezer capacity of the fridge freezers you’re considering instead.
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Comparing energy ratings without considering the appliance size
An energy rating alone doesn’t tell you whether the capacity will suit your shopping. A large multi-door model and a more compact fridge freezer won’t necessarily meet the same storage needs.
First work out which capacity and style you need, then compare the energy rating, annual energy consumption and noise level of similar appliances.
Which brands offer examples of these styles?
These examples show different ways to organise or install your refrigeration. The features mentioned apply to the named models, not to every appliance from a particular brand.
Bosch
The range includes fridge freezers and compact integrated appliances, giving you two options to compare based on the space available and how much frozen food you store.
- According to Bosch France, the KGN39AIAU fridge freezer offers 260 L of fridge capacity and 103 L of freezer capacity.
- The KUL22VFD0 has 93 L of fridge capacity and an integrated freezer compartment. Check its capacity before planning to store frozen food there regularly.
LG
The GML945NS9E multi-door model is an example of a very large appliance for households and kitchens that can accommodate this style.
- LG France lists a total capacity of 641 L for this model, including 368 L of fridge capacity and 273 L of freezer capacity.
- Before choosing a multi-door model, check its stated dimensions and energy consumption against your available space and capacity needs.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s French catalogue includes larder fridges, integrated fridge freezers and freestanding fridge freezers.
- This variety lets you explore different styles to suit your kitchen’s constraints.
- Check the capacity and features of each model on its product page rather than assuming them based on its style or brand.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge freezers, including an integrated model, and multi-door appliances. For your weekly shop, compare their capacity with the amount of space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the installation requirements.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3 doors, 360 L
This three-door fridge freezer is worth considering if you need to store fresh and frozen food between shops. The product title lists a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and check the dimensions and clearance required.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L, black
With a stated width of 54 cm, this fridge freezer is worth a look if space is limited. The product title lists a 70/30 split, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost technology. Check that the freezer capacity suits your needs and bear in mind that it requires manual defrosting.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4 doors, 467 L
This multi-door model may suit a household looking for more total capacity for the weekly shop. The product title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the balance of fridge and freezer space, as well as the room available for the appliance and to open its doors.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, integrated, 252 L
This integrated fridge freezer is worth considering if fitting the appliance into a cabinet is part of your plans. The product title lists No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the freezer capacity separately, along with the niche dimensions, fittings and clearances specified for this model.
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COMFEE’ RCF470LS2EU(E), 4 doors, 474 L
This four-door model may suit you if you’re looking for a large total capacity for your weekly shop. The product title mentions an E energy rating and Flip Tray system. Check the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer before deciding whether it suits the amount of frozen food you store.
Frequently asked questions
How can I estimate the capacity I need for my weekly shop?
Start with what your household actually keeps between shops, separating fresh and frozen food. As a general guide to total usable capacity, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Then check that the balance between compartments suits your shopping.
When should I choose a multi-door model instead of a fridge freezer?
Consider a multi-door model if a suitable fridge freezer doesn’t offer enough capacity for your weekly shop and you have room for a wider appliance. Compare the capacity of both compartments, measure the space and delivery access routes, then check the energy consumption of your chosen model.
Is a small freezer compartment enough for a weekly shop?
It may be suitable if you buy very little frozen food, but not if you plan to build up larger supplies. For the latter, UFC-Que Choisir says that a simple freezer compartment isn’t enough. Instead, check the usable capacity and drawers of a fridge freezer.
How can I use the energy label to compare two models?
First compare appliances with a similar style and capacity that meet similar needs, then look at their energy ratings and stated annual energy consumption. The European Commission’s energy label scale runs from A, for low energy consumption, to G, for high consumption. The rating alone doesn’t replace checking the capacities.
What should I do with my old fridge?
Arrange for it to be collected through an appropriate waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme. The French ministry responsible for the ecological transition says that a collection and treatment system is available for household appliances. Check the options offered when you replace your fridge.