If you shop weekly or less often and regularly buy frozen food, start by comparing the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. A fridge freezer could work if its freezer section has room for your usual stock. If it is too small, consider a separate freezer; choose a multi-door model for larger storage needs only if you have enough space and access. Que Choisir recommends taking your shopping frequency and frozen food consumption into account, as a small freezer compartment may not be enough.
If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, compare the storage capacity for frozen food with the space available for fresh food, rather than relying on the total capacity. Que Choisir highlights how shopping frequency and frozen food consumption can affect your choice.
If your frozen food regularly exceeds the space available in the built-in freezer, compare a larger fridge freezer with a fridge paired with a separate freezer. However, you will need a suitable space for the second appliance.
If you need more storage, check that the balance of fresh and frozen capacity suits your shopping habits and that the appliance will fit in your kitchen. Samsung offers some multi-door models that are over 90 cm wide, though dimensions vary by model.
If you shop less frequently and regularly buy frozen food, first choose a configuration that can hold your usual stock, then check how it will fit and work in your day-to-day life.
Consider one: if both the fridge and freezer compartments can hold your usual shop.
Bear in mind: both compartments have to fit into one appliance. A large total capacity does not necessarily mean there is enough room for frozen food.
Consider one: only if frozen food makes up a small, occasional part of your shop.
Limitation: according to Que Choisir, a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Consider this option: if your frozen food regularly exceeds the built-in freezer capacity and you have room for two appliances.
Bear in mind: you will need to make room for a freezer as well as your fridge.
Consider one: if you need plenty of storage and several storage zones, and have enough room for the appliance.
Bear in mind: its size can make installation more difficult. Check that the extra capacity is in the compartment you need.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen food storage | Compare the usable freezer capacity with your usual shop and check the internal storage layout. | If frozen food builds up between shops, I want a proper freezer compartment rather than a small freezer section. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise this storage. |
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Check the capacity of each compartment, not just the total. Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person to estimate the total usable capacity. | When I shop for a week or more, I need to be able to store fresh food without taking space away from frozen food. Around 29% of shoppers prioritise this balance. |
| Size | Measure the space, access routes and room needed to open the doors; check the clearances specified for the model. | I want more storage, but the appliance needs to fit in my home and be practical to use in the kitchen. Available space is the main concern for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Everyday use | Once you have checked the capacity and installation requirements, compare the energy label, kWh/year, stated noise level and useful maintenance features. | If the fridge is near a living area, noise and maintenance requirements are important to my choice. For around 14% of shoppers, these factors take priority once storage needs are met. |
Freezer capacity varies by model. Bosch lists 216 L of fridge capacity and 89 L of freezer capacity for the KGN36NLEA, compared with 297 L and 118 L for the Beko B3RCNE415HXB.
Note down each capacity separately and compare them with your usual shop.
A small freezer section is not the same as a freezer compartment designed to hold plenty of frozen food. Que Choisir says that a small freezer section may not be enough in this situation.
If you have a large stock of frozen food, compare the capacity of a fridge freezer with that of a separate freezer.
Widths can vary considerably by style: Samsung offers some models over 600 L that are more than 90 cm wide.
Measure the space and access routes, then check the depth, door opening and clearances for the model you are considering.
No Frost or storage zones cannot make up for a freezer compartment that is too small for your shop.
First check the capacity of each compartment and the installation requirements, then compare the noise level, energy label and features you will use.
These models illustrate different capacity splits and sizes; the features listed do not apply to every model from each brand.
The freestanding KGN36NLEA fridge freezer is an example of a standard-width model.
The B3RCNE415HXB is an example of a fridge freezer with a bottom freezer that offers more capacity in each compartment.
The CBNbda 572i Plus BioFresh NoFrost is an example of a fridge freezer with a stated total capacity of 360 L.
The range includes fridge freezers as well as multi-door models to consider if you need plenty of storage.
These fridge freezers and multi-door models let you compare a range of total capacities for less frequent shops. Check the space available for frozen food and the dimensions of each model before choosing.
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Worth considering if a large-capacity multi-door model suits your shopping habits and available space.
The model name indicates four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, as well as the access route and clearances needed for installation.
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This model, with separate compartments, is worth comparing if you shop weekly and regularly buy frozen food.
Its name indicates Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the freezer capacity and dimensions against your stock and available space.
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Worth considering if your storage needs justify a multi-door model and your kitchen has room for it.
The model name indicates an E energy rating. Check how the 495 L is divided between fridge and freezer space, then measure the appliance, access routes and door clearance.
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Consider this fridge freezer if its freezer compartment can hold your regular frozen food shop.
Its name indicates Dual No Frost and a D energy rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment with your usual shop and check the noise level if the appliance will be near a living area.
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At 54 cm wide, this fridge freezer is worth considering for a narrow kitchen, provided its freezer can hold your frozen food shop.
The model name specifies 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Also check the height needed for installation and the annual energy consumption.
Not if frozen food makes up a significant part of your shop: Que Choisir says a small freezer section may not be enough in that case. Instead, compare the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer with your usual stock, then consider a separate freezer if needed.
Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person to estimate the total usable capacity. Adjust this guide to suit how often you shop, and check separately how much freezer capacity you need for your frozen food.
Not necessarily. A multi-door model is worth considering if the extra capacity meets a genuine need and its dimensions suit your kitchen and access routes. Samsung offers some models over 600 L that are more than 90 cm wide. Also compare the capacity split with that of a large fridge freezer or a fridge paired with a separate freezer.