If you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance, start by comparing the capacity of each compartment in a fridge-freezer. A one-door fridge is better suited to households that mainly need space for fresh food, while separate fridge and freezer appliances are worth considering if freezing plays a bigger part in your routine and you have room for two appliances. In every case, check the available space, then compare energy use and noise levels between models of a similar size and capacity.
The fridge needs enough room for your weekly shop, prepared meals and any extra items you pick up between shops. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses in its fridge-freezer testing protocol, so check the usable capacity of the fresh-food compartment, not just the total capacity of the appliance.
Space for frozen food and the layout of the drawers may matter more than the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir also looks at more intensive freezing needs. If you often add food to freeze after your shop, check the specifications of the compartment designed for this purpose.
An alcove, nearby wall or narrow doorway could rule out a model that otherwise meets your storage needs. Whirlpool and Bosch’s installation guidance shows why it’s important to check the dimensions, door opening and ventilation requirements in the manual for the model you’re considering.
First, decide how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. This will help you choose the right format. Then check that the appliance, or both appliances, will fit in your kitchen.
Consider this if: you regularly use both compartments and want them together in a single appliance.
Bear in mind: the amount of space for freezing varies by model. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room for frozen food.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food or already have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: check whether it has a freezer compartment and, if so, its capacity. A one-door format alone won’t meet a significant need for frozen-food storage.
Consider this if: you need a separate freezer and have enough room to install two appliances.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check two spaces and compare the energy use of both appliances together, not just the fridge on its own.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity with your usual shopping, separately from the freezer capacity. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l as a starting point for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your needs. | If I fill the fridge during my weekly shop, I want enough room for fresh food and planned meals without choosing an unnecessarily bulky appliance; around 25% of consumers are said to prioritise fresh-food capacity. |
| Freezing capacity | Check the freezer’s usable capacity in litres and the layout of its drawers. If you regularly freeze fresh food, also look at the specifications for this use. | When I prepare meals in advance or buy a large amount of frozen food, I need enough freezer space for my needs rather than a large total capacity that’s poorly divided; nearly 25% of consumers are said to prioritise this need. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance, the space where it will go and the delivery route. Check that the doors can open and that the required ventilation is possible. For a built-in model, also check the housing and fixings. | With an alcove or nearby wall, I need to know the appliance will fit and the doors will open before comparing capacities; around 31% of consumers are said to put this compatibility first. |
| Energy use and noise | For models of a similar size and capacity, compare the annual energy consumption on the energy label and the stated noise level in dB(A). | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to noise as well as the electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously; around 19% of consumers are said to make this their main concern. |
For a fridge-freezer, this figure combines the fridge and freezer capacity. It could therefore hide a freezer compartment that’s too small for your prepared meals or frozen-food shopping.
Work out how much space you need for each use, then compare the usable capacity of both compartments in the specifications for the exact model.
ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously and that their size affects energy use. An energy rating alone isn’t enough to compare appliances of different capacities or formats.
For models that meet similar storage needs, compare the annual energy consumption shown on the label, the usable capacities and the noise levels.
An appliance may fit in the space but still cause problems when opening the doors, or if the ventilation requirements aren’t met. A built-in model must also fit its housing and fixing system.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the installation manual for the model you’re considering before placing your order.
These ranges offer useful points of comparison for formats and installation. The specifications mentioned apply to the models listed, not every model from each brand.
Bosch offers freestanding fridge-freezers, one-door fridges and configurations that pair a fridge with a separate freezer.
The range includes large fridge-freezers worth considering if storage capacity is a priority.
The brand’s built-in fridge-freezers can be a useful reference when the housing and door-panel fixings influence your choice.
The range lets you compare the internal layout and features listed for the fresh and frozen compartments.
These appliances combine fridge and freezer compartments in a single unit. This selection includes freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, as well as a multi-door model. Compare their capacity and format with your kitchen before deciding.
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Worth considering if you want to combine fresh and frozen food storage in one fridge-freezer. The model is listed with a total capacity of 333 l and a C energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the clearance needed and the delivery route into your kitchen.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has a built-in space for fresh and frozen food. The model is listed with a total capacity of 252 l, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the housing dimensions, ventilation and fixings in the manual.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-door appliance that combines both uses and have a suitable space for it. The stated total capacity is 495 l and it has an E energy rating. Measure the delivery route, ventilation space and room needed to open the doors.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a housing and a need for fresh and frozen food storage. The model title lists a total capacity of 249 l, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the detailed capacities, housing dimensions and annual energy consumption in the product specifications.
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Worth considering if you prefer a fridge-freezer with the freezer at the bottom. The stated total capacity is 282 l and it has an E energy rating. Check how the capacity is divided between the compartments, as well as the door clearance and ventilation requirements for your space.
Start with the usable capacity of the fresh-food compartment, then adjust it to suit your shopping habits. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person and an extra 50 l for each additional person. Prepared meals and the amount of freezer space you want may affect your choice.
No. Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately. If you store lots of frozen food or freeze meals, also check the layout of the freezer and the specifications for this use, even if the total capacity seems suitable.
Measure the housing, delivery route and space needed to open the doors. Then check the door-panel fixings and ventilation in the manual for the model you’ve chosen. Installation requirements vary between models.
Compare the stated annual energy consumption and noise levels of appliances with similar formats and capacities. The European Union describes the energy label as a tool for comparison. In an open-plan kitchen, also check the dB(A) rating for the exact model rather than relying on its energy rating alone.