First, work out separately how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the appliance will fit in the room you have chosen. A fridge freezer combines both uses in one appliance, while a single-door fridge is suitable when you rarely freeze food or already have a freezer elsewhere. A separate freezer becomes worthwhile when your frozen stock regularly exceeds the capacity of a fridge freezer. Finally, compare kWh/year, usable capacity in each compartment and noise level—not just the energy rating.
If your shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, compare how the capacity is divided between the two rather than looking at the total volume alone. Guides from UFC-Que Choisir and Whirlpool France highlight the importance of choosing a format that matches your storage habits.
A single-door fridge may be more suitable when most of your storage is for fresh food or you already have a freezer elsewhere in the home. Even so, check the type and capacity of any freezer compartment included.
A separate freezer is worth considering when the compartment in a fridge freezer regularly feels too small. An upright freezer and a chest freezer meet different needs in terms of access, capacity and available space.
For appliances that run continuously, start by considering your storage needs, then compare the information on the energy label with the model’s dimensions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Also measure the height, width and depth of the available space. | I want enough room for my usual fresh shopping without running out of space for frozen food. A high total capacity does not guarantee a split that suits the way I use the appliance. |
| Ongoing energy use | Check the kWh/year and the A to G rating when comparing appliances with similar capacities and functions. Avoid comparing new products with the former A+, A++ or A+++ ratings. | I want an appliance that suits my storage needs without unnecessarily oversizing equipment that stays switched on all year. ADEME points out that size and unnecessary features can increase energy consumption. |
| Format and placement | For a separate freezer, choose between an upright and a chest model based on accessibility, floor space and overall dimensions. Check the permitted ambient temperature if you plan to use it in a cellar, garage or utility room. | I need to be able to install the appliance in the kitchen or a storage room without obstructing walkways. A chest freezer can provide plenty of capacity, but it generally needs more floor space than an upright model, according to UFC-Que Choisir. |
| Noise and product information | Compare the decibel rating, noise class, exact model reference and energy-label details. The QR code may provide access to the model’s information in EPREL. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to take the appliance’s continuous noise into account. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the energy label must also be shown when the relevant products are sold online. |
A fridge freezer may look spacious while offering too little room for frozen food or ready meals. Conversely, excessive capacity means running a large amount of space continuously.
List your fresh and frozen storage needs, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment shown on the energy label or product page.
The energy rating alone does not tell you the capacity, noise level or stated annual consumption. Comparisons are more useful between appliances with similar capacities and formats.
Check the A to G rating, kWh/year, usable capacities and noise level. The DGCCRF points out that the former A+, A++ and A+++ ratings are no longer used as a reference for the relevant appliances.
Chest freezers generally take up more floor space than upright models, and access to food varies depending on the format. An unheated room is not automatically suitable for every model.
Measure the space available and choose an upright or chest freezer according to how you organise your food. For a garage, cellar or utility room, check the climate class or installation conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Noise information is shown on the energy label and can be important when the appliance is close to a living room or bedroom.
Compare the decibel rating and noise class before buying if the appliance will operate close to your living space.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding and built-in fridge freezers and freezers. Its product pages provide details including separate capacities, dimensions, energy ratings and noise levels.
In France, Whirlpool sells single-door fridges, fridge freezers and upright freezers, making it possible to compare one combined appliance with additional freezer capacity.
Liebherr offers large-capacity fridges, fridge freezers, upright freezers and chest freezers, which are useful when comparing a separate appliance with an all-in-one solution.
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers for households that want to store fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
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For a household that needs a clear split between fresh and frozen storage in a standard-width fridge freezer.
183 L fridge capacity, 37 L fresh-food compartment and 113 L freezer capacity; stated consumption of 169 kWh/year and stated noise level of 34 dB.
Check the dimensions of 597 × 1860 × 674 mm, as well as the clearance required around the appliance.
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For a household looking for substantial fresh and frozen capacity in a single appliance.
230 L fridge capacity and 114 L freezer capacity; stated consumption of 254 kWh/year and stated noise level of 35 dB.
Check the dimensions of 59.5 × 185.3 × 65.8 cm and compare the class E rating with the kWh/year of appliances with a similar capacity.
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For a compact kitchen where fresh storage is the priority while still providing a proper freezer compartment.
187 L fridge capacity and 75 L freezer capacity; 54 cm wide, with stated consumption of 215 kWh/year and stated noise level of 39 dB.
The 75 L compartment may be limiting for large stocks. The model is specified for an ambient temperature of 16 °C to 38 °C and requires periodic manual defrosting.
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For a household that stores a large amount of fresh food while retaining freezer capacity in the same appliance.
366 L fridge capacity and 101 L freezer capacity; stated consumption of 254 kWh/year and stated noise level of 38 dB.
Check that 101 L of freezer capacity is sufficient and measure the available access space for the dimensions of 704 × 1850 × 686 mm. The water dispenser is not plumbed in.
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For an integrated kitchen requiring a built-in fridge freezer with separate fresh and frozen compartments.
186 L fridge capacity, 62 L freezer capacity and stated noise level of 37 dB; TwinTech Total No Frost and separate temperature controls are specified.
Check that the cabinet, ventilation and sliding-door systems are compatible with the dimensions of 59.2 × 58.5 × 186.2 cm. Compare the energy figures where kWh/year information is available.
Compare the A to G rating, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise emissions. The European Commission states that the label shows energy efficiency, consumption, storage capacities and noise, among other information; the QR code may provide access to additional details in EPREL.
Yes, for relevant products such as fridges. The French Ministry of the Economy states that this requirement applies to online sales as well as in-store purchases.
Compare the usable capacity of the integrated freezer with the amount you usually store: frozen food, bulk purchases and ready meals. If your needs regularly exceed this capacity, a separate appliance may be the more practical choice; if the need is only occasional, it will mainly add bulk and ongoing energy consumption.
This depends on the model and the ambient temperature permitted by the manufacturer. Check the climate class and installation conditions; Liebherr states that some FrostProtect chest freezers are designed to operate down to -15 °C, but this is not a rule that applies to all chest freezers.
A fridge freezer divides its capacity between refrigeration and freezing. Two appliances with a similar total capacity may therefore suit very different households, depending on the litres actually available for fresh and frozen food.