Start by choosing the storage layout you genuinely need: a fridge alone is suitable if fresh food makes up most of your shopping, a fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen storage in one appliance, while a separate freezer makes sense if you need long-term frozen storage. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, kWh/year, energy class and noise level on the label; unused capacity or features can increase the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously.
You need to restore your food storage quickly without choosing excessive capacity. ADEME reminds us that fridges and freezers run continuously; the ADEME / EDF R&D study also found that fridges were among the most widely owned appliances in metropolitan French households in 2023.
When both types of storage are needed, the balance between fresh and frozen compartments matters more than the total capacity alone.
Before choosing a pre-owned appliance, check the exact reference, its condition, dimensions and any available information about its energy consumption, as it is designed to run without interruption.
Start with your storage habits, then compare appliances of the same format and similar capacity rather than relying on a single energy rating or the total capacity.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the litre capacity of the fresh and frozen compartments separately. Also measure the available space or housing before ordering. | I want enough room for my usual food without paying for capacity that will remain empty. The space allocated to frozen food should match how often I shop and prepare meals. |
| Continuous energy consumption | Check the kWh/year and the A to G energy class for appliances of a similar type and capacity. Only add extra features if they will genuinely be useful to you. | Because the appliance runs day and night, I compare its stated annual energy consumption before choosing a larger format or an additional feature. ADEME points out that size and unnecessary features can increase energy bills. |
| Frost management | Check the technology listed for the specific model: No Frost, LowFrost, SmartFrost or another option. Check which compartment it applies to and the conditions described by the manufacturer. | I choose a frost-reduction solution if manual defrosting or maintenance would be a genuine inconvenience, without assuming that all the names refer to the same operation. |
| Noise and installation | Compare the dB level and the noise class on the label. Check the width, height, depth, ventilation clearances and door-opening direction. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, I take noise into account. For an integrated model, I first confirm that it is compatible with the existing cabinet and housing. |
ADEME states that cooling appliances run continuously and that capacity or features beyond your needs can increase energy consumption.
List your fresh and frozen storage needs separately, then compare the kWh/year and capacities of similar models before choosing a feature such as an ice maker.
The European label shows the A to G energy class, annual consumption, the capacity of each compartment and the noise level. Two appliances with a similar total capacity can be suited to very different uses.
For each model, note the class, kWh/year, fresh-food litres, frozen-food litres and dB, then compare only formats suited to the same use.
No Frost, LowFrost, SmartFrost and Stop Frost refer to technologies or manufacturer claims that can vary depending on the model and compartment.
Check the exact model specifications and decide whether you want to avoid manual defrosting altogether or simply reduce how often it is needed.
Your choice of technology can also affect the time required for maintenance.
Under the “one-for-one” scheme, household electrical appliances can be collected when buying a new appliance of the same type, according to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition.
Confirm the collection arrangements with the seller when placing your order and keep the old appliance accessible for collection.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers whose specifications can detail dimensions, energy class, fresh and frozen capacities, noise level and defrosting technology.
Liebherr sells freestanding and integrated fridges and fridge freezers, with a separate freezer section on its combined models.
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers with different cooling technologies depending on the reference.
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers, combining fresh and frozen storage in one appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment, installation requirements and the label information that matters for your home.
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For a household needing fresh and frozen storage in the same appliance.
Stated capacities: 230 L of fridge space and 114 L of freezer space; 254 kWh/year, 35 dB, No Frost, 59.5 cm wide and reversible door.
Check that the 230 L / 114 L split suits your habits and confirm delivery, installation and collection arrangements before ordering.
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An option for regularly storing fresh and frozen food in separate compartments.
Stated capacities: 235 L of fridge space and 125 L of freezer space; 271 kWh/year, 35 dB(A), noise class B, class E and Total No Frost. Stated dimensions: 185 × 59.5 × 66.7 cm.
Compare the capacity and depth with your available space; choose the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and specialised zones only if they suit the way you use the appliance.
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This model may suit you if you are looking for fresh-food storage, a cooling zone and freezer space in one appliance.
The specifications list 183 L of fridge space, a 37 L cooling compartment, 113 L of freezer space, 169 kWh/year, 34 dB, class C and Total No Frost.
Allow at least 5 cm of clearance at the back, above and on the sides, then check that the total fresh-food capacity suits your usual shopping.
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An integrated option for a fitted kitchen and moderate freezer needs.
Stated capacities: 186 L of fridge space and 62 L of freezer space; class E, 37 dB(A), TwinTech Total No Frost, reversible door and sliding-hinge installation.
Check the housing dimensions, compatible cabinet, installation requirements and the model label before assessing its ongoing running costs.
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An option for households seeking a balance between fresh and frozen storage.
Stated capacities: 252 L of fridge space and 103 L of freezer space; class E, Full Frost-Free system, 60 cm wide, reversible door and electronic controls.
Before buying, check the label for kWh/year and noise level, as well as the height, depth, installation clearances and collection arrangements for your old appliance.
The European A to G label shows the energy-efficiency class, annual consumption in kWh, the capacities of the frozen and non-frozen compartments, as well as noise emissions and their class. The European Commission recommends comparing these values between appliances of a similar type and capacity.
No. A fridge freezer is suitable when you need fresh and frozen storage in one appliance. If you rarely buy frozen food or already have a sufficiently large freezer, a fridge alone may suit you better; compare the separate capacities rather than the total capacity alone.
Yes. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition’s FAQ, the “one-for-one” scheme allows a used household appliance to be collected when buying a new appliance of the same type, with no floor-area threshold for household electrical appliances. Check the practical collection arrangements with the seller before delivery.
No. You need the model’s full reference and comparable consumption data to assess its running costs. ADEME reminds us that cooling appliances run continuously, and that their size and certain features can increase energy consumption.
Yes. Cooling appliances are covered by the waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition highlights that these appliances may contain components or substances with environmental implications; use the retailer’s collection service or a suitable collection point.