Households that mainly buy fresh food
If you rarely freeze food, compare the fridge capacity of a standalone fridge with that of a fridge-freezer. If you’d also like to store a few frozen items, check the model’s freezer capacity.
Which option suits your household?
Households that stock up on frozen food
For bulk shopping or larger items, a separate freezer may be a good fit, provided you also have fridge space for fresh food and room for a second appliance.
Households with space for just one appliance
A fridge-freezer gives you space for fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment, then measure the space available and check the noise level of the model you’re considering.
What are the key factors to compare?
Fridge
Worth considering: if fresh food makes up most of what you store day to day.
Limitations: depending on the model, it may not have a freezer compartment, or it may only have a small one.
Separate freezer
Worth considering: if your frozen food takes up more space than you want to allocate to it in a fridge-freezer.
Limitations: you’ll need extra space and a separate appliance for fresh food.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you regularly store fresh and frozen food but don’t want to install two appliances.
Limitations: the balance of fridge and freezer space needs to suit your shopping, even if the total capacity seems sufficient.
| Factor | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment, not just the total. Gifam provides guidance on fridge capacity based on household size; compare this with the space your shopping takes up. | I want enough room for my usual fresh food, without choosing a freezer that’s too small for the frozen food I buy. |
| Space and access | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route. Check how the doors open and the clearances required in the manual. | One appliance needs to fit in my kitchen, or I can set aside another space for a freezer. |
| Energy use and noise | When comparing appliances of the same type and similar capacity, check the kWh/year and noise level listed for each model. The European Commission explains that their energy label uses a scale from A to G; the letter alone doesn’t show their annual energy use. | As my appliance will be on continuously, I want to take its energy use and the noise at its location into account. |
| Cooling system | Check the technology listed and the model’s care instructions. Beko describes No Frost as a system that prevents ice build-up; don’t assume that every model in a range has this feature. | I’d prefer to minimise defrosting, or I’m happy to do this maintenance if the model better suits my storage needs. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Looking only at a fridge-freezer’s total capacity
An appliance may offer enough capacity overall, but too little fridge or freezer space for your shopping.
Compare the capacity of each compartment separately with the amount of fresh and frozen food you usually store.
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Comparing only the energy rating
An energy rating letter doesn’t tell you the capacity or exact annual energy use. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously.
For appliances that meet the same storage needs, also compare their kWh/year, capacity and noise level.
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Choosing a freezer without checking where it will go
An upright freezer and a chest freezer open in different ways. Whether an appliance can be used in an unheated room also depends on the model: Beko states that its RFNE448E35W can, but this doesn’t apply to all freezers.
Measure the access route and available space, then check the manual for clearance requirements and the permitted ambient temperature range.
Which brands should you compare?
Bosch
Bosch offers single-door fridges, fridge-freezers, freezers and multi-door models, so there are several formats to compare across its range.
- Bosch’s French range includes cooling appliances in a variety of configurations.
- Check the capacity, energy label and features of the specific model: a feature offered on one model won’t necessarily be available across the whole range.
Liebherr
Liebherr fridge-freezers are worth looking at if the balance of fresh and frozen storage, dimensions and noise level are important to you.
- Liebherr publishes capacity, dimensions and noise level specifications for its fridge-freezers.
- Check these details for the exact model; don’t assume that food-preservation benefits associated with the brand’s features apply to a different model.
Beko
Beko offers different cooling systems and upright freezers, which you can compare based on the maintenance you prefer and where you plan to put the appliance.
- Beko says its No Frost technology prevents ice build-up.
- Beko’s claim that the RFNE448E35W can operate in an unheated room doesn’t automatically apply to its other models.
Appliances to compare on Joybuy
These options include fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a single-door fridge for chilled storage. Before choosing, compare their configuration with your shopping and the space available.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge-freezer
For storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The model name indicates Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the split between compartments and the dimensions to make sure they suit your needs.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge-freezer
A configuration to consider if your shopping needs space for both fresh and frozen food. The model is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating; measure the space available and delivery route to make sure this multi-door format will fit.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer, 54 cm wide
For storing fresh and frozen food when space is limited: the model name indicates 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. The Low Frost system doesn’t mean you can skip checking the defrosting instructions; also check the installation requirements if the room is unheated.
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Sonlu CS-100L, 82 L single-door fridge
Worth considering if you need a limited amount of chilled storage. If you buy frozen food, check how you’ll store it separately. The model name indicates an E energy rating. Confirm the dimensions before deciding where to put it.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L fridge-freezer
A fridge-freezer to compare if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one 174 L appliance. The model name mentions Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat and a reversible door; check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year on the energy label.
Frequently asked questions
What should you compare on an appliance’s energy label?
Compare annual energy use in kWh, capacity to suit your needs and noise level, ideally between appliances of the same type and similar capacity. The European Commission says the energy label for domestic fridges and freezers uses a scale from A to G. The French National Consumer Institute explains that the QR code links to additional product information.
Can you put a freezer in an unheated garage?
It depends on the model and the room temperature, so check the manual for its operating conditions. Beko says its RFNE448E35W can operate in an unheated room, but this doesn’t apply to other freezers.
Is a fridge-freezer enough if you regularly buy frozen food?
Yes, if the freezer compartment has enough capacity for the amount you store between shops. Compare its freezer capacity separately from the fridge space. If it isn’t enough and you have room elsewhere, consider a separate freezer.
What should you do with an old fridge or freezer in France?
An old cooling appliance can be taken to the French collection and recycling scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment, as described by the ministries responsible for the ecological transition. If you’re having a new appliance delivered, ask the retailer what collection and removal options apply to your order.