When choosing an appliance to store your household groceries, start by considering how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then think about the room available in your kitchen. A fridge prioritises fresh food, a fridge-freezer combines both functions, and a separate freezer is a good choice for larger stocks if you have room and a suitable power supply for a second appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment, the space needed for installation and the annual energy consumption of the appliances you’re considering.
If your shopping is mainly made up of fresh food, look for a suitable fridge capacity without giving too much space to a freezer you rarely use. The available formats suit different ways of organising your food, as described by UFC-Que Choisir.
If you store both fresh and frozen food in one appliance, compare the capacity of each compartment separately: the total capacity doesn’t show how the space is divided.
If you regularly run out of freezer space, a separate appliance could be the answer, as long as you can make room for it and factor in its energy consumption alongside your fridge’s. ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously.
Choose this if: your shopping is mainly fresh food and you don’t need to freeze anything in this appliance.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t have a built-in freezer compartment, so check whether you already have a freezer.
Choose this if: you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance and it will fit in your kitchen.
Bear in mind: compare fridge and freezer capacities separately rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
Choose this if: fresh food is your priority, but you’d also like to freeze a limited amount.
Bear in mind: check the compartment’s capacity and features; don’t assume it offers as much space as a separate freezer.
Choose this if: your frozen stocks regularly exceed your current appliance’s capacity and you have room for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: add together the annual energy consumption of the appliances you’re considering to compare the complete set-up.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres, as well as the internal layout of the exact model. | If I mainly shop for fresh food, I want enough space for it without having more freezer space than I need. Around 30% of consumers prioritise how space is divided between fresh and frozen food. |
| Freezing capacity | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and, if it’s built in, its freezing features. | When I stock up between shops, I look for enough capacity for the food I actually freeze. Around 20% of consumers prioritise having plenty of freezer space. |
| Kitchen installation | Measure the space and the door swing, then follow the clearances specified in the model’s manual. | If space is limited in my home, I want to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without blocking access. Around 20% of consumers prioritise where the appliance will go. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh of the models you’re considering; if you’re buying two appliances, check both figures. | As the appliance runs continuously, I want to compare the energy use of options that meet my storage needs. Around 20% of consumers put energy consumption first. |
| Occasional freezing | Check whether the exact model has a freezer compartment, as well as its capacity and features. Don’t assume these from the model name. | If I only freeze small quantities, I want a built-in function without automatically choosing a large freezer compartment. Around 10% of consumers prioritise this occasional use. |
Two fridge-freezers can divide their capacity differently between the fridge and freezer. So the total capacity alone won’t tell you whether there’s enough room for your shopping.
Compare the separate capacities and internal layouts of the models you’re interested in.
A space measured to fit the appliance’s external dimensions alone may not allow for ventilation clearances or for the doors to open.
Measure the full space and follow the model’s manual, particularly for clearances and installation type.
For the Bosch KGV39VLEAS, Bosch lists LowFrost and confirms that No Frost isn’t included. So don’t assume you won’t need to defrost it manually.
Check the technology listed for the exact model and follow the care instructions.
If defrosting is needed, it will also take time to maintain the appliance.
A set-up with a fridge and a separate freezer has two energy consumption figures to consider.
Compare the annual energy consumption of complete set-ups that meet the same storage needs.
The KGV39VLEAS is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer with the fridge and freezer capacities listed separately.
The RB38C600ESA/EF is an example of a fridge-freezer for which the manufacturer specifies the capacity of both compartments.
The Ke230-26 and KPsle290-26 are examples of a fridge and a fridge with a freezer compartment, respectively.
The RFNE448E45W is an example of a freestanding upright freezer.
These fridge-freezers let you compare different ways to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Check the capacity split, dimensions and annual energy consumption against your needs.
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To divide your food between fresh and frozen storage in one appliance, this model lists a 235 l fridge capacity and a 125 l freezer capacity.
Total No Frost, energy rating E and stated annual energy consumption of 271 kWh. The product details also list a freezing capacity of 10 kg/24 h.
Make sure the appliance is on a stable surface with sufficient ventilation around it, as set out in the product details.
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For storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, the product details list a 238 l fridge capacity and a 98 l freezer capacity.
Total No Frost, energy rating B and stated annual energy consumption of 135 kWh. The product details also mention reversible doors and a 90° opening without protruding beyond the appliance.
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For storing more fresh and frozen food in one appliance, this model lists a 336 l fridge capacity and a 149 l freezer capacity.
Total No Frost, energy rating E and stated annual energy consumption of 295 kWh. The product details mention a water dispenser with a tank, so no fixed plumbing connection is needed.
The product details call for installation on a stable, level surface, with sufficient ventilation and enough clearance for the doors to open.
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To divide your groceries between the two compartments, this fridge-freezer lists a 211 l fridge capacity and a 99 l freezer capacity.
The product details list a width of 60 cm, energy rating E, an inverter compressor and a reversible door. They also describe frost-free technology in both compartments.
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For a moderate amount of built-in freezer space, this model lists a 115 l fridge capacity and a 59 l freezer capacity.
The product details list Low Frost, energy rating E, a four-star compartment, three freezer drawers and a reversible door.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of your fridge between 0 °C and +4 °C. Check the temperature regularly, for example with a thermometer: buying a particular model won’t guarantee this temperature on its own.
Follow the manual for your chosen model, especially if it’s built in. As a general recommendation specific to Bosch, its support guidance advises leaving at least 5 cm at the sides and 10 cm at the back. These distances aren’t a universal rule for every brand and set-up.
Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh of the models you’re considering, and include both appliances if you choose a separate fridge and freezer. ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously, so compare set-ups that meet the same storage needs.
The page published by the Ministry for Ecological Transition on 30 June 2025 describes the roll-out of the durability index for televisions and washing machines, not as a mandatory indicator for fridges. For household refrigeration appliances, the DGCCRF explains the energy labelling required under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016. To assess how easy a particular model is to repair, also check the information available on servicing and spare parts.
For a purchase made by an individual from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies under the conditions set out by the Ministry of the Economy. It covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The DGCCRF also explains the free ‘one-for-one’ take-back of an equivalent old appliance when you buy a new one. Check the practical arrangements with the seller.