Choose a fridge-only model if your needs mainly involve fresh food, a fridge freezer to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or a separate freezer to increase your frozen-food storage alongside an existing fridge. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, kWh/year, energy class and noise level between appliances of a similar type and capacity.
If your fridge or fridge freezer handles most of your everyday food storage, start by considering the fresh and frozen capacities you actually need, then compare kWh/year, noise levels and the space required. Gifam and the European Commission provide guidance on capacity and the information shown on the energy label.
If your fridge still meets your fresh-food needs but you are running short of freezer space, a separate freezer could be the answer. According to Gifam, the choice between an upright freezer and a chest freezer depends in particular on the space available and the amount you need to store.
A fridge freezer combines refrigeration and freezing in one appliance, while separate fridge and freezer units require more room. Measure the available space and consider the noise level before making your choice.
Choose this if: you mainly buy fresh food and a small ice compartment is enough.
Bear in mind: a single-door fridge does not replace a proper freezer compartment.
Choose this if: you regularly use both fresh and frozen food, but want to keep everything in one appliance.
Check: the total capacity does not show how much space is allocated to refrigeration and freezing.
Choose this if: you already have a solution for fresh food and mainly want to increase your frozen-food storage.
Bear in mind: you will need additional space and a separate appliance for fresh food.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacities | Compare the litres in the fridge and freezer compartments separately. Also check the format: single-door fridge, fridge freezer, upright freezer or chest freezer. | I want enough space for my usual shopping without paying for the energy use of capacity I will not use. |
| Energy consumption | Read the kWh/year alongside the A to G energy class and usable capacities. Only compare appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. | As the appliance runs all year round, I want to compare its annual electricity impact without assuming that an entire category uses less energy. |
| Installation and noise | Check the overall dimensions, door-opening direction, noise level and ventilation requirements. ADEME recommends leaving 5 cm between the appliance and the wall. | My appliance must fit the available space and remain suitable for an open-plan kitchen or an area close to living spaces. |
| Frost management | Identify the cooling technology and maintenance requirements. With a fan-assisted freezer, food should be covered to limit drying out, according to Gifam. | I would prefer to minimise manual defrosting, while accepting the storage precautions suited to the cooling technology. |
The label also shows kWh/year, usable capacities and noise level. ADEME points out that a larger or more feature-packed appliance may increase energy consumption.
Compare kWh/year between appliances of the same type and with similar usable capacities, then check the capacity of each compartment.
A large fridge freezer may have limited room for frozen food, while a separate freezer does not meet the need to store fresh food.
First list your fresh and frozen-food needs, then compare the litres allocated to each purpose and the appliance format.
The dimensions, appliance type and noise emissions can make a model unsuitable for a recess or an open-plan kitchen. Insufficient ventilation may contribute to overheating.
Measure before ordering, check the model’s dimensions and noise level in the product details, then follow the manufacturer’s ventilation instructions.
Refrigeration appliances may contain refrigerants and other components that require specialist handling.
When replacing your appliance, ask the retailer or delivery driver to take it away, or drop it off through the WEEE collection scheme specified by ADEME.
In the French market, Bosch offers, among other products, freestanding fridge freezers.
In France, Liebherr offers fridges, fridge freezers and separate freezers, with NoFrost and BioFresh variants available in selected ranges.
Whirlpool sells single fridges, fridge freezers and integrated appliances, including selected No Frost variants.
These Joybuy options include fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as an upright freezer designed to complement an existing fridge.
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Worth considering for substantial fresh and frozen-food needs, with 311 L of refrigeration space and 156 L of freezer space listed separately.
Total No Frost, E energy class, 290 kWh/year and 35 dB(A).
Check the available space, delivery access and ventilation: the appliance measures 83,3 × 65,0 × 181,5 cm.
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This fridge freezer is suited to households whose needs are mainly focused on fresh food, with 187 L of refrigeration space and 75 L of freezer space.
54 cm wide, 176 cm high, 215 kWh/year, 39 dB(A), reversible door and Low Frost.
The freezer requires manual defrosting; also check that the ambient temperature range of 16 °C to 38 °C is suitable for your installation.
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This model is aimed at households with substantial fresh and frozen-food needs, offering 330 L of refrigeration space and 165 L of freezer space.
No Frost, Twin Cooling Plus, 301 kWh/year, 40 dB and dimensions of 177,6 × 81,7 × 71,5 cm.
Allow for delivery access and the specified 50 mm ventilation gap, and confirm the installation requirements for the water and ice dispenser.
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This upright freezer is designed to increase frozen-food storage when a fridge for fresh food is already available.
161 L, No Frost, C energy class, three freezer drawers, two additional drawers, LED display, alarm and reversible door.
Check the annual energy consumption, noise level, overall dimensions and climate class before choosing.
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This compact fridge freezer is suited to a small home that needs separate fresh and frozen-food compartments.
153 L of refrigeration space, 74 L of freezer space, 54 cm wide, 39 dB, Low Frost, reversible door and E energy class.
Low Frost does not necessarily eliminate the need for manual defrosting; also check the full dimensions, kWh/year and climate class.
Compare the A to G energy class, kWh/year, the usable capacities of the compartments and noise emissions. The European Commission states that these details appear on the energy labels of household fridges and freezers; compare them between appliances designed to meet the same capacity and usage needs.
An upright freezer is suitable if you prefer vertical, organised storage, while a chest freezer works well for large quantities and bulky food when you have an appropriate space available. According to Gifam, upright freezers range from 45 L to over 450 L, while chest freezers range from 100 L to over 750 L.
No Frost may be a good choice if you want to limit frost build-up and manual defrosting. Gifam nevertheless states that food should be covered in a fan-assisted freezer to prevent it drying out; also compare capacities, kWh/year and noise levels.
Before delivery, allow for the overall dimensions, door-opening direction and ventilation requirements. ADEME recommends installing the appliance 5 cm from the wall; also consult the model’s instructions for its specific installation requirements.
When replacing an appliance, you can hand the old one to the retailer or delivery driver, or take it to the WEEE area of a recycling centre. ADEME recommends this specialist collection route for refrigeration appliances.