Households doing a varied weekly shop
You store fruit, vegetables, other fresh food, leftovers and a few frozen items until your next shop. The usable space in each compartment matters more than the total capacity shown.
Who is this choice for?
People who freeze portions
You prepare meals in advance or regularly keep frozen food. The freezer’s capacity, drawers and freezing performance may matter more to your choice than the size of the fridge alone.
Households with a small kitchen or open-plan living space
You need to make sure the appliance will fit, that the doors can open and that ventilation requirements are met. It’s also worth comparing the room temperature, annual energy consumption and stated noise level before opting for a larger capacity.
How do the different configurations compare?
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the configuration you choose will work in your kitchen.
Fridge with a small freezer compartment
Consider this if: you mainly buy fresh food and only keep a small amount of frozen food.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment takes up space that could otherwise be used for chilled food, and may be too small if you regularly freeze meals.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: your weekly shop includes fresh food, leftovers and frozen items, but you don’t have space for two appliances.
Bear in mind: the balance of fridge and freezer space depends on the model. The total capacity may look right, but one compartment could still be too small for your needs.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider this if: freezing portions or storing a large amount of frozen food is a priority, and you have room for two appliances.
Bear in mind: each appliance takes up space and has its own installation requirements and energy consumption.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity in litres and the layout of its drawers and shelves. UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person, adjusting this to suit your shopping habits. | If most of my weekly shop is fresh food, I want to be able to put it away without leftovers hiding the items I need to use. Around 45% of consumers may prioritise this space for fresh food. |
| Frozen food storage | Check the freezer’s net capacity and drawers, and, if you freeze food yourself, the model’s stated freezing capacity. | When I prepare several portions in advance, I need enough room to store them alongside the frozen food I already have. Freezing may be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Installation and use | Measure the space and check that the doors can open, then consult the manual for ventilation requirements and the climate class. Also compare the stated annual energy consumption and noise level. | In a narrow kitchen or open-plan living space, I need to be able to install the appliance correctly while taking its noise and energy consumption into account. These considerations may come first for around 22% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two fridge-freezers can divide their capacity differently between fresh and frozen food. So a total figure in litres doesn’t tell you whether both compartments will hold your usual shop.
Check the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, then compare it with the food and containers you store regularly.
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Expecting a small freezer compartment to hold all your meals
A compartment that works for a small supply of frozen food can become restrictive if you prepare several meals to freeze or buy a lot of frozen food.
Work out how many portions and packets you’ll need to store at once. Check the compartment’s capacity, star rating and the model’s freezing capacity.
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Overlooking heat and ventilation
Installing an appliance near a heat source or without enough airflow can affect how well it works. The required clearances depend on the model and how it is installed.
Measure the space and follow the model’s instructions on the clearances required, including if the appliance is going into an alcove.
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Assuming No Frost or a freshness drawer guarantees food will keep
These features can make defrosting or organising food easier, but they don’t replace keeping the fridge at the right temperature and checking it regularly. According to Anses, maintaining an even temperature also matters for the cold chain.
Compare these features with the model’s capacity and cooling specifications, and plan to check the temperature during use.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Bosch
Freestanding fridge-freezers to consider if you’re looking for separate space for fresh and frozen food. Compare the specifications of each model individually.
- Bosch lists 311 L of fridge capacity, 129 L of freezer capacity and a noise level of 35 dB for the KGN49AIBT.
- These figures apply to the KGN49AIBT. Check the capacity, dimensions and features of the specific model you’re considering.
Liebherr
Freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers to consider, depending on the space available and the type of installation you have planned.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 359 L and a noise level of 35 dB for the CNd 5704. For the built-in ICNSd 5603, the brand lists a capacity of 284 L and a required niche height of 194 to 195 cm.
- A built-in appliance must also fit the other niche dimensions and the planned installation. Specifications for one model don’t apply to other models.
Electrolux
Built-in fridge-freezers to consider if the capacity split and installation requirements suit your kitchen.
- Electrolux lists a total capacity of 248 L for the KNT6ME18S4, divided between 186 L of fridge capacity and 62 L of freezer capacity.
- Before choosing a built-in model, check its manual against your niche dimensions and door-fixing system.
Fridge-freezers available on Joybuy
These models combine a fridge and freezer in one appliance. For your weekly shop, compare the capacity of each compartment with your needs, then check the installation requirements for the model you choose.
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LG GBBS312CEV NatureFRESH, black, 333 L
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one fridge-freezer for your weekly shop.
Stated total capacity of 333 L; energy rating C. Compare the capacity of each compartment with your storage habits and check the installation requirements in the manual.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 multi-door, black, 495 L
Worth considering if a multi-door fridge-freezer suits your shopping needs and your kitchen can accommodate its size.
Stated total capacity of 495 L; energy rating E. Before buying, check the space needed to open the doors and the features of the exact configuration.
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CHiQ JR525WSE side-by-side, 525 L
Worth comparing if you store a lot of fresh food and also want plenty of freezer space.
Stated capacity of 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer; No Frost, 37 dB and energy rating E. Measure the space and check the required clearances in the manual.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, bottom freezer, 282 L
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer.
Stated total capacity of 282 L; energy rating E. Compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately, then check the installation requirements in the manual.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, silver, 227 L
Worth considering if you want two separate compartments in a kitchen where width is a key consideration.
Stated capacity of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; 54 cm wide, 4-star freezer, Low Frost and energy rating E. Low Frost may not eliminate the need for manual defrosting; also check the installation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity do you need for a week’s shopping?
UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and check separately how much space you need for fresh and frozen food.
What temperature should you check in the fridge?
Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 °C and 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Whichever model you choose, check the temperature during use and store food in the appropriate areas.
Can you put a fridge in an unheated garage?
It depends on the range of ambient temperatures the model can handle. Check its climate class on the rating plate or in the manual, then compare it with the temperatures your garage may reach.
How much space should you leave around the appliance for ventilation?
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model, especially for a built-in appliance. UFC-Que Choisir generally recommends leaving at least 10 cm above and behind an appliance, but this doesn’t replace the installation instructions for your model.
How do you compare the energy consumption of two fridge-freezers?
Compare their energy labels and stated annual energy consumption, ideally choosing appliances with a similar capacity and installation type. The European Commission describes the label as a tool for comparing energy efficiency; it doesn’t replace checking that the usable capacity meets your household’s needs.