Households buying a mix of fresh and frozen food
If your weekly shop includes both fresh and frozen food, look at the space allocated to each compartment rather than just the total capacity.
Who is this choice for?
People with a small kitchen
When space is limited, the appliance’s dimensions aren’t the only thing to consider: you’ll also need to allow for ventilation and enough room to open the door.
Households that freeze a lot of food
If you stock up or often buy frozen food, first check the freezer capacity of the fridge-freezer you’re considering. A separate appliance may suit greater freezing needs, provided you have a suitable space for it.
How do the different types compare?
Fridge only
Consider this if: fresh food makes up most of your shopping and you have little need to store frozen food.
The trade-off: any small freezer compartment may not meet your regular need to stock up, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you need both functions in one appliance.
The trade-off: its total capacity is split between fresh and frozen food, so check that both compartments are large enough for your shopping.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider this if: you need dedicated freezer capacity and have two suitable, ventilated spaces.
The trade-off: you’ll need to make room for both appliances and check the annual energy consumption of each.
Once you’ve chosen a type, compare appliances in this order: capacity to suit your shopping, whether installation is possible, then energy consumption and noise. The European Commission says that the energy labels on refrigeration appliances show these details, as well as capacity.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable litres in each compartment with the space your shopping usually takes up. | If the amount of frozen food in my shopping varies, I want to avoid a large total capacity hiding a freezer that’s too small; around 42% of consumers would prioritise this split. |
| Installation and door opening | Measure the space and check the manual for ventilation clearances and door-opening space. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its compartments without obstructing nearby units; this would be a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Once you’ve settled on a type and capacity, compare the kWh/year and noise levels shown for appliances that meet the same needs. | As an appliance runs continuously, I want to check its energy consumption; nearly 25% of consumers would prioritise this or noise, especially if the appliance is near a living space. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may allocate space differently between the fridge and freezer. The compartment for frozen food could end up being too small for your supplies.
Estimate separately how much you store in the fridge and freezer, then compare your needs with the capacity listed for each compartment.
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Measuring the space without allowing for ventilation or opening the doors
An appliance may fit in the measured space but still lack the clearance needed for ventilation or for opening the doors and drawers. Bosch, for example, recommends leaving clear space when installing its fridge-freezers.
Before ordering, check the dimensions, the route to the installation space, the door swing and the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model.
If the space doesn’t meet these requirements, you may need to adapt the cabinetry or choose a different model.
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Comparing only the energy label rating
The energy efficiency rating alone doesn’t tell you whether an appliance has the capacity you need. According to the European Commission, the label for refrigeration appliances also shows annual energy consumption, capacity and noise levels.
First make sure the type and capacity are right for you, then compare the kWh/year and noise levels of appliances that suit your shopping.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Bosch offers fridge-freezers with features such as VitaFresh or NoFrost, depending on the model.
- The brand provides useful installation guidance to help you check whether an appliance will fit your space.
- Check the manual for your chosen model to find out its ventilation clearances and installation requirements.
Liebherr
The range includes freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, with features that vary by model.
- Liebherr product specifications let you check details such as the dimensions, capacity and noise level of a specific model.
- Don’t assume the specifications of one fridge-freezer apply to another, especially when it comes to the space required and capacity.
Beko
Beko offers freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers; some models have a reversible door or a specific door-opening configuration.
- These features may be useful if your kitchen layout dictates which way the door needs to open.
- Check the specifications and manual for your chosen model, as these features aren’t available on every model.
Appliances for keeping fresh and frozen food
The appliances below combine fridge and freezer functions in one unit, with different capacities for each. Before choosing a model, compare how much space it offers for frozen food and check its installation requirements.
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LG GBBS312CEV, black fridge-freezer, 333 L
A fridge-freezer to consider if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The model name indicates a total capacity of 333 L and a C energy efficiency rating. Check how the capacity is split between compartments and make sure you have the necessary installation clearances.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, silver fridge-freezer, 227 L
Worth considering if a stated width of 54 cm and a reversible door suit your kitchen. The product name lists the 227 L capacity as 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing; it also specifies Low Frost and an E energy efficiency rating. Check the height, ventilation clearances and kWh/year before comparing this model with others.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), white fridge-freezer, 174 L
Consider this model if you’re looking for separate fresh and frozen food capacities in a fridge-freezer: the product name lists 115 L for refrigeration and 59 L for freezing. It also specifies a reversible door, Low Frost, 39 dB and an E energy efficiency rating. Check the exact dimensions, ventilation clearances and kWh/year to assess how it will fit and how much energy it uses.
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Candy CIO 225 EE/N, 179 L one-door fridge-freezer
This one-door model is worth considering if you mainly store fresh food and only need a smaller freezer compartment. The product name gives a total capacity of 179 L, so check how much space is allocated to freezing before choosing. Also confirm the installation type and the clearances required.
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CHiQ JR525WSE, 525 L side-by-side fridge-freezer
Worth considering if your shopping requires plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food, and you have room for a side-by-side appliance. The product name lists 333 L for refrigeration and 192 L for freezing, along with No Frost, 37 dB and an E energy efficiency rating. Check the dimensions, door clearance, ventilation and kWh/year before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare on a fridge or freezer energy label?
Compare the energy efficiency rating, kWh/year, usable capacity and noise level shown on the European energy label for refrigeration appliances. First choose a type and capacity that suit your shopping: the rating letter alone isn’t enough to compare appliances with different capacities.
Can a fridge-freezer be installed if it only just fits in its space?
Not necessarily: it must also have the ventilation clearances specified in its manual. Check the depth, how far the doors and drawers open, and, for a built-in model, the housing dimensions and mounting system.
Is a reversible door enough if the fridge is next to a wall?
No: changing the way the door opens doesn’t guarantee that the door and drawers will open fully. Check the hinges, door projection and required clearance from the wall and nearby units for the exact model.