Households doing a big weekly shop
If most of your shopping is fresh food, check the fridge capacity in litres and make sure you have enough room in your kitchen. A large total capacity doesn't tell you how much space is for fresh food.
Who are these options for?
People who regularly stock up on frozen food
If you buy frozen food in bulk or prepare meals to freeze, compare the capacity of an integrated freezer compartment with that of an upright or chest freezer. How often you need to get food out is also worth considering when choosing a style.
Households with a cellar, pantry or garage
A separate freezer can free up space in the kitchen, provided the model can cope with the temperatures in the room where you plan to keep it.
What should you look for?
First, work out whether you need more space for fresh or frozen food. Then make sure your chosen style will be practical in the room where you plan to install the appliance.
Fridge freezer
Consider it: when you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance and your needs are fairly balanced.
The trade-off: the freezer compartment may become too small if you regularly increase the amount of frozen food you store.
Large fridge
Consider it: if you shop less often and mainly need more space for fresh food.
The trade-off: a fridge-only model can't replace a freezer, and larger models need more space too.
Upright freezer
Consider it: if you need separate storage for frozen food and want to access it in drawers.
The trade-off: its divided storage leaves less open space for bulky items than a chest freezer.
Chest freezer
Consider it: if you want plenty of space for frozen food and have a suitable floor area.
The trade-off: food at the bottom is less easy to reach, and the lid needs enough clearance to open fully.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Compare the usable fridge capacity in litres, separately from the freezer capacity. | If I do a big shop for fresh food, I want to be able to put it all away without giving frozen food more space than it needs. Around 33% of shoppers would prioritise fridge capacity. |
| Frozen food storage | Check the usable freezer capacity in litres and choose between an integrated compartment and a separate appliance. | If I regularly freeze groceries or prepared meals, a small compartment could limit how much I can store. Around 27% of shoppers would put freezer capacity first. |
| Access to food | Check the layout of the drawers or baskets and how the door or lid opens. | If I use frozen food often, I want to find and take out what I need easily. Around 20% of shoppers would prioritise easy everyday access. |
| Room for installation | Check the room temperature against the range the model can handle, and measure how much space it will take up. | If I want to put a freezer in an unheated room, I need to know whether it can cope with the temperatures there. Around 20% of shoppers would prioritise suitability for the installation location. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Focusing on total capacity alone
A large total capacity can hide a compartment that's too small for the food you store most often.
Make a note of your separate fridge and freezer needs, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment in litres.
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Assuming a freezer will work in a cold garage
According to Bosch Home Appliances, an ambient temperature outside the recommended range can affect how a cooling appliance works.
Check the room's minimum and maximum temperatures, then check the range the exact model can handle. A chest-style design alone doesn't guarantee it's suitable.
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Only measuring the appliance with the door closed
A door or lid that's difficult to open can make food hard to reach, even if the appliance fits in the room.
Check the appliance dimensions, delivery access routes and the clearance needed to open it.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The rating letter on its own doesn't tell you everything about energy use or the capacity your household needs.
For the models you're considering, also check the annual energy consumption and the compartment capacities shown on the energy label.
Brands to know
Bosch
Bosch's range includes single-door fridges and large-capacity fridge freezers.
- A single-door fridge could suit you if you mainly need space for fresh food.
- For an XXL model, measure the width, depth and door clearance before choosing.
Beko
Beko offers chest freezers for households looking for separate storage for frozen food.
- According to Beko, some models with Freezer Guard are designed to operate in ambient temperatures as low as −15 °C.
- This feature isn't available across the whole range, so check the model specifications and allow enough room for installation.
Liebherr
Liebherr's chest freezer range may suit households with a dedicated space for frozen food.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 497 L and a FrostProtect feature rated for temperatures as low as −15 °C on its CFe 2500 Pure model.
- These specifications apply to this model only. Check the floor space available and the permitted ambient temperature before installing it outside the kitchen.
Products for different storage needs
This selection includes fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a chest freezer and an upright freezer for separate storage. Start by choosing the style that suits your food supplies and the space you have available.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L 3-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
The listed total capacity is 360 L. Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone are included in the model description. Compare the capacity of each compartment with your needs.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L 4-door fridge freezer
Worth a look if you're after a large-capacity fridge freezer and have enough room for its four doors.
The listed total capacity is 467 L. Total No Frost, an E energy rating and a silver finish are included in the description. Check the capacity of each compartment and the clearance needed for the doors.
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Samsung, black 583 L American-style fridge freezer
Worth considering if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food and have room for this size of appliance.
The description lists a capacity of 583 L and an E energy rating. Confirm the exact model number and its specifications before choosing.
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AUCMA, 291 L convertible fridge-freezer chest
Worth considering for separate storage if you have enough floor space and clearance for the lid.
The description lists a capacity of 291 L, two operating modes, a removable basket, LED lighting and an E energy rating. Check the permitted ambient temperature before installing it in an unheated room.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer
Worth considering if you want separate frozen food storage with a drawer layout.
The description lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions and permitted ambient temperature range for the room where you plan to install it.
Frequently asked questions
What fridge capacity do you need for your weekly shop?
Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L of usable fridge capacity for one person, then allowing an extra 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and compare fridge capacity separately from freezer capacity.
Is a chest freezer always better for storing large quantities?
No. A chest freezer can offer useful capacity, but you'll need enough floor space and must be able to reach food at the bottom. If you open your freezer often and prefer storage divided into compartments, consider an upright model too.
Can you put a freezer in an unheated garage?
Yes, as long as the model can handle all the ambient temperatures in your garage. Check its operating range in the specifications: suitability for a cold room can't be assumed from its chest design or capacity alone.
What should you check on the energy label?
When comparing fridges or freezers, look at the energy rating, annual energy consumption and listed capacities. Don't consider the rating letter in isolation from the capacity you need. According to the European Commission, the label provides information including energy consumption and storage volumes.