Households that stock up on frozen food
If you shop less often or keep a lot of frozen food, consider the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity. A small freezer compartment may not provide the storage space you need.
Who are these options for?
Households with a fitted space or narrow access route
If you’re replacing an appliance in an existing kitchen, check the available space, delivery route, door clearance and the ventilation requirements in the manual. Bosch points out that installation requirements vary by model.
Households mindful of everyday energy use
Choose a capacity that suits the amount of food you store, then compare the kWh/year figures and noise levels of the models you’re considering. According to ADEME, a larger appliance or one with more capacity than you need can increase the energy use of a refrigeration appliance.
Which factors should you consider first?
First decide whether you need a freezer compartment and how much space you have. Then compare the features of appliances in the right format.
Fridge
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and already have enough freezer space elsewhere.
Bear in mind: any small freezer compartment will limit the space available for frozen food.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between two compartments, so make sure their individual capacities suit your needs.
Separate freezer
Consider this if: you need dedicated space for a large stock of frozen food and have room for the appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to find additional space and factor in its annual energy use.
More than one refrigeration appliance
Consider this if: you regularly need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: each appliance needs a suitable space and runs continuously.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Food storage space | Fridge and freezer capacities, listed separately in litres; how often you shop. | If I regularly stock up on frozen food, I want to know how much space is actually available for it. Around 31% of consumers prioritise how capacity is divided between fresh and frozen food. |
| Space and access | Appliance dimensions and, for a built-in model, the cabinet dimensions and ventilation requirements in the manual. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance without obstructing the doors. Around 25% of consumers put fitting the available space first. |
| Energy use and noise | kWh/year, the corresponding capacities and the noise level shown on the energy label. | If the appliance is near living areas, I take its noise into account as well as its continuous energy use. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
| Replacing an appliance | Access to the kitchen and the delivery, removal and installation options offered at checkout. | When replacing an appliance, I want to know how the new one will get into position and what will happen to the old one. Around 19% of consumers put these arrangements first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two fridge-freezers with similar total capacities may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food.
Think about what you usually store, then compare the capacity of each compartment.
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Choosing a larger model without a clear need for extra storage
According to ADEME, a larger appliance or one with more capacity than you need can use more energy, even though it runs continuously.
Compare the kWh/year figures of the models you’re considering and choose features that suit your habits.
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Ordering before measuring the space
The capacity might be right, but that won’t help if the appliance can’t be brought into the kitchen, its doors can’t open properly or you can’t meet its ventilation requirements.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the installation diagram for your chosen model.
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Confusing removal, delivery and installation
Taking away your old appliance and tasks such as positioning the new one or reversing its doors are separate services.
Check the arrangements for each service when you order, and make sure there’s suitable access to your home.
Brands to know
Bosch
The range includes freestanding and built-in fridges, including under-counter models.
- Bosch’s installation guidance highlights the importance of dimensions and ventilation.
- For a specific model, general guidance is no substitute for checking the manual and installation diagram for your chosen appliance.
Electrolux
The range includes built-in and freestanding fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers, with features that vary by model.
- Electrolux offers models with features such as No Frost and dedicated food storage zones.
- Compare capacity, dimensions, kWh/year and energy rating for each model. A feature listed for one model won’t necessarily be available across the whole range.
Whirlpool
The range includes built-in and freestanding fridge-freezers, combining refrigeration and freezing.
- Depending on the model, Whirlpool offers appliances with fan-assisted cooling, No Frost or Dual No Frost.
- Check the technology, dimensions and energy label of the model you’re considering rather than assuming they’re the same across all Whirlpool fridge-freezers.
Fridge-freezers available on Joybuy
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance, with built-in and freestanding options. Compare their stated capacity with the space you have and the amount of food you usually store.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 L built-in fridge-freezer
Worth considering if your kitchen has a built-in space for one appliance to store fresh and frozen food. The product description lists No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the cabinet dimensions and ventilation requirements for this model.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if the stated capacity suits the amount you store and your kitchen can accommodate a four-door appliance. The product description lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the available space, delivery route and door opening direction, as the doors on this model aren’t reversible.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance that combines both types of storage. The product description lists Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and an E energy rating. Check that the dimensions of 185 × 59.5 × 66.7 cm and the required clearances suit the space you have.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you prefer a freezer beneath the fridge. The product description lists an E energy rating and NoFrost for the freezer compartment; it doesn’t specify the cooling system in the fridge compartment. Follow the clearance requirements for this model.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, built-in fridge-freezer with TwinTech No Frost
Worth considering if you want to combine refrigeration and freezing in a suitably sized cabinet. The product description lists an E energy rating. Before comparing its capacity and energy use with another appliance, check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure on the product information, as well as the ventilation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare two different energy labels?
Compare the kWh/year figures alongside the capacity of each compartment, then check the energy rating and noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on fridge and freezer energy labels. The rating alone won’t tell you how much storage space you’ll have.
What capacity should you choose for your household?
As a starting point, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, plus an extra 50 L per person. Adjust this guide to suit how often you shop, and check separately how much space you need for frozen food. It isn’t a fixed capacity requirement for every household.
Does a fridge need space for ventilation?
Yes. Follow the diagram and instructions for your chosen model, especially if it’s built in. For the appliances covered by its guidance, Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath the fridge. Don’t automatically apply this figure to another model.
How should you arrange for your old fridge to be taken away?
Check the removal options shown at checkout and let the retailer know about your old appliance before delivery. Check separately whether the service includes taking the new fridge to the room, positioning it and any work on the doors.
Do you need No Frost?
No. On its own, it isn’t a deciding factor when choosing between a fridge, fridge-freezer and separate freezer. If you want to reduce frost build-up, check which compartment the feature applies to on the model you’re considering, then compare its capacity, noise level and kWh/year figures too.