For grocery shops that include fresh and frozen food and need to last one to two weeks, a fridge-freezer brings both compartments together in one appliance, provided their usable capacities suit what you buy. If frozen food takes priority, consider a separate freezer, bearing in mind the space and installation it requires. A multi-door fridge is worth considering if its dimensions and compartment layout work for your kitchen.
If you shop for several days at a time, compare how much space is allocated to each type of food rather than looking only at the total capacity. Que Choisir highlights how often you shop and whether you rely on frozen food as useful considerations when choosing an appliance format.
When frozen food takes up a lot of space, freezer capacity becomes a priority. A separate appliance may be worth considering if you also have a suitable place to put it.
Whether it’s in an alcove, next to a wall or in an open-plan kitchen, check the delivery route, door clearance, airflow and stated noise level. Electrolux specifically reminds users to leave room for air to circulate around the appliance.
Start by choosing a format that suits the balance of fresh and frozen food you buy. Then check that the appliance can be installed and used comfortably in your kitchen.
Consider this if: you regularly buy both fresh and frozen food, but don’t need a large freezer for storing frozen food.
Bear in mind: the space allocated to each compartment is fixed for the model you choose.
Consider this if: you want more space for frozen food and have a suitable spot for each appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to install and power two appliances.
Consider this if: you want to organise a large shop across several compartments and have enough space for the appliance.
Bear in mind: a larger format doesn’t automatically mean the balance of fresh and frozen storage will suit your needs.
Consider this if: you don’t need to store much frozen food and space is your main concern.
Bear in mind: the small freezer compartment may limit how much frozen food you can buy for several days.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | Compare the separate usable capacities of the fridge and freezer with what you usually buy. | If I bring home both fresh and frozen food for several days, I need enough space in each compartment. Around 31% of consumers would put this balance at the top of their list. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and, if you freeze fresh food in batches, its stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | When I stock up on frozen food, the space available for it determines my choice; around 25% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Installation | Measure the space and delivery route, then check the manual for door clearance and ventilation gaps. | In a kitchen with limited space, I need to be able to install the appliance and open the drawers without obstruction. This would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | For appliances of a similar size and capacity, compare the stated kWh/year and noise level in dB. | If the appliance is near my living space, I pay particular attention to its noise level and stated energy consumption. Around 19% of consumers would put these criteria first. |
ADEME says the energy label provides useful information for comparing appliances, while the European Commission also makes data registered in EPREL available. Always check that the figures you consult relate to the model and variant you’re considering.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may allocate space differently between the fridge and freezer. This balance matters particularly if your shopping includes both fresh and frozen food.
Work out how much space your usual stock takes up, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
Width and depth alone won’t tell you whether the doors will open properly or if air can circulate. Electrolux recommends following the installation instructions and leaving space around the appliance.
Measure the space and access route, then check the manual for the exact model before you order.
The rating doesn’t replace checking the stated annual energy consumption, capacity and noise level. Comparisons are more useful between appliances with a similar capacity and configuration.
Check the energy label for kWh/year and dB, and look up the model’s data in EPREL if it’s listed there.
A large capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for frozen food or how the compartments will open in your kitchen. Que Choisir also highlights energy use as a consideration for large American-style appliances.
Check the separate capacities, internal layout, dimensions and kWh/year for the specific model.
A brand to consider for a freestanding fridge-freezer if you want detailed capacity and dimension information on the model’s product page.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a large-capacity fridge-freezer with dedicated fresh-food compartments.
A brand to consider if you want to organise your shopping in a freestanding multi-door fridge.
These Joybuy models include fridge-freezers and a multi-door fridge. For each one, compare the space it needs and the balance of fresh and frozen storage with what you usually buy.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance for several days.
The title states 390 L and energy class C. Check the capacity of each compartment and the clearances specified in the manual before choosing a spot for it.
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Worth considering for shops that include both fresh and frozen food if you’re planning to have just one freestanding appliance.
The title states 355 L, Total No Frost and class C. Check the available space, clearances and usable capacity of each compartment.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer to store both fresh and frozen food.
The title states 333 L and class C. Check how the capacity is divided between the compartments and how much space to leave around the appliance.
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Worth considering if a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer suits the way you organise your shopping.
The title states 282 L and class E. Compare the separate usable capacities. If you have an open-plan kitchen or often freeze fresh food in batches, check the model’s noise level and freezing capacity too.
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Worth considering if you want to organise a large shop in a multi-door fridge and have enough room for it.
The title states 495 L and class E. Before choosing this format, check how much space is allocated to fresh and frozen food, the delivery route and door clearance.
Yes. According to ADEME, the energy label must be displayed for large household appliances in shops and online. Compare the annual energy consumption and noise level in particular, and check that the label matches the model you’re considering.
Measure the space, delivery route and room needed to open the doors. Also check the clearances specified in the manual: Electrolux reminds users that air must be able to circulate around the appliance.
Follow the waiting time stated in the manual for the model delivered. For appliances covered by its instructions, Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours to allow the oil to flow back into the compressor. This recommendation doesn’t replace the instructions for your appliance.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to an individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. If the appliance doesn’t match its description, contact the seller to make a claim under this guarantee; it’s separate from a retailer’s returns policy.