First, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment, the space available for installation and energy consumption in kWh/year. A fridge-freezer combines both functions in one appliance. If your frozen food regularly exceeds its capacity, compare it with a separate freezer, taking into account the space and energy consumption required by both appliances.
If you cook several portions at once, consider how much space you need for chilled meals and how much for portions to freeze. The total capacity of a fridge-freezer alone won’t tell you whether it meets both needs.
After buying in bulk, check that there’s enough room for fresh food, that the storage is well organised and that the freezer has the capacity you really need.
If you have a fitted space or an open-plan kitchen, check the dimensions, door clearance, ventilation requirements in the instructions and the stated noise level against where you plan to put the appliance.
If you want to store shopping and meals for several days, first decide what needs to be chilled and what needs to be frozen. Then choose a configuration that suits your kitchen and check its annual energy consumption.
Worth considering: if you want to keep fresh food and frozen portions in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the split between the two compartments depends on the model you choose, so check the usable capacity of each one.
Worth considering: if most of your storage is for fresh food and you only need to freeze a small amount.
Bear in mind: the type and capacity of the compartment vary by model; don’t assume it will replace the freezer in a fridge-freezer.
Worth considering: if your fresh and frozen food storage needs call for separate capacities that you can choose independently.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for two appliances and should check their combined annual energy consumption.
Worth considering: if you’re happy with your fridge but need more space for prepared meals and frozen food.
Bear in mind: an additional freezer needs a suitable space and will add to the energy consumption of your existing fridge.
| Factor | What to check | Relevant shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen storage | Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment separately, and check how much space you need for frozen portions. | If you prepare several meals in advance, your containers need to fit without leaving too little room for fresh food. Around 33% of shoppers would prioritise this split. |
| Putting shopping away | Check the fridge’s usable capacity and the layout of its shelves, drawers and door balconies. | A big shop should be easy to put away and find again over the following days. For around 27% of shoppers, organising fresh food would be the priority. |
| Space and noise | Measure the space and door clearance; check the instructions for ventilation requirements and the stated noise level in dB(A). | In a fitted space or an open-plan kitchen, the appliance needs to fit and work without disrupting your living space. These constraints would come first for around 20% of shoppers. |
| Ongoing energy consumption | Compare the stated kWh/year for models with similar configurations and capacities. If you’re choosing two appliances, check their combined energy consumption. | As the appliance runs continuously, you may want to compare models with suitable capacities by their annual energy consumption. Around 20% of shoppers would make this their main consideration. |
A fridge-freezer may offer plenty of litres overall, but the split might not suit the way you shop or the meals you prepare.
Think about what you usually keep in stock, then compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately.
Matching external dimensions aren’t enough if the door can’t open properly or the ventilation grilles are blocked. Gifam recommends keeping these grilles clear.
Measure the space and the delivery route. For a built-in model, also check the niche, hinges and clearances specified in the instructions.
The energy rating letter doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption, especially when appliances have different capacities or configurations.
Compare the kWh/year of models suited to similar needs. The energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL database let you check the details for a specific model.
ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, so differences in annual energy consumption add up throughout their use.
If you buy from a professional seller in France, an optional commercial warranty doesn’t replace the legal guarantee of conformity. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request the application of this legal guarantee.
Before taking out an extended warranty, check what it covers, what’s excluded and how to make a claim.
The range includes freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, with capacities and dimensions varying by model.
Some fridge-freezers in the range combine a high stated total capacity with specialised storage compartments.
The range includes built-in fridge-freezers and models featuring Total No Frost technology.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Compare their format and stated features with the space you have and the way you store food.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a three-door fridge-freezer for your shopping and prepared meals. The product name lists 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment, and check the instructions for the space needed to install the appliance and open its doors.
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Its four-door design is worth considering if you buy a lot of fresh food and keep a good stock of frozen items. The product name lists 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check how the capacity is split, the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer to store fresh food and frozen portions at the same time. The product name lists 440 L and an energy rating of D. Check the capacity of each compartment and how the freezer defrosts if ease of maintenance is important to you.
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Worth considering if your kitchen needs a built-in fridge-freezer. The product name lists TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Before choosing, check the usable capacity of each compartment, energy consumption in kWh/year, niche dimensions and door system compatibility.
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Worth comparing if you want to store shopping and meals in the fridge and freezer compartments of one appliance. The product name lists 368 L and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the stated noise level if you’re placing the appliance in an open-plan kitchen.
When comparing appliances of a similar type and capacity, check their stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year rather than relying on the energy rating letter alone. The energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL database let you find the details for a specific model.
Count how many portions you want to store at once, then compare that with the freezer’s usable capacity and drawer layout. If your frozen food regularly exceeds the space available in the fridge-freezer you’re considering, compare it with an additional freezer too.
Measure the niche and delivery route, then check the door fixing system and how the door opens. Follow the instructions for the chosen model when checking ventilation requirements and clearances.
Yes, it may influence your choice if your kitchen opens onto a living area. Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) of models that meet your needs, but remember this isn’t the same as measuring the noise in your home.
No. If you buy a fridge from a professional seller in France, an optional commercial warranty is in addition to the legal guarantee of conformity; it doesn’t replace it. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request the application of this legal guarantee, so check what the additional contract actually offers.