Households that regularly use fresh and frozen food
You need two storage areas that are practical for everyday use. Compare the fridge freezer’s capacity, the split between refrigeration and freezing, and its annual energy consumption.
Which households is it for?
Small households with little frozen food
A fridge with a 4-star freezer compartment may be suitable if you keep only a limited amount of frozen food and the freezer capacity genuinely matches your habits.
Households building up a substantial supply of frozen food
First assess whether the freezer compartment in a fridge freezer is large enough before adding a separate appliance. Two appliances require more space, and their combined annual energy consumption must be compared with the total.
Buying priorities
Fridge freezer
Consider it: if you eat fresh and frozen food every week and want two compartments within a single footprint.
Check: total capacity is not enough on its own; compare the litres allocated to the fridge and freezer separately.
Fridge with freezer compartment
Consider it: if fresh food makes up most of your shopping and bulk frozen-food purchases are occasional.
Check: check the capacity of the 4-star compartment and the model’s exact freezing capacity.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider it: when your supply of frozen food consistently will not fit in a fridge freezer’s compartment.
Check: add together the annual energy consumption, check the overall footprint, and allow for access to and ventilation around both appliances.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous energy use | Compare kWh/year between appliances with similar dimensions, usable capacities and freezing requirements. Read the energy class alongside this figure, not in isolation. | I want to reduce the energy consumption of an appliance that is always switched on without paying for a large capacity or rarely used features. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that choosing more capacity or features than necessary can increase your bills. |
| Usable capacities | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, as well as the kg/24 h figure if you freeze large quantities of fresh food. | My shopping needs to fit without buying an unnecessarily large family-sized appliance. UFC-Que Choisir gives an average guideline of 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by an additional 50 L per person. |
| Noise and positioning | Compare the declared noise level in dB(A), the airborne acoustical noise emission class, the dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, I want to limit audible noise while keeping convenient access to the doors and drawers. |
| Maintenance and replacement | Ask about parts availability and the model’s service terms. Also check how the old appliance will be taken back or collected. | I would rather explore a suitable repair before replacing the appliance and make sure the outgoing equipment is disposed of through the correct route. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing solely by the energy class letter
Annual energy consumption should be considered alongside the appliance’s size, usable capacities and intended use. ADEME states that size and having more equipment or capacity than necessary can increase consumption.
Compare the kWh/year of models with similar refrigeration capacity, freezing capacity and installation requirements.
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Choosing a small freezer compartment for a large supply
A lack of space may lead you to add a supplementary freezer later, resulting in a larger footprint and combined continuous energy consumption.
Assess the maximum amount of frozen food you keep and check the freezer capacity. If this supply is regularly substantial, compare a fridge freezer directly with a pair of separate appliances.
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Underestimating noise in an open-plan kitchen
Declared noise levels can vary between models, and vibrations may be added if the appliance or its pipework touches a wall or cupboard.
Compare the exact model’s dB(A) rating and follow the installation, levelling and clearance instructions.
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Leaving your old appliance without arranging its collection
Refrigeration appliances contain fluids that require suitable collection and treatment.
Before buying, arrange collection by the retailer or delivery driver, an appropriate repair, or drop-off through the waste electrical and electronic equipment route.
According to ADEME, a €15 to €50 Repair Bonus may be available from a certified repairer, depending on the type of repair.
Brand guide
Bosch
The range includes freestanding fridge freezers, including tall models with the freezer at the bottom. It provides a useful benchmark for households looking for detailed information on capacity, noise and energy class.
- For the KGN39AIAU, Bosch states 260 L of refrigeration capacity, 103 L of freezer capacity and 29 dB, with Total NoFrost.
- These specifications apply to this particular model and do not allow conclusions to be drawn about the Bosch range as a whole.
Liebherr
The brand offers fridge freezers and single-door fridges, making it useful for comparing a separate freezer with an integrated 4-star compartment.
- Liebherr states 296 L and 38 dB for the CUe331-26, and 250 L plus 158 kWh/year for the single-door KPe290-26 with a 4-star compartment.
- The freezer compartment capacity of a single-door fridge should be checked before purchase to ensure it suits your storage habits.
Whirlpool
The brand offers freestanding fridge freezers with clearly divided capacities for fresh and frozen food, suited to households looking for a family-sized configuration.
- For the WHK 26404 XP7E, Whirlpool states a total capacity of 355 L, including 249 L of refrigeration and 106 L of freezing capacity, a B energy class and 31 dB.
- Claims relating to Dual No Frost come from the manufacturer and do not replace an independent comparison between models.
Joybuy products
Joybuy options for fridge freezers that let you store fresh and frozen food for everyday use in a single appliance.
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CHiQ JR263LGE 262 L fridge freezer
For regular fresh and frozen-food shopping in a compact kitchen.
187 L of refrigeration capacity, 75 L of freezer capacity, 215 kWh/year, 39 dB(A), a freezing capacity of 3.5 kg/24 h and a width of 54 cm. The stated ambient temperature range is 16 to 38 °C; the freezer requires manual defrosting.
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Comfee RCB169WH2(E) 174 L fridge freezer
For a small household wanting two compartments in a 50 cm-wide appliance.
115 L of refrigeration capacity, 59 L of freezer capacity, a 4-star compartment, a stated noise level of 39 dB and dimensions of 50 × 55 × 150 cm. Check the kWh/year and energy label for the exact model before comparing its running costs.
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Heinrichs 253 L stainless steel fridge freezer
For a household using separate areas for fresh and frozen food every day.
182 L of refrigeration capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, a stated noise level of 39 dB, LED lighting and a reversible door. The product information states No Frost; confirm this feature, the annual energy consumption, the dimensions and the installation requirements for the supplied variant.
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CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L fridge freezer
For a narrow kitchen with everyday fresh and frozen-food storage needs.
153 L of refrigeration capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a 4-star compartment, a width of 54 cm and a reversible door. The stated noise level is 39 dB; check the kWh/year and energy label before buying.
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Sonlu CD-350RW 310 L fridge freezer
For a household that regularly stores fresh and frozen food and has a standard-width installation space.
211 L of refrigeration capacity, 99 L of freezer capacity, a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and electronic controls. Check the annual energy consumption, noise level, full dimensions, climate class and required ventilation.
Frequently asked questions
Which details should you compare on the energy label of a new fridge sold in France?
An energy label is compulsory for new fridges sold both in shops and online. In particular, compare the model reference, energy class and annual consumption in kWh between appliances with similar dimensions and usable capacities, as stated by the French Ministry of the Economy.
Is a repairability index compulsory for fridges in France?
No. The categories listed by the French ministries responsible for Ecology, Energy and Territories for the repairability index do not include fridges or freezers. Instead, ask about parts availability, repair documentation and the service terms for the exact model.
What temperature should you aim for after installation?
Electrolux Support France recommends 4 °C or below in the fridge and -18 °C in the freezer. Also consult the model’s instructions, its position and its climate class before switching it on.
What should you do with your old fridge when replacing it?
First check whether a suitable repair is possible. If not, ADEME states that you can hand the appliance to the retailer or delivery driver when it is replaced, take it to a waste electrical and electronic equipment collection point, or direct it towards reuse if it is still in working order.