When choosing a fridge-freezer for family meals, start by comparing the usable capacity for fresh and frozen food, then consider how easy it is to reach your dishes. A fridge-freezer could be a good choice if space is limited. A multi-door or large fridge-freezer with an integrated freezer may better suit greater storage needs, provided it fits in your kitchen and can be delivered through your home. Finally, check the annual energy consumption and noise level for the specific model on its energy label, as described by the European Commission.
If you store fresh ingredients, prepared meals and frozen portions, look at the capacity of each compartment rather than the total volume alone. The energy label separates out these volumes, according to the European Commission.
Drawers and easy-to-reach areas can make it easier to find food without moving several dishes. A multi-door model is worth considering if its interior layout and dimensions suit your kitchen.
Your storage needs must fit the available space, the route to the kitchen and the noise level you’re comfortable with near living areas. Compare the dimensions, noise level and kWh/year of the model you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you want to keep fresh and frozen food separate in a relatively compact appliance. Que Choisir puts the volume of a standard fridge-freezer at around 300 l, although this is only a guide and doesn’t replace checking the specifications of the model you choose.
The trade-off: the space available for meals and frozen food depends on how the capacity is divided between the two compartments.
Worth considering: if easy access to different types of food matters as much as capacity, provided you check the layout of the model.
The trade-off: check how much room the appliance and its open doors will need; the layout varies between models.
Worth considering: if you need plenty of room for groceries, large dishes and frozen food in one appliance.
The trade-off: it’s particularly important to check the appliance’s footprint, the delivery route and its annual energy consumption.
Whatever style you choose, start with what you actually store: the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer should meet different needs. The criteria below can then help you compare appliances that have room for the food you buy.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity split | Compare the usable litres in the fridge and freezer separately with the space you need for prepared meals and frozen portions. | When I prepare several meals in advance, a large total capacity isn’t enough if the compartment I need is still too small. Around 33% of shoppers would put the balance between fresh and frozen storage first. |
| Layout and access | Look at the arrangement of shelves, drawers and zones, as well as the space you can actually use for your containers. | If dishes and ingredients are stacked up, I want to reach the ones at the back without taking everything out. Easy access would be the priority for around 25% of shoppers. |
| Space and delivery | Measure the space, how far the doors open and the delivery route, taking the packaged appliance’s dimensions into account. | A spacious appliance isn’t right for me if it blocks movement around the kitchen or can’t be brought in. For around 25% of shoppers, available space and access would come first. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Check the kWh/year and noise level in dB; compare models with similar usable capacities. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to the noise from an appliance that runs all the time, as well as its annual energy consumption. These two points would come first for around 17% of shoppers. |
An appliance can have plenty of litres in total without enough room for the type of food your household stores most. The European Commission says the energy label shows the storage volume of each compartment.
Work out how much space you need for fresh food, prepared meals and frozen food separately, then compare the corresponding usable capacities.
The interior capacity tells you nothing about whether the appliance will fit through your front door, along a hallway or in a lift, or how much room you’ll need to open its doors in the kitchen. Samsung recommends measuring the route the packaged appliance will take.
Check the space where it will go and the entire delivery route before ordering. Then check the manufacturer’s installation guidance for your chosen model.
A tricky route can make delivery or installation more difficult.
Two appliances with similar capacities can have different ratings. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption or noise level you need to assess a specific model.
Compare the kWh/year and dB on the energy labels of appliances that meet similar storage needs.
Without making arrangements in advance, your old fridge could still be in place when the new one is due to be installed.
Ask the retailer for the take-back arrangements in writing and coordinate them with delivery and, if applicable, installation.
These range and model examples highlight features worth comparing. A feature mentioned for one appliance won’t necessarily apply to every model from the same brand.
Worth looking at if you’re considering a freestanding fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer and have limited width available.
Worth comparing if you’re looking at multi-door models and the ways their zones can help organise your food.
Worth considering if your household is looking at a large-capacity multi-door model.
Worth considering if you’re looking at large American-style models with an integrated freezer.
These models include fridge-freezers, multi-door options and a large side-by-side appliance with an integrated freezer. To compare them, consider the stated capacity and layout alongside the food you usually store, then check the dimensions and energy information for the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you want to organise your household’s food across several doors.
Check the usable capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the clearance needed to open the doors before choosing.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a three-door appliance to keep everyday storage areas separate.
Compare the usable litres for fresh and frozen food, then check the clearance needed for installation.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-door model with a high stated capacity for family meals.
Check the capacity of each compartment, the space where it will go and the delivery route. If any features need a water connection, check the requirements for the version you’re ordering.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Check the dimensions, door clearance and kWh/year on the model’s product information before comparing this large style with other options.
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Worth considering if you prefer a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer and its capacity is enough for the meals your household prepares.
Check these two capacities against your storage habits. Also check the model’s dimensions and noise level before buying.
Compare the usable litres for fresh and frozen food separately with what your household stores between shops. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Then adjust the capacity split to suit the meals you prepare and your freezing habits.
Compare the energy class, kWh/year, storage volumes for each compartment and noise information. The European Commission says this information appears on the labels for fridges and freezers. To assess energy consumption, compare appliances with capacities suited to similar needs.
Measure the entire route to the space where the appliance will go, as well as the room needed to open its doors once it’s installed. Samsung recommends checking whether the packaged appliance can fit through doors, hallways and lifts, so compare your measurements with the dimensions supplied for the model you’re ordering.
In France, the DGCCRF states that when a new appliance is sold, the retailer must take back an equivalent used appliance free of charge under the ‘one-for-one’ scheme. Ask about the take-back arrangements for your order and coordinate them with delivery.