Start by choosing fridge and freezer capacities that suit your shopping habits, then check the dimensions and how easy the compartments are to access. A fridge-freezer combines both functions in one appliance, while a multi-door fridge offers a large refrigerated space if its dimensions suit your kitchen. Two separate appliances let you choose each capacity independently, but require two spaces. To compare energy use and noise, check the details for the specific models. If you choose two appliances, add together their annual energy consumption figures from the EU energy labels.
If you stock up on groceries and meals for several days, compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, as well as how easy it is to access your food. Que Choisir provides indicative capacity guidelines based on the number of people in a household.
If you often prepare or buy food to freeze, the freezer’s capacity and layout can help you decide between one appliance and two. Liebherr France’s product information gives examples of the capacities of two separate freestanding appliances.
If your kitchen is open-plan or access is limited, you’ll need to balance storage space with delivery access, door clearance and noise. Que Choisir also points out that the dimensions and weight of multi-door fridges matter when installing them.
Choose this if : you want fresh and frozen food in one appliance, and the split between the two capacities suits your shopping habits.
Check : the capacity in litres of each compartment, along with the appliance’s height, door clearance, kWh/year and noise level.
Choose this if : easy access to a large refrigerated space and organising food for several people are priorities.
Check : the width, weight, door clearance, freezer capacity and route to its final position.
Choose this if : you want to choose separate capacities for fresh and frozen food, and have space for two appliances.
Check : the dimensions and kWh/year of each appliance. Add the figures together to compare their total energy use with that of a single appliance.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity for your shopping | Estimate how much food you keep between shops, then compare the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer compartments. Que Choisir suggests, as a guide, 100 to 150 l for one person, then 50 l for each additional person. | If I do a big shop, I want enough room for meals and fresh food without choosing an appliance that takes up too much space. Around 28 % of consumers prioritise usable capacity for the family shop. |
| Space for frozen food | Compare the capacity of the freezer compartment alone and the layout of its drawers. If you choose two appliances, check where they will go and compare their respective energy figures too. | When I often freeze portions or other food, I look at the capacity that’s actually available rather than the total capacity alone. Around 22 % of consumers put freezer capacity at the top of their list. |
| Organisation and access | Check the doors, drawers and shelves on the specific model, as well as the space needed to open them. | I want to store and find food easily when several people use the appliance every day. Around 17 % of consumers prioritise food organisation and access. |
| Fit and noise | Measure the appliance and delivery route, then compare the stated noise levels. As Que Choisir points out, the figure alone can’t guarantee how noisy the appliance will seem in your room. | If my kitchen is open-plan or space is tight, I need to be able to install the appliance and live with its day-to-day noise. Around 17 % of consumers put kitchen fit and noise first. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures and capacities on the EU energy labels. If you’re choosing two appliances, add their annual energy consumption figures together. | I want to compare the energy use of the appliances I’m considering, remembering to include the freezer if it’s separate. Around 16 % of consumers prioritise keeping electricity use under control. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide their space differently between fresh and frozen food.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and the layout of the storage space with the food you buy and freeze.
If the freezer is separate, it takes up space too, and its electricity use adds to that of the fridge.
Compare the capacities, dimensions and kWh/year figures for both appliances with those of the single appliance you’re considering.
The level shown on the label alone can’t predict every noise you’ll hear in your room. Que Choisir highlights this limitation.
Compare the stated levels and consider where you plan to put the appliance. If tests of the specific model are available, take a look at those too.
Bosch freestanding fridge-freezers are worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The KGN39AIAU is one specific example.
Samsung multi-door fridges are worth considering if their access and large capacity suit your kitchen. The RF48A400EM9/EF is an example of a model available in France.
Whirlpool fridge-freezers come in a range of sizes. The WB70E973W is an example of a high-capacity model in a single appliance.
Liebherr freestanding fridges and freezers are worth considering if you’re looking at an installation with two separate appliances.
This selection includes high-capacity fridge-freezers, including multi-door and side-by-side models, so you can store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
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This side-by-side fridge-freezer combines both compartments in one appliance, making it a good option for households looking to store the family shop.
Total capacity stated in the product name: 544 L. The name also mentions No Frost and a water dispenser.
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This multi-door model combines refrigeration and freezing in one appliance, helping households organise their shopping across several compartments.
The product name lists a capacity of 485 L, Total No Frost, an Inverter compressor, Multi Air Flow, an E energy rating and a noise level of 38 dB.
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This multi-door fridge brings fresh and frozen food storage together in one appliance, helping households organise food by compartment.
The product name lists a capacity of 495 L, an E energy rating and a black finish.
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This American-style fridge-freezer combines fridge and freezer compartments in one appliance for family food storage.
The product name lists a capacity of 583 L and an E energy rating.
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This side-by-side fridge-freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance designed for family use.
The product name lists 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer, No Frost, Multi-Airflow and a noise level of 37 dB.
Start with the amount of food you keep between shops, and consider fresh and frozen food separately. For fridge capacity, Que Choisir suggests an average of 100 to 150 l for one person, then 50 l for each additional person ; adjust this guide to suit the meals you prepare, what you buy and the space available.
Measure the space and delivery route, check how much clearance is needed to open the doors, and follow the model’s installation instructions. Depending on the appliance, also check whether a water connection is needed : not all multi-door models require one.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge at 4 °C, storing meat, fish and cooked dishes there, and leaving room for air to circulate. For home freezing, Anses recommends −18 °C ; also follow the instructions for the specific food.
The EU energy label includes the annual energy consumption, capacity and noise level. Compare the kWh/year figures for the models you’re considering. If you’re choosing two appliances, add their annual energy consumption figures together before comparing them with those of a single appliance.
When a private individual buys from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies subject to its conditions ; as the DGCCRF points out, you have two years from delivery of the goods to take action. The DGCCRF also reminds retailers of the free “one-for-one” take-back of an equivalent used appliance when a new product is sold : check the practical arrangements with the seller.