For family shops that regularly include fresh and frozen food, start by comparing the usable capacity of each compartment. A fridge freezer with a bottom freezer keeps everything in one appliance, while a multi-door model or a separate freezer may be worth considering if you need to store a lot and have the space. Before settling on a capacity, check the available space, door clearance, delivery route and the clearances specified in the manual.
You’ll need enough room for fresh food without compromising on freezer capacity. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person as a starting point, plus 50 L for each additional person. Your shopping habits are still the deciding factor.
Freezer capacity and easy access to the drawers matter more than a small freezer compartment for occasional use. Darty recommends a fridge freezer with a bottom freezer for regular frozen-food shopping. A separate freezer may also suit a distinct storage need, if you have the space.
Your preferred capacity must fit the available width and depth, allow the doors to open and be suitable for the delivery route. Check the ventilation clearances in the manual for the model you choose.
Consider this: if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, with easy-to-reach freezer drawers.
Bear in mind: the two types of storage share the total capacity, so check the litres available in each compartment.
Consider this: for larger shops and compartmentalised storage, if your kitchen can accommodate a wider appliance.
Bear in mind: the appliance and its doors may need more space, including along the delivery route.
Consider this: if most of your shopping is fresh food and you only buy frozen food occasionally.
Bear in mind: storage space and organisation for frozen food will be more limited.
Consider this: if you have a long-term need for freezer space that’s separate from your fresh-food storage.
Bear in mind: you’ll need two suitable spaces, with the right access and installation conditions for each appliance.
To compare these styles, start with your usual shopping habits, then rule out any models that can’t be installed and used in your kitchen.
| Feature | What to check | What shoppers say |
|---|---|---|
| Compartment capacity | Compare the usable litres in the fridge and freezer separately, then consider how much of that space you can actually use for storage. | When I need my shopping to last for several days, I want enough room for fresh food without being misled by the total capacity. Around 33% of shoppers say getting the overall capacity right is their priority. |
| Frozen-food storage | Check the freezer capacity in litres, as well as the number of drawers and how easy they are to access. | If I often buy bags and ready meals from the freezer aisle, I want to store them and find them easily. Around 27% of shoppers say freezer capacity is their top priority. |
| Installation and delivery | Measure the appliance, door clearance and access routes; check the manual for ventilation requirements. | A narrow alcove or awkward access could rule out a model that otherwise has plenty of space. For around 20% of shoppers, being able to install the appliance comes first. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the noise level and rating, as well as the energy label, for appliances of a similar capacity. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to consider everyday noise and energy use once I’ve found the capacity I need. These factors are a priority for around 20% of shoppers. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can offer very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food.
Think about how much of your usual shop is frozen, then compare the freezer capacity and drawers.
A large appliance might fit in its intended space but still not make it through the lift, stairwell or access points to your home.
Check doorways and turns, the packaged dimensions if available, and the delivery conditions.
Whether an appliance can be placed close to a wall, and how much space it needs for ventilation, depends on the model.
Follow the manual for the exact model and make sure the doors and drawers can open in the planned position.
An energy rating alone won’t tell you whether the compartments suit your household’s shopping or whether the noise level is right for an open-plan kitchen.
Compare the energy label, stated energy use and noise level across appliances of a similar size and capacity.
Worth considering for freestanding fridge freezers, particularly if you’re looking for an appliance around 60 cm wide.
Worth considering for fridge freezers that offer plenty of space in one appliance, including models wider than 60 cm.
Worth considering if you’re comparing freestanding multi-door models for a household that wants to keep food in separate compartments.
Worth considering for high-capacity fridge freezers suited to larger shops.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer around 60 cm wide with a separate freezer compartment.
These appliances let you compare fridge freezers, multi-door models and a side-by-side model for storing fresh and frozen food. First, choose a capacity split that suits your shopping, then check that the appliance can be brought into your home, delivered and opened in the space available.
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Consider this if you want to organise a family shop across several compartments and have enough room for a four-door model.
The product name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the door clearance, delivery access and clearances specified in the manual.
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Worth a look if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance and available width is an important factor.
The product name lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an energy rating of E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the depth, door clearance and clearances specified in the manual.
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Worth considering for larger shops if you have a dedicated space for a large appliance.
The product name lists a capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E. Confirm the door configuration before planning your kitchen layout, then check the space available, door clearance and delivery route.
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Consider this if frozen food makes up a large part of your shopping and your kitchen can accommodate a side-by-side appliance.
The product name lists 333 L of fridge space, 192 L of freezer space, No Frost, a noise level of 37 dB and an energy rating of E. Measure the available space, door clearance and access routes, then check the installation instructions.
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Worth a look if space is limited and your frozen-food shopping will fit in a more modest-capacity freezer.
The product name lists a 70/30 split, a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm. The freezer needs to be defrosted manually; also check the ambient temperature and ventilation requirements for this model.
Que Choisir’s guide is 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person, adjusted to suit your shopping habits. If you store lots of frozen food, compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately rather than relying on the total capacity.
If you regularly buy frozen food, a fridge freezer with a bottom freezer is worth prioritising over one with a small freezer compartment for occasional use. Darty highlights this style as a good option for storing more frozen food, but be sure to check the capacity and drawers of the specific model.
Yes, if the installation requirements for your chosen model allow it. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and make sure the doors and drawers can open far enough once the appliance is in place.
Measure both the final space and every access route the appliance will need to pass through, including doorways, stairs and lifts. Check the packaged dimensions if they’re available, and confirm handling requirements with the delivery company.