Households doing a weekly mix of shopping
You store fresh food, leftovers and frozen food in the same appliance. How the space is divided between the two compartments, and how easy it is to reach your food, matter more than the total capacity shown.
Which configuration is right for you?
Households that freeze food in large quantities
You prepare portions or keep a stock of frozen food. A dedicated freezer is worth considering if its drawers or chest design better suit your needs and you have room for two appliances.
Buyers with limited space or mindful of energy use
An alcove, access routes through your home or an open-plan kitchen can all influence your choice. Compare the dimensions, annual energy consumption and noise level of the specific model before deciding whether its extra features are worthwhile.
What should you look for before choosing?
Fridge freezer
Consider this if: your shopping regularly includes both fresh and frozen food and you want to store it all in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the freezer space is limited by the need to share the total capacity, so check the capacity in litres of each compartment.
Single-door fridge with freezer compartment
Consider this if: most of your shopping is fresh food and you rarely freeze anything.
Check: whether it has a freezer compartment and how much space it offers. Some single-door fridges don’t have one.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider this if: you need a dedicated freezer for your frozen food stock or for food you prepare to freeze.
Bear in mind: you’ll need two accessible spaces and should take the energy consumption of both appliances into account.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| How the capacity is divided | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then check how easy it is to access the drawers and shelves. | When I bring home fresh food, leftovers and frozen food together after shopping, I want to see what I already have and have enough room in both compartments; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this mix of storage. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Check the annual kWh consumption and noise level on the energy label, comparing appliances suited to a similar capacity requirement. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to the noise from an appliance that runs continuously, as well as its energy consumption; around 25% of consumers are said to prioritise this. |
| Food storage and maintenance | Check the temperature settings and, if defrosting is a concern, whether the model you’ve chosen has No Frost. | I want to set the temperature correctly and reduce the maintenance involved in dealing with frost, without relying on a feature to organise my food for me; around 25% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Installation and features | Measure the space and access routes for the packaged appliance; check the requirements for any features you plan to use. | If access to my kitchen is tight or I genuinely want a water dispenser or connected features, compatibility becomes crucial; around 17% of consumers would prioritise these constraints and specific uses. |
Mistakes that can make choosing harder
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can divide the space for fresh and frozen food differently. The compartment you need most could end up being too small.
Compare the capacities separately, then check whether the drawers, shelves and door balconies can hold your usual shopping.
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Choosing a large model for its dispenser without measuring access routes
An appliance may fit the space you have in mind but still be difficult to get through a doorway, hallway or lift, particularly while it’s still packaged.
Measure the delivery route, the space where it will go and the clearance needed. Then compare the usable capacity and annual kWh consumption of the specific model.
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Assuming connected features will save you money
Samsung’s SmartThings and AI Energy features depend on factors including the model, a Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account; the stated results may vary depending on how you use them.
Choose connectivity if monitoring or alerts will genuinely be useful to you, after checking that the appliance is compatible and reviewing its energy label.
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Confusing No Frost with food management
On applicable models, No Frost reduces the maintenance involved in dealing with frost, but it doesn’t replace the need to set the fridge to the right temperature or store food where you can see it.
If No Frost matters to you, check that the model has it, and remember to monitor the temperature too. Anses recommends setting your fridge below 4 °C.
Brands and ranges to consider
Bosch
Bosch freestanding fridge freezers may suit you if you’re looking for a layout for fresh and frozen food in a 60 cm width.
- According to Bosch Electroménager France, the KGN36VXCT offers 321 L of capacity, split between 218 L for refrigeration and 103 L for freezing; it is listed with Total NoFrost and a noise level of 35 dB.
- These specifications apply to the KGN36VXCT, not every Bosch fridge freezer. Check the dimensions and capacity split of the variant you choose.
Samsung
Some Samsung fridge freezers combine a stated large capacity with separate cooling circuits and connected features.
- Samsung France lists the RL38C776ASR/EF as a 387 L fridge freezer with Twin Cooling and an energy rating of A.
- On eligible models, SmartThings and AI Energy require a Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account. The stated energy savings depend on the conditions of use.
LG
Depending on the model, LG’s fridge freezer range includes adjustable shelves and remote-control features.
- LG France lists the GBB72PZUEN as having a capacity of 384 L and a noise level of 35 dB.
- Check the layout and energy label of the model you choose. LG’s claims about fast cooling or keeping food fresh shouldn’t be taken as guaranteed results in your home.
Electrolux
Electrolux integrated fridge freezers are worth considering when your existing kitchen units call for precise dimensions.
- Electrolux France lists the KNT6ME18S4 as having a capacity of 186 L for the fridge and 62 L for the freezer, with No Frost.
- This model requires a niche measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm. Measure the space and check that this split of capacity suits your shopping too.
Whirlpool
Some Whirlpool fridge freezers prioritise a large capacity and offer Total No Frost configurations.
- Whirlpool France lists the WB70E973W as a 462 L fridge freezer with Total No Frost and a 0 °C zone.
- At a stated width of 70 cm and depth of 75,5 cm, this model requires you to check the available space and whether the packaged appliance will fit through the access routes.
Joybuy products related to this choice
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Which figures should I compare on the energy label?
Compare the energy rating, annual kWh consumption, separate fridge and freezer capacities, and noise level. The European Commission includes this information on the label for refrigeration appliances; the energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how much energy the specific model uses.
What temperature should I set my fridge to after shopping?
Anses recommends setting your fridge below 4 °C. A chill compartment or fan-assisted cooling system doesn’t remove the need to check the temperature setting and store food appropriately.
Should an ice dispenser or connectivity influence my choice?
Yes, if you plan to use the feature and the model first meets your capacity and installation needs. For a dispenser, check how much space it takes up and any installation requirements; for connected features, check which models are compatible and whether Wi-Fi or an account is required.
What should I measure before my fridge freezer is delivered?
Measure the space where it will go and the entire route to get it there, including doorways, hallways and lifts. Samsung France recommends comparing these measurements with the dimensions of the packaged appliance: measuring only the available width in your kitchen isn’t enough to know whether it will fit through.