Households that batch-cook
If you prepare several meals in advance, look at the freezer capacity and drawer layout. A large total capacity does not necessarily mean there is enough room for your portions.
Who is this choice for?
Families who mainly fill the fridge
Ready meals, ingredients and containers can take up more space in the fridge section. Check its capacity and storage layout before choosing a wider appliance.
Households with an open-plan kitchen or restricted access
Extra capacity needs to be compatible with your delivery route, available space and door clearance. If you have an open-plan kitchen, compare the stated noise levels too.
Which criteria should you look at first?
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you want fresh and frozen food in one appliance that will fit the width of your kitchen.
The trade-off: check the freezer capacity if you often prepare portions to freeze. For example, the Bosch KGN39AIAU has stated capacities of 260 L for refrigeration and 103 L for freezing, and is 60 cm wide, according to Bosch Electroménager France.
Multi-door
Consider this if: you want plenty of space and separate areas for prepared meals, ingredients and frozen food.
The trade-off: width and delivery access become crucial. For example, Samsung France lists its RF65A967FSR as 912 mm wide and advises checking that the packaged appliance will fit through the access points.
American-style
Consider this if: a side-by-side layout suits your storage needs and your kitchen can accommodate this style.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir says American-style fridge-freezers generally use more energy than conventional models. Compare the energy consumption and capacities of the specific models you are considering rather than relying on the style alone.
Fridge and separate freezer
Consider this if: frozen meals regularly take up more space than the freezer compartment of a fridge-freezer can provide.
The trade-off: you will need room for a second appliance and should compare the energy consumption and noise levels of both.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space for frozen food | Compare the freezer’s usable capacity in litres and the layout of its drawers separately. | When I regularly freeze prepared meals, I need to find my portions easily without filling the compartment to capacity. Around 33% of consumers would put freezer capacity first. |
| Fresh food storage | Check the fridge capacity and the layout of the shelves and drawers. | If meals to eat soon and ingredients take up most of my fridge space, I prioritise storage that suits my containers. This would be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and delivery | Measure access points with the packaging in mind, then check the space available, door clearance and clearances specified in the instructions. | I may need more capacity without being able to get a very wide appliance into my home or open its doors. Access and kitchen fit would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy and noise | Compare the kWh/year and noise emissions in dB for the specific models; if you are buying two appliances, check both energy labels. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to take everyday noise into account without overlooking the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 17% of consumers would prioritise these factors. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Relying on the total capacity alone
A spacious appliance may not dedicate enough of its total capacity to frozen meals. The European energy label shows the capacity of each compartment, as the European Commission explains.
Compare the usable capacities of the fridge and freezer separately, then look at their interior layouts.
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Forgetting the delivery route and door clearance
A large appliance needs to fit through your access points and remain practical to use once installed. Samsung France, for example, recommends checking that its RF65A967FSR multi-door model will fit through with its packaging.
Measure doorways, corridors and lifts, then check the space needed to open the appliance and follow its installation instructions.
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Choosing a style without comparing energy labels
UFC-Que Choisir says American-style fridge-freezers generally use more energy than conventional models. This is no substitute for comparing the appliances you are considering.
For each model, compare the kWh/year, noise level and usable capacities shown on the European energy label.
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Assuming a dispenser works without a water connection
Dispensing features can add an installation requirement: the Joybuy France product listing for the Samsung RF65DG960ESL says that the dispenser and ice maker need a cold water supply.
Before choosing a model with these features, check its connection requirements and maintenance instructions.
Brands to consider based on the model you’re looking for
Bosch
The freestanding KGN39AIAU fridge-freezer offers a useful comparison if you want refrigeration and freezing in an appliance that is 60 cm wide.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists a 260 L fridge capacity, a 103 L freezer capacity and a noise level of 29 dB for this model.
- Its stated height of 203 cm and freezer capacity should be checked against your kitchen and the portions you need to store.
Samsung
The French range includes multi-door and side-by-side models to consider when storage space is a priority.
- Samsung France lists a capacity of 647 L for its RF65A967FSR multi-door model.
- This model is 912 mm wide, and the manufacturer also advises checking that the packaged appliance will fit through your access points.
LG
The GSJV80BSLF is an example of an American-style fridge-freezer whose fresh and frozen capacities can be considered separately.
- LG France lists a 416 L fridge capacity and a 219 L freezer capacity for this model.
- Its stated specifications include a width of 913 mm, a noise level of 36 dB and energy consumption of 437 kWh/year. Check that it suits your space and compare the energy labels of the models you are considering.
Whirlpool
A tall freezer can complement a fridge when extra space for frozen meals becomes a priority.
- Whirlpool France lists a capacity of 286 L and five drawers for the WHMFF6314WEE freezer.
- This freezer needs a separate space and does not replace the fridge section.
Liebherr
The freestanding fridge-freezers in the French range let you compare different widths, capacities and noise levels.
- The Liebherr France catalogue includes fridge-freezers with a capacity of over 300 L.
- Width and noise levels vary by model, so choose based on the specifications of the exact appliance rather than the brand alone.
Fridge-freezers to explore on Joybuy
These appliances offer space for fresh and frozen food, with a range of capacities and door configurations. Compare their interior layouts and how they will fit in your kitchen before choosing. If you need a separate appliance for freezing, assess that option separately.
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Samsung RF48A401EB4, 488 L, black
Worth considering if you want to store more fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The title lists a capacity of 488 L and an energy rating of E. Check how the capacity is split, the dimensions with packaging and the clearances specified in the instructions. The style description differs between the title and product details, so check the door layout.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door, 467 L, silver
Worth considering if you want several doors to help organise fresh food and frozen portions. The title lists a capacity of 467 L, an energy rating of E and Total No Frost. Measure the route with the packaging in mind and consult the instructions before installation.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door, 360 L
Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen storage in a three-door appliance. The title lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check that each compartment suits your meals and consult the instructions before installation.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L, black
Worth considering if you need space for both fresh and frozen food. The title lists a capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E. Check the door layout before settling on a particular style, as well as the delivery route and installation instructions.
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CHiQ JR525WSE, side-by-side, 525 L
Worth considering if you want to compare a large fridge compartment with a separate freezer capacity. The title lists a 333 L fridge, a 192 L freezer, a noise level of 37 dB and an energy rating of E. Check the interior layout, dimensions and access points before choosing this style.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity do we need if we prepare more meals?
Start with your storage habits, then work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir gives an initial guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this according to how many portions you freeze or keep in the fridge.
Should you measure access points before ordering a multi-door or American-style model?
Yes. Measure the route with the packaging in mind, then check there is enough room to install the appliance and open its doors. Samsung France specifically advises checking this for its RF65A967FSR multi-door model. Also consult the instructions for the model you are considering.
How do you compare the noise and energy consumption of two models?
Compare their European energy labels, including kWh/year, noise emissions and compartment capacities. According to the European Commission, this information appears on the label. Compare specific appliances rather than assuming a particular figure applies to an entire style.