Start by choosing the genuinely usable capacity and the proportion of fresh or frozen food you need to store. Then compare appliances designed for the same purpose based on their stated kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise levels, rather than relying on the energy rating letter alone. A fridge freezer is suitable when you regularly use both fresh and frozen food but have space for just one appliance; a fridge-only model avoids paying for an unnecessary freezer compartment, while a separate freezer is mainly worthwhile if you keep a large frozen-food stock and have a suitable place to install it.
You use a refrigeration appliance continuously and want to avoid replacing an energy-hungry model with something unnecessarily large or packed with features. Compare kWh/year, usable capacity and functions before considering convenience features. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously.
You need fridge space for everyday use as well as freezing capacity, but only have room for one appliance in the kitchen. A fridge freezer can work well if the split between the two compartments reflects what you actually buy. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking usable capacities rather than looking at the total capacity alone.
You buy in bulk, cook ahead or regularly keep more frozen food than a fridge freezer can hold. A separate freezer may be suitable if you have enough space and the climate class, and access to the drawers or chest, are right for your home, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and do not need a substantial amount of freezer space.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment is not a substitute for a separate freezer when you buy large quantities of frozen food.
Worth considering: if you use fresh and frozen food every week but only have room for one appliance.
Bear in mind: check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with the model’s kWh/year.
Worth considering: if the amount of frozen food you store consistently exceeds the capacity of a fridge freezer.
Bear in mind: it adds another appliance that runs continuously and requires a suitable installation space.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Compare kWh/year between appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. The energy label also shows the A to G rating, capacities and noise level. Since 1 March 2021, the European scale has run from A to G. | I want to reduce the electricity used without confusing the average for a format with the performance of a specific model. ADEME provides indicative figures of 180 kWh/year for a fridge, 315 kWh/year for a fridge freezer and 300 kWh/year for a freezer; these figures do not compare like-for-like capacities. |
| Usable capacities | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. For a fridge, UFC-Que Choisir gives a guideline of 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by around 50 L for each additional person. | My shopping consists mainly of fresh food, frozen food or a mixture of both. I therefore choose the compartment split before looking for the largest total capacity. |
| Comfort and installation | Check the noise level in dB(A), cooling type, dimensions, clearances and climate class. For a chest freezer, also measure access to the lid and the floor space required. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise levels matter; UFC-Que Choisir describes models below 40 dB(A) as the quietest. If I choose fan-assisted cooling, I wrap foods that are sensitive to dry air, as recommended by Beko. |
The A to G label is useful, but it also shows annual energy consumption, fridge and freezer capacities, as well as noise levels. Comparing two letters without considering litres can mean comparing appliances with very different capacities or intended uses.
Compare kWh/year, the litres of each compartment and noise levels between appliances of a similar format and capacity. The label’s QR code provides access to the product’s EPREL record.
ADEME states that size and extra features, such as an always-on ice-making function, can increase energy consumption. A large appliance only makes sense if its capacity genuinely matches the household’s needs.
Estimate the fresh and frozen capacities you need before comparing models, then rule out convenience features you will not use.
Excess capacity or unused features can increase electricity consumption over time.
A chest freezer requires considerable floor space. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering the climate class, which specifies the room temperatures compatible with the appliance.
Measure the width, depth, space needed for movement and access to the lid. Check the climate class on the product listing before installation.
Fan-assisted cooling limits frost, but Beko explains that the drier air can cause unwrapped food in the fridge compartment to dry out.
Choose No Frost if reducing the need for defrosting is important, use suitable containers or packaging for sensitive foods, and always compare the precise model’s kWh/year.
A range covering fridge-only models, fridge freezers, freezers and large-capacity appliances. Bosch notably offers A to C-rated fridge freezers, XXL models and No Frost appliances.
A range of fridge-only models and fridge freezers, including No Frost appliances and large-capacity integrated solutions.
A range of fridges, fridge freezers, integrated appliances and freezers, with static, fan-assisted or ventilated/No Frost cooling.
Joybuy options matching the main formats discussed: fridge freezers for mixed use, fridges for households mainly storing fresh food, and separate freezers for keeping a stock of frozen food.
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For a household needing both fresh and frozen food storage in a slim 54 cm-wide appliance.
187 L of fridge capacity, 75 L of freezer capacity and stated consumption of 215 kWh/year; stated noise level of 39 dB(A).
The Low Frost system requires manual defrosting. Climate class N-ST is specified for 16 to 38 °C; also check the dimensions of 1760 × 540 × 550 mm and the ventilation space required.
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For a household regularly storing substantial quantities of fresh and frozen food.
235 L of fridge capacity, 125 L of freezer capacity, an E rating and stated consumption of 271 kWh/year; Total No Frost and a stated noise level of 35 dB(A).
Its 360 L capacity may be excessive for a small household. Check the installation clearances, the dimensions of 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm and whether the SN/N/ST/T climate class is suitable for the room.
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For a fitted kitchen and a mainly fresh-food setup with occasional freezer use.
174 L of fridge capacity, 14 L of freezer capacity, stated consumption of 146 kWh/year and a stated noise level of 35 dB.
The 14 L freezer compartment is limited and requires manual defrosting. Installation requires a 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm niche and a sliding-door system; furniture door not included.
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For a household that mainly buys fresh food and does not want to pay for an unnecessary freezer compartment.
208 L of fridge capacity, stated consumption of 101 kWh/year, automatic defrosting and a stated noise level of 34 dB.
No freezer compartment is specified. Check the niche, ventilation, dimensions and front-panel compatibility carefully before buying.
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For storing a separate supply of frozen food with dedicated drawers and shelves.
161 L capacity, C energy rating, No Frost, LED display, alarm and reversible door; Fast Freeze function specified down to -22 °C.
Check the kWh/year on the energy label before comparing running costs, as well as the dimensions and climate class for your room. This appliance is not a substitute for a fridge for storing fresh food.
Since 1 March 2021, the scale used for household refrigeration appliances has run from A to G, according to the European Commission. The label also shows kWh/year, the capacities of the fridge and freezer compartments, as well as noise level and its class. Compare all these details together, particularly when capacities differ.
Yes. For products that are required to carry an energy label, the ministries responsible for ecological transition state that this information must be displayed clearly in relevant advertising. Check that the advert shows the A to G label and consult the product listing if the capacities or kWh/year are difficult to read.
No. ADEME publishes indicative averages of 315 kWh/year for a fridge freezer and 300 kWh/year for a freezer, but these figures do not relate to identical capacities or uses. First choose according to your fresh and frozen food needs, then compare the kWh/year of models with similar capacities.
No Frost is primarily a convenience feature that reduces frost build-up. Beko states that fan-assisted cooling is drier and can dry out certain foods if they are not packaged properly. Check the exact model’s kWh/year: the No Frost label alone does not show that it uses less energy than another appliance.
Check the noise level in dB(A) and its class on the label. UFC-Que Choisir describes fridges rated below 40 dB(A) as the quietest; nevertheless, check the precise model’s noise level if it will be close to a living area or bedroom.