People living alone or couples with a small kitchen
A compact appliance can free up space in your kitchen. Before choosing an under-counter, top-freezer or slim fridge freezer, check the capacity for fresh food and frozen food separately.
Which sizes suit different households?
Households that shop less often
If you shop for several days at a time or prepare portions to freeze, think about how much fresh and frozen food you need to store. How the capacity is divided between the two compartments matters more than the total capacity alone.
Families with a large kitchen
A multi-door or American-style fridge freezer is worth considering if you need plenty of storage. Measure the space where it will go and the delivery route, then compare the annual energy consumption of your shortlisted models.
What should you compare before choosing?
Start by working out how much space you need for your shopping, then rule out any models that won’t fit the space or access routes in your home.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Compartment capacity | Compare the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately. Check that the balance suits your household size and shopping habits. | I shop less often or regularly freeze portions: freezer space matters just as much as the total capacity. |
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width, depth and door clearance. For a built-in model, check the housing dimensions and door fixing system too; for a large model, measure the access route with the appliance still in its packaging. | My appliance needs to fit in the kitchen and be deliverable to my home. A fitted kitchen also requires an installation system that’s compatible with the cabinetry. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions in dB(A) and the airborne acoustical noise emission class on the energy label. Que Choisir points out that decibels alone don’t fully convey how noise and vibrations are perceived. | My kitchen opens onto the living room or is near a bedroom: I want to consider how noisy the appliance is beyond a single figure. |
| Energy use and frost build-up | Compare the kWh/year and energy efficiency class of appliances with similar sizes and capacities. Check the European energy label and EPREL entry for the exact model, then see which compartments have No Frost. | I want to reduce my electricity use or avoid the chore of defrosting, without assuming that No Frost alone tells me how many kWh/year an appliance uses. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can have very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A freezer that’s too small can make it difficult to manage less frequent shops, even if the total capacity looks sufficient.
Estimate what you usually store in each compartment, then compare their usable capacities separately.
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Relying on decibels alone in an open-plan kitchen
According to Que Choisir, how noisy an appliance seems also depends on the type of noise and any vibrations. A dB(A) rating doesn’t tell you everything about the sound you’ll hear.
Use the dB(A) rating and noise class as a first filter, then look for an independent listening test if the appliance will be near your living space.
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Ordering a large model without measuring the delivery route
A model may fit in its final position but still be too large to get through doorways, corridors or a lift while packaged. Samsung recommends measuring these access points before delivery of its large appliances.
Before ordering, check the packaged dimensions, access routes, turns and door clearance in your kitchen.
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Forgetting to arrange removal of your old appliance
Replacing your fridge freezer also means arranging for the old one to be taken away. Plan this at the same time as delivery of the new appliance.
In France, ADEME says that when you replace an appliance, you can hand the old one to the retailer or delivery driver, or take it to an appropriate collection point.
Which brands and ranges should you look at?
These model examples can help you identify features to compare; they won’t necessarily apply to every appliance from a particular brand.
Bosch
Worth considering for a freestanding fridge freezer or a model designed for a fitted kitchen.
- Bosch’s product information for the KGN392WCF lists a 260 L fridge, a 103 L freezer and a noise level of 35 dB: three figures to compare with other models you’re considering.
- For another model, particularly a built-in one, check its own capacities, housing dimensions and door fixing system.
Samsung
Worth considering if a multi-door fridge freezer suits your storage needs.
- Samsung describes the RF50C530ES9/EF as a 495 L multi-door model.
- For an appliance of this size, the brand recommends measuring doorways, corridors and lifts to check that the packaged appliance will fit through.
Beko
Worth considering if your kitchen is designed for a built-in fridge freezer.
- Beko’s product information for the BCHA306E4SN describes it as a built-in model with a sliding hinge system.
- Check that your existing housing and door fitting are compatible with the requirements of the specific model.
Haier
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with an adjustable-temperature compartment.
- Haier says that the My Zone compartment in the HTW5620DNPT can be set between -3 °C and +5 °C.
- This feature doesn’t tell you about energy use or noise, so check the label for the model you’re considering too.
Models to suit different needs
These Joybuy options include freestanding fridge freezers in different capacities, a multi-door model and a built-in model. Compare their compartments and installation requirements to find the right fit for your shopping habits and kitchen.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3 doors, 360 L
Its stated capacities of 235 L for fresh food and 125 L for frozen food make it easy to assess your storage needs separately. The product description lists Total No Frost, 271 kWh/year, an energy efficiency class of E and 35 dB(A). The appliance measures 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm; check that it will fit through the access route to your kitchen while still packaged.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L, Low Frost
At 54 cm wide, this fridge freezer is worth considering for a kitchen where space is tight. Its product information lists a 187 L fridge and a 75 L freezer. It also states 215 kWh/year, an energy efficiency class of E and 39 dB(A). Low Frost doesn’t mean you won’t need to defrost it: the product information specifies manual defrosting for the freezer.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4 doors, 467 L
For larger shops that include frozen food, the stated capacities are 311 L for the fridge and 156 L for the freezer. The product description lists Total No Frost, 290 kWh/year, an energy efficiency class of E and 35 dB(A). Check that you have room for its 83,3 × 65 × 181,5 cm dimensions, that it will fit through the access route while packaged and that the doors can open fully; they’re listed as non-reversible.
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AEG NSC6M18FES built-in, 249 L
This model is designed for a fitted kitchen with a housing unit and door that are compatible with a sliding hinge system, so check these details before choosing it. Its product information lists a 186 L fridge, a 62 L freezer, TwinTech Total No Frost, an energy efficiency class of E and 37 dB(A). To compare energy use, also check the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L, Low Frost
Its stated width of 54 cm may suit a narrow space, but be sure to check all the dimensions you need. The product information gives a capacity of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; it also lists an energy efficiency class of E and a noise level of 39 dB. Before choosing, check the kWh/year figure to compare energy use and find out how the freezer needs to be defrosted.
Frequently asked questions
What should you compare on the energy labels of two fridge freezers?
Compare the energy efficiency class, kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise emissions and class. The European Commission says these details appear on the label; scan the QR code to access EPREL and check the specifications for the exact model.
Is No Frost enough to help you choose an energy-efficient appliance?
No. No Frost is about managing frost build-up; it doesn’t tell you how much electricity an appliance uses. Check which compartments it applies to, then compare the kWh/year and energy efficiency class of models with similar capacities and sizes.
Can you install a fridge freezer in a poorly heated garage?
Only if the model’s specified ambient temperature range suits the conditions in your garage. Check its climate class and the temperatures listed in its documentation before choosing this location.
What should you do with your old fridge when replacing it in France?
ADEME says that when you replace your appliance, you can hand the old one to the retailer or delivery driver, or take it to a dedicated collection point at a recycling centre. Arrange its removal when you organise delivery of your new appliance.