Choose the amount of space for fresh food based on your shopping habits, then decide how much room you need for frozen food. A fridge-freezer suits regular freezing, while a one-door fridge or a small freezer compartment may be enough if you only freeze occasionally. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a basic freezer compartment and a proper freezer. Then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and configurations. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, and that an oversized or feature-heavy appliance can use more energy.
A one-door fridge may suit you if you rarely buy frozen food or store it elsewhere. UFC-Que Choisir suggests using 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person as a rough starting point. Consider this alongside how often you shop and how much usable shelf space you really need.
Look separately at the litres allocated to the fridge and freezer: a small freezer compartment may not be enough for storing portions and frozen food regularly. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol includes adding food each day and a full weekly shop.
As well as checking the dimensions of your new appliance, make sure it can be brought through to the kitchen and arrange for your old one to be collected. Also compare the annual energy use shown on the label: ADEME notes that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
First decide how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare energy use and layout across appliances that meet those needs.
Consider this: if you mainly buy fresh food and don’t need a built-in freezer.
Keep in mind: this format won’t replace a freezer if you regularly store frozen food.
Consider this: if you want to keep a few frozen items while prioritising space for fresh food.
Keep in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says a basic freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Consider this: if you regularly freeze portions or often buy frozen food.
Balance the two: choose the right amount of space in each compartment for your shopping habits, without opting for more total capacity than you need.
| Criterion | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the litres allocated to fresh food, along with the layout of the shelves and drawers. UFC-Que Choisir’s rough guide is 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. | I want enough room for my usual shop without choosing a bigger appliance than I need. |
| Freezing | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and how easy it is to access the drawers. If you regularly store frozen food, distinguish between a small freezer compartment and a separate freezer. | If I freeze portions every week, I need dedicated space for them, not just a small extra compartment. |
| Energy use | Check the kWh/year figures alongside the capacity and configuration. The European Commission says the label shows energy use and capacity; ADEME notes that the appliance runs continuously. | I want to compare appliances with similar capacities, rather than relying on the energy class letter alone. |
| Storage and cooling | Look at the drawers, shelves and settings available for the food you store. If you do a big shop, also check what information is available about how well the temperature is maintained after adding food. | Fruit, vegetables and ready meals should be easy to reach, even after the weekly shop. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions and noise class on the label for appliances of the same format. The European Commission confirms that this information is included. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to know the stated noise level before choosing where to put it. |
| Installation and collection | Measure the space and delivery route, then check the clearances required for the model. If you’re replacing an appliance, arrange collection before delivery. | The new fridge needs to fit into my kitchen, and I want to know how my old one will be collected. |
Two fridges with different sizes or configurations may not meet the same needs. ADEME points out that the size and number of features can increase the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously.
Compare the kWh/year figures with the fridge and freezer capacities across similar formats, using the label information outlined by the European Commission.
A small extra compartment may not have enough room for prepared portions and regular frozen-food shopping. UFC-Que Choisir says a basic freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Make a list of what you usually freeze, then check how many litres in a fridge-freezer are actually allocated to the freezer.
Without a collection arranged, your old fridge could be left in place and make installation more difficult. Ecosystem says collected refrigeration appliances are treated at specialist facilities.
Check the collection options, collection date and access requirements for your home when you place your order.
The French Ministry of the Economy describes a refurbished product as a second-hand item that has undergone full testing. This description alone doesn’t tell you the capacity or energy use of the specific fridge.
Ask for the exact model reference, its condition and the tests carried out by the seller, then check the available specifications and delivery terms.
Bosch offers fridges with VitaFresh compartments, among other features.
Liebherr’s range includes appliances with BioFresh compartments.
Depending on the model, Beko offers fridges with a range of storage and cooling features.
These models let you explore fridge-freezers with separate freezer compartments in a range of formats and capacities. If you mainly buy fresh food, compare your needs with those of a one-door fridge before choosing.
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Keep fresh and frozen food in separate compartments. The product title lists a 390 L capacity and class D. Check the label for the split between the compartments and the kWh/year figure, then measure the space and delivery route.
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For households looking to keep fresh and frozen food separate in a three-door appliance. The product title lists a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the internal layout, kWh/year figure and space needed for installation.
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Compare another fridge-freezer capacity with your needs for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a 333 L capacity and class C. Check the label for each compartment’s capacity and the kWh/year figure before comparing energy use.
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Consider this fridge-freezer if width is an important factor. The product title lists a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm. Also check the space needed to open the doors, how the 262 L is divided and the maintenance requirements for the Low Frost freezer.
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For households that need plenty of storage for both fresh and frozen food, provided you have enough space. The product title lists a 488 L capacity and class E. Check the dimensions, the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure, comparing it with appliances of a similar capacity.
Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and configurations, then consider how much space is actually available for fresh and frozen food. The European Commission says the label includes the energy class, annual energy use and compartment capacities, among other details. The letter alone doesn’t tell you everything about energy use.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir says a basic freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. If you often freeze portions or stock up, check the capacity of the separate freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer.
When you place your order, check the collection arrangements, where the appliance will be collected from and access to your home. Ecosystem describes collection when you buy a new appliance and specialist treatment for collected refrigeration appliances. Confirm what you need to do before your delivery.
Ask for the model reference and condition of the item being sold, the tests carried out, its capacity, any available energy-use information and the delivery terms. The French Ministry of the Economy describes a refurbished product as a second-hand item that has undergone full testing. Even so, check the specifications of the exact model before comparing it with a new appliance.