Whether you shop weekly or less often, start by comparing the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room you’ll have for frozen food. A fridge-freezer is a good starting point if you store both fresh and frozen food; a compact model may suit you better if you only keep a small amount of frozen food, while a multi-door model means checking your available space and access carefully.
You bring home fresh and frozen food every week. The challenge is finding room for both, with freezer drawers that are easy to access. Que Choisir’s testing protocol looks, among other things, at how appliances perform after a weekly shop.
If you buy larger quantities less frequently, check the space available for fresh and frozen food separately, as well as the internal layout. You don’t automatically need the largest model: the space in your kitchen matters too, as Que Choisir points out.
If space is limited in terms of width, height or depth, a compact appliance may be easier to fit in. However, make sure its freezer space really suits what you buy; Que Choisir distinguishes between space constraints and the need to store frozen food.
Start with the amount of fresh and frozen food you usually buy, then see how the available formats fit your kitchen. A separate freezer compartment is a feature to check on each appliance, rather than a category that necessarily rules out fridge-freezers.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable capacity of both compartments and the space in the drawers, rather than looking at the total capacity alone. | If my weekly shop includes fresh and frozen food, I want to be able to store both without compromising on either compartment. Around 36% of consumers put this balance first. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer’s capacity, its drawers and the model’s stated freezing capacity. | When I shop less often and buy more frozen food, having enough freezer space becomes my priority; it’s the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space in the kitchen | Measure the space and access routes, then check the manual for door clearance and ventilation requirements. | I need to get the appliance into the kitchen and open its doors without anything getting in the way. For around 21% of consumers, this matters more than having extra capacity. |
| Compact design | Check the type of freezer space and the usable capacity against how often you shop. | If I shop more often and store little frozen food, I can prioritise a less bulky appliance; around 14% of consumers prioritise a compact design. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of space for frozen food. Que Choisir notes that a simple freezer may not meet the needs of someone who eats a lot of frozen food.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment in litres and check whether your usual packaging will fit in the drawers.
An appliance may fit in its space but not through the delivery doorway, or it may stop a drawer from opening fully once installed. The dimensions listed for some larger fridge-freezers also show why height deserves as much attention as width.
Measure the access routes and the space for the appliance, then check the door clearance and ventilation gaps in the model’s manual.
A large total capacity won’t solve a shortage of freezer space if the split between compartments doesn’t suit your shopping habits. Que Choisir also notes that larger models may need considerably more width than a standard fridge-freezer.
First compare the fridge and freezer capacities of models that will fit in your kitchen, then compare their energy labels like for like in terms of format and capacity.
Reviews can flag things to look into, but they don’t replace comparable measurements of temperature, freezing performance or noise. Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes a test after a weekly shop, among other things.
Use reviews to prepare your questions, then check the model’s product information and manual and, if possible, independent test results.
The models below illustrate different capacities and dimensions; their features won’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Worth considering if you’re comparing freestanding fridge-freezers, particularly wider models that offer separate space for fresh and frozen food.
Worth considering if dimensions, total capacity and the stated noise level are among your priorities when choosing a fridge-freezer.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer and the split between total capacity and freezer space matters more than the overall capacity alone.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a standard-width fridge-freezer and want to check its internal capacity.
These models include fridge-freezers and a multi-door fridge-freezer for storing fresh and frozen food between shops. Compare the capacity of each compartment and the installation dimensions before choosing a format.
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If you want to store fresh and frozen food between shops, check how the stated 390 L is divided between the compartments.
If ceiling height is limited, check the access routes and installation clearances in the manual.
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If you want to keep your fresh and frozen food separate, check the capacity and layout of each compartment.
This version is listed with Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, My Zone and an E energy rating. Check the manual for installation clearances.
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If you buy larger quantities less frequently, compare the stated total capacity with the space actually available for frozen food.
This silver version is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before choosing a four-door model, measure the access routes and the space needed to open the doors.
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If your shop includes both fresh and frozen food, compare the stated 344 L capacity with the amounts you usually buy.
Also check the access route, door clearance and ventilation instructions in the manual.
Start by checking the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l as a general guide for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Then adjust the split to suit what you actually buy, particularly if you store a lot of frozen food.
Measure the space and the entire delivery route, then make sure the doors and drawers will be able to open. Check the model’s manual for its full dimensions and ventilation clearances: you can’t work these out from the external dimensions alone.
No: No Frost doesn’t replace having enough freezer capacity and drawers to suit your shopping. If you add a lot of food after each shop, also check the model’s freezing capacity; Que Choisir’s tests assess how it performs after food is added, among other things.
First compare fridges of a similar format and capacity, then check their rating on the A to G scale and the other information on the label. Your Europe explains this scale; the rating alone won’t tell you how much fridge and freezer space you’ll have.