Start by looking at the balance between fresh and frozen food you actually store: a fridge freezer works well when both uses are regular, while a small freezer compartment is suitable for occasional freezing. Two separate appliances are worth considering if you need substantial storage. Then compare the usable litres in each compartment, dimensions, kWh/year, noise levels and installation requirements; a larger capacity does not necessarily mean better organisation or lower energy consumption.
If you cook in batches, keep leftovers and alternate between fresh and frozen food throughout the week, distinguish between the usable fresh-food capacity and the usable freezer capacity. Also check how easy it is to access the drawers, shelves and storage areas. The French National Consumer Institute recommends assigning foods a specific place in the fridge.
When your menus are mainly based on fresh food and your frozen reserves are limited, a single-door fridge or one with a small freezer compartment may be suitable. However, the actual freezer capacity must be enough for your needs; Whirlpool, for example, features a model with an 18 L compartment.
For batch-cooked portions, bulk purchases or seasonal food, a separate freezer is worth considering if you have enough room for two appliances. Electrolux presents chest freezers as suitable for storing large quantities of frozen food.
Worth considering: if you store fresh food, leftovers and frozen portions every week but want a single appliance.
Watch out for: the balance between fridge and freezer space is fixed, so compare the capacity of each zone rather than looking only at the total volume.
Worth considering: if you mainly buy fresh food, keep only a small amount of frozen food and have limited kitchen space.
Watch out for: the compartment can be very small, depending on the model, and will not replace a freezer for frequent batch cooking.
Worth considering: if you regularly freeze large quantities and can install two appliances.
Watch out for: this configuration requires two spaces and means comparing the total annual energy consumption of the appliances you choose.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Storage balance | Compare the usable litres of the fridge and freezer separately. Check the drawers, shelves and adjustable compartments. | I want to store fresh shopping, leftovers and prepared portions at the same time, without allocating unnecessary space to an area I rarely use. |
| Continuous energy use | Compare the kWh/year of appliances with similar capacity, configuration and installation requirements. Read the capacity figures alongside the energy label and noise level. | I want a capacity that suits my household without paying to run an appliance that is too large. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously. |
| Location and installation | Measure the height, width, depth, ventilation clearances and climate class. Read the instructions before delivery. | My appliance must fit through the available access points and operate at the usual temperature of the intended kitchen, cellar or garage. |
| Food organisation | Look at the separate zones, freezer drawers, temperature control and defrosting system. Follow the storage instructions in the manual. | I want to find prepared portions and leftovers easily, so I can keep better track of my supplies and avoid forgetting what I have. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can divide the space between fresh and frozen food very differently. A freezer compartment that is too small can restrict batch-cooked portions or stored reserves.
For one or two weeks, note what needs to be stored at the same time. Then compare the usable litres in each compartment and the internal layout.
Cooling appliances run continuously. ADEME states that size and excessive capacity can increase energy consumption.
Rule out capacity that will not be used, then compare the kWh/year of models offering a similar service in terms of capacity, configuration and installation.
An appliance that is poorly ventilated, incorrectly levelled or used outside its climate class may not operate in the intended conditions. Installation instructions vary by model.
Before ordering, check the dimensions, required airflow, climate class, levelling requirements and the recommendations for the period after transport in the manual for your chosen model.
A replaced fridge comes under the waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling system. Its collection may also affect how the delivery is arranged.
Before buying, confirm the take-back arrangements offered by the seller. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition also lists solutions at collection points, recycling centres and reuse organisations.
The range includes fridge freezers, including freestanding Total No Frost models. It can be a useful benchmark if you are looking for fresh-food and freezer capacities detailed by product reference.
The range includes fridge freezers with modulation functions or dedicated compartments on certain references. These are worth examining when your fresh and frozen food needs vary from week to week.
The range includes single-door fridges, both freestanding and built-in, which may suit households with limited freezer use or a separate freezer.
Joybuy fridge freezer options for planned shopping, fresh food, leftovers and portions to freeze.
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For weekly shopping combining fresh food, leftovers and portions to freeze.
187 L of fridge space and 75 L of freezer space, three freezer drawers, adjustable shelves, 54 cm width, 215 kWh/year and 39 dB.
The 75 L freezer may be limiting if you regularly freeze large quantities. Check the ventilation clearances specified in the manual before delivery.
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A compact option for a narrow kitchen with regular fresh and frozen food needs.
153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, 54 cm width, reversible door, adjustable feet and E energy rating.
The 74 L freezer is less suitable for substantial reserves. Check the energy label, climate class and installation instructions before comparing this model.
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For regularly storing fresh food and prepared portions in separate compartments.
211 L of fridge space, 99 L of freezer space, 60 cm width, reversible door, electronic controls and an advertised Frost-Free system.
Measure the space and delivery route: the height and depth must be confirmed. Also check the kWh/year, noise level and climate class.
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For a household that stores fresh food and frozen portions every week.
182 L of fridge space, 71 L of freezer space, large freezer drawers, LED lighting, reversible door, advertised No Frost system and 39 dB.
The 71 L freezer may limit large frozen-food purchases. Check the dimensions, kWh/year, climate class and installation clearances.
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For organising plenty of fresh food and leftovers in a four-door appliance.
Advertised total capacity of 474 L, drawer with three temperature settings, Vario Box, adjustable freezer compartment, 838 mm width and E energy rating.
Check the usable litres in each compartment before buying, as the balance between fresh and frozen space is crucial for prepared meals. Also check the available space, door clearance and installation requirements.
First compare the appliance type and the usable litres of fridge and freezer space, then check the kWh/year shown on the energy label or EPREL product sheet. ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously and that size and excessive capacity can increase consumption; do not turn a difference into claimed savings in pounds without comparable models and usage conditions.
Yes, if the portions you need to freeze are limited and fit within the compartment’s actual capacity. It can be very small: Whirlpool specifies 18 L for its ARG7342FR model, for example. Check the litres and defrosting system of the chosen reference rather than relying on the product name alone.
Measure the installation space, delivery route and door-opening clearance, then compare them with the appliance dimensions. Also check the clearances required in the manual, floor levelness and climate class; Bosch specifies ventilation of at least 200 cm² behind and underneath the fridge in its installation guidance.
Always follow the instructions for the model delivered. Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging it in, while Whirlpool advises loading the appliance once it has reached the appropriate temperature.
You can take it to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a retailer or hand it over to a social and solidarity economy organisation. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the “one-for-one” take-back scheme is linked to buying a product of the same type; confirm the seller’s arrangements before delivery.