Households that batch-cook and freeze portions
If you cook ahead and regularly freeze meals, check the usable freezer capacity, the drawer layout and how easy it will be to find your portions.
Who are these options for?
Households keeping track of shopping and leftovers
If you want to spot food before buying more or forgetting about it, choose clear, easy-to-follow storage and capacity suited to how often you shop. ADEME also recommends checking what you have in stock before making your list.
Households mindful of electricity use
If you’re replacing an appliance or thinking about adding a freezer, compare the kWh/year and usable capacity of the specific models. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously.
What should you compare first?
First, decide how much space you need for fresh food and frozen portions. Then check that the available space and annual energy consumption suit the format you’ve chosen.
Fridge with a freezer compartment
Consider it if: fresh food makes up most of your shopping and you only keep a small amount of frozen food.
The trade-off: the compartment can quickly run out of room if you often freeze prepared portions.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it if: fresh shopping, leftovers and frozen portions regularly need space in their own compartments.
The trade-off: two fridge-freezers with similar total capacities may offer different amounts of freezer space.
Separate freezer
Consider it if: your regular stock of frozen meals exceeds the capacity of a fridge-freezer that otherwise meets your needs.
The trade-off: you’ll need to find space for it and factor in its continuous electricity use.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Space for frozen portions | Usable freezer capacity and drawer layout compared with the containers you usually use. | I often freeze prepared meals and want to find each portion without cramming the compartment; around 36% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Visibility of shopping and leftovers | Fresh-food capacity, shelf depth and access to the drawers. | When I put my shopping away, I want to see leftovers and opened products before buying more; this organisation would be a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Energy use and dimensions | kWh/year, usable capacity and dimensions of each model you’re considering. | If I’m unsure about adding a freezer, I want the extra capacity to suit regular use; around 28% of consumers would put getting the size right first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking at total capacity alone
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room will be left for frozen portions once you’ve put away your fresh food.
Compare the usable litres in each compartment separately and check them against your usual shopping, leftovers and meals you prepare.
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Assuming a bigger appliance will prevent food waste
ADEME also links forgotten food to keeping track of what you have and planning your shopping. Extra space can’t replace these habits.
Before choosing a larger capacity, look at what you actually store and what you tend to buy twice.
An unsuitable extra appliance or larger capacity can also increase electricity use.
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Comparing only the energy rating letter
The letter alone doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption or how much of the capacity you’ll use.
Check the kWh/year alongside the net capacity of your shortlisted models, and consider whether the extra capacity will be useful.
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Taking out an extended warranty without reading the terms
A commercial warranty is separate from the legal guarantee of conformity, which the DGCCRF describes as a remedy you can seek from the retailer if a product develops a fault.
Check the contract for its duration, exclusions and repair arrangements before deciding whether the extension offers you any real benefit.
Brands to know
These example models illustrate different capacity layouts and features to compare. Their specifications don’t apply to every appliance from each brand.
Bosch
According to Bosch, the freestanding KGN36VLED fridge-freezer offers 237 L of fridge space and 89 L of freezer space in an appliance that’s 600 mm wide.
- Bosch lists NoFrost, VitaFresh and separate temperature controls for this model.
- With dimensions of 1860 × 600 × 660 mm, an E energy rating and a stated noise level of 39 dB, it’s worth checking how it compares with your available space and other requirements.
Liebherr
Liebherr states a total capacity of 359 L for the CNd 5704 Pure NoFrost fridge-freezer, worth considering if you’re looking for a large capacity split between fresh and frozen food.
- The brand lists EasyFresh, NoFrost, two DuoCooling circuits and a noise level of 35 dB for this model.
- Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the energy label for the model you’re considering.
LG
For the GBB72BM9CQ1, LG specifies a total capacity of 387 L: 233 L for the fridge, 44 L in drawers and 110 L for the freezer.
- LG lists three freezer drawers, a C energy rating, 174 kWh/year and a noise level of 35 dB for this model.
- These figures and this layout apply to the GBB72BM9CQ1 only; check the specifications separately for any other LG model.
Fridge-freezers for shopping and portions
These fridge-freezers combine fridge space with a freezer for households that store fresh shopping and keep portions to freeze. Compare their stated capacity with your usual stock and measure the space where you plan to put the appliance.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge-freezer, 360 L
Worth considering if you want to store fresh shopping and frozen portions in one fridge-freezer.
The model name lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment and the annual energy consumption on its energy label.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, black fridge-freezer, 344 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer that keeps fresh shopping separate from frozen portions.
The product name lists an E energy rating. Before choosing, compare the usable space in each compartment and the kWh/year.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door fridge-freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you plan to store a large amount of fresh shopping and frozen portions separately.
The product name lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the space and check the clearance needed for the doors before you buy.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, black multi-door fridge-freezer, 495 L
Worth considering if you regularly need space for both fresh and frozen food.
The product name lists an E energy rating. Check how the 495 L is divided, along with the dimensions and annual energy consumption of the model on offer.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, white built-in fridge-freezer, 249 L
Worth considering if your kitchen needs a built-in fridge-freezer for fresh food and frozen portions.
The product name lists TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Before comparing this model, confirm the net capacity of each compartment, the dimensions of the housing space, the ventilation required and the kWh/year.
Frequently asked questions
Will a bigger fridge always help reduce food waste?
No: extra capacity can’t replace keeping track of what you have and planning your shopping. ADEME recommends checking what you already have before shopping and regularly organising your fridge.
How do I compare a fridge-freezer with adding a separate freezer?
Compare the kWh/year and usable capacity of the specific appliances you’re considering, counting the freezer as an extra appliance. ADEME’s general guidance isn’t a substitute for checking each model’s energy label.
What should I measure before installing a fridge-freezer?
Measure the available height, width and depth, then check that the door can open and that there’s enough clearance for the model you’ve chosen. For a built-in appliance, also check the housing dimensions and ventilation requirements.
Should I take out an additional commercial warranty?
Not necessarily: first, weigh up what the contract adds to your legal rights. The DGCCRF distinguishes the legal guarantee of conformity, which you can claim from the retailer if a product develops a fault, from a commercial warranty. Check the exclusions and claims process for the latter before taking it out.