Start by considering how much room you need for fresh food and portions to freeze, rather than focusing on total capacity alone. A fridge freezer combines both uses in one appliance. If your existing freezer is regularly overflowing, a separate or additional appliance may be worth considering too, provided you have the space and compare its annual energy consumption.
If you freeze cooked portions, check how much usable space there is in the drawers and make sure you have enough fridge space to avoid overfilling it. ANSES recommends leaving room for air to circulate inside the appliance.
If fresh and frozen food needs to last between shopping trips, compare the usable capacity of both compartments and how the storage space is arranged. Don’t rely on the advertised total capacity alone.
For a fitted space or an open-plan kitchen, check the dimensions, the clearances specified in the instruction manual, how the doors open and the stated noise level. Annual energy consumption also matters for an appliance that runs continuously, as ADEME points out.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and only freeze small quantities.
Limitation: check how many litres are available for frozen food before planning to store several prepared portions.
Worth considering: if you regularly use both the fridge and freezer and only have space for one appliance.
Limitation: freezer capacity depends on the model you choose and can’t be increased separately.
Worth considering: if you need more room for frozen portions or bulk shopping than a fridge freezer’s compartment can offer.
Limitation: you’ll need space for two suitable appliances and should compare their annual energy consumption.
Worth considering: if your fridge still meets your needs for fresh food, but you regularly run short of freezer space.
Limitation: this second appliance takes up space and also runs continuously.
| Criterion | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment, then check the appliance’s dimensions. | If my shopping needs to last until the next top-up, I want enough room in both areas without one taking space away from the other; around 31% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Internal layout | Check the instruction manual to find the coldest zone, and look at the shelves and drawers. | To keep sensitive foods, vegetables and prepared meals separate, I need compartments I can use without blocking air circulation; this layout would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Room for frozen meals | Check the freezer’s capacity in litres and whether its drawers can accommodate the containers you use. | When I cook several portions at once, I want to be able to freeze them and find each container easily; around 25% of consumers would put this capacity first. |
| Installation and continuous use | Compare the required dimensions and clearances, kWh/year and stated noise level in dB(A). | In a kitchen where space or peace and quiet matters, I need an appliance that fits without overlooking its energy consumption; this would be the main concern for around 19% of consumers. |
Two appliances with similar total capacities may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. So, the advertised capacity might be enough for your shopping but not for the portions you want to freeze.
Make a note of what you store each week, then compare the usable capacity in litres and the shape of the drawers separately. The European Commission’s product information sheets list the capacity of each compartment separately.
ANSES recommends not overfilling the fridge so that air can circulate. Also think about times when your shopping and prepared meals will be in the fridge at the same time.
Leave some spare storage space and check the instruction manual to find the coldest zone before putting your food away.
Features called BioFresh, VitaFresh or DuoCooling vary by model and according to the manufacturers’ descriptions. Their presence doesn’t mean you can skip checking the available space and the temperature that’s right for your food.
Confirm the feature on the exact model you’re considering, and first check the capacity, internal layout and installation requirements.
An additional freezer solves a shortage of space for frozen food, but takes up a second spot and uses electricity continuously. ADEME recommends considering the size and use of these appliances.
Compare its kWh/year, noise level and dimensions with those of an appliance that could meet all your needs.
The range includes freestanding fridge freezers, with features and installation options that vary by model.
Some fridge freezers from the brand offer specialist food storage zones and separate cooling functions.
The range includes large-capacity appliances and features that vary by model.
The range includes freestanding and built-in fridge freezers, with different freezer layouts.
These fridge freezers combine storage for fresh and frozen food. Compare the space available for each and the size of the model you’re interested in.
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Worth a look if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one fridge freezer. The product title lists a capacity of 344 L and an energy rating of E. Compare how that capacity is divided between the two compartments and check the clearances needed for installation.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a four-door appliance for a large shop. The product title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check how much space is reserved for the freezer, the usable dimensions of its drawers and the room needed for installation.
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Worth a look if you regularly store fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E. Confirm the exact door and compartment layout, as well as any connection requirements for the version on sale.
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Worth considering if you want a fridge freezer for your shopping and frozen portions. The product title lists a capacity of 333 L and an energy rating of C. Check the instruction manual for installation clearances and the location of the coldest zone before storing sensitive foods.
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Worth a look if you need room in both compartments for your shopping and frozen meals. The product title breaks down the stated 525 L capacity into 333 L of fridge space and 192 L of freezer space. It also lists No Frost, 37 dB and an energy rating of E. Check the dimensions, clearances and kWh/year before choosing.
Put them in the coldest zone. ANSES recommends keeping an eye on the temperature there and maintaining it at 4 °C or below. Check the instruction manual to find this zone, and avoid overfilling the appliance so air can circulate.
No. ANSES recommends freezing food as soon as you buy or prepare it, rather than waiting until the end of its use-by date. Freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but doesn’t necessarily destroy micro-organisms.
Compare the usable capacity in litres for the fridge and freezer separately, the kWh/year, the dimensions and the stated noise level. The European Commission’s product information sheets list the capacity of each compartment and annual energy consumption, among other details. Also check the clearances specified in the instruction manual for each model.
Yes. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a professional sells goods to an individual, as the Ministry of the Economy points out. It covers cases such as an appliance that doesn’t match its description. This legal guarantee is separate from the terms for returning an item simply because you’ve changed your mind.