For those who mainly keep meals chilled
You cook several dishes in one session to eat over the next few days. You’ll need enough fridge space for your prepared meals and usual shopping, without blocking the airflow recommended by Anses.
Which setup is right for you?
For those building up a freezer stash
You prepare more portions than you’re likely to eat in the near future. Freezer capacity and being able to find each portion matter just as much as the space set aside for fresh meals.
For households short on space
You want to keep a few prepared meals chilled and freeze food occasionally, but an alcove, floor space or door clearance limits your options. Check the installation dimensions before looking at the stated capacity.
What should you look for before buying?
First, decide how much room you need for chilled meals and frozen portions. Then check that the appliance and its interior layout will work in the space you have in mind.
Fridge freezer
Worth considering : if you want to keep fresh meals and frozen portions in one appliance.
Bear in mind : the space available for each use depends on the model ; check both capacities separately.
Fridge with a freezer compartment
Worth considering : if you mainly keep meals chilled and only freeze a little.
Bear in mind : check the compartment’s capacity before planning to keep a regular supply of frozen portions.
Upright freezer
Worth considering : alongside a fridge, if keeping frozen portions organised and easy to reach is a priority.
Bear in mind : you’ll need a suitable spot for this second appliance, with enough clearance for the door.
Chest freezer
Worth considering : if you have a dedicated space for a large stock of frozen food.
Bear in mind : allow for the floor space and lid opening, and plan how to organise food so portions remain easy to reach.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge space | Compare the fridge capacity separately from the total and check the clearance between shelves for your dishes. | When I prepare meals for the next few days, I still want room to put away everyday food without stacking dishes on top of each other. Around 36 % of consumers would make this need for chilled storage their priority. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer capacity and, if you often add large quantities, the model’s guidance on fast freezing. | If I keep portions for later, I don’t want my stash to take up all the freezer space. This would be the top priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Access to portions | Check the number and size of the drawers or baskets, as well as how easy it is to reach the lower sections. | I want to find a meal without having to move my entire stash. Around 21 % of consumers would therefore prioritise organisation and visibility. |
| Installation | Measure the space, access route and door clearance ; for a built-in model, check the housing and hinges too. | In a kitchen where every centimetre counts, I need to be sure I can fit and open the appliance before looking for extra capacity. This would come first for around 14 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Focusing only on total capacity
Two appliances with a similar overall capacity can offer different amounts of fridge and freezer space. When you’re preparing meals in advance, that balance matters just as much as the stated capacity.
Compare the capacity of each compartment, then check whether the shelves and drawers will fit the dishes you use.
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Filling the fridge to the brim after cooking
Anses recommends not overfilling the fridge, so air can circulate, and advises against putting hot food in it. A larger appliance doesn’t remove the need to cool prepared meals properly.
Divide large quantities into smaller portions, then put perishable food in the coldest section, leaving room for air to circulate.
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Choosing a chest freezer without planning how to organise it
Baskets help you separate some of the contents, but portions at the bottom may be harder to find than they would be in drawers.
Measure the access route and lid clearance, then check how many baskets come with the model you’re considering.
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Relying on freezing to make up for storing food too late
Anses advises freezing food when you buy or prepare it, rather than waiting until its use-by date is nearly due. It also explains that freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying but does not destroy most micro-organisms.
Freeze portions while they’re still suitable for storage, follow Anses guidance on defrosting and never refreeze food once it has thawed.
Brands to consider by model
These examples show different formats and capacity splits worth comparing ; their features don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Siemens
Models to look at if you’re choosing between a freestanding fridge freezer and a built-in fridge with a freezer compartment.
- According to Siemens Home France, the KG49NXXCF fridge freezer offers 311 L of fridge capacity and 129 L of freezer capacity.
- The KI42LVFE0 is a different format : Siemens lists 172 L of fridge capacity and an integrated freezer compartment. Check that it has enough room for your frozen portions.
Liebherr
The CBNsdc 765i Prime is an example worth looking at if you want to compare the layout of a fridge freezer with separate areas for fresh and frozen food.
- Liebherr France lists a total capacity of 423 L for this model, along with BioFresh, NoFrost and DuoCooling features.
- Check how much usable space each compartment offers and the installation dimensions ; the storage benefits presented by the brand are not an independent comparison.
Electrolux
The KNT6ME18S4 built-in fridge freezer is worth considering if an existing kitchen unit dictates the appliance format.
- Electrolux France lists 186 L of fridge capacity and 62 L of freezer capacity for this model.
- If you often freeze portions, consider whether the stated 62 L will suit your needs and check the housing dimensions before buying.
Whirlpool
The brand’s range lets you compare an upright freezer with drawers and chest freezers designed for a separate space.
- Whirlpool France lists a 404 L capacity and six drawers for the WHFF6403W4E upright freezer.
- For chest freezers, check the dimensions, number of baskets and installation requirements for the specific model you choose ; these features aren’t shared by every model.
Fridge freezers available on Joybuy
These fridge freezers combine chilled and frozen storage, so you can keep fresh meals and frozen portions in one appliance. To compare them, look at how the capacity is split, how much usable space there is for your dishes and any installation requirements.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh meals and frozen portions in a freestanding fridge freezer. The model name indicates a total capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost, My Zone and Wi-Fi connectivity. Check the capacity of each compartment and the usable shelf dimensions for your dishes.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a four-door fridge freezer for fresh meals and frozen portions. The model name indicates a total capacity of 467 L and Total No Frost. Measure the space needed to open the doors and compare the capacity of each compartment rather than looking at the total alone.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 L built-in fridge freezer
Worth looking at if you want to keep fresh and frozen meals in a fitted kitchen. The model name indicates a total capacity of 252 L, No Frost and an energy rating of C. Before choosing this built-in fridge freezer, check the housing dimensions, installation requirements and the interior space available for your containers.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, TwinTech No Frost built-in fridge freezer
Worth comparing if you want to store fresh meals and frozen portions in an integrated unit. The model name mentions TwinTech No Frost, an energy rating of E and a total capacity of 249 L. Ask for confirmation of the split and total capacity: the stated capacities of 186 L and 62 L add up to 248 L. Check the housing and hinges too.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer, 54 cm wide
Worth considering if width is a limiting factor, while still giving you separate spaces for chilled and frozen food. The model name indicates 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, Low Frost and a reversible door. Check the interior layout before deciding how to organise your portions.
Frequently asked questions
What temperatures should I aim for when storing pre-prepared meals ?
Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and −18 °C for home freezing. Check the manual to find the coldest area and measure the actual temperature rather than relying on the displayed setting alone.
How long can I keep a prepared meal in the fridge ?
It depends on the dish, its ingredients and how it was prepared and stored. Before preparing several days’ worth of meals, decide what will stay chilled and what will be frozen, while following the relevant use-by dates for ingredients and Anses food hygiene guidance.
Can I put a freezer in a garage or cellar ?
Yes, provided the product documentation confirms that it can operate at the room’s ambient temperatures. For example, Whirlpool France states that the W3RHS31DW2 chest freezer can operate down to −15 °C ; don’t assume the same applies to another model, and check its manual before installation.
How can I use the energy label to compare two appliances ?
First compare appliances with similar formats and capacities. For models sold in the European Union, the energy label lets you compare their energy consumption, among other things ; it won’t tell you whether the shelves, drawers or baskets will suit your portions.
What should I do with my old fridge or freezer when replacing it ?
ADEME says an old refrigerating appliance can be handed to the retailer or delivery company when you buy a replacement, or taken to a collection point for electrical equipment. Arrange collection or drop-off before making space for your new appliance.