Start by choosing according to the balance between your refrigeration and freezing needs. A fridge freezer works well when both compartments are used every week, while a separate freezer makes more sense if frozen portions are starting to build up. For cooked dishes and perishable foods, check the temperature in the coldest zone, the internal layout, the space left for air to circulate, as well as the appliance’s dimensions and annual energy consumption.
You cook several portions for the days ahead and need to balance space for fresh meals, stackable containers and portions to freeze. The temperature in the cold zone, avoiding overloading and an organised interior are top priorities, in line with the recommendations of Anses.
You regularly prepare or buy portions to freeze and mainly need more freezer space. An upright or chest freezer could be better suited to this use than a small freezer compartment.
You need to store prepared meals in a limited space. Compare the usable capacities, actual dimensions and door-opening direction before prioritising a large total capacity.
Start by separating what will be eaten fresh from what will be frozen, then check the storage, temperature and installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature for perishable foods | Temperature setting or indicator; the ability to check the coldest zone; a door-open or temperature-rise alarm if the door is opened frequently. | I want to be able to store cooked dishes, meat or fish in a controlled cold zone. Anses recommends aiming for 4 °C in the coldest zone, with a range of between 0 and +4 °C. |
| Storage and air circulation | Adjustable shelves, drawers and separated zones; refrigeration and freezer capacities displayed separately; enough space around boxes and dishes. | My containers must not block the cold air or prevent perishable foods from being placed in the coldest zone. |
| Balance between fresh and frozen food | Usable capacity of each compartment; freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you freeze lots of freshly prepared meals; drawers or baskets suitable for your containers. | I separate meals to be eaten over the following days from portions intended for freezing. A small compartment does not necessarily replace a proper weekly freezer space. |
| Energy consumption and installation | Energy label, annual energy consumption, dimensions, ventilation clearances and door opening. | I am looking for an appliance that suits my kitchen without choosing a capacity or features that exceed my needs. ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously and that their size can affect energy consumption. |
A large total capacity does not necessarily solve the real problem: meals to be eaten quickly mainly use refrigeration space, while batches of portions require suitable freezer capacity.
List separately the meals kept in the fridge and the portions frozen each week, then compare the usable capacities of each compartment.
Anses recommends avoiding overloading the fridge to allow cold air to circulate and keep perishable foods in the coldest zone.
Use stackable containers, leave spaces between dishes and check that perishable foods remain in a zone below 4 °C.
Freezing stops micro-organisms from multiplying, but does not eliminate most of them. It should therefore not be used to rescue food that has reached the end of its use-by date.
Freeze meals as soon as you buy or prepare them if you know they will not be eaten soon.
Fridges and freezers run continuously. ADEME states that size and unnecessary extra features can increase electricity consumption.
Compare the energy label, annual energy consumption, the capacity you actually need and the dimensions of appliances designed for the same type of use.
In France, Bosch offers fridge freezers, built-in fridges with freezer compartments and single-door models, making it possible to compare a compact appliance, a fridge freezer and a large refrigerator.
Liebherr is a brand worth comparing when your freezer needs become more substantial, offering large-capacity fridge freezers, upright freezers and chest freezers.
Beko can provide a useful comparison point for chest freezers and fridge freezers, particularly if you are looking for straightforward freezing functions and model-specific specifications.
Joybuy fridge freezer options for storing fresh meals and frozen portions in the same appliance.
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For storing fresh meals and frozen portions in one appliance every week.
Check the actual setting and temperature in the coldest zone after installation, as well as the required ventilation clearances.
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For mixed use combining meals to be kept for a few days with portions to freeze.
If you freeze large quantities at once, check the freezing capacity and storage time in the event of a power cut. Also check the actual temperature in the coldest zone and the installation clearances.
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For preparing meals over several days when fresh storage remains the priority while still having a separate freezer compartment.
Its height of 203 cm and the required clearances must suit your kitchen. Also check the freezing capacity, storage time after a power cut and the temperature in the coldest zone.
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For separating fresh meals and frozen portions in a fridge freezer.
Check the temperature setting in the manual and monitor the actual temperature after switching the appliance on. If the water dispenser appeals to you, examine its maintenance requirements and its impact on the internal storage space.
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For substantial mixed storage needs, with fresh meals and frozen portions in one appliance.
Check that its width of 70 cm, height of 203 cm and ventilation clearances are compatible with the intended location. Also confirm the temperature setting and the freezer’s defrosting system.
Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest zone and indicates an ideal range of between 0 and +4 °C in that area. Place meat, fish and cooked dishes there, then check the manual and use a thermometer if necessary.
No. Even air circulation can help maintain a more consistent temperature according to the manufacturer’s specifications, but Anses also recommends not overloading the fridge and checking the temperature. Proper organisation and maintaining the cold zone remain essential.
Choose a separate freezer when frozen portions become your main requirement and you genuinely need more freezer space. An upright freezer makes organising and accessing food easier; a chest freezer generally prioritises capacity but requires organisation using baskets or containers.
No. Anses advises freezing food as soon as it is bought or prepared, rather than at the end of its use-by date. Domestic freezing at -18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive freezing.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The seller is responsible for ensuring that the goods conform to the contract, including in certain situations relating to instructions or installation when this forms part of the contract.