First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the annual energy consumption in kWh of appliances with a similar layout and usable capacity. The ADEME reminds us that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that an oversized appliance or unnecessary features can push up your bills. So the energy rating alone isn’t enough to make your decision. Before placing your order, check the space available, the delivery route and the arrangements for taking away your old appliance.
If you’re replacing an older appliance, compare the kWh/year figures without automatically choosing a larger capacity. The ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that their size affects how much energy they use.
If your regular shop includes both, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. A suitable total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean that each compartment will suit your habits.
If your kitchen has an alcove or the delivery route is narrow, measure the space and check that the packaged appliance will fit along the way. Samsung recommends checking doorways, corridors and lifts before delivery.
Start with your storage habits to choose the right layout, then compare similar models by their energy labels and how well they’ll fit your kitchen.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and have little or no need for freezer space.
Keep in mind: check whether it has a freezer compartment and how much space it offers. This type of appliance won’t meet a significant need for frozen food on its own.
Consider this if: you regularly store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Keep in mind: the balance between the two compartments varies by model, so total capacity alone isn’t enough to make your choice.
Consider this if: you regularly store enough frozen food to need a dedicated space and have room for a second appliance.
Keep in mind: add together the annual energy consumption figures for both appliances and make sure you have enough space for each.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers’ needs |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous energy use | Compare the kWh/year and energy ratings of appliances with a similar layout and usable capacity. | When an appliance runs day and night, I want to keep its energy use down without having more capacity than I need. Around 36% of consumers put energy use first. |
| Storage space | Check the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately, then compare it with what you usually buy. | If I shop for both fresh and frozen food, each compartment needs to suit what I actually store. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a good balance between the two capacities. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and the route the packaged appliance will take. For an integrated model, check the dimensions of the housing too. | With a narrow kitchen or an existing housing, I need to be able to get the new appliance in and install it. Around 21% of consumers prioritise making sure it fits the available space. |
| Taking away your old appliance | Confirm the collection arrangements when you order, and check how they differ from disconnection or installation services. | If I’m replacing an appliance, I want to arrange for it to be taken away when the new one arrives, without confusing this with other services. Around 14% of consumers consider these arrangements their top priority. |
You can’t compare two appliances of different types or capacities based on their energy ratings alone. The European Commission’s EPREL database shows details for each model, including annual energy consumption and compartment capacities.
Compare the kWh/year figures for similar layouts and capacities, then check that the storage space in each compartment suits you.
A larger appliance takes up more space without necessarily suiting your storage habits. The ADEME also warns that an oversized appliance or unnecessary features can push up your bills.
Think about how much fresh and frozen food you usually store before choosing the usable capacity of each compartment.
An appliance may fit its space but still be difficult to get into your home if its packaged dimensions won’t fit through doorways, corridors or lifts. An integrated model must also fit its housing.
Measure the whole route. For an integrated model, check the required dimensions and door fitting specified by the manufacturer.
ecosystem describes free ‘one-for-one’ collection when you buy an equivalent new appliance, including online purchases. This is separate from disconnection or installation services, which are offered separately.
Confirm the collection arrangements before ordering, and check separately which other services you need.
The Bosch fridge-freezers reviewed range in capacity and size, from the KGN33NWEB to the KGE49AICA.
The Liebherr models reviewed include a 423 L freestanding fridge-freezer and a 244 L integrated model.
Samsung’s RL38C600CWW fridge-freezer has a stated capacity of 390 L and a width of 595 mm.
The Whirlpool WFNF82EOXFR fridge-freezer has 223 L of fridge space and 97 L of freezer space.
These models combine fridge and freezer space, making them worth considering if you’re replacing your appliance with a single unit. They include freestanding options and, in the case of the Hisense, an integrated model. Work out the usable capacity and installation type you need before comparing energy labels.
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Consider this fridge-freezer if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one 344 L appliance. Before replacing your old model, check the space in each compartment, the annual energy consumption on the label for the exact model and whether the packaged appliance will fit along the delivery route.
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This 390 L fridge-freezer is worth considering if your storage needs justify the capacity. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year on the label for the model being sold, and the dimensions needed for delivery and installation.
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This integrated fridge-freezer with No Frost is designed for kitchens with a compatible housing. The appliance dimensions alone don’t confirm that it will fit: check the housing measurements, door fitting, packaged delivery route and energy label for the exact model.
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Consider this 467 L model with Total No Frost if your storage habits call for plenty of space. Its four-door design means you’ll need to check the available space, delivery route and usable capacity in each compartment. Also confirm its energy rating E and annual energy consumption on the relevant label.
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Consider comparing this fridge-freezer if you need both fridge and freezer space in a stated capacity of 333 L. Check the space in each compartment, the kWh/year on the label for the exact model and whether it will fit along the delivery route. Also allow for the ventilation clearances specified for installation.
No. Also compare the kWh/year and usable capacity of each compartment across appliances with a similar layout and capacity. The European Commission’s EPREL database lists these details for each model, while the ADEME reminds us that an oversized appliance or one with unnecessary features can push up your bills.
When buying an equivalent new appliance, ask about the collection arrangements before confirming your order. ecosystem describes free ‘one-for-one’ collection, including for online sales. Ask how collection will be arranged at delivery, and check how it differs from any disconnection or installation services.
Measure the space where the appliance will go, along with any doorways, corridors and lifts it will need to pass through while packaged. For an integrated model, also check the housing dimensions and door fitting system specified by the manufacturer.