If you mainly store fresh food, start by looking at a fridge. If you regularly keep both fresh and frozen food, consider how the compartments are divided in a fridge-freezer. A separate freezer can add extra space when you need to store more frozen food. However, two separate appliances take up more room, and you’ll need to compare their annual energy consumption: ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously.
How much space you need for fresh and frozen food is the first thing to consider when choosing an appliance. Dimensions and energy consumption can then help you narrow down the options.
If you use both compartments every week, a fridge-freezer combines the two functions in one appliance. Check the capacity of each compartment separately: a sufficient total capacity doesn’t guarantee the right balance between them.
Buying in bulk or preparing meals in advance may make a dedicated freezer a worthwhile addition to your fresh-food storage. Whether you choose an upright or chest freezer will depend on factors such as how you want to access your food and how much floor space you have.
Whether you’re shopping for a small kitchen, utility room or garage, measure the usable space and check the appliance’s operating conditions. ADEME points out that an appliance that’s too large or has more features than you need can push up your electricity bill.
First work out how much space you need for each type of food, then compare appliances with similar configurations and capacities.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and configuration | Compare the usable litres in the fridge and freezer compartments, not just the total capacity. If you store a lot of frozen food, also consider whether an upright or chest freezer will give you the access you need. | I mainly store fresh food: a fridge may be enough. If I regularly use both compartments, I’ll check how the space is divided in a fridge-freezer. If I need more room for frozen food, I’ll consider a separate freezer. |
| Energy consumption | For the relevant cooling appliances, the energy label scale runs from A to G, according to the European Commission. Also compare kWh/year for appliances of the same type and similar capacity, and don’t overlook their size. | A cooling appliance runs continuously in my home, so I’m looking for a suitable capacity rather than unused space or features I don’t need. ADEME warns that an appliance that’s too large or has unnecessary features can increase your bill. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the space, access route and clearance needed to open doors, drawers or lids. Check the noise level in dB and the ambient temperatures allowed in the appliance’s manual. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen. If the appliance is going in a garage or unheated room, I’ll check its operating conditions before choosing it. |
| Maintenance and features | Check the exact model for its defrosting system, alarms and any connected features. Choose features that help with a regular task, rather than paying for equipment you won’t use. | If I want to reduce manual defrosting, I’ll check how the freezer compartment is designed to work. I’m only interested in an alarm or connected feature if it’s useful to me. |
The letter alone doesn’t tell you whether the capacity suits your household or what the chosen model’s annual energy consumption is.
Compare the energy rating, kWh/year and usable capacity of each compartment across appliances of a similar type and capacity.
ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that their size and some additional features can increase your bill.
Work out how much space you really need for fresh and frozen food before choosing a capacity or convenience feature.
A chest freezer takes up floor space. In a cellar or garage, the ambient temperature must also be within the appliance’s specified operating range.
Measure the access route and check that the lid or doors can open fully. Then check the climate class and the manual for the exact model.
A connected feature won’t change how much room you have in the compartments or the space needed to install the appliance.
First work out the capacity, dimensions and energy consumption you need. Then consider what each feature would actually do for you.
These examples show features to compare on specific models; they don’t necessarily apply to other appliances from the same brand.
The French range includes freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers.
The range includes freestanding upright freezers as well as integrated models.
Chest freezers in the range may suit households with enough floor space to store more frozen food.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. To choose between them, check how the capacity is divided, the space needed for installation and the energy consumption of the exact model.
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If you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, check that the advertised 344 L capacity is divided in a way that suits your needs. Also check the dimensions and ventilation clearances required before installation.
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This four-door design is worth considering if you’re looking for an advertised total capacity of 467 L for fresh and frozen food. The model name indicates Total No Frost. Check how the compartments are divided, the width and whether it will fit through the access route to its final position.
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If width is a key consideration, this fridge-freezer is listed as 54 cm wide and 176 cm high. Check the usable capacity of each compartment: Low Frost doesn’t mean No Frost. If you’re installing it in a garage or outbuilding, check the ambient temperatures allowed in the manual.
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If you use the appliance for both fresh and frozen food, compare the usable capacity of the compartments rather than relying on the advertised total of 333 L. Also check the dimensions and clearances required to install the exact model.
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If your kitchen is designed for an integrated appliance, check the housing dimensions and door system compatibility. Make sure the usable capacity of each compartment suits your needs, rather than relying on the advertised total of 249 L, and check the energy label to compare annual consumption.
For the domestic fridges and freezers covered, the European Commission says the A to G scale has been in use since 1 March 2021. Also check annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise information. Where possible, compare appliances of the same type and similar capacity.
Yes, as long as the room temperature stays within the operating conditions specified for the model you choose. Check its climate class and manual. Beko says some chest freezers with Freezer Guard can be used at temperatures as low as −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every freezer.
Not necessarily. Depending on how the model works, No Frost may help reduce the need to defrost the freezer compartment. First check the capacity, kWh/year, noise level and dimensions: this feature alone doesn’t mean an appliance is a better fit for your household.