Choose according to the space you need: a fridge for extra fresh-food storage, a fridge freezer to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or a freezer if you already have enough fridge space. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the space the appliance will take up once installed. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, including when added to existing appliances.
You’re looking for the right capacity for fresh food and need to decide whether you also need a freezer compartment. Que Choisir Ensemble’s capacity guidelines can help you get started, but your habits and the appliances you already have also matter.
You’re considering an extra appliance. Before adding another appliance that will also run continuously, check whether you’re short of space mainly for fresh or frozen food. ADEME recommends assessing whether the cold-storage appliances in your home are all needed.
You’ll need to consider the delivery route, how the door opens and the ventilation clearances required for the model. If the appliance is going in a cold room, also check the installation conditions in the manual.
If you’re replacing or adding a refrigeration appliance in France, start by identifying your main need before comparing models.
| What you need | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for fresh food | Check the usable fridge capacity, the dimensions and whether there is a freezer compartment. Que Choisir Ensemble gives an indicative guideline of 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your habits. | If I’m replacing my appliance and mainly need more space for fresh food, I want to avoid using capacity for a feature I already have. Around 25% of consumers prioritise fridge capacity. |
| Fresh and frozen food in one appliance | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the freezer layout and the dimensions of the fridge freezer. | If I want to store both types of food without having two appliances, I’ll check that each compartment suits the way I use it. Around 25% of consumers prioritise having fresh and frozen storage together. |
| Extra freezer capacity | Check the usable freezer capacity and the ambient temperature range allowed in the manual, especially if the appliance will be in a garage or cold utility room. | If my fridge is big enough but its freezer is too small, I’m looking for freezer capacity that suits my stocks and the space available. Around 19% of consumers prioritise extra frozen-food storage. |
| Continuous energy use | Compare the kWh/year figures on the labels of appliances with similar functions and capacities. The European Commission also distinguishes between the capacities of fridge and freezer compartments. | If I want to limit the energy use of an appliance that runs day and night, I’ll compare models that meet the same need rather than looking at their energy rating letter alone. Around 19% of consumers are primarily concerned about continuous energy use. |
| Installation and delivery | Measure the delivery route using the packaged dimensions, then check the space available, door opening and ventilation clearances required by the manual. | If my home has access or space constraints, I’ll check that the appliance will fit before choosing a format. Around 12% of consumers prioritise installation and delivery. |
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is available for fresh and frozen food. The European energy label shows, among other things, annual energy use in kWh and the capacity of each compartment.
First compare the functions and usable capacity of each compartment, then compare the kWh/year figures of models that meet similar needs.
ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously and that choosing an appliance that is too large or having more appliances than you need can increase energy use.
Work out what your current appliances are missing before choosing between a fridge, a replacement fridge freezer or a separate freezer.
The appliance also needs to fit through the access route and meet its ventilation requirements. Check measurements along the route with the appliance still packaged. Clearances depend on the model and its installation.
Measure doors and hallways, allow for the door to open and check the manual for the required dimensions and ventilation.
The DGCCRF points out that, when you buy a new appliance, an equivalent used appliance must be taken back free of charge. This collection should be distinguished from disconnection or installation services.
Before delivery, confirm the collection arrangements and check separately which services are available for your old appliance.
The documented models include fridges without a freezer compartment and fridge freezers, making it useful to compare different ways of dividing up storage.
The documented models include a single-door fridge and an upright freezer, worth considering if you’re thinking of keeping the two functions separate.
The documented range includes high-capacity fridge freezers, worth considering if interior space is important to you.
This selection includes fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a convertible chest freezer for extra storage. The chest appliance operates in either fridge or freezer mode; it does not offer two separate compartments that can be used at the same time.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a high-capacity fridge freezer with a water dispenser.
The product name lists a capacity of 544 L and No Frost. Check the separate capacities of the compartments, the kWh/year figure and the dimensions to make sure the appliance suits your needs and the space available.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to combine fridge and freezer storage in one appliance.
The product name lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the usable capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure on the product details before comparing it with other models.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re replacing your main appliance and want to keep fresh and frozen food in a fridge freezer.
The product name lists Total No Frost, a B energy rating, an Inverter compressor, Multi Air Flow and a noise level of 35 dB. Also compare the separate capacities of the compartments and the kWh/year figure.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for extra storage that can operate in either fridge or freezer mode.
The product name lists an E energy rating and a five-level digital control. The two modes can be switched between; they are not separate compartments that can be used at the same time.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer to keep fresh and frozen food in the same appliance.
The product name lists a C energy rating. Check the usable capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the installation clearances required for the model.
Anses recommends regularly checking that your fridge is between 0 and +4 °C at its coldest point. For domestic freezing, it gives −18 °C as a guideline. Freezing stops bacteria from multiplying, but does not eliminate most micro-organisms.
It depends on the ambient temperature range allowed for the model. Liebherr states that the FNd 522i Plus NoFrost can operate at temperatures as low as −15 °C; this applies to that specific model. Check the manual before installing it in a garage or cold utility room.
Measure the route to the room, taking the packaged appliance dimensions into account, then check the installation space, door opening and clearances specified in the manual. Ventilation requirements vary by model and installation, so there is no one-size-fits-all clearance for every appliance.
In France, the DGCCRF points out that when you buy a new appliance, an equivalent used appliance must be taken back free of charge on a ‘one-for-one’ basis. Check the practical arrangements for collection, and distinguish this from any disconnection or installation services.
If you buy from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under it. This statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial guarantee or optional extended warranty.