Start by choosing the format that suits what you need to store: a fridge if you mainly keep fresh food, a fridge-freezer to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or a separate freezer if you need more room for frozen food. To keep energy use in check for an appliance that runs continuously, compare the kWh/year figures for models with a similar capacity and intended use. Also consider the capacity of each compartment and any installation requirements.
The right format depends first on how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Noise levels and where the appliance will go can then help you choose between models that meet the same storage needs.
You’re replacing an appliance that’s used all year round and want to compare its stated annual energy consumption without choosing an unsuitable capacity. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously; their energy labels also show capacity and noise levels.
You want to keep both types of food in a fridge-freezer, but the total capacity doesn’t tell you how many litres are available in each compartment. Check how the space is divided to make sure it suits your usual shopping habits.
You batch-cook meals or regularly buy frozen food. It’s worth considering a separate freezer if you have a suitable space and can easily access the food, as UFC-Que Choisir notes in its freezer guide.
Decide what you need to store first, then compare the energy labels of appliances designed for the same purpose. The European Commission says that labels for refrigeration appliances show details including annual energy consumption, storage volumes and airborne acoustical noise emissions.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and have little need for frozen storage, or already have it covered.
The trade-off: check how much space is actually available for frozen food before relying on this as your only appliance.
Consider this if: you need space for both fresh and frozen food but don’t want to install two separate appliances.
The trade-off: the split between the two compartments varies by model. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee the amount of space you need in each section.
Consider this if: bulk shopping or batch cooking means you need a separate supply of frozen food.
The trade-off: this appliance also runs continuously and needs a suitable space. An upright freezer and a chest freezer offer different ways to access your food.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with a similar capacity and intended use, along with their energy class and usable storage volumes. | My appliance will be running all year, so I want to limit its energy use without giving up the space I need. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this criterion. |
| Fresh and frozen storage split | Check the capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer compartments separately, rather than looking at the total capacity alone. | I store fresh food every day, but also need some space for frozen food. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this split. |
| Frozen food storage | For a separate appliance, check the usable capacity and choose between drawers in an upright freezer and top access in a chest freezer. | My bulk shopping or batch-cooked meals mean I need more freezer space. Around 19% of consumers put this capacity first. |
| Location and noise | Measure the appliance, access routes and clearance needed; check its stated dB(A) level and climate class. | In an open-plan kitchen or a room where temperatures vary, I need to be able to install and use the appliance there. These considerations come first for around 25% of consumers. |
Appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily meet the same needs. So the A to G energy class doesn’t replace checking the kWh/year figures and capacities on the energy label.
Compare models of the same type and with a similar capacity, then look at their kWh/year, usable litres and stated noise levels together.
A total capacity that looks big enough could hide a freezer compartment that’s too small for your frozen food, or not enough room for fresh produce.
Make a note of how much space you need for each type of food, then check the capacity in litres of both compartments separately.
A chest freezer takes up floor space and needs room for its lid to open. The room temperature must also be suitable for the climate class specified for the model.
Measure the delivery route, the space for the appliance and the clearance needed to open the lid. Check the instruction manual before planning to install it in a cellar, pantry or garage.
The European Commission says that the label on refrigeration appliances shows their airborne acoustical noise emissions. This is worth checking if the appliance will be near a space where you spend a lot of time.
Compare the stated dB(A) levels and noise classes of the models you’re considering, bearing in mind that how loud an appliance seems also depends on its installation.
The details below apply to the specific models mentioned, not to every appliance from each brand.
According to Bosch Electroménager France, the freestanding Série 4 KGN36VWED fridge-freezer has 237 L of fridge capacity and 89 L of freezer capacity, in an appliance that’s 600 mm wide.
According to Samsung France, the RB33B612EWW/EF fridge-freezer has 230 L of fridge capacity and 114 L of freezer capacity, giving a total of 344 L.
According to Hisense France, the freestanding Hi5 RB440N4ACA fridge-freezer has a capacity of 336 L, an A energy class and stated annual energy consumption of 109 kWh.
These Joybuy products include fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, as well as an upright freezer for separate frozen food storage. Compare their stated capacities with your actual needs, then check the model’s energy label and dimensions before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
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This three-door fridge-freezer is worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity appliance for fresh and frozen food.
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The stated capacity split lets you assess the space available for fresh and frozen food separately.
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This upright freezer is designed for separate frozen food storage, with drawer compartments.
No. Compare the stated kWh/year figures for appliances of the same type and with a similar capacity. The European Commission says the energy label also shows storage volumes and airborne acoustical noise emissions, which can help you check that the models you’re comparing suit your needs.
Yes, as long as the temperature range specified for the model is suitable for the room. Check its climate class in the instruction manual rather than assuming an unheated garage is suitable. UFC-Que Choisir stresses the importance of this check for chest freezers, which are often kept outside the kitchen.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately against your storage habits. The total capacity doesn’t show you how the space is divided. For example, Bosch lists 237 L of fridge capacity and 89 L of freezer capacity for the KGN36VWED, while Samsung lists 230 L and 114 L for the RB33B612EWW/EF.
Before delivery, ask whether the retailer offers a take-back service or find a suitable collection point. The Ministry for Ecological Transition reminds consumers that electrical and electronic equipment may contain components that are hazardous to the environment.