Start by comparing the displayed kWh/year and net capacities of each compartment, rather than looking only at the energy rating or total capacity. A fridge freezer is ideal when you need a proper freezing area but do not have room for two appliances; a small compartment is enough for occasional use, while separate appliances require space and their annual energy consumption must be added together.
You want to replace or buy a refrigeration appliance that runs 24 hours a day, and compare its stated annual energy consumption without compromising on useful capacity. ADEME reminds us that fridges and freezers operate continuously.
You need to choose between a fridge freezer and a separate freezer based on how much frozen food you store, how often you shop and how much space you have; a small freezer compartment may not be suitable for this purpose.
Check the dimensions of the appliance and its packaging, the route through your access points, ventilation, any housing unit and whether the door opening direction suits your kitchen.
Start by deciding how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare appliances with similar capacities and formats.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy consumption | Compare kWh/year; read the A to G rating alongside the net capacities; compare similar-format models. | I want to estimate the running cost of an appliance that operates continuously, without confusing the rating letter with absolute consumption. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately in litres; look at the appliance type; make sure the drawers are accessible. | My shopping needs to fit without paying for excessive capacity or running out of room for frozen food. |
| Food storage and maintenance | Check the temperature settings; verify the stated cooling system; look at the noise level if the kitchen is open-plan. | I want an arrangement that helps keep food fresh day to day and remains easy to maintain. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth; check ventilation clearances; confirm the hinges and whether the door can be reversed. | The appliance must fit through the access routes and open without getting in the way of the kitchen or blocking ventilation. |
The A to G rating is not enough to compare appliances of different sizes or formats: a larger capacity can affect the stated annual energy consumption.
Compare the kWh/year with the fridge and freezer net capacities for the exact model.
A small compartment may not be sufficient if you regularly buy frozen food or build up stocks.
List your refrigeration and freezing needs separately, then compare a fridge freezer with a separate freezer if you need significant frozen-food storage.
An appliance may not fit through your access routes or may not be installable with the clearances required for ventilation.
Measure the doorways, installation space and depth with the doors open; check the model manual before arranging delivery.
These features may make everyday use easier, depending on the model, but they do not replace setting and monitoring the temperature.
Follow the appliance manual and check that the coldest part of the fridge remains between 0 °C and 4 °C, as recommended by Anses.
The French range includes fridge freezers, single-door appliances, freezers and multi-door models.
The brand offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers with BioFresh and NoFrost configurations.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, with No Frost and Dual No Frost variants.
Joybuy fridge freezer options for comparing fridge and freezer capacities with the stated annual energy consumption.
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For a fitted kitchen that needs two separate compartments in an integrated appliance.
Stated specifications: 150 kWh/year, 176 L fridge, 76 L four-star freezer, C rating and 34 dB(A).
Check the housing unit, ventilation clearances and door-mounting system compatibility before ordering.
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For shopping that combines fresh and frozen food in a 54 cm-wide format.
Stated specifications: 215 kWh/year, 187 L fridge, 75 L four-star freezer and 39 dB(A); reversible door.
Low Frost does not eliminate manual defrosting; the stated ambient temperature range is not suitable below 16 °C.
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For a household wanting to keep fresh and frozen shopping separate, with three freezer drawers.
Stated specifications: 228 kWh/year, 193 L fridge, 89 L freezer, E rating, NoFrost freezer and MultiAirflow fridge.
Check the noise level and door reversibility before installation.
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For a household that regularly uses fresh and frozen food, with a separate cooling compartment.
Stated specifications: 169 kWh/year, 183 L fridge, 113 L freezer, 37 L cooling compartment and 34 dB.
Check that the compartment layout, packaged dimensions and door opening direction suit your kitchen.
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For a household needing plenty of space for fresh and frozen food.
Stated specifications: 264 kWh/year, 276 L fridge, 114 L four-star freezer, 35 dB and automatic defrosting.
At 203 cm high, it requires checks of access routes, available height and ventilation clearances.
Compare the kWh/year, the fridge net capacity, the freezer net capacity and the stated noise level for each model. European Regulation 2019/2016 governs the energy label for refrigeration appliances, while EPREL lists information including annual consumption, capacities and noise; the A to G rating alone cannot distinguish between different formats.
Set the fridge to +4 °C and the freezer to -18 °C, then follow the food storage instructions. Anses states that, at between 0 °C and 4 °C in the coldest part, the growth of many micro-organisms is significantly slowed.
Always follow the installation instructions for the exact model, particularly for an integrated appliance. Electrolux installation instructions state that ventilation openings must not be obstructed; Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² at the rear and underneath its own fridges, but this figure does not automatically apply to other brands.
This depends on the model and its installation. Bosch states that the method varies by appliance: check the installation instructions and the manufacturer's conditions before carrying out any work.
Check the appliance dimensions and access routes, then report any difficulties with passage, the entry code, floor, lift or narrow stairs. Clear the routes before delivery and check the conditions specified by the seller for the service selected.