If your household stores both fresh groceries and a few frozen meals, a fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment is a good place to start. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment before choosing the overall size. A multi-door model is worth considering if you regularly need plenty of storage and your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate its size. If you need more freezer space than fridge space, also consider whether you have room for a separate freezer.
If you mainly store fresh food with a few frozen items, look at how the fridge and freezer space is divided. A large overall capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there’ll be for meals you want to freeze.
If you regularly prepare portions to freeze, check the freezer’s capacity and layout. If you need a substantial amount of freezer space on an ongoing basis, compare a larger appliance with the option of a separate freezer.
If the appliance will be near your living area, compare its stated noise level. Measure the space where it will go and the entire delivery route, taking the packaged appliance’s dimensions into account.
Start by working out how much space you really need for fresh and frozen food, then check that your chosen style can be delivered and installed in your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, then check the space available for containers and bulky items. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person; adjust this to suit your habits. | I shop for several days at a time and want enough room for fresh food without running short of space for frozen meals. |
| Freezer type | A fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in separate compartments. If you only need a little freezer space, check the capacity of the compartment on offer: UFC-Que Choisir notes that a small freezer compartment isn’t enough if you regularly buy frozen food. | I freeze a few portions each week, or only occasionally. The compartment I choose needs to suit how often I freeze food. |
| Plenty of freezer storage | Check the capacity and drawers in a multi-door model. If you regularly need more freezer than fridge space, see whether you can install and use a separate freezer alongside a fridge. | Prepared meals and bulk buys regularly take up freezer space; I don’t want to increase the amount of fresh-food storage unnecessarily as well. |
| Installation | Measure the space, door clearance and delivery route, including the packaged appliance. Follow the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s manual. | A large appliance needs to fit through my doorways and be practical to use once installed. |
| Energy and noise | Check the energy rating, kWh/year and stated dB(A), comparing appliances with similar capacities and features. ADEME recommends using the energy label to help guide your choice. | Noise matters day to day in an open-plan kitchen. I also want to compare stated energy use without overlooking differences in capacity. |
| Maintenance and features | Check which compartment the No Frost feature applies to. If the appliance has a water or ice dispenser, check the connection and maintenance requirements for that specific model. | I’d rather know about defrosting and installation requirements before choosing extra features. |
A large appliance may leave too little room for frozen portions, or use up freezer space that you need for fresh food.
For a week or two, keep track of the items that are difficult to store, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately.
A large appliance may fit the space you’ve set aside but still not make it through your doorways or hallways. For example, Samsung lists the RF65DG960ESL as 912 mm wide and advises checking that the packaged appliance can get through.
Before ordering, measure the delivery route, the space where the appliance will go, door clearance and the clearances specified in the manual.
An energy rating doesn’t replace checking the kWh/year, capacity and features. A large multi-door model and a more compact fridge freezer may not suit the same needs.
Use the information on the energy label to compare models with similar capacities and intended uses.
The Joybuy product listing for the Samsung RF65DG960ESL states that a cold-water supply is required for its dispenser and ice maker to work.
For the model you’re considering, check the connection requirements as well as the guidance on maintenance and filter replacement.
If the appliance uses a filter, you’ll need to carry out regular maintenance.
These specifications apply to the models listed, not to every appliance from each brand.
The KGN39AIAU and KGN492IAF fridge freezers show two possible splits between fresh and frozen storage.
The CBNsdc 765i Prime and CNd 5704 fridge freezers show the range of capacities and widths available within the range.
The RF65DG960ESL multi-door model is a high-capacity option if you have enough space for it.
The GML844PZ6F multi-door model gives you a chance to compare an appliance with a stated freezer capacity.
This selection includes fridge freezers, a multi-door model and a side-by-side model for storing fresh and frozen food. Compare their internal layouts and overall sizes in line with your shopping habits and the meals you prepare.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for several doors to help organise fresh and frozen food. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check its packaged dimensions, door clearance and available space before choosing this style.
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A fridge freezer to consider for dividing your groceries and meals between fresh and frozen storage. Its model name mentions Total No Frost, My Zone, Wi-Fi and an E energy rating. Check whether these features are useful for your household, and that the packaged appliance will fit along your delivery route.
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Worth comparing if you have limited width and don’t need much frozen storage. The model name states a 70/30 split, a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it, so check what freezer maintenance is required.
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Worth considering if you regularly need plenty of room for both fresh and frozen food. The model name splits the 525 L into 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer, and lists No Frost, 37 dB and an E energy rating. Check the installation dimensions, delivery route and kWh/year on the model’s energy label.
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A size to compare if you mainly store fresh food, with a smaller amount of frozen food. The model name lists 182 L for the fridge, 71 L for the freezer, No Frost and 39 dB. Check the delivery dimensions and kWh/year on the energy label before comparing it with other fridge freezers.
Start by comparing fridge freezers with a separate freezer compartment, looking at the usable capacity of each section rather than the overall total. UFC-Que Choisir recommends matching capacity to your shopping habits and how much frozen food you eat. If you often cook in batches, check the drawers and the space available for portions too.
Consider a multi-door model if you regularly need more capacity and storage zones, provided it can get through your access points and fit in your kitchen. To give you an idea of size, Samsung lists the RF65DG960ESL as 912 mm wide. Remember to measure the packaged appliance and the clearance needed for the doors too.
Compare the energy rating, kWh/year, compartment capacities and stated noise level, preferably between appliances with similar capacities and features. ADEME recommends using the energy label to guide your choice; the rating alone doesn’t tell you whether both models meet the same storage needs.
Check the dB(A) figure and noise class stated for each model. UFC-Que Choisir uses a stated noise level of under 40 dB(A) as a guide to the quietest fridges. This figure helps you compare product listings, but it can’t guarantee how noisy an appliance will seem in your room.
First check that the No Frost feature applies to the freezer compartment on the model you’re considering. Bosch and Liebherr describe this technology as preventing the need for manual defrosting on the models it covers. Don’t assume it means the same as an appliance described as Low Frost.