If you store both fresh food and frozen food, start by comparing fridge and freezer capacity separately. A fridge-freezer can cover both needs, while a separate freezer may be the answer if your frozen food regularly exceeds the capacity of your fridge-freezer. Your choice also depends on the space available, annual energy consumption and the temperature required in each compartment. A large total capacity won’t necessarily meet all your needs.
If you mainly buy fresh food, keep only a small amount of frozen food and have a compact kitchen, look at how the capacity is divided and how much space the appliance takes up, rather than focusing on its total capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir recommends distinguishing between a small amount of frozen food and a greater need for freezer space.
Pre-prepared portions, leftovers and regular frozen food shopping all call for accessible freezer space. Check how much room there is in the drawers and the model’s freezing specifications. Anses advises that food should be frozen at −18 °C at home.
An appliance runs continuously, so ADEME recommends taking its size into account and avoiding buying more capacity than you need. Compare the kWh per year and the compartment capacities shown on the energy label before opting for a larger model.
Choose a format based first on how much space you need for frozen food, then on the room you actually have in your kitchen. Whatever appliance you choose, you’ll still need to organise your food and keep an eye on temperatures.
Worth considering: for a small household with limited space that keeps little frozen food, provided the model’s compartment suits your freezing needs.
Bear in mind: the limited freezer space may not be enough if you regularly prepare meals in advance.
Worth considering: if your regular shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, and each compartment offers the capacity you need.
Bear in mind: a larger model takes up more space, and you can’t assume that all of its advertised capacity is for frozen food.
Worth considering: if your frozen food and prepared meals regularly exceed your fridge-freezer’s capacity, and you have space for a dedicated appliance.
Bear in mind: a second appliance takes up space and also runs continuously, as ADEME points out.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| How the capacity is divided | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately on the energy label, and consider the food you store between shopping trips. | When my shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, I want enough room in each compartment rather than one impressive-looking total figure. Around 31% of consumers would make this balance a priority. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the freezer capacity, how easy the drawers are to access and, if stated, the storage time in the event of a power cut. | If I prepare several meals in advance, I need freezer space where I can easily find and store my portions. Around 25% of consumers would put freezer capacity ahead of other factors. |
| Size and access | Measure the space and delivery route. Allow for the doors to open and for the clearances specified by the manufacturer. | In a narrow kitchen, an appliance first needs to fit through the door and open without getting in the way. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise how well it fits their space. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare kWh per year, usable capacity and noise levels in dB between appliances that meet similar needs. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to keep both the appliance’s ongoing electricity use and its noise to a minimum. Around 19% of consumers would prioritise these running costs and quiet operation. |
The energy label lists the capacity of the frozen and non-frozen compartments separately. So, a spacious appliance may still have too little room for the frozen food you plan to store.
Make a note of what you usually store between shopping trips, then compare the capacity of each compartment.
Check the temperature and capacity of a small compartment for each model. For freezing food at home at −18 °C, simply having a freezer compartment doesn’t tell you how much room there’ll be for your meals.
Check the manual or product details to confirm the intended temperature, freezer capacity and interior layout.
ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously, and that their size or number can affect energy consumption.
Choose a capacity that suits your shopping and the amount you store, then compare the kWh per year shown on the energy labels.
An appliance may fit in its final position but still be too large to get through a doorway or leave enough room to open its drawers.
Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go. If the packed dimensions are listed, check those too, along with the ventilation clearances specified for the model.
These examples can help you compare the specifications of particular fridge-freezers. The features listed don’t apply to every appliance from each brand.
Bosch fridge-freezer product details can help you compare capacity, dimensions and usage information separately.
The CNsfd 5704 fridge-freezer is an example of a model whose advertised capacity needs to be considered alongside the space available.
The Samsung fridge-freezers featured here have different capacities and features. Compare exact model numbers rather than choosing on brand name alone.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge at 4 °C or below. Store meat, fish and cooked meals there, and check the temperature in that area rather than relying only on the displayed setting.
It may suit a small amount of frozen food, provided its specifications meet your needs. Check the product details for the temperature intended for freezing food at home at −18 °C, the available capacity and the room you’ll need for your portions. If they regularly build up, compare a more suitable fridge-freezer or a separate freezer.
According to the European Commission, the label includes the energy class, annual consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise emissions. Compare these details between appliances with compartments that meet similar needs, rather than choosing based on energy class or total capacity alone.
No. Anses recommends not overfilling it, so cold air can circulate. If you can only fit your shopping in by packing food tightly, reassess how much fridge space you need and check the temperature in the coldest area.
Measure both the space where it will go and the entire delivery route, then compare your measurements with the dimensions of the model and, if listed, its packaging. Check that the doors can open and that there is enough ventilation clearance. For a built-in appliance, check the housing dimensions and hinge type too.