A mix of fresh and frozen meal prep
You keep portions and ingredients chilled, while freezing some for later. How the space is divided and how the drawers are arranged matter more than the total capacity alone.
Who is this choice for?
Freezing larger batches
You want to store more frozen portions. Check the freezer capacity, freezing capacity and space requirements before considering a separate appliance.
Making room for a big shop
You store lots of fresh food and leftovers at the same time. Easy access to food, space for containers and the appliance’s footprint all become important.
What to compare
Start by estimating what needs to fit in the fridge and freezer at the same time, then check the dimensions and annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering.
Fridge-freezer
Choose one if: you regularly use both compartments for meals, ingredients and some frozen portions.
Consider: one appliance gives you both compartments, but the balance of fridge and freezer space varies between models.
Fridge with freezer compartment
Choose one if: you mainly need fridge space and freeze only a few portions.
Consider: the smaller compartment leaves less room for frozen food. If you prepare batches, check whether it can freeze fresh food.
Separate freezer
Choose one if: you need to store more frozen portions for longer and have a suitable space for it.
Consider: you’ll need to make room for a second appliance and factor in its electricity use as well as your fridge’s.
Multi-door fridge-freezer
Choose one if: you need plenty of space in both compartments and have room to install the appliance and open its doors.
Consider: a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee a suitable split for the portions you want to freeze.
| What matters | What to check | Who prioritises it most |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of fridge and freezer space | Compare the usable litres in each compartment and make sure there’s room for your containers. | If I keep meals and ingredients chilled while freezing portions, I want both compartments to suit what I store. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Freezing batches | Check the freezer capacity, freezing capacity and, if you freeze freshly prepared food, the compartment’s guidance. | When I prepare several portions to freeze, I check that they’ll fit and can be frozen to suit my needs. Around 29% of consumers make batch freezing their priority. |
| Storing the weekly shop | Check the usable shelf space, how easy it is to see leftovers and whether there’s room for your containers. | If I store shopping and leftovers together, I want to find food easily and arrange the space around my containers. Around 21% of consumers put organisation first. |
| Space, energy use and noise | Compare the dimensions, door clearance, kWh/year and stated noise level for each model. | If the space available or how the appliance runs limits my choice, I check these factors before looking at total capacity. Around 14% of consumers prioritise size, energy use or noise. |
UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing an average of 100 to 150 litres of usable fridge space for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. This is a guide for fridge space: adapt it to the foods you store at the same time and don’t treat it as a fixed rule for freezer capacity.
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing based only on total capacity or the number of people in your household
The space you need for chilled and frozen food also depends on how often you shop and prepare batches. Two appliances with the same total capacity may have very different amounts of space in each compartment.
Think about what you store at the same time and compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately before choosing a format.
-
Assuming a small freezer compartment will handle home-cooked batches
The space for storing food that’s already frozen doesn’t, on its own, tell you how much fresh food the appliance can freeze.
If you freeze your own meals, check the compartment’s guidance and the model’s freezing capacity.
-
Relying on a larger appliance to prevent food waste
Extra space won’t stop you buying things twice or forgetting about food. ADEME recommends checking what you already have before shopping and keeping track of food that needs using up.
Choose a capacity that suits your portions and arrange the shelves so you can see your leftovers.
-
Overlooking door clearance and noise
External dimensions alone won’t tell you whether you can access the drawers, and stated noise levels vary between models.
Measure the space and access route, check the manual for the clearance needed to open the doors, and compare the stated noise levels.
Brands and formats to consider
Haier
The HDPW7620AANPK is a large-capacity freestanding fridge-freezer worth considering if its compartment layout and height suit your kitchen.
- Haier France lists an A energy rating and dimensions of 59,5 × 66,7 × 205 cm for this model.
- The manufacturer’s freshness claims aren’t backed here by independent test results. Check the layout and dimensions before choosing.
LG
The GBB92MCB2P and GMX844MCKV are examples of a fridge-freezer and a multi-door model respectively, with different storage layouts.
- LG France lists a total capacity of 384 L, energy use of 97 kWh/year and a noise level of 32 dB for the GBB92MCB2P. For the GMX844MCKV, the brand lists 288 L of fridge space, 220 L of freezer space, energy use of 393 kWh/year and a width of 83,5 cm.
- These specifications apply to these specific models and don’t establish how well the whole range preserves food.
Bosch
The KGN392I1F is a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer, making it easy to compare the space available for chilled and frozen food separately.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists 260 L of fridge space, 103 L of freezer space, a noise level of 29 dB and dimensions of 203 × 60 × 66,5 cm.
- Check that this model’s capacity and footprint suit your portions and the space you have available.
Beko
The B3RCHE305HW is a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer worth considering if freezing capacity and a reversible door are among your priorities.
- Beko France lists a freezing capacity of 5,2 kg/24 h, a four-star compartment, a noise level of 39 dB and “Semi No Frost (freezer only)” cooling for this model.
- The manufacturer’s HarvestFresh claims depend on the stated test conditions and haven’t been independently verified.
Liebherr
The CNSFD1853-2 and FNd 5026 give you two options to compare: a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 330 L and a noise level of 35 dB for the fridge-freezer, compared with 238 L and 36 dB for the separate freezer.
- A separate freezer needs its own space. The manufacturer’s freshness claims alone don’t establish how long food can be stored.
Fridge-freezers and multi-door models
This selection includes fridge-freezers with integrated freezers and a multi-door model, so you can compare fridge and freezer capacity for meal prep and your weekly shop.
Image unavailable
Hisense RB3K330SAFC, freestanding fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want to store fresh shopping and frozen portions in a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer.
Capacity: 330 L in total, including 215 L of fridge space and 115 L of freezer space.
Freezing capacity: 10 kg/24 h; three freezer drawers.
Stated energy use: 165 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB.
Image unavailable
Beko B5RCNE406HG, 355 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with separate compartments and a stated freezing capacity.
Capacity: approximately 249 L in the fridge and 106 L in the freezer.
Four-star compartment; freezing capacity: 6 kg/24 h.
Total No Frost; stated energy use: 240 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want to organise fresh and frozen food separately in a three-door appliance.
Capacity: 235 L in the fridge and 125 L in the freezer.
Freezing capacity: 10 kg/24 h; four-star compartment and three freezer drawers.
Stated energy use: 271 kWh/year.
Image unavailable
Hisense RB440N4CCB, 336 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want a fridge-freezer with dedicated drawers to help organise both compartments.
Capacity: 238 L of fridge space and 98 L of freezer space.
Freezing capacity: 6 kg/24 h; three freezer drawers.
Energy rating B; stated energy use: 135 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB.
Image unavailable
Hisense RQ5P470SETE, 483 L four-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you need plenty of space and want a compartment with an adjustable temperature to suit what you’re storing.
Capacity: 304 L of fridge space, 87 L of freezer space and a 92 L variable-temperature compartment.
Freezing capacity: 8 kg/24 h; stated energy use: 293 kWh/year.
The My Fresh Choice compartment can be set from +5 °C to −18 °C, so its 92 L capacity isn’t fixed freezer space.
Frequently asked questions
How many litres do I need for a week’s meal prep?
Start with the food and containers you’ll have in each compartment at the same time. UFC-Que Choisir suggests an average of 100 to 150 L of usable fridge space for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. This isn’t a recommendation for freezer capacity, or a reason to buy a larger appliance without considering your habits.
Is a small freezer compartment enough for prepared portions?
Not necessarily. Space for storing food that’s already frozen doesn’t, on its own, tell you how much fresh food the appliance can freeze. If you prepare batches, check the compartment’s guidance and the model’s freezing capacity.
How do I compare the energy use of a fridge-freezer with two separate appliances?
Compare the kWh/year figures on each model’s energy label. If you’re considering a separate fridge and freezer, add together their stated annual energy use. The energy rating alone won’t tell you the combined energy use of two appliances.
What temperature should I keep cooked dishes at in the fridge?
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of your fridge between 0 and +4 °C and storing perishable cooked dishes there. It advises refrigerating them within two hours and not overfilling the appliance. This guidance doesn’t set a universal storage time for every dish.
Does freezing keep food safe indefinitely?
No. According to Anses, freezing food at home at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive. Anses recommends freezing food before its use-by date. Once defrosted, food should be eaten promptly, within three days at the latest, and should not be refrozen.