Households that do a weekly shop for fresh and frozen food
If you keep fresh and frozen food until your next shop, compare the capacity in litres of each compartment, not just the total capacity.
Which households are these options suited to?
Households that store lots of frozen food
If you buy in bulk, prepare meals in advance or share food storage, check whether the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer will be big enough or whether you need a separate appliance.
People living in smaller homes or with open-plan kitchens
Your appliance needs to fit in its intended space without obstructing the door. If your kitchen opens onto a living area, compare the stated noise level in dB(A) too.
What should you compare before choosing?
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then rule out any configurations that won’t fit your kitchen. Next, compare the energy labels of models with similar dimensions and capacity.
Compact or under-counter fridge
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food, or already have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: if the model has a freezer compartment, check its capacity before relying on it for your frozen food.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you regularly buy fresh and frozen food and want to store it all in one appliance.
Bear in mind: two fridge-freezers with a similar total capacity may divide their space differently between the fridge and freezer compartments.
Separate chest or upright freezer
Worth considering: if you usually keep more frozen food than you want to store in a fridge-freezer.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for both appliances and should take account of their combined annual energy consumption.
| What to compare | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Check the capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately. If there’s a freezer compartment, check its capacity rather than relying on the total figure alone. | I keep fresh food until my next shop, but how much space do I also need for frozen food? |
| Energy consumption | The European Commission says the energy label for refrigeration appliances shows the energy class, annual consumption and capacity. Compare the kWh/year and energy class of models with similar dimensions and capacity. | An appliance runs continuously in my home, so I want to compare its annual energy consumption with other options that meet the same storage needs. |
| Noise and positioning | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A), then measure the space, access routes and clearance needed to open the door. | In an open-plan or narrow kitchen, I want to know whether the appliance will fit and whether its stated noise level is right for me. |
| Maintenance and lifespan | Check the durability information available for the model and whether it needs defrosting. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 °C and +4 °C. | I want to factor in maintenance after purchase and be able to check the temperature at which fresh food is stored. |
What should you watch out for?
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
This figure doesn’t tell you how many litres are set aside for fresh or frozen food. A fridge-freezer may therefore be too small in one compartment, even if its total capacity seems sufficient.
Think about what you store between shops, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment on the energy label.
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Comparing only the energy rating
Looking at an energy class without considering annual consumption or capacity doesn’t give you a fair comparison between appliances of different sizes.
First compare models with similar dimensions and usable capacity, then look at their energy classes and kWh/year together.
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Forgetting access and door clearance
An appliance that suits your shopping needs may not fit through the door on delivery, or the door may not open properly in its intended position.
Measure the recess, available depth and access routes. Also check which way the door opens and what delivery, installation or old-appliance collection services are available for the model.
Installation, disconnecting your old appliance or changing the way the door opens may require a separate service. Check what’s available before you order.
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Ignoring the temperature after installation
Keeping fresh food at the right temperature depends on how you set up and use your fridge, not just which model you choose.
Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 °C and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check it and leave room for air to circulate inside the appliance.
Which brands can you use as a guide?
These ranges and models can help you identify features to compare, but they don’t represent every appliance from each brand.
Bosch
Bosch offers built-in and freestanding fridge-freezers. It’s worth distinguishing between these installation types before comparing capacity.
- According to Bosch France product specifications, the built-in KIV875SE0 offers 200 L of fridge capacity and 70 L of freezer capacity, compared with 260 L and 103 L respectively for the freestanding KGN39AIAU.
- These figures apply only to these two models. Also check the dimensions and noise level of the appliance you’re considering.
Beko
Beko’s fridge-freezer range includes models worth considering if your shopping takes up a lot of space in both compartments.
- Beko France lists the BRCNE50140ZXBN with a total capacity of over 500 L.
- The total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food. Check the capacity of each compartment for the model you choose.
Liebherr
Liebherr France offers freestanding and built-in fridges, as well as fridge-freezers with a separate freezer compartment.
- This range of configurations makes it easier to compare installation types and the space allocated to frozen food across different models.
- Check the product specifications for the capacity, dimensions and maintenance features that matter to you.
Fridge-freezers to explore on Joybuy
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. If you’d rather choose a small fridge or two separate appliances, the guidance above on capacity, positioning and energy consumption still applies.
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LG GBBS312AEV, 333 L No Frost fridge-freezer
If you shop for a mix of fresh and frozen food, check how the stated 333 L is divided between the two compartments. The model title lists No Frost and an A energy class. Check its dimensions and door clearance to make sure it suits your kitchen.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge-freezer
If you store large quantities of fresh and frozen food, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than relying on the stated 467 L total. This model is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy class. Check the space it needs in your kitchen and the access routes for delivery.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge-freezer
If you regularly shop for fresh and frozen food, check how the stated 360 L is divided between the compartments. This model is listed with Total No Frost, an E energy class, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check its dimensions before deciding where to put it.
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Samsung RB53DG703DS9, 538 L fridge-freezer
If you store a lot of food between shops, check how much of the stated 538 L is allocated to the freezer and how much space you’ll need for installation. The energy class information for this model is contradictory, so check its energy label before comparing its consumption.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L Low Frost fridge-freezer
If you have a narrow kitchen, compare its stated width of 54 cm with the available space and clearance needed. This model is 176 cm tall, has a total capacity of 262 L and a 70/30 split. Check whether the space for frozen food will be enough for your shopping. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare two fridges beyond their energy classes?
Compare models with similar dimensions and capacity, then look at their kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and their stated noise levels together. The European Commission says the energy label for refrigeration appliances brings this information together. Its QR code links to detailed model information in EPREL.
What temperature should I aim for when storing chilled food?
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 °C and +4 °C. Check the temperature after installation and avoid overfilling the appliance so that air can circulate.
Is No Frost enough to help me choose a fridge-freezer?
No. If you want to cut down on manual defrosting, check that the model you’re considering has this feature, but also compare usable capacity, kWh/year, noise and dimensions. A maintenance feature alone won’t tell you whether an appliance is right for your shopping needs.
What should I do with my old appliance when replacing it?
If your fridge is still usable, you could give it away. Otherwise, look into a collection and recycling scheme for refrigeration appliances, as recommended by ecosystem in France. Before ordering, check the collection and disconnection options available for your new appliance.
Are installation and changing the way the door opens included?
Don’t assume they are: available services depend on the product and your order. Check separately whether installation, collection of your old appliance, disconnection and changing the way the door opens are offered, and what terms apply at your address.