Households that shop once a week
If you fill your fridge in one go, usable space and shelf layout matter if you want to keep fresh food within easy reach for the meals ahead. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking your shopping habits into account.
Who is this guide for?
Households that freeze meals
If you prepare portions in advance, check that the compartment can freeze them, rather than simply storing a limited amount of food that is already frozen. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses.
Households that lose track of leftovers
If you forget about food you’ve already bought, taking stock and organising it more clearly can help prevent duplicate purchases before you add more storage. ADEME recommends checking what you have before you go shopping.
What to check before you buy
Before looking for more capacity, ADEME recommends taking stock to avoid buying duplicates. Then compare your needs for fresh food, freezing and storage separately.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge space | Compare usable fridge capacity with the containers you normally use, and check the shelf layout. | When I do the weekly shop, I want fresh food to stay within easy reach for the meals ahead. Around 31% of consumers put fridge capacity first. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and whether the compartment has a freezing function. | If I prepare portions in advance, I need to be able to freeze them, not just store food that is already frozen. Around 31% of consumers prioritise capacity and the freezing function. |
| Keeping track of leftovers | Make sure leftovers and your usual containers are easy to reach; avoid overfilling the appliance so air can circulate. | When leftovers get lost at the back of the fridge, I want to find them and avoid duplicate purchases before adding more capacity. Around 23% of consumers prioritise being able to see their leftovers. |
| Space and electricity | Measure the space available and compare the kWh/year figures on the labels of the appliances you’re considering. | If installation space is limited or I’m keeping an eye on electricity use, I want to factor this in before choosing an appliance. Around 15% of consumers put these considerations first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by total capacity without checking how it’s divided
A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room for fresh food or portions you want to freeze. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking your shopping habits and intended use into account.
Compare usable fridge and freezer capacity separately against the amount of food and the containers you have after a week of shopping and meal preparation.
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Confusing a small freezer compartment with a freezer for home-cooked meals
Some fridge compartments in single-door models are designed to store a limited amount of food that is already frozen, and may not be suitable for freezing meals yourself. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses.
Check the compartment’s stated freezing function before planning to freeze meals in it.
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Adding another appliance to solve the problem of forgotten food
More capacity is no substitute for taking stock or organising your fridge so leftovers are easy to see. ADEME recommends checking what food you already have before shopping.
If your current capacity is enough, try taking stock and rearranging things first. If you still need more space, compare the kWh/year consumption of the appliances you’re considering.
Brands relevant to this topic
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Fridge-freezers on Joybuy
These fridge-freezers let you compare different combinations of fridge and freezer space for your weekly shop and batch-cooked meals.
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Hisense RS3P558NEID Side-by-Side 544 L
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
The product name specifies a 544 L capacity, No Frost technology and a water dispenser.
Dimensions listed: 911 × 1786 × 615 mm; check they’ll fit the space you have in mind.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door, 360 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer that helps you organise fresh food and portions to freeze in one place.
The product name specifies Total No Frost, energy class E, Wi-Fi, and My Zone and Humidity Zone compartments.
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Indesit IT70 832 S, 437 L
Worth considering if you’d rather keep fresh and frozen food in one freestanding appliance.
The product name specifies a stainless steel finish and energy class E. The freezer requires manual defrosting and is listed as 70 cm wide.
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Hisense RQ758N4SWSE Cross Door 606 L
Worth considering if you want a fridge-freezer with separate zones for organising fresh and frozen food.
The product name specifies Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, Triple Zone and My Fresh Choice. According to the product information, the door is not reversible.
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Hisense RF632N4BCE French Door 485 L
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in separate sections of one appliance.
The product name specifies Total No Frost, an Inverter compressor, Multi Air Flow, a water dispenser, energy class E and 38 dB.
Dimensions listed: 911 × 1786 × 615 mm; check they’ll fit the space you have in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Is total capacity in litres enough to help me choose?
No. For a weekly shop and batch-cooked meals, compare usable fridge and freezer capacity separately, then consider the containers you use. UFC-Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. This is only a guide and doesn’t replace assessing your household’s own needs.
Can a small freezer compartment freeze my prepared meals?
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a freezer compartment in some single-door fridges, designed to store a limited amount of food that is already frozen, and a space that lets you freeze meals yourself. Check the compartment’s stated function before choosing it for this purpose.
How should I store prepared meals and look after my fridge?
Anses recommends putting cooked dishes that are sensitive to temperature in the coldest part of the fridge, covering food once opened, avoiding overfilling the appliance and cleaning it regularly. It advises a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part. You should also follow the storage instructions for each food.
How do I compare the electricity use of a fridge-freezer with two separate appliances?
Compare the annual consumption in kWh listed for the appliances you’re considering. If you choose two appliances, add their annual figures together using the same basis. The Ministry of the Economy notes that the energy label applies to household refrigeration appliances.
What guarantee applies to a fridge bought in France?
For a purchase made by an individual from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The Ministry of the Economy explains that any commercial guarantee is in addition to the statutory guarantee and does not replace it.