If you regularly store fresh food, leftovers and frozen food, a fridge freezer brings both compartments together in one appliance. Choose one based on the usable capacity of each compartment, not just its total capacity. A small freezer compartment may be enough if you only buy frozen food occasionally. If your reserves or pre-prepared portions regularly exceed the space available, consider a separate freezer, taking into account the space it will occupy and its energy consumption.
How you divide space between fresh and frozen food matters just as much as the total capacity available.
If you store opened dishes or portions for the next few days, check whether the shelves fit your containers and let you see what’s inside. ADEME advises checking what you have in stock before shopping to avoid buying duplicates.
If you batch-cook meals or regularly buy frozen food, compare the freezer capacity and drawer layout. If a fridge freezer doesn’t have enough room for your usual supplies, it may be worth considering a separate freezer.
A fridge with a small freezer compartment may suit occasional use without taking up space for an additional appliance. Still, check that the compartment can hold the food you actually plan to store in it.
Start with what you usually keep in your fridge and freezer, then compare your needs with the capacity and dimensions of each appliance.
Consider this if: you store fresh food, leftovers and frozen food every week in two compartments within one appliance.
Limit: a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee that each compartment will suit your supplies.
Consider this if: kitchen space is limited and you rarely buy frozen food.
Limit: its smaller capacity can quickly make it difficult to store pre-prepared portions.
Consider this if: your supplies regularly exceed the freezing capacity of a fridge freezer.
Bear in mind: it needs its own space and runs continuously.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity of both compartments | Compare the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately. For the fridge compartment, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person, then 50 l for each additional person; adjust this to suit your habits. | Do I mostly store fresh food and leftovers, or do my frozen portions regularly take up a lot of space? |
| Easy-to-see storage | Check the shelf height and access, as well as the bins and drawers. Make sure your usual containers fit without hiding the food behind them. | I’d like to spot opened food and leftovers before I do another food shop. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label for appliances of a similar size and capacity. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you the annual consumption; ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously. | If I add a freezer, is the extra storage space worth having a second appliance running all the time? |
| Installation | Measure the space and check the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual. If you’re buying a separate freezer, also plan where it will go and how it will be powered. | I need enough capacity for my shopping without choosing an appliance that gets in the way in my kitchen. |
| Cold zone | Check the manual to find the cold zone and use a thermometer to confirm its temperature. The Ministry of Agriculture says it should be no higher than 4 °C for highly perishable foods. | I want to put highly perishable food in the right place while keeping leftovers easy to reach. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. The total also won’t tell you whether your containers will fit on the shelves.
Pay attention to what fills each compartment as you do your shopping, then compare the usable capacities separately and check the interior layout.
Extra capacity takes up space, while a separate freezer adds another appliance that runs continuously.
First, choose a size that suits your usual supplies. Then compare the kWh/year shown on the labels of the models you’re considering, rather than choosing based only on maximum capacity.
A feature such as No Frost or an adjustable-humidity drawer won’t tell you what’s already in the appliance. ADEME recommends checking your supplies before shopping.
First, check that the shelves are easy to access, there’s room for your containers and the layout suits how you store food. Then look at the features of the specific model.
The position of the cold zone varies from one fridge to another. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends using a thermometer to identify the zone that should be no higher than 4 °C for highly perishable foods.
Check the manual to find this zone, then make sure the shelves and bins let you store other food without hiding opened items.
These manufacturer models show why it’s important to compare the features of a specific appliance rather than assume they apply to an entire brand.
The range includes built-in and freestanding fridge freezers, with layouts that vary by model.
The range includes fridge freezers with separate fridge and freezer compartments in different sizes.
Some fridge freezers in the range combine a large capacity with dedicated compartments.
Depending on the model, fridge freezers in the range offer different drawers and systems for circulating or separating cold air.
These models are fridge freezers that let you store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare their capacity with your usual supplies; this selection alone won’t tell you whether a small freezer compartment or a separate freezer is right for you.
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If you want to store fresh groceries and frozen food in one appliance, check how the 330 l capacity is divided between the compartments. Also check that it fits in your kitchen and has the right layout for your containers.
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This four-door style is worth considering if your supplies regularly take up a lot of room. The model name indicates a capacity of 467 l, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the space you have available and check the energy label for kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment.
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If fresh food and leftovers make up a large part of what you store, check how the stated 368 l capacity is divided before choosing. The model name indicates an E energy rating; check the kWh/year and dimensions for the exact model.
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For fresh groceries and frozen food, check how the 344 l capacity is divided between the two compartments. The model name indicates a D energy rating; compare the kWh/year on the energy label rather than judging consumption by the letter alone.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth considering if space is tight. The model name gives a fridge capacity of 153 l and a freezer capacity of 74 l. It also indicates Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the manual for installation and defrosting requirements, then check the energy label for kWh/year.
Work out separately how much space your fresh and frozen food takes up. For the fridge compartment, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person, then 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop and the space your containers take up.
No. This feature doesn’t replace clear organisation or checking what you have in stock. To avoid buying duplicates, ADEME advises checking what food you already have before writing your shopping list. Also check how easy it is to access the shelves and drawers in the model you’re considering.
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends using a thermometer to find the fridge’s cold zone, which should be no higher than 4 °C. Its position varies between appliances, so check the manual to find where to store highly perishable food.
Check the energy rating and, most importantly, the specific model’s annual consumption in kWh. The European Commission says fridge and freezer labels use a scale from A to G. To help you choose, compare the kWh/year for appliances with similar capacities and formats.
Consider one if your pre-prepared portions regularly exceed the space available in a fridge freezer. First, work out how much capacity you need, then check where the extra appliance will go and how much energy it uses each year, as it will run continuously.