Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge focuses on fresh food, a fridge-freezer handles both, while a separate freezer gives you extra storage. Then compare the dimensions, usable capacity in each compartment and annual energy consumption in kWh/year of the models you’re considering. Both appliances run continuously, so having two doesn’t guarantee lower electricity bills.
If your shopping includes both, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately rather than relying on the total capacity. ADEME also recommends checking what you already have in stock before shopping.
If you store frozen food or meals you’ve prepared for freezing, consider the capacity, how easy it is to reach your food and the space needed for a chest or upright freezer.
If you don’t need a freezer in your new appliance, check that the fridge capacity and layout suit the amount you usually keep in stock.
Worth considering if: you mainly buy fresh food and don’t need a freezer compartment in this appliance.
Bear in mind: this set-up doesn’t provide built-in freezer storage.
Worth considering if: you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: freezer capacity varies depending on how space is divided in each model.
Worth considering if: you already have a fridge and want more room for frozen food.
Bear in mind: a freezer alone won’t replace fresh-food storage, and chest and upright models have different layouts.
Worth considering if: you need plenty of storage for both fresh and frozen food, or your needs for each are different.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for two appliances and must add together their annual energy consumption.
| Priority | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Balancing fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and the layout of the exact model. | If I split my shopping between fresh and frozen food, I want to know how much space is available for each. Around 33% of consumers concerned put this balance first. |
| Storing fresh food | Check the fridge capacity, layout and whether or not it includes a freezer. | If I mainly buy fresh food, I prioritise fridge space without choosing more capacity than I need. Around 27% of consumers concerned prioritise fresh-food storage. |
| Creating a frozen-food reserve | Compare the capacity and footprint, as well as the drawer layout or top-opening design. | If my fridge doesn’t have enough room for frozen food or meals I’ve prepared, I look for accessible extra storage and a suitable place to put it. Around 20% of consumers concerned prioritise this extra freezer capacity. |
| Comparing electricity consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for the exact models and add them together if you’re buying two appliances. | If I want to factor in the electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously, I compare the annual consumption figures shown. Around 20% of consumers concerned put this criterion first. |
Fridges and freezers run continuously. ADEME points out that a larger appliance or one with more capacity than you need can increase your bills. The kWh/year figures let you compare the models you’re considering, but they won’t tell you exactly how much you’ll pay at home.
Two models with the same total capacity can divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. For example, the Bosch KGN39VLCT lists 260 L for the fridge and 103 L for the freezer.
Compare the two compartments separately against your usual storage needs before choosing a set-up.
ADEME says that fridges and freezers run continuously. Adding another appliance means factoring in its energy consumption as well as that of your fridge.
Check the kWh/year figures for the exact models and add them together for two appliances. Their energy ratings alone aren’t enough to show whether you’ll save energy.
Liebherr describes SmartFrost and StopFrost on the CFd 2085 chest freezer as features that reduce frost build-up. That doesn’t mean all maintenance is eliminated.
Check the technology and maintenance instructions for the exact model in its manual.
Old refrigeration appliances should be disposed of through an appropriate recycling or collection scheme. ADEME mentions retailer or delivery-driver take-back when replacing an appliance, as well as collection at a recycling centre.
Before delivery, ask about take-back arrangements or a suitable collection option.
Bosch fridge-freezers are worth comparing for how they divide space between fresh and frozen food. The KGN39VLCT is one example of a freestanding model.
Beko larder fridges are worth looking at if fresh-food storage is your priority. The B1RMLNE444W is a model without a freezer.
A Whirlpool upright freezer is worth considering if you want separate storage with drawers. The WHMFF6314WEE is one example.
The CFd 2085 is worth considering if you’re looking at a chest freezer rather than limiting your choice to upright models.
This selection includes fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a separate freezer for extra storage.
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An appliance with separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
230 L for the fridge and 114 L for the freezer; stated energy consumption of 254 kWh/year.
The freezer is listed as requiring manual defrosting.
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A fridge-freezer to consider if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
276 L for the fridge and 114 L for the freezer; stated energy consumption of 169 kWh/year.
The stated storage layout includes five shelves, four door balconies and three freezer drawers.
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A separate freezer option if you already have fridge space and are looking for extra storage.
161 L, three drawers and two trays; stated temperature range of -14 °C to -22 °C.
No Frost protection is mentioned in the product name.
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A four-door fridge-freezer for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
311 L for the fridge and 156 L for the freezer; stated energy consumption of 290 kWh/year.
Stated dimensions: 83.3 × 65 × 181.5 cm. No Frost is mentioned in the product name.
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A freestanding appliance for storing fresh and frozen food together.
322 L for the fridge and 115 L for the freezer; stated energy consumption of 254 kWh/year.
The stated freezing capacity is 5.5 kg/24 h. The freezer requires manual defrosting.
Check the kWh/year figures for the exact models, then add together the figures for the separate fridge and freezer before comparing the total with the fridge-freezer. To estimate your annual cost, multiply the energy consumption by your own price per kWh. Figures published by ADEME are averages and can’t guarantee what your bill will be.
Measure the space and the route to it, then compare these with the model’s dimensions and installation instructions. For example, Liebherr lists a width of 125 cm for the CFd 2085 chest freezer, while Bosch lists dimensions of 2030 × 600 × 665 mm for the KGN39VLCT fridge-freezer. These measurements apply to those exact models.
No. Bosch describes the No Frost feature on the KGN39VLCT freezer as eliminating the need for manual defrosting, but you should still follow the instructions in the manual. Remember to organise and check your food regularly, too. ADEME recommends keeping track of what’s in your fridge.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. It covers, among other things, products that don’t match their description and is separate from an optional commercial warranty. Check the delivery and installation services included in your contract separately.
Yes. The French authorities state that energy labelling requirements for fridges also apply to online sales. The DGCCRF specifies that the label and product information sheet must be in French in France. This applies to new appliances covered by these regulations, not indiscriminately to second-hand goods.