Who are these options for?

People who prepare meals for the week

You alternate between meals to eat soon and portions to freeze. The space available in each of the two compartments matters more than the total capacity alone.

Households that freeze food in batches

You regularly prepare batches or store bulky containers. Both frozen capacity and how easily you can find each portion will help determine your choice.

Households with a compact kitchen

You store leftovers and a few portions in a limited space. Measure the appliance, its door opening and the clearance around it before opting for a larger capacity.

What should you prioritise?

Start by working out how much room you need for fresh food and frozen portions, then check whether you can install and use an additional appliance without making meals harder to access.

Fridge-freezer

Consider it if: you regularly store fresh food and a moderate number of frozen portions in one appliance.

Bear in mind: the freezer compartment shares the available space with the fridge.

Small freezer compartment

Consider it if: you mostly eat your meals fresh and only freeze a few portions now and then.

Bear in mind: there will be limited space for frozen boxes and bags.

Additional upright freezer

Consider it if: your fridge already meets your fresh food needs and you often take out frozen portions.

Bear in mind: drawers make it easier to organise food, but you’ll need clear space in front of the appliance to open them.

Additional chest freezer

Consider it if: frozen batches or large containers are a priority and you have a suitable place for the appliance.

Bear in mind: a chest freezer takes up floor space, and portions stored at the bottom may be harder to find.

Consideration What to check Who it matters to
Balance of fresh and frozen food Compare the capacity of each compartment separately. Check the settings and temperatures needed for the food you plan to store. If I prepare meals for several days, I want to keep food I’ll eat soon without running out of space for what I freeze. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this balance.
Frozen capacity Estimate how much space your usual containers take up, then compare the freezer capacity and how easy it is to access items in an upright or chest freezer. When my meals quickly fill the freezer in my fridge-freezer, my first priority is to store more portions. This is the priority for around 29% of consumers.
Space and access Measure the appliance, the route it needs to pass through and the space required to open it. Also allow for the clearances specified in its instructions. In a compact kitchen, I need to be able to open the appliance and find a portion without getting in the way. For around 21% of consumers, space and access come before other considerations.
Everyday use Compare the kWh/year figures on energy labels for appliances suited to your needs. Also check the noise level and defrosting requirements. If the appliance runs constantly near living areas, I pay particular attention to its energy use, noise and maintenance. These factors are the priority for around 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing based on total capacity alone

    Even a large appliance may not leave enough room for frozen portions or for fresh meals you plan to eat soon.

    Take stock of the containers and groceries you typically have for a week, then compare the capacity of each compartment separately.

  • Filling a chest freezer without organising your portions

    Its open space can accommodate different types of container, but portions buried beneath other food can easily be forgotten.

    Sort meals into baskets, date the containers and keep the portions you need to use first within easy reach.

  • Overlooking ventilation around the appliance

    According to UFC-Que Choisir, a nearby heat source can increase the energy needed to maintain the temperature. Air must also be able to circulate around the appliance.

    Measure the space and follow the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. As general guidance, UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm above and behind the appliance.

  • Thinking freezing resets the clock

    Anses reminds consumers that freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most micro-organisms survive. It recommends freezing food before its use-by date is reached.

    Freeze portions promptly after preparing them, date them and, in line with Anses recommendations, do not refreeze food that has already been defrosted.

Brands to consider for these options

Bosch

Bosch offers fridge-freezers and freezers. Some models have separate temperature controls.

  • Bosch says the KGN36VLED fridge-freezer lets you adjust the fridge and freezer temperatures independently.
  • Check this feature, the capacity and the dimensions for the specific model you’re considering, as it isn’t a feature across the whole range.

Liebherr

The range includes fridge-freezers with product specifications that let you compare dimensions, capacity and noise level model by model.

  • Liebherr lists a total capacity of 359 L and a noise level of 35 dB for the CNd 5704.
  • These figures are for the CNd 5704. Before choosing it for your portions, check how its capacity is divided between fridge and freezer space.

Beko

Beko offers fridge-freezers and built-in models, with features that vary by model.

  • Beko features AeroFlow on the B7BCNA296HS built-in model.
  • Compare the capacity of each compartment and the built-in installation requirements for the model you choose, rather than assuming all Beko fridge-freezers have the same features.

Joybuy products related to this choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should you aim for when storing leftovers in the fridge?

For foods that spoil easily, Anses recommends monitoring the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge and keeping it between 0 and +4 °C there. Avoid overfilling the appliance and store opened food in suitable containers.

Is a small freezer compartment enough for prepared portions?

It may be suitable if you only freeze a few portions from time to time, but could be too small if you regularly prepare batches. Check how much space is left after adding your usual frozen food, and make sure the compartment can maintain −18 °C for the intended use.

How much space should you leave around a fridge or freezer?

First, follow the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. As a general guide, UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm above and behind the appliance to allow air to circulate, and placing it away from heat sources.

How can you compare the energy use of two appliances?

Check the kWh/year figures on their energy labels, ideally for appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. ADEME recommends using the energy label when choosing household appliances. The energy rating letter alone won’t tell you how much room you’ll have for portions.