If you shop less often and prepare meals in advance, start by working out how much fresh and frozen storage space you need, rather than focusing on total capacity. A fridge-freezer gives you two regular storage areas in one appliance. If your current fridge is big enough and you only need more freezer space, it may be worth considering an additional freezer, provided you have room for it and are happy to run two appliances. A small freezer compartment is better suited to occasional use.
If you store prepared meals as well as fresh groceries, check the capacity in litres for each compartment. A large total capacity may still leave too little room in the area you need most. FranceAgriMer distinguishes between fresh, frozen and tinned ready meals bought for consumption at home.
You need enough space between shopping trips without having to install two appliances. Compare the fresh and frozen capacities with the width, depth including the doors, access to the compartments and stated noise level.
If your current fridge still meets your everyday needs, an additional freezer could save you from replacing the whole appliance. However, you’ll need a suitable place for it and should factor in the energy use of running an extra appliance, as the ADEME points out for refrigeration equipment.
Start with the compartment that actually fills up between shopping trips. The energy label, as described by the European Commission, can then help you compare storage capacity, annual energy consumption and noise levels to find an option that suits your space.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh and frozen food | Compare the capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer compartments separately, as well as their layout. | If my prepared meals take up most of the freezer, I want enough space for them without giving up too much room for fresh groceries; around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Energy consumption | Check the kWh/year figure alongside the energy rating, and compare appliances with a capacity that suits your needs. | When an appliance runs continuously, I want to meet my needs without choosing a capacity that’s bigger than necessary; around 29% of consumers would make energy consumption their priority. |
| Positioning and access | Measure the appliance, access routes and door clearance; check the required clearances in the manual. | In a narrow kitchen, the appliance needs to fit and its compartments must be easy to reach; around 21% of consumers would put positioning first. |
| Maintenance and keeping the appliance for longer | Check the defrosting technology for the specific model and the information available about repairs. | If I want to minimise defrosting and keep the appliance for longer, maintenance and repairability matter most; around 14% of consumers would make this their priority. |
This figure doesn’t show how the capacity is split between compartments. If you need to freeze meals, a large fridge section won’t necessarily make up for a small freezer. The ADEME also notes that the size of an appliance that runs continuously can affect its energy consumption.
Make a note of how much space you need in each compartment, then compare the capacities and kWh/year figures of models suited to the same use.
Two appliances need two usable spaces, with room for ventilation and for doors, drawers or lids to open.
Measure the appliance and access routes before you buy. Follow the clearances specified in the manual and keep the vents unobstructed.
An additional freezer also runs continuously, and you may need to rethink the layout of the room.
A particular compartment or frost-management technology advertised for one model won’t necessarily be available across the brand’s other models.
Check the feature, the compartment it applies to and the conditions of use on the product page for the exact model.
Take-back and repair involve separate arrangements. The Repair Bonus mentioned by ecosystem depends, among other things, on the repair being eligible and being carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer.
Ask the retailer about take-back arrangements before you order. If your old appliance has broken down, check whether the repair is eligible before relying on financial support.
The examples below let you compare features on specific models; they don’t imply that every model in each range has the same features.
Bosch offers freestanding fridge-freezers with product details covering capacity by compartment, dimensions and noise levels.
Liebherr offers fridge-freezers in a range of sizes, with different frost-management options.
Beko offers fridge-freezers with a variety of compartment layouts, including some models with multiple zones.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in a single appliance. Before choosing, compare the capacity of each compartment and the space the appliance takes up with your storage habits. If you only need more freezer capacity, adding a separate freezer is another option.
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This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you want one appliance for fresh groceries and frozen food, and have enough room for its large size.
Its product description lists a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the installation clearances before choosing this size.
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This three-door model is worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one 360 L fridge-freezer.
The product description lists Total No Frost, My Zone, Wi-Fi and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of both compartments with your needs, and check the manual for the required clearances.
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This fridge-freezer is worth comparing if you want a separate freezer compartment beneath the fridge, without automatically opting for a larger total capacity.
Its product description lists a capacity of 282 L and an E energy rating. Check how much space you’ll need and follow the manual for transport and installation, including the instructions concerning the flammable refrigerant specified for this model.
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This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you need a large appliance for your groceries, provided it also offers enough space for frozen food.
Its product description lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the clearances required for your chosen location.
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This fridge-freezer is worth considering when space is limited and its 153 L fridge capacity and 74 L freezer capacity meet your needs.
Its product description lists Low Frost and an E energy rating. Low Frost doesn’t mean you can skip checking the defrosting requirements. Also check the label for the kWh/year figure and the manual for installation instructions.
When comparing options suited to your household, check the capacity in litres of the freezer and fridge compartments, the kWh/year figure, the energy rating and the noise level. The European Commission explains these details on the energy label for the relevant refrigeration appliances. The energy rating alone won’t tell you whether the capacity suits your shopping habits.
First check the model’s manual and make sure its ventilation grilles aren’t blocked. ecosystem recommends leaving a few centimetres behind the appliance, 1 cm on each side and 5 cm above it. If the manual specifies more space, follow its instructions. Also check that the doors can open fully in the chosen location.
No. These names don’t replace the maintenance recommended by the manufacturer, and they don’t necessarily refer to the same approach to frost management. Check which technology applies to which compartment on the model you choose, along with its cleaning instructions.
Ask the retailer about take-back arrangements before you order, particularly if delivery and collection need to be coordinated. The DGCCRF explains the principle of « one-for-one » take-back when buying an appliance to replace an old one. Ask the retailer to confirm the arrangements that apply to your order.