Households that batch-cook meals for the freezer
If you cook several portions at once or shop in bulk, start by checking the freezer capacity and how the drawers are arranged. A separate appliance will also need extra space.
Who are these options for?
Households storing fresh and frozen food in a compact kitchen
If you only have room for one appliance, a fridge-freezer lets you store both types of food. The split between fridge and freezer capacity matters more than the total capacity alone.
Shoppers mindful of electricity use
According to ADEME, fridges and freezers run continuously. Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and features of the models you’re considering, rather than looking only at the energy rating letter.
What sets these appliances apart?
Fridge with no freezer compartment
Choose this if : you mainly store fresh food and rarely freeze anything.
Bear in mind : you’ll need a way to freeze food if batch-cooked meals or frozen shopping become a regular part of your routine.
Fridge-freezer
Choose this if : you need both chilled and frozen storage in one appliance.
Consider this : the space allocated to the freezer may limit how much you can store in large batches.
Separate freezer
Choose this if : you already have a fridge and often freeze meals or large amounts of shopping.
Bear in mind : you’ll need a second space, and the extra appliance will use energy around the clock.
Whichever option you choose, start by working out what you need to store. Then check the model’s specifications and the space you have available.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the usable freezer capacity in litres and the drawer layout. | If I prepare several portions in advance, I want to be able to store them without running out of room for frozen shopping. Around 33 % of shoppers prioritise this need for batch freezing. |
| Fresh and frozen storage split | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then note the appliance dimensions. | With room for only one appliance, I need to keep my fresh shopping chilled while also freezing a few prepared meals. This balance is a priority for around 42 % of shoppers. |
| Energy use and installation | Compare the kWh/year figure and measure both the access route and the space available; check the manual for ventilation requirements. | I want an appliance that runs continuously to fit into my home without overlooking its electricity use. For around 25 % of shoppers, energy use and whether installation is practical come ahead of other criteria. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Relying on total capacity alone
Two fridge-freezers with a similar total capacity can divide their space differently between the fridge and freezer. So, an appliance with plenty of room overall might still not meet your storage needs for prepared meals.
Note the capacity of each compartment in litres and compare it with how often you shop and batch-cook.
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Measuring the kitchen but not the delivery route
The appliance needs to fit all the way through to its intended position. Once installed, you’ll also need to meet the ventilation requirements and climate class specified for the model.
Measure doors, corridors and corners along the route, confirm the delivery arrangements with the retailer and check the installation instructions for your chosen model.
Difficult access or a space that needs preparing may mean extra delivery or installation arrangements.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The rating letter doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption or how much food the appliance can store. According to ADEME, cooling appliances run continuously, so it’s worth checking the energy use of each model.
Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances of a similar type and capacity, taking into account how much storage space you actually need.
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Forgetting to dispose of your old appliance
Replacing a fridge or freezer also means arranging for your old appliance to be collected or taken to an appropriate recycling facility.
Ask about take-back arrangements when you buy, or plan to use a collection point or recycling centre. The Ministry for Ecological Transition explains the options for electrical and electronic equipment.
Brands to consider
These brands offer ranges that are useful for comparing different formats. Check the specifications and installation requirements for the model you’re interested in.
Bosch
The Bosch range includes fridges with no freezer compartment, fridge-freezers and freezers.
- Bosch lists 237 L of fridge capacity and 89 L of freezer capacity for its KGN36VWED-B fridge-freezer. These figures are useful when comparing how the total capacity is divided.
- These capacities apply to this specific model, not all Bosch appliances.
Liebherr
Liebherr’s range includes fridges with no freezer compartment, fridge-freezers and freestanding upright freezers.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 277 L for its FNe 5217 freezer, which may be worth considering if you need dedicated freezer storage.
- Capacity and features vary by model; these details don’t apply to the whole range.
Electrolux
Electrolux fridge-freezers, including built-in models, are also worth considering if you need to account for installation requirements.
- Electrolux publishes pre-installation guidance covering factors such as dimensions and airflow.
- When choosing where to put an appliance, check the instructions for the model you’re considering rather than applying the installation requirements for another model.
Fridge-freezers available on Joybuy
These fridge-freezers combine chilled and frozen storage in one appliance. To compare them, start with the stated total capacity, then check how it’s split between the two compartments, the annual energy consumption and the installation requirements for each model.
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Bosch KGN497LDF, 440 L fridge-freezer, D-rated, grey
Worth considering if you want to store fresh shopping and meals to freeze in one appliance. The stated total capacity is 440 L; check the capacity of each compartment and make sure the appliance can be moved through to its intended position.
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Hisense RB5K330GSFC, 330 L fridge-freezer, black
An option to consider if you’re looking for one appliance to store both fresh and frozen food. Its stated total capacity is 330 L; check the freezer capacity, dimensions and the model’s ventilation requirements.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity fridge-freezer for shopping and prepared meals. This model has a stated total capacity of 467 L, an E energy rating and Total No Frost; check the available space, access to the room and how the capacity is divided.
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Bosch KGN39VLEB, 368 L fridge-freezer, E-rated, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food without a second appliance. The stated total capacity is 368 L; compare the capacity of both compartments and measure the space required before delivery.
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Samsung RB34C704DB1, 344 L fridge-freezer, D-rated, black
An option for keeping fresh food and frozen portions in one appliance. The stated total capacity is 344 L; check the energy label to compare annual energy consumption, and check the dimensions and installation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should I compare between a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer?
Compare the capacity reserved for freezing, not just the appliances’ total capacity. With a fridge-freezer, also check the fridge capacity; for a separate freezer, compare its dedicated capacity with the amount of meals and shopping you plan to freeze.
What should I measure before a fridge or freezer is delivered?
Measure the space where it will go and the entire route to the room, including doors, corridors, stairs, lifts and corners. Tell the retailer about any access issues; for a built-in model, also check the dimensions and any work needed to prepare the housing and fit the door panels.
Is the same clearance suitable for every cooling appliance?
No. The required clearances depend on the model and how it’s installed. Follow its installation instructions to ensure good airflow, and check that its climate class is suitable for the intended location, as Electrolux highlights in its installation guidance.
What should I look for on an appliance’s energy label?
Check the annual energy consumption in kWh, storage capacities, noise level and energy efficiency rating. The European Commission explains the information shown on fridge and freezer energy labels; compare like-for-like appliances with similar capacities.
What should I do with an old fridge or freezer in France?
Arrange for it to be collected or take it to an appropriate collection facility, rather than treating it as ordinary waste. The Ministry for Ecological Transition lists options including collection points and recycling centres; when buying a replacement of the same type, ask the retailer about take-back arrangements.