If most of your shopping is fresh, start by working out how much fridge space you need. If you also keep frozen portions, a fridge-freezer gives you both compartments in one appliance. A separate freezer is more suitable if you regularly need more frozen storage than you have available, provided you have room for it and can account for its continuous running costs. Before adding another appliance, check how much space you have at home, then compare the capacity in litres for each compartment and the models’ annual energy use in kWh.
If you keep fresh food for everyday use as well as a few frozen portions or other frozen items, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately when looking at a fridge-freezer. A large total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space you’ll have for each.
If you buy in bulk or prepare large batches of food, a separate freezer could provide the extra capacity you need. You’ll also need a suitable space for it and should factor in its continuous energy use, as ADEME points out.
Measure the space and check what’s already taking up room in your appliance. If you only run short of space occasionally, better food storage organisation may be enough without adding another appliance that runs continuously.
Start with what you keep chilled or frozen between food shops. Then check the space you’ll need and the energy-use figures for the specific model.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge and freezer capacity | Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment, rather than looking only at the total. The EU energy label shows the usable capacity of each compartment. | Most of my shopping is fresh, so a fridge alone may be suitable if I don’t regularly store frozen food. If I also want to keep frozen portions in the same appliance, I’ll check the freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer. For regular bulk storage, I’ll look at a separate freezer. |
| Energy use | Check the A to G energy rating and, above all, the model’s kWh/year figure. Compare models with similar capacities and intended uses. ADEME notes that refrigeration appliances run continuously and buying more capacity than you need can increase your energy bill. | Before adding a freezer, I want to know whether my current capacity is genuinely insufficient. If I only run short occasionally, I can start by reorganising how I store food. |
| Installation and noise | Check the appliance dimensions against the space and access routes, then look up the required clearances in the manual. Compare the dB(A) figures on the EU energy label too, particularly if it will be near a living area. | In a small kitchen, I need enough room to open the doors or lid. If the appliance is going in an alcove, I’ll also need to check the dimensions of the model I’m considering. |
| Access to frozen food | Consider the drawer storage in an upright freezer or the top-opening design of a chest freezer, as well as the space needed to open it. | If I often take out small portions, I’ll choose a layout that gives me easy access. A chest freezer is only right for me if its size and lid opening suit the room. |
A fridge-freezer may have a generous total capacity without enough room for frozen portions. The EU energy label shows the capacity of each compartment separately.
Work out how much space you usually need for fresh food and frozen items, then compare this with the capacity in litres listed for each compartment.
An extra freezer runs continuously. ADEME advises taking the size of appliances and buying more capacity than you need into account when considering household electricity use.
First, check how full your current freezer is. If you still need more space, compare the new appliance’s kWh/year figure with the extra capacity it would provide.
External dimensions aren’t the whole story if a door, lid or ventilation needs extra room. A chest freezer, in particular, needs to be accessible from above.
Measure the access routes and the space where the appliance will go, then check the manual for the required clearances and opening space.
Defrosting features and installation requirements vary between models. Seeing a feature on a range page doesn’t mean it’s included with every appliance.
Check the product details, energy label and manual for the exact model, particularly if you plan to keep it in an unheated room.
These ranges offer a useful starting point for comparing formats and specifications. The features mentioned depend on the model.
Liebherr France lists freestanding fridge-freezers that you can search by dimensions, total capacity, energy rating and noise level.
Bosch offers a range of built-in fridge-freezers, which are worth considering if your appliance needs to fit a specific niche.
Whirlpool offers chest freezers to consider if separate frozen storage and top access suit your space.
The range shown by Haier France includes upright and chest freezers. Compare both styles with the space you have and the access you need.
These models combine fridge and freezer compartments in one appliance. Compare the capacity split, stated energy use and dimensions against your food shopping needs. This list isn’t a substitute for considering a fridge alone or a separate freezer if you mainly need one type of storage.
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For fresh and frozen food in one appliance, the specifications list 311 L of fridge capacity and 156 L of freezer capacity. The model has an E energy rating, uses 290 kWh/year, produces 35 dB(A) of noise and measures 83,3 × 65 × 181,5 cm. Check the required clearances and access routes before choosing this size.
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Its stated width of 54 cm could make it worth considering for a narrow space. The specifications split the capacity into 187 L for the fridge and 75 L for the freezer. It uses 215 kWh/year, produces 39 dB(A) of noise and requires the freezer to be manually defrosted around once or twice a year. If you plan to use it in an unheated room, check the ambient temperature: the stated range is 16 to 38 °C.
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To compare space for fresh food and frozen portions, the specifications list 183 L of fridge capacity, a 37 L chill compartment and 113 L of freezer capacity. The model uses 169 kWh/year and measures 597 × 1860 × 674 mm. Confirm the exact configuration before buying: the appliance type stated in the product details is inconsistent. Also check the required installation clearances.
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The specifications split the stated 344 L capacity into 230 L for the fridge and 114 L for the freezer, making it easy to compare the space for each type of food. The model uses 254 kWh/year and measures 59,5 × 185,3 × 65,8 cm. Check the manual for ventilation and installation clearances.
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For storing fresh food and frozen portions in the same appliance, the specifications list 235 L of fridge capacity and 125 L of freezer capacity. The model has an E energy rating, uses 271 kWh/year, produces 35 dB(A) of noise and measures 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm. Check the space needed for installation and to open the doors.
Check the capacity in litres of each compartment, kWh/year, the A to G energy rating, noise in dB(A) and external dimensions. The European Commission says the energy label shows key information about storage, energy use and noise. Its EPREL database lets you look up the declared specifications of the models listed.
No. Also compare the kWh/year figures for models with the capacity you need. ADEME notes that fridges and freezers run continuously, so their size and the addition of another appliance are important factors in your decision.
Before choosing this location, check the installation requirements for the exact model. Whirlpool states that its W3RHS31DW2 chest freezer can withstand temperatures down to −15 °C, but this doesn’t apply to every chest freezer. Check the product details and manual for the model you’re considering.