Households that batch cook
You need room for chilled dishes and, depending on how you organise your meals, portions to freeze. Easy access to containers and good air circulation matter too: Anses recommends not overfilling your fridge.
Who is this choice for?
Households that buy in bulk
You mainly need freezer space that can accommodate provisions that may be bulky. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering ease of use, while the drawers in an upright freezer and the compartment in a chest freezer offer different ways to organise your food.
Households with limited space
You need to balance storage for fresh and frozen food with the appliance’s footprint, the space needed to open its doors or lid, and the installation requirements for the model you choose.
What to compare
First decide whether you need more space for both fresh and frozen food, or just more freezer capacity. Then compare the internal layout, installation requirements and energy consumption of the appliances you’re considering.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of fridge and freezer space | Compare the stated usable capacity of each compartment with your needs when you have the most food in stock. | When I batch cook, I need room for chilled dishes and frozen portions at the same time; around 36% of consumers make this balance their priority. |
| Storing frozen food | Check the dimensions of the drawers or compartment against those of your largest containers, and consider how easy it is to reach the back of the appliance. | When I buy in bulk and have bulky packaging, I want to organise and find my provisions without moving everything around; around 29% of consumers prioritise freezer storage. |
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open it. Check the manual for ventilation requirements and the permitted ambient temperature. | In a small kitchen or utility room, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without blocking the way; around 21% of consumers put size and installation first. |
| Electricity and maintenance | Compare the kWh/year ratings of models that suit your needs, and check the maintenance information, spare parts and after-sales service. | If my fridge already suits my needs for fresh food but I need an additional freezer, I want to consider its running costs and maintenance over time; around 14% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing a fridge-freezer based on its total capacity alone
Fridge capacity doesn’t make up for a lack of freezer space: a large total capacity can still hide a compartment that’s too small for your portions.
Compare the stated capacities of each compartment separately with the largest amount of food you’ll need to store and the dimensions of your containers.
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Assuming a chest freezer will fit in the space you have
A chest freezer may take up more floor space than an upright model. You’ll also need room to open the lid and reach food at the bottom.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check that you’ll be able to open the lid and retrieve food easily.
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Adding an appliance without considering its running costs over time
ADEME reminds consumers that fridges and freezers run continuously. Adding another appliance means more equipment to power and maintain.
Compare the kWh/year ratings of models that suit your needs, and find out about spare parts and after-sales service. Don’t assume that a French repairability index applies to these appliances.
Brands and models to consider
Bosch
These models show two different configurations: a freestanding fridge-freezer and an integrated fridge with a freezer compartment.
- Bosch states that the KGN39VLCT has 260 L of fridge capacity, 103 L of freezer capacity and a noise level of 35 dB(A).
- The KIL42NSE0 is an integrated model stated to have 172 L of fridge capacity and a freezer compartment. Check that its freezer capacity meets your needs.
Haier
The H4F306WDH1 upright freezer shows how vertical storage with multiple drawers can work.
- Haier states that this model has a capacity of 301 L, four drawers and a width of 600 mm.
- The Instaswitch function lets you use it as either a fridge or a freezer, but not both at the same time.
Liebherr
The CFd 2085 Plus chest freezer shows how a less divided compartment can suit bulky provisions.
- Liebherr states that this model has a capacity of 248 L, measures 82 × 125 × 71 cm and features FrostProtect down to −15 °C.
- Make sure the width and top access work for your room. The stated operating temperature range for this model doesn’t automatically apply to other freezers.
Whirlpool
The WHM31112 2 chest freezer is an example of a size to compare when you need to store a lot of provisions.
- Whirlpool states that it has a capacity of 300 L and measures 118 cm wide, 91.6 cm high and 69.8 cm deep.
- The manufacturer’s product listing showed this model as out of stock; check availability before choosing it.
Joybuy products to suit your needs
This selection includes fridge-freezers that combine both uses, as well as upright and chest freezers for adding more space for frozen food.
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Beko B5RCNE406HG, 355 L fridge-freezer, C class
Store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, with stated capacities of around 249 L for the fridge and 106 L for the freezer.
The product listing specifies Total No Frost, annual energy consumption of 240 kWh and a freezing capacity of 6 kg/24 h. It also lists a reversible door and adjustable feet.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L upright freezer, C class
Add dedicated freezer space without replacing a fridge that already meets your needs for fresh food.
The stated capacity is 161 L, with three drawers and two shelves. The product listing specifies No Frost protection, an alarm and an adjustable temperature range from −14 °C to −22 °C. This appliance does not have a fridge compartment.
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Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 L fridge-freezer, E class
Combine fresh and frozen food storage in a side-by-side appliance.
The stated total capacity is 444 L. The product listing specifies Total No Frost in both compartments, annual energy consumption of 289 kWh and an ambient temperature range of 10 °C to 43 °C.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L chest freezer
Add freezer space in a chest-style compartment, especially if you want a separate appliance for storing provisions.
The title states a capacity of 140 L and includes a storage basket. The product listing specifies a counterbalanced lid, mechanical temperature control and dimensions of 637 × 556 × 846 mm. Allow enough clearance to open the lid.
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TCL CF126EWE0FR, 98 L chest freezer
Add to your existing freezer space with a chest freezer that has a stated capacity of 98 L.
The product listing specifies a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and a function for switching between fresh and frozen modes. Allow enough clearance to open the lid.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how much space I need for batch-cooked meals?
List the containers and provisions you’ll have at the same time during a busy period, then compare fridge and freezer capacities separately. Anses recommends not overfilling your fridge, to allow cold air to circulate.
Can I put any freezer in an unheated garage?
No. Check the permitted ambient temperature range and the installation instructions for the model you choose. Liebherr states that the CFd 2085 Plus chest freezer features FrostProtect down to −15 °C; this applies to that model and doesn’t automatically apply to other freezers.
What should I check for ventilation and opening the appliance?
Check the installation manual for the required clearances and ventilation openings, then measure the space needed to open the door or lid and access the drawers. The appliance’s external dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it will fit the space.
How long can cooked dishes be left at room temperature before refrigerating them?
Anses recommends refrigerating food within two hours of leaving it at room temperature. In its advice published in December 2020, it also recommends aiming for 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and not overfilling it. The appliance’s capacity alone won’t guarantee that you follow this advice.
How do I compare energy consumption if I add a freezer?
Compare the declared annual energy consumption in kWh of models that meet your storage needs. ADEME reminds consumers that fridges and freezers run continuously, so also compare the usable capacity of each compartment to make sure the appliances suit the way you’ll use them.