First, choose the fridge and freezer capacities that suit your shopping habits, then compare the kWh/year figures of appliances that meet those needs. A fridge-freezer is a good choice if you freeze food regularly; if you mainly store fresh food, consider a larder fridge. Two separate appliances are worth considering if you have an ongoing need for extra freezer space, room for both appliances and have compared their combined energy consumption.
Your choice mainly depends on how much fresh and frozen food you need to store between shops.
A larder fridge can give you more room for fresh food without taking up space with a large freezer compartment. However, if you plan to freeze fresh food, check that the appliance has a suitable compartment: the Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes this from using a freezer to store food that is already frozen.
A fridge-freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment separately: a suitable total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the section you use most.
A separate freezer is worth considering if you regularly store batches of home-cooked food or bulk buys. Check how much space you have and add together the kWh/year figures for both appliances; ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously.
Start by deciding what you need to store, then compare appliances with features that meet the same needs.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge capacity | Check the capacity in litres set aside for refrigeration, not just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L as a general guide for one person; adjust this to suit how often you shop. | I want enough room for my usual shopping without choosing an appliance that’s much bigger than I need. |
| Freezing | Compare the freezer capacity and the compartment’s function. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a freezer compartment isn’t suitable for freezing fresh food, unlike a 4-star compartment. | I don’t need the same capacity for a few ready-frozen products as I do for regularly freezing meals or bulk buys. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy labels of appliances with similar capacities and functions. The European Commission also provides an A to G rating, storage capacities and noise emissions; the rating alone doesn’t show annual energy consumption. | I’m looking for an appliance that suits my storage needs, then I’ll compare its stated energy consumption with other models that meet the same needs. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the space and check the door opening, installation clearances and noise level stated for the model. For a built-in appliance, check the niche dimensions and door-fixing type. | For an open-plan kitchen or a fitted niche, I need an appliance that will fit properly and has a noise level I’m happy with. |
Two appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily meet the same needs, even if they have the same rating. The European energy label also shows kWh/year and compartment capacities.
Work out how many litres of fridge and freezer space you need before comparing the annual energy consumption and ratings of the models you’re considering.
ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously and that a larger appliance can increase a household’s energy consumption.
If you rarely freeze food, also compare a larder fridge or a model with a compartment that suits your habits.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a freezer intended for storing food that is already frozen isn’t suitable for freezing fresh food.
If you plan to freeze food at home, check that the compartment is rated for freezing, including by looking for a 4-star rating.
A separate appliance takes up space and also runs continuously. It’s most useful if you have an ongoing need for freezer space that the fridge-freezer you’re considering can’t accommodate.
Add together the kWh/year figures shown on both energy labels and measure the spaces available before choosing this set-up.
These models show some of the configurations you could compare; their features aren’t necessarily representative of every appliance from each brand.
The freestanding KGN39EXCF fridge-freezer lets you compare the balance between fridge and freezer capacity.
Liebherr’s larder fridges and fridge-freezers let you compare a mainly refrigeration-based need with one that calls for both fridge and freezer space.
The LNA7CE18S0 built-in fridge-freezer is one to consider if your kitchen requires an appliance to be fitted into a niche.
This selection includes fridge-freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a larder fridge for households that mainly need fridge space. Compare their capacities and energy labels before choosing.
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Worth considering if you need fridge and freezer space in one appliance. The stated total capacity is 390 L: check how this is divided between the compartments, the space available and the kWh/year figure on the label of the model being sold.
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This fridge-freezer suits a household that uses both fridge and freezer space. Its product name lists a total capacity of 333 L; check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure on the energy label. If you’re planning a built-in installation, also confirm the niche dimensions and door fixing.
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The stated 440 L capacity is worth comparing with your needs if you require plenty of storage, rather than choosing the appliance based on its total capacity alone. Check the capacity of each compartment, the space it takes up and the kWh/year figure on the label of the model being sold.
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This fridge-freezer combines both types of storage in one appliance with a stated capacity of 368 L. To see if it suits your shopping needs, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the kWh/year figure on the energy label. Also make sure you have enough space for installation.
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Consider this if you mainly store fresh food and have a fitted kitchen. Before comparing it with fridge-freezers, check the exact usable capacity, niche dimensions and kWh/year figure in the documentation for the model being sold; its product name lists an E rating.
Compare the kWh/year figures on their energy labels after checking that their fridge and freezer capacities meet the same needs. The A to G rating adds to the comparison, but doesn’t replace the annual energy consumption figure when capacities differ.
No. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes a freezer, intended for temporarily storing food that is already frozen, from a 4-star compartment that can freeze food. Check for this function if you prepare food at home to freeze.
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends setting your fridge to +4 °C and your freezer to −18 °C. Check the temperatures after installation and adjust the settings in line with the appliance’s instructions.
Yes. The Ministry of the Economy states that energy labels apply to fridges sold both in shops and online. For the household cooling appliances covered, the European Commission provides an A to G scale and information on kWh/year, capacities and noise.
No. First, look at the usable capacity, freezing function and kWh/year figure for your needs. Then check how the model needs to be defrosted if maintenance is an important factor in your choice.