For family shops that need to last, first decide how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the capacity of each compartment and the room available. A fridge-freezer keeps a moderate amount of frozen food in one appliance; a multi-door fridge may offer more integrated capacity, but check its width; a separate freezer is worth considering if storing frozen food is the priority and you have room for a second appliance.
If you want to keep fresh food and a supply of frozen food in one appliance, how often you shop and how much space you have matter just as much as the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a fridge format based on these habits.
If you regularly buy or prepare food to freeze, check whether the integrated freezer compartment will be big enough before considering a separate appliance. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between upright and chest freezers, in particular, by their format and how they are used.
An alcove, narrow kitchen or outbuilding may determine which format will fit. Measure the space and access route. If you’re considering a cellar or unheated garage, also compare the room temperature with the appliance’s specified operating range, as advised by ADEME.
If you shop weekly or less often, start by working out how much fresh and frozen food you need to store, then rule out any formats that won’t fit the space available.
Choose this if: you want fresh food and a moderate supply of frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the space available for frozen food is limited to the integrated freezer compartment.
Choose this if: you want more capacity in one kitchen appliance and have enough width to accommodate it.
Bear in mind: check the space it takes up carefully: the Haier TD-481DQIN registered in EPREL is 830 mm wide.
Choose this if: storing frozen food is your main priority and you have room for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to find space for, power and maintain an extra appliance; an upright freezer and a chest freezer offer different ways to organise your food.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with your usual shopping, rather than looking only at the total capacity. | I want to store the weekly shop and some frozen food without needing two appliances. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Frozen food storage | Check the freezer capacity and how easy it is to reach your food: an integrated compartment, drawers in an upright freezer or the inside of a chest freezer. | When I freeze large quantities regularly, I want to find and handle food easily without running out of space; around 30% of consumers would put this at the top of their list. |
| Installation and ongoing use | Measure the appliance, clearance and access route; also check the model’s kWh/year, noise level and ambient temperature range. | My choice needs to fit in the kitchen or an outbuilding and suit the conditions in the room. This would be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
This figure doesn’t tell you how much space is available for frozen food. The Haier TD-481DQIN’s EPREL registration gives a total capacity of 474 l, split between 301 l of fridge space and 173 l of freezer space.
Compare each compartment with the food you usually buy.
The permitted ambient temperature range varies by model. According to its manufacturer, the Liebherr FNe 4605 is designed to operate at ambient temperatures down to -15 °C; this doesn’t apply to all freezers.
Compare the room temperature throughout the year with the conditions specified for the exact model you’re considering.
The appliance’s width alone won’t tell you whether it can be delivered and used in your home. UFC-Que Choisir says a chest freezer is, on average, 110 to 140 cm wide and 70 cm deep.
Also measure the height, delivery route, door clearance and the space required around the appliance according to the manual.
Appliances with different capacities don’t offer the same amount of storage. France Rénov’ explains that the energy label shows a theoretical annual energy consumption.
Consider the kWh/year alongside the usable fridge and freezer capacities, then check the installation requirements.
The freestanding KGN39VLCT-B fridge-freezer is an example of a 60 cm-wide appliance that combines fridge and freezer space.
The brand’s multi-door fridges are an option for households looking to combine plenty of capacity in one appliance.
The FNe 4605 Pure NoFrost upright freezer could be a useful option for adding freezer space to an existing fridge.
The ENG7TE75S built-in fridge-freezer is designed for kitchens where an existing cabinet space determines the appliance format.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person as a starting point, plus 50 l for each additional person. This guideline applies to fridge space: work out separately how much room you need for frozen food.
No. Your choice depends as much on how easy it is to access your food as on the capacity you need. UFC-Que Choisir says chest freezers can hold up to 600 l, while upright freezers are generally more compact, often around 200 l, and let you organise food in drawers. Check the floor space available and how easy it will be to reach everything inside.
Only if the garage temperature stays within the operating range specified for your chosen model. ADEME advises checking the appliance’s stated ambient temperature range. Measure the room temperature, particularly during the coldest and warmest periods.
Look at the declared annual energy consumption in kWh alongside the usable capacity of each appliance, rather than comparing energy ratings alone. France Rénov’ notes that the label shows a theoretical annual energy consumption; also check that each format meets your storage needs.