For family shops every few days, a fridge-freezer may be enough if its freezer section can genuinely hold your frozen food. A multi-door model offers more storage if your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate it; two separate appliances are mainly worth considering when you consistently need more freezer space and have room for both. In every case, compare the net capacity of each compartment, the stated energy consumption and the installation requirements of the specific models.
If fresh food, leftovers and frozen food all need to fit until your next shop, start with what you usually keep in stock rather than relying on the total capacity alone. Check the space allocated to fresh food and freezing separately.
Prepared meals and bulk buys can fill the freezer before the fridge. Check its net capacity in litres, as well as the number and size of its drawers. If you consistently need more space, consider a separate freezer.
A large appliance needs to fit through your access points, into its space and have room for its doors to open, while also meeting the specified ventilation requirements. Check the delivery route and the manual before choosing a wider model.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check how each format will fit in your kitchen and meet the installation requirements.
Consider it: if you want fresh and frozen food in one main appliance.
Trade-off: its fixed layout may leave too little room for frozen food.
Consider it: if separate storage areas and a larger capacity suit your shopping habits, and you have enough space for the appliance.
Trade-off: its wider format can make it harder to get through and install in some kitchens.
Consider them: if you consistently need more freezer space and have room for two appliances.
Trade-off: each appliance needs its own space, power supply and suitable ventilation.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the net capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits. | I want enough room for the fresh and frozen food from a typical shop without choosing an appliance that is too large for my household. |
| Access and installation | Measure the appliance both packaged and unpackaged, the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors. Check the clearances in the manual; Bosch’s general advice recommends at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath the appliance. | A large fridge needs to fit through my doorways and remain practical to use once installed in my kitchen. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the stated kWh/year for the specific models, along with their capacities. If you choose two separate appliances, check both energy labels. As the ADEME points out, size and features also make a difference. | I’d rather compare the likely consumption of the appliances I’m considering than rely on their format or energy rating alone. |
| Storage | Check the number and usable dimensions of the freezer drawers, then look at the compartments for fresh food. Check the product details for any adjustable storage area on the model you choose. | My prepared portions and frozen food packaging need to fit without making it harder to reach the food I use every day. |
An appliance may be spacious overall but still have a freezer section that’s too small for prepared meals and frozen food shopping.
Compare the net capacity of each compartment with the contents of your usual shop, then check that the drawers can hold your packaging.
Being the right width for its final spot doesn’t guarantee an appliance will fit through your doorways, hallways or around corners.
Measure the whole route and the clearance needed to open the doors. Compare these measurements with the packaged dimensions of the model you’re considering.
The ADEME points out that an appliance’s size and extra features can affect its energy consumption.
Check the kWh/year on the labels of the models you’re considering and compare them in light of the capacity you need.
The clearance needed depends on how the appliance will be installed. Bosch’s general advice recommends at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath the fridge.
Check the manual for the ventilation requirements of the model you choose, and make sure your available space meets them.
Worth considering for fridge-freezers, particularly if you’re looking for an adjustable layout on a specific model.
Haier’s French range includes several configurations, including two-door, fridge-freezer and side-by-side models.
A brand to consider if a larger format suits your storage needs and kitchen.
A useful brand to consider when checking installation requirements, particularly in a fitted kitchen.
These appliances combine refrigeration and freezing in fridge-freezer, four-door and side-by-side formats. If you shop every few days, compare their storage layouts with your needs, then check the space available and the installation requirements.
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This fridge-freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Check that the freezer capacity suits your shopping habits, and review the delivery route, ventilation requirements and energy label for this model.
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If your regular shop includes frozen food, check the capacity and layout of this fridge-freezer’s freezer section. Also check the packaged dimensions, required clearances and the model’s energy label.
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Check that you have enough room for this four-door model. Its stated width of 83,3 cm also needs to suit your delivery route and allow the doors to open. Compare the capacity of each compartment with what you usually keep in stock, then check the manual and energy label.
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If you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, check that each compartment in this model can hold the amounts you usually buy. Also check the delivery dimensions, ventilation requirements and energy label.
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This side-by-side model is designed for households that need plenty of storage, provided its stated width of 91,2 cm and weight of 115 kg are suitable for your access points and installation. Check the capacity of each section, the packaged dimensions and ventilation requirements. If you plan to use the dispenser, check the water connection requirements too.
Start with what you usually keep in stock, then check the space for fresh and frozen food separately. UFC-Que Choisir gives a general guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to the frozen food and meals your household actually keeps.
No. Its capacity is only useful if the compartments suit what you keep in stock and the appliance can get all the way to your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a large American-style model may need around 1 m of width, compared with 70 cm for a standard model. Measure the model you’re considering and its entire delivery route.
Compare the kWh/year and usable capacity of the specific models. If you’re choosing a separate fridge and freezer, take both appliances into account. The ADEME’s general guidance can’t predict the energy consumption of the combination you choose.
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for the model you choose. Bosch’s general advice recommends at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath the fridge. Check the instructions for your specific appliance before preparing its space.