Households that prepare meals for the week
If you store fresh ingredients, leftovers and portions to freeze, check how much room there is in each compartment and whether your containers will fit in the drawers.
Which setup is right for you?
Households with limited kitchen space
A fridge-freezer combines refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Even so, check its dimensions, door clearance and the actual capacity of each compartment before deciding if this format is right for you.
Households that freeze large quantities
If you freeze lots of portions or stock up on groceries, a separate freezer can give you more room than the few drawers in a fridge-freezer. To freeze food, France’s Ministry of Agriculture advises using a four-star appliance or compartment.
What should you check before choosing?
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that your chosen setup will fit in your kitchen.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you need one appliance to store fresh food and frozen meals in quantities that will fit in the model’s drawers.
The trade-off: the capacity split is fixed for each model. A large total capacity may still leave you with less freezer space than you need.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider this if: you often freeze large quantities and have room for two appliances.
The trade-off: you’ll need to allow for the space they take up and compare the stated annual energy consumption of both appliances, which run continuously according to ADEME.
Add-on chest or upright freezer
Consider this if: your fridge space is already suitable, but you need more room for portions to freeze.
The trade-off: choose between a chest and upright freezer based on the space available, the clearance needed to open it and how you want to access your food.
| What to check | Things to consider | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity of each compartment | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then check the size and number of drawers. UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L of fridge space for one person, then allowing around 50 L for each additional person. | I want enough room for my regular shop, without running out of space for meals I’ve prepared in advance. |
| Freezing capability | Look for a four-star appliance or compartment. France’s Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes this type of freezer from an ice compartment, which is intended for temporarily storing food that is already frozen. | I need to be able to freeze my prepared meals, not just store them alongside food that is already frozen. |
| Energy consumption | Check the energy label and stated kWh/year. Compare appliances with similar sizes, capacities and features. ADEME says that fridges and freezers run continuously. | If I add a freezer, I want to take the stated consumption of both appliances into account. |
| Installation and access | Measure the space, delivery route and clearance needed for the doors. Check the drawer layout and controls, and look at the stated noise level if your kitchen is open-plan. | I need to be able to open the doors and take out my meal containers without blocking the kitchen. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Looking only at the total capacity
The total capacity in litres shown for a fridge-freezer doesn’t tell you how many portions will fit in its freezer.
Compare the capacity of both compartments and check whether the drawers will fit your usual containers, bags or dishes.
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Confusing an ice compartment with a freezer
France’s Ministry of Agriculture says an ice compartment is for temporarily storing food that is already frozen. It isn’t designed to freeze your own meals.
Check that the appliance or compartment you plan to use for prepared meals is rated four stars.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
You can’t compare appliances with different capacities or layouts by looking at their energy rating letters alone. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
Check the stated kWh/year too, and compare appliances with similar capacities and features.
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Forgetting about your kitchen layout
An appliance may fit in its intended space but still not have enough clearance for its doors or drawers.
Measure the delivery route too. If your kitchen is open-plan, check the stated noise level.
Which brands should you consider?
These ranges give you a starting point for comparing layouts and features. Check the specifications of the exact model you’re interested in.
Bosch
Bosch’s refrigeration range includes several formats for organising fresh and frozen food.
- Some Bosch appliances feature adjustable shelves and door balconies, as well as drawers close to 0°C.
- Check the layout, capacities and dimensions of your chosen model rather than assuming these features are available throughout the range.
Liebherr
Some Liebherr models focus on making the most of the available space and include BioFresh compartments.
- Liebherr describes BluPerformance as a technology designed to provide more usable space without increasing the appliance’s dimensions.
- This is the brand’s claim; you should still compare the dimensions, usable capacity and kWh/year of the specific models you’re considering.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s range includes No Frost fridge-freezers for households looking to reduce the need for defrosting.
- Whirlpool describes No Frost on relevant models as a fan-assisted cooling system designed to prevent ice build-up.
- Check that the model you choose has this feature, and compare the capacity and layout of its compartments.
Beko
Some Beko fridge-freezers feature AeroFlow air circulation technology.
- Beko describes AeroFlow as a way to distribute the temperature more evenly in models that include it.
- Check the exact model, freezer capacity, dimensions and energy label separately from this feature.
Fridge-freezers to compare on Joybuy
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Compare their overall size and the space allocated to each use against your meal-prep habits. This selection of fridge-freezers doesn’t replace considering a separate freezer if you plan to store large quantities.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you regularly store groceries and prepared meals in the same appliance. The title lists four doors, a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment too, and check that the stated width of 83.3 cm will fit in your kitchen.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge-freezer
This fridge-freezer lets you consider a three-door layout that separates everyday food from frozen portions. The title lists a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the clearance needed to open the doors.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L Low Frost fridge-freezer
Its stated width of 54 cm is worth comparing with your available space if your kitchen is narrow. The title lists a total capacity of 262 L and Low Frost. This model requires manual defrosting of the freezer. Also check the ambient temperature requirements for the intended location.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L fridge-freezer
Compare this model’s total capacity of 174 L with the space you need for groceries and prepared portions. The title lists Low Frost and a reversible door. To compare its energy consumption with another fridge-freezer, check the kWh/year on the energy label.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L Low Frost fridge-freezer
If you plan to freeze meals, check the two capacities separately: the Joybuy France listing gives 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, which is rated four stars. The title specifies a width of 54 cm and a reversible door. Check the depth, height and kWh/year too before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ice compartment enough to freeze prepared meals?
No. France’s Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes an ice compartment, which is intended for temporarily storing food that is already frozen, from a four-star appliance or compartment that can freeze food. Check the rating of the model you’re considering.
How can I compare the energy consumption of two refrigeration appliances?
Compare the stated kWh/year on the energy labels of appliances with similar sizes and capacities. If you choose a separate fridge and freezer, check the consumption of each one: ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously.
How much fridge space should I allow for?
UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. If you prepare meals in advance, use this as a starting point and consider your shopping habits. Check separately how much freezer space you need.