Start by separating the capacity you need for fresh food from that required for prepared portions and frozen food. A fridge freezer is suitable when your frozen-food stock remains moderate; a separate freezer becomes more practical if the drawers are often overflowing. An upright freezer makes storage and frequent access easier, while a chest freezer prioritises capacity, provided you have a suitable space.
An organised freezer compartment helps you separate portions, homemade meals and frozen food without overcrowding the fresh-food area. An upright freezer is convenient when you access it frequently; a fridge freezer may be enough for a limited stock.
Size the fresh and frozen capacities separately according to the number of people and how often you restock, then check that the appliance will actually fit in your kitchen or utility room.
A chest or upright freezer can complement your everyday refrigeration if the room provides the required clearance and the model is designed for its ambient temperature.
First compare the fresh and frozen capacities, then consider the installation space and day-to-day use of the format you choose.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen capacities | Compare the litres of each compartment, not just the total capacity. Also look at the drawers, shelves and compartments of the specific model. | I want to keep fresh food for several days while reserving space for prepared portions and frozen food. |
| Stock organisation | Examine the drawers, storage areas and access to the food. Do not overload the shelves, so that air can circulate. | I need to see quickly what is left and find the portions that need to be eaten first. |
| Storing prepared meals | Set and check the coldest area between 0 and +4 °C. Use sealed containers and leave space around the food. | I want to be able to cool and store homemade meals without overfilling the fridge. |
| Energy and power cuts | Compare annual consumption in kWh between appliances of a similar type and capacity. Read the A to G rating alongside the capacities and noise level; also check the storage time during a power cut. | I am looking for an appliance that runs continuously without choosing based solely on the single letter shown on the energy label. The European Commission explains that the label displays annual consumption, capacities and noise levels. |
| Installation | Measure the width, depth, height, opening direction and clearance required. For an unheated room, check the climate class or permitted temperature range. | I need to be able to have the appliance delivered, open the doors or lid and access the drawers easily in the intended room. |
A large total capacity may conceal a freezer compartment that is too small for prepared portions, or a fresh-food area that is insufficient for several days of shopping.
Note down the capacity you want separately for fresh food and frozen food, then compare these figures with the label and the specifications for the exact model.
A chest freezer requires considerable floor space, and an ambient temperature outside the conditions specified by the manufacturer may affect its use.
Measure the location, opening clearance and delivery route, then check the climate class or temperature range for the model you have chosen.
Greater capacity does not replace visibility of your food: duplicate purchases and forgotten products are still possible.
ADEME recommends checking your stock and planning your meals. Organise food by dates, portions and categories before you shop.
An overfilled fridge restricts air circulation and can affect the evenness of the temperature.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point. Allow air to circulate, use sealed containers and refrigerate prepared meals promptly.
A range of fridge freezers to consider if you are looking for a single appliance for both fresh and frozen food.
A range that includes chest freezers for households with dedicated space and primarily looking for extra frozen-food storage.
A range of upright and chest freezers to consider for additional frozen-food storage, particularly where several drawers are useful.
These Joybuy options include fridge freezers for everyday storage, an additional upright freezer, a chest freezer for extra capacity and a large four-door fridge freezer.
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An integrated option for weekly shopping, with fresh and frozen capacities shown separately.
187 l of refrigeration, 75 l of freezer capacity, three drawers, 54 cm width, E rating and 215 kWh/year. The stated range of 16 to 38 °C is not suitable for a garage or cold outbuilding.
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A dedicated addition for frozen portions when your main fridge is already storing fresh food.
161 l, three drawers, two compartments, No Frost protection, C rating, LED display, alarm and reversible door. Check the dimensions, clearances, permitted ambient temperature, annual consumption and storage time during a power cut before installation.
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A compact fridge freezer for a narrow kitchen with moderate frozen-food storage.
153 l of refrigeration, 74 l of freezer capacity, 54 cm width, 4-star freezer rating, reversible door and E rating. Check the clearances, permitted ambient temperature, annual consumption and storage time during a power cut.
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Plenty of space for prepared meals and frozen food if separate fresh-food storage is already available.
291 l, 4-star freezer rating, E rating, 226 kWh/year, removable basket, LED lighting and dimensions of 1100 × 597 × 872 mm. The convertible mode operates as either a fridge or a freezer, not both at the same time.
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A single large appliance to increase integrated storage without adding a separate freezer.
Advertised total capacity of 474 l, four doors, Vario Box, drawer with three temperature settings, Flip Tray and E rating. At 838 mm wide and 653 mm deep, check the access route, location and door clearance.
For the fridge compartment, UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. If your prepared portions are mainly frozen, assess the freezer capacity you need separately.
An upright freezer is more suitable if you open it frequently and want to organise portions in drawers. A chest freezer works well for a large stock if floor space is available; in that case, use baskets, labels and a stock rotation system.
Read the energy label: it shows the A to G rating, annual consumption in kWh, capacities and noise level. Above all, compare appliances of a similar type and capacity, as the rating alone is not enough to make a fair comparison between a small appliance and a larger model.
Check the climate class or permitted ambient temperature range in the documentation for the exact model. The footprint of a chest freezer may suit a cellar or utility room, but you must also confirm that the appliance is suitable for the temperatures in that room.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point. Place perishable prepared meals in this area, avoid overfilling the appliance and refrigerate prepared food within two hours.