To keep your groceries and leftovers fresh every day while also having frozen food in reserve, start by working out how much space you need in each compartment. A fridge freezer combines both functions, while a separate freezer can supplement a fridge that already meets your fresh-food needs when you need more room for frozen food. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment, the space available for installation and the annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering. The energy rating alone won’t tell you which is best if the capacities differ.
You mainly need chilled storage where fresh food and leftovers are easy to reach and find. Organisation matters just as much as the number of litres on the label if you want to use the food you already have before doing another shop.
You buy in bulk or prepare portions to freeze. The key question is how much usable space you have for frozen food, followed by whether you have room for a separate appliance.
You need to fit the appliance into an alcove or compact space without overlooking its ongoing electricity use. Check the dimensions, installation instructions and kWh per year for the exact model. If your kitchen is open-plan, check the noise level too.
Your choice depends first on how much fresh and frozen food you store. A freezer compartment may be enough for a small stock of frozen food, while a separate freezer means you’ll also need a way to keep fresh food and leftovers chilled.
Consider this if: you need both types of storage without installing a second appliance.
Bear in mind: its frozen-food capacity is limited by how the space is divided in that model, even if the total capacity looks generous.
Consider this if: most of what you store is fresh food and leftovers, with enough frozen food to fit in the stated compartment capacity.
Bear in mind: the name alone doesn’t mean the compartment has the capacity of a dedicated freezer.
Consider this if: your fridge already meets your everyday needs and you need dedicated space for portions to freeze.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for a second appliance, which will use additional electricity.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food and leftovers | The usable fridge capacity, separate from the total capacity, and the layout of the shelves and compartments. | If I need groceries and prepared meals to stay visible for several days, I prioritise easy-to-reach fridge space; around 33% of consumers would put this first. |
| Frozen food in reserve | The usable litres in the freezer compartment or separate appliance, based on what you usually store. | If I regularly freeze portions or buy in bulk, I need enough freezer space without confusing total capacity with freezer capacity; this would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | The dimensions, delivery access, door clearance and installation requirements in the model’s instructions. | In a compact kitchen or alcove, I need to be able to install and open the appliance properly; around 20% of consumers would make this their top consideration. |
| Electricity and noise | The stated kWh per year and noise level; for two appliances, the annual consumption of each one. | Once I’ve got the storage I need, I want to consider appliances that run continuously and the noise they make in the room; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this. |
In a fridge freezer, the litres are split between the fridge and freezer compartments. A large total capacity doesn’t tell you whether there’ll be enough room for your leftovers or frozen portions.
Make two lists of what you need to store, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment on the model’s product details or in the European EPREL database.
Appliances with different functions or capacities can’t be compared by their energy rating alone. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
Compare the kWh per year of models with similar storage capacity. If you add a freezer, take the annual consumption of both appliances into account.
A width that fits your kitchen doesn’t guarantee the appliance will fit through your home on delivery, that the doors will open properly or that ventilation requirements will be met.
Measure the delivery route, the space for the appliance and the clearance needed for the doors. If you’re installing it in an alcove or an unheated room, check the installation instructions for the exact model.
The information shown should match the model you’re buying. The DGCCRF has, in particular, identified issues with the display of energy labels.
Before comparing the specifications, make sure the full model number matches on the seller’s label and the model details in EPREL.
The freestanding fridge-freezer range lets you compare fridge and freezer capacities, dimensions and noise levels separately.
Its separate freezers are worth considering if your fridge already has enough room for fresh food and leftovers.
The brand offers standard fridges and fridge freezers with different cooling configurations.
Its built-in fridge freezers may be worth considering if your kitchen layout requires an appliance to fit into an alcove.
These Joybuy models combine fridge and freezer storage in one appliance. To decide whether one is right for your groceries and leftovers, compare the space you need in each compartment and the installation requirements. Adding a separate freezer is a different option if you already have a suitable fridge.
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Keep your groceries chilled and enjoy freezer space in the same appliance. Stated total capacity of 344 L and energy rating E. Check the capacity of each compartment and the installation dimensions before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to organise your groceries and frozen food in a four-door appliance. Stated total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and energy rating E. Check the separate compartment capacities, overall dimensions and door opening direction.
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Keep fresh food and frozen portions in a fridge freezer with a bottom freezer compartment. Stated total capacity of 282 L and energy rating E. Check the capacity of each compartment and the installation instructions. If you have an open-plan kitchen, check the stated noise level too.
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Consider this if you need plenty of room for both groceries and frozen food. Stated total capacity of 495 L and energy rating E. Measure the available space and check that the doors can open fully. If you’re considering the integrated dispenser, check the connection requirements in the instructions.
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Worth considering if you need to store both fresh food and frozen food in a compact kitchen. The stated 227 L is split between 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. It has a stated width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an energy rating of E. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it, so check the height, installation requirements and kWh per year too.
Compare the kWh per year, usable compartment capacities, noise level and energy rating of appliances that meet similar needs. ADEME recommends using the energy label, and the European EPREL database lets you check the declared specifications for a model. The rating letter alone doesn’t take your capacity needs into account.
According to Anses, the ideal storage temperature is between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check the temperature and follow the storage instructions for each food. A larger compartment is no substitute for keeping food at the right temperature.
Compare the specific models rather than assuming how much energy they’ll use based on their format. If you keep your fridge and add a freezer, add together their stated kWh per year, then compare the storage you get with that of the fridge freezer you’re considering.
For an appliance bought from a professional seller in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold to consumers, as the Ministry of the Economy points out. Tell the seller about the discrepancy and keep the model description, label, proof of purchase and installation documents. If the issue relates to installation, specify who was responsible for it.