Start by estimating how much space you need for fresh food and frozen food separately, then check the usable capacities and dimensions of the appliances. A fridge-freezer may suit you if its split meets your needs; with two appliances, add their stated annual energy consumption in kWh/an and make sure you have space for both. The stated consumption figures don’t guarantee what your energy bill will be.
You buy several days’ worth of food at a time and want the right balance between chilled and frozen storage, rather than simply the largest total capacity. Que Choisir Ensemble highlights the importance of considering how often you shop.
You prepare several meals in advance and want to find each portion easily. The layout and access to the compartments matter just as much as the stated capacity in litres. Upright and chest freezers offer different storage options.
You need to check that the appliance and its doors will fit in the space available. ADEME also points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, so it’s worth considering the space available and energy consumption together.
Choose this if: your shopping and meal preparation fit into the two compartments of one appliance, and you want to keep floor space to a minimum.
Bear in mind: the balance between fridge and freezer space varies by model, so check the usable capacity of each compartment separately.
Choose this if: you need to adjust the space for fresh food and frozen food independently, and have room for two appliances.
Bear in mind: both appliances run continuously. Add together their stated annual energy consumption before comparing this set-up with a suitable fridge-freezer.
Choose this if: you want to organise individual portions and find them easily in drawers.
Bear in mind: check the number and size of the drawers, as well as the space needed to open the door.
Choose this if: you store larger quantities of food and have enough floor space and clearance for the lid.
Bear in mind: the open space offers flexible storage, but you’ll need to think about how to reach items at the bottom.
ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously. To compare their energy consumption, check the kWh/an figures for models with similar storage needs. ADEME also recommends using the energy label as a guide.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of storage space | Estimate your fridge and freezer needs separately, then compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment. | If I shop for several days at a time, I need enough room for fresh food and frozen portions without choosing an appliance that’s too large. Around 40% of consumers prioritise how the storage space is divided. |
| Access to portions | Compare the drawers, baskets and interior space with the size of the containers you usually use. | When I prepare meals in portions, I want to find them without rummaging through a large space. Around 20% of consumers prioritise easy access and organisation. |
| Space required | Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the appliance. If you’re buying two appliances, check both spaces. | If space is limited at home, I need to make sure the appliance and its doors will really fit. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the space required and where the appliance will go. |
| Annual energy consumption | Compare the kWh/an figures for models that meet similar needs; add the figures together if you choose two appliances. | When I compare different set-ups, I want to take their energy consumption into account without treating it as a guaranteed bill. Around 20% of consumers put energy consumption first. |
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is available in the fridge and freezer compartments. A spacious appliance may still not leave enough room for the food you want to freeze.
Estimate what you need in each compartment based on a typical shop, then compare the usable capacities with the containers you use.
A set-up with a separate fridge and freezer includes two appliances, both of which run continuously.
Add together the kWh/an figures for both models before comparing their energy consumption with that of a fridge-freezer that meets the same needs.
A chest freezer takes up floor space, and items at the bottom may be harder to reach than they would be in drawers.
Measure the space, check that the lid can open fully, and make sure you can reach your usual containers.
The permitted ambient temperature varies by model and can’t be inferred from whether it’s an upright or chest freezer.
Before buying, compare the room temperature with the installation conditions stated in the instructions for the exact model.
The examples below relate to specific models or ranges. Their features don’t apply to every model from the same brand.
The KGN39VLCT fridge-freezer is one example to compare by looking at the storage split and the energy consumption of the exact model.
The Rd 5220 and FNe 5006 models illustrate the option of choosing a separate fridge and freezer.
The WHFF 6403 W4E upright freezer may be worth considering if drawer storage suits the way you use it.
Consider chest freezers in the HSM range if you have enough food to store and floor space for this type of appliance.
The models shown are fridge-freezers, so you can compare the space for fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
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To compare the space for fresh and frozen food in a single appliance, look separately at the stated usable capacities.
The product listing states 347 L for the fridge, 197 L for the freezer and 254 kWh/an. Stated dimensions: 911 × 1786 × 615 mm. The title mentions No Frost and a water dispenser.
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This model is worth comparing if you want to distinguish between fridge and freezer capacity and store portions in drawers.
The product listing states 235 L of fridge space, 125 L of freezer space and 271 kWh/an. Stated dimensions: 185 × 59.5 × 66.7 cm. The freezer is listed as having three drawers.
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The product listing lets you compare this model’s fridge and freezer capacities before checking whether it will fit your space.
It states 336 L for the fridge, 149 L for the freezer and 295 kWh/an. The title mentions Total No Frost, energy class E and a water dispenser.
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Compare the usable capacities of both compartments if you want to organise frozen portions in drawers while keeping fresh food in a separate fridge section.
The product listing states 225 L net capacity for the fridge, 113 L net capacity for the freezer and 175 kWh/an. Stated dimensions: 597 × 2030 × 674 mm. Three freezer drawers are listed.
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This model may suit you if you want to compare fridge and freezer space in a side-by-side design, provided it fits the available width.
The product listing states 276 L for the fridge, 168 L for the freezer and a width of 83 cm. The title mentions No Frost and energy class E.
Start with the food you usually have after shopping, and separate what goes in the fridge from what goes in the freezer. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment rather than just the total capacity. How often you shop also matters.
Add together their stated consumption in kWh/an, then multiply the total by your electricity price in €/kWh to estimate the annual cost. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously; the stated consumption doesn’t guarantee what you’ll actually spend.
It depends on the permitted ambient temperature range for the exact model. Liebherr says the FNe 5006 can operate down to −15 °C, while Beko offers Freezer Guard on some chest freezers. These specifications don’t apply to every model or every installation condition.
Check the technology listed for the exact model and consult its instructions. Liebherr lists NoFrost for the FNe 5006, while Beko offers MinFrost on some HSM chest freezers. These manufacturer terms refer to different technologies and don’t tell you what maintenance every model from a brand needs.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods bought by an individual from a professional seller, under the conditions set out by the Ministry of the Economy. Contact the seller and keep your proof of purchase. This statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial extended warranty.