Start by working out how much fridge and freezer space you need separately. A fridge-freezer is a good fit if you regularly need both, while a separate freezer makes sense when frozen food has become your priority. If meal containers take up most of your fridge space, focus on the capacity and layout of the fridge section. For a separate appliance, also check that you have enough room and that the installation conditions are suitable.
How much space you need for fresh and frozen food depends on what you actually store between shops, not just the size of your household.
If you need to keep several meal containers chilled before eating them, look at the fridge’s capacity and layout before considering the appliance’s total volume. Compare the space for chilled meals and frozen portions separately.
If you regularly buy or freeze large quantities of food, freezer capacity and easy access become key considerations. A separate freezer could meet your needs if you have a suitable place for it.
A garage, cellar or utility room could free up space in the kitchen, but the location needs to suit your chosen model. Check its dimensions and the manufacturer’s specified ambient temperature range before deciding where to install it.
To choose between a fridge-freezer, a fridge with more space for fresh food and a separate freezer, work out which compartment is short on space. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between formats based in particular on shopping habits and the amount of frozen food people store.
Consider it if: you regularly store chilled meals and frozen food, and have room for just one appliance.
Bear in mind: the capacity of each compartment depends on the model. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee the right balance for your needs.
Consider it if: meal containers and fresh ingredients take up more space than your frozen food.
Bear in mind: extra storage or a dedicated fresh-food zone won’t increase your freezer capacity.
Consider it if: you want to add to your existing freezer and store portions across several drawers or shelves.
Bear in mind: a second appliance needs its own space and power supply.
Consider it if: frozen food is your priority and you can dedicate some floor space to the appliance.
Bear in mind: make sure the top-opening lid and the way you organise your food will be practical in your chosen location.
| What to consider | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Balance between fridge and freezer space | Compare the usable litres in each compartment and the space available for your containers. | If I keep ready meals chilled while also stocking up on frozen food, I need enough room for both. Around 33% of consumers rank this balance as their top priority. |
| Space for chilled meals | Check the fridge capacity and the layout of its shelves and drawers. | When my meal containers take up more space than my frozen food, I first look for a way to store them without overcrowding the fridge. Around 27% of consumers prioritise fridge space. |
| Access to frozen food | Check the freezer capacity and how its drawers or compartments are arranged. | When I want to find the portions I regularly freeze, I need to be able to tell them apart rather than stack them without any clear organisation. Around 20% of consumers prioritise having an organised freezer. |
| Freezer capacity and installation | Measure the space, including room to open the appliance, and check its climate class. | If I’m planning to store a large amount of frozen food, I also need to be able to install and open the appliance in the room I’ve chosen. Around 20% of consumers prioritise freezer capacity. |
When comparing similar models, also look at their annual energy consumption and noise levels. If you plan to keep a freezer outside the kitchen, compare the room temperature with the conditions in the appliance’s instructions. Don’t assume it will be suitable just because of the type of room.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can divide their space differently between the fridge and freezer. If one compartment is too small, it could make storing meals or frozen food awkward.
List the containers and the amount of food you usually store, then compare the usable capacity and layout of each compartment. The European Commission says storage volumes are among the details shown on the energy label for refrigeration appliances.
A climate class indicates the ambient temperature range an appliance is designed for. So a garage or cellar won’t automatically be suitable for every model.
Compare the possible temperatures in the room with the appliance’s climate class and the installation conditions in its instructions.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption or how the capacity is divided. It’s not enough to compare appliances with different capacities and formats.
Compare appliances of the same type and with similar capacities, then check their annual energy consumption, storage volumes and noise levels on the label. The European Commission explains this information for fridges and freezers.
These brands offer ranges worth exploring for different formats and compartment layouts. The features mentioned below apply to the specific models or ranges stated, not to every appliance they make.
Bosch offers freestanding fridge-freezers. The KGN36VLED is one example, with separate fridge and freezer compartments.
Whirlpool offers refrigeration appliances in a range of formats, including fridge-freezers and some freezers with No Frost.
Liebherr offers fridge-freezers and separate freezers. The brand lists a total capacity of 359 l for its CNd 5704 fridge-freezer.
These appliances offer different ways to store chilled and frozen food: fridge-freezers in various capacities and a convertible chest freezer for separate storage. Choose based on how much space you need in each compartment and the room you have available.
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Worth considering if you want to keep chilled meals and frozen food in one appliance. This 282 L fridge-freezer has a freezer compartment at the bottom. Check that the split between the two compartments suits the amount you usually store, and consider the noise level and installation conditions if they matter for your chosen location.
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Consider this if you regularly plan to store chilled meals and frozen food in a multi-door appliance. Its stated total capacity is 495 L. Measure the access routes and the space where it will go, then check that the interior layout works for your containers and dishes.
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Worth considering if storage for meals and fresh ingredients matters as much as your frozen food capacity. This fridge-freezer has a stated total capacity of 333 L. Check the capacity of each compartment and whether the shelves offer enough room for your containers. If you plan to install it outside the kitchen, check the model’s ambient temperature requirements.
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Consider this if you prioritise having a separate freezer and have room for a chest model. This 291 L appliance can switch between freezer and fridge modes and has a removable basket. Check the usable capacity in your preferred mode, the space needed to open the lid and the room’s temperature conditions.
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Consider this if you’re looking for a large stated capacity for chilled and frozen food in one appliance. The 525 L is split between 333 L of fridge capacity and 192 L of freezer capacity. Check the external dimensions, interior layout and annual energy consumption before comparing it with other formats.
Think about what you store during a typical week: containers that need to stay chilled, frozen portions, large packs and how often you shop. Then compare fridge and freezer capacity separately and check that your containers fit in the storage spaces.
Yes, as long as the room temperature stays within the range specified for the model and you meet its other installation requirements. Check the climate class and instructions, taking into account the possible temperatures throughout the year. A product listing that says “garage” isn’t enough to confirm it’s suitable.
First compare appliances of the same type and with similar capacities, then look at the energy rating, annual energy consumption, storage volumes and noise levels. The European Commission says this information appears on the energy label for refrigeration appliances. You’ll also need to check the interior layout and whether there’s room for your containers.
No. Choose this feature if avoiding frost build-up and defrosting matters to you, but don’t prioritise it over capacity and installation requirements. Bosch, Whirlpool and Liebherr describe NoFrost in their own ranges. Check whether it’s included on the specific model you’re considering.