Stick with a fridge-freezer if its freezer compartment can hold everything you need and you want just one appliance. If you’re happy with your current fridge, adding a separate freezer is a more direct solution to a lack of space for frozen food. If you need to change the capacity of both compartments independently, compare a fridge without a built-in freezer alongside a separate freezer. In every case, check the available space and the usage details for the specific models you’re considering.
If you still have enough room for fresh food, compare adding a freezer with replacing your fridge-freezer. The key question is how much freezer capacity each option gives you, relative to the space available.
A fridge without a built-in freezer and a separate freezer let you choose the capacity of each independently. You’ll need space and a power supply for both appliances.
In a small or open-plan kitchen, dimensions aren’t the only thing to consider. Allow for the doors to open, the specified ventilation clearances and a noise level that suits the room.
First, work out whether you only need more space for frozen food or also for fresh food. Then check that the set-up you’re considering will fit in the space available.
Consider this if: one appliance gives you enough room in both compartments.
Bear in mind: to get more freezer space, you’ll need to choose a different fridge-freezer, with its own balance of fresh and frozen storage.
Consider this if: your current fridge still works for you, but you don’t have enough room for frozen food.
Bear in mind: the extra freezer needs its own space, power supply and ventilation.
Consider this if: you need to be able to change your fresh and frozen food storage independently.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for two appliances and should compare their combined annual energy consumption.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fresh-food and freezer compartments separately, rather than looking at the total capacity alone. | My fridge has enough room for fresh food, but I want to store more frozen food without replacing the part that still suits me. Around 29% of consumers prioritise increasing freezer capacity. |
| Available space | Measure the appliances, the route they’ll need to fit through and the space for the doors to open. Allow for the clearances specified in each appliance’s manual. | In a kitchen where every bit of space counts, I need to be able to open and ventilate the appliance once it’s installed. Space is the main priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Compare the kWh/year and dB(A) ratings of the specific models. For two appliances, add their kWh/year figures together. | If my appliances are close to my living space, I want to consider noise as well as annual energy consumption. Around 21% of consumers put one of these practical considerations first. |
| Changing needs | Check whether each appliance can be installed and replaced independently. Don’t assume they can be stacked. | My needs for fresh and frozen food may change at different times, so I’d prefer to replace each appliance separately. This flexibility is a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A fridge-freezer’s capacity is split between the fridge and freezer compartments. For example, Bosch’s KGV36VWEAS specification lists 214 l for the fridge and 94 l for the freezer, so its total capacity alone won’t tell you whether it meets a need for more freezer space.
Check both capacities separately before choosing another fridge-freezer or adding a freezer.
An upright freezer may need a different space from a fridge-freezer. For example, Bosch lists dimensions of 1910 × 700 × 780 mm for its GSN58AWEV, before allowing for the space needed to install it.
Measure the delivery route, the space where it will go and the clearance needed to open the door. Then follow the clearances in the manual for your chosen model. The 5 cm recommended in Bosch’s guide isn’t a rule that applies to every appliance.
The rating letter doesn’t replace the kWh/year figures for the models you’re considering, especially when their freezer capacities differ. With a separate fridge and freezer, both appliances contribute to your annual energy consumption.
Check the kWh/year on each energy label or product page, then add the figures for the pair before comparing them with a fridge-freezer that offers similar storage capacity.
Whirlpool and Electrolux advise checking the appliance’s climate class and installation requirements. Temperatures in a garage, cellar or conservatory can vary throughout the year.
Check that the room’s temperatures are within the range permitted for the exact model, and follow its ventilation instructions.
Bosch Home Appliances France product pages let you compare fridge-freezers, fridges without built-in freezers and upright freezers.
Whirlpool France lists fridge-freezers and upright freezers, with product pages you can use to compare capacity, dimensions and usage details.
Electrolux France support offers useful checks if you have limited space for a fridge or freezer.
These products offer two options: choose a fridge-freezer to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or add a convertible chest freezer to a fridge that still suits your needs. Compare the freezer capacity and installation requirements of each model with your situation.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one four-door appliance. The product title lists a total capacity of 467 l, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check that the freezer capacity is enough for your needs and that the appliance will fit in the space available.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you need more room for both fresh and frozen food, but don’t want to install a second appliance. The listed total capacity is 495 l and the title gives it an E energy rating. Before choosing this multi-door design, check the capacity of each compartment, the route into your home and the space where it will go.
Image unavailable
This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you want one appliance for both types of storage. The title lists a total capacity of 440 l and a D energy rating. Don’t assume that the total capacity tells you how much room there is for frozen food: check both compartments and the installation requirements for this model.
Image unavailable
Compare this if you want more storage while keeping a three-door fridge-freezer. The title lists a total capacity of 360 l, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. If frozen food is your main concern, check the freezer capacity first, then the clearances needed for installation.
Image unavailable
Consider this if your current fridge still has enough space and you have a separate place for frozen food. This chest freezer, which opens from the top, has a listed capacity of 291 l, fridge and freezer modes, and an E energy rating. Select freezer mode to store frozen food. You’ll also need room to open the lid, so check the installation requirements.
Yes. The European Union’s energy-labelling regulation for refrigeration appliances provides information to help you compare relevant models. When choosing between a fridge-freezer and two separate appliances, check the energy label and product information for each model. The European Commission’s EPREL database can also help you compare their key features.
Only if the conditions in the room suit the model. Whirlpool and Electrolux recommend checking its climate class and manual, particularly for ambient temperatures and air circulation. Check the possible temperatures in the room before choosing.
Add together the kWh/year figures for the separate fridge and freezer, then compare the total with the kWh/year figure for a fridge-freezer with enough usable capacity for your needs. The label for the exact model and the European Commission’s EPREL database provide the information to check. The energy rating letter alone isn’t enough to compare appliances with different capacities.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual in France, as the French Ministry of the Economy explains. If there’s a problem with the appliance you receive, keep its description and sales documents so you can identify the issue clearly.