First, choose the configuration that suits the way you store food. Then compare the annual energy consumption in kWh of appliances with a similar type and capacity. A fridge-freezer is a good fit if you regularly use both the fridge and freezer compartments; consider a separate freezer if you’ll need the extra capacity on an ongoing basis. The energy rating and features don’t replace checking the kWh/year figure for the exact model, shown on its energy label and in the European Commission’s EPREL database.
If electricity consumption is a key factor in your purchase, compare the kWh/year figures for models with similar formats and capacities. The ADEME recommends using the energy label as a guide; you can also check the declared annual energy consumption in the European Commission’s EPREL database.
If you’re deciding between a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer, compare the capacity in litres of each compartment rather than looking only at the total. The right balance depends on what you store regularly.
If you have an alcove, a narrow space or tricky access routes, check the dimensions and installation type before comparing appliances by energy use. The model’s instructions also specify installation and ventilation requirements.
First, decide whether you need to store frozen food, and how much. Then compare litres per compartment and kWh/year across appliances with a similar configuration and capacity. Check both sets of information on the energy label and in EPREL.
Consider this if: you store very little frozen food or already have enough freezer capacity.
Keep in mind: if your freezer needs increase, you may need another appliance.
Consider this if: fresh and frozen foods are regular items on your shopping list and you’d prefer one appliance.
Keep in mind: the space allocated to each compartment is fixed for each model. A large total capacity in litres doesn’t guarantee enough room in the compartment that matters most to you.
Consider this if: you regularly store more frozen food than a fridge-freezer can accommodate.
Keep in mind: you’ll need to allow enough space and take into account the annual energy consumption of an additional appliance that runs continuously.
| Criterion | What to check before you buy | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable energy use | kWh/year and energy rating, comparing similar installation types and capacities. | If I want to limit the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously, the annual figure matters more than looking at a rating letter in isolation. Around 36% of consumers rank this as their top priority. |
| Usable capacity | The fridge and freezer capacities in litres, considered separately and in relation to the food you store regularly. | When I store different amounts of fresh and frozen food, I look for enough room in the right compartment. For around 29% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
| Installation | The appliance dimensions, access routes, installation type and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | If my kitchen has an alcove or narrow access routes, I need to be able to install the appliance in line with the instructions. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Useful features | Whether the exact model has the feature you want and its declared kWh/year figure. | If I want to avoid manual defrosting or use a connected feature, I want to know exactly what the model offers without assuming it will use less electricity. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this kind of practical feature. |
A rating letter doesn’t tell you whether two appliances have a similar capacity or configuration. For a choice that suits your needs, the ADEME and information published in EPREL recommend checking annual energy consumption and capacity too.
For each model, note the installation type, the capacity of each compartment in litres, kWh/year, noise level and dimensions. Then compare models that meet similar needs.
A large total capacity won’t solve a lack of space in the compartment you use most. A separate freezer also adds another appliance that runs continuously.
Think about the fresh and frozen food you usually store, then choose the right split of capacity before considering an additional appliance.
No Frost or a connected mode may be useful for the way you use your appliance, but having these features doesn’t, by itself, prove that it uses less energy than another model.
Check how the feature works and compare the declared kWh/year figures for the exact models, choosing appliances with similar formats and capacities.
Matching the dimensions of the alcove isn’t enough if access routes, door clearance or the ventilation requirements in the instructions aren’t suitable.
Measure the space and the delivery route, then check the installation diagram for your chosen model.
The features mentioned below relate to specific models or ranges described by their manufacturers, not to every appliance from a particular brand. They can help you decide what to compare on the product details pages for the models you’re interested in.
Bosch offers freestanding fridge-freezers in a range of capacities, energy ratings and feature combinations, depending on the model.
Whirlpool offers built-in fridge-freezers, among other options, with product information showing capacity and annual energy consumption.
In 2024, Samsung introduced high-capacity RB6000D fridge-freezers, with energy specifications that vary by model.
These fridge-freezers are for households that want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Their formats and stated capacities vary, so check they suit your space and habits, then consult the energy label for the exact model to compare kWh/year.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer. Check that the compartments and overall dimensions suit your household.
Stated total capacity: 440 L. Listed energy rating: D. Check the label for this model to find its annual energy consumption and the capacity of each compartment.
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For a fitted kitchen, check the cabinet dimensions, fixing and ventilation requirements for this model before making your choice.
Stated total capacity: 252 L. No Frost and a C energy rating are listed; compare its annual energy consumption with that of other built-in fridge-freezers of a similar capacity.
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Consider this if a three-door layout suits the way you use your appliance. Check the space available for fresh and frozen food separately.
Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone are listed in the model name, which has an E rating. These features don’t indicate how much energy it uses: check the kWh/year figure on the label for this model.
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This top-freezer design may suit you if you’re looking for a built-in fridge-freezer and the freezer capacity meets your needs.
The stated total capacity is 188 L and the listed energy rating is E. Check the capacity of each compartment in litres, the kWh/year figure and the cabinet requirements for this model.
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Worth considering if you regularly need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food, once you’ve checked how much room you have in your kitchen.
This silver model has a stated capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Check its label for annual energy consumption and the capacity of each compartment; don’t assume the No Frost feature means it uses less energy.
Compare their kWh/year figures only after checking that they have a similar installation type, usable capacity and split between compartments. The energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL database show declared annual energy consumption. Check the capacity in litres, dimensions and noise level before choosing too.
No. The presence of No Frost alone doesn’t mean a fridge-freezer uses less energy than another model. If you want this feature to reduce the need for manual defrosting, check exactly what it covers on the specific model, then compare its kWh/year figure with those of appliances with a similar format and capacity.
Not necessarily: a separate freezer adds another appliance that runs continuously. Consider one if your regular storage needs exceed the capacity of a fridge-freezer, then check its capacity, declared annual energy consumption and installation space requirements.
Check the dimensions of the space and access routes, then follow the instructions for the model you’ve bought for installation, ventilation and connection. For the installation covered in its advice, Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging the appliance in; always follow the instructions for your chosen model.