Choose a format based on how much fresh and frozen food you actually keep, the space available and how easy it is to reach your food. A fridge-freezer combines the two everyday functions; a separate freezer is better suited to larger frozen-food stocks, while a multi-door model calls for a check that its capacity and footprint suit your household. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment and the annual energy consumption of appliances with similar functions.
If you shop for several days at a time, keeping fresh and frozen food separate makes it easier to see what you already have. ADEME recommends checking your stocks before shopping to avoid buying items twice.
If ready meals and frozen food take up a significant part of your storage space, look at freezer capacity and how easy it is to reach your food separately.
When space is tight, capacity alone won’t help you choose an appliance. Check its dimensions, how far the doors open and whether there’s enough room to move around it.
First, work out how much space you need for chilled and frozen food: a fridge alone is suitable if freezing isn’t a priority, a fridge-freezer gives you both compartments, and a separate appliance suits larger frozen-food stocks. Whether you’re considering a multi-door or a compact model, make sure it’s easy to reach your food and that the appliance fits your kitchen.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Compare the usable capacity of both compartments with your usual stocks, rather than looking at total capacity alone. | When I shop for several days, I want enough room for fresh food without cutting into the freezer space I need. Around 31% of consumers would put this balance at the top of their list. |
| Visibility and access | Check how easy it is to reach drawers and shelves, and whether you can sort food into categories. | If food gets forgotten at the back, I’d prioritise storage that helps me find it before I shop again. Easy access is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Footprint | Measure the space and access routes, and allow enough room to open the doors or lid. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to open the appliance and move around without difficulty, even if that means choosing less capacity. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this space constraint. |
| Ongoing energy use | Compare the stated annual energy consumption and energy label of appliances with similar functions and capacities. | Once I’ve worked out how much capacity I need, I want to factor in an appliance that will be running all year round. Energy consumption is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
To help you gauge capacity, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this according to how often you shop and how much space frozen food takes up. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, so any extra capacity should match your actual needs.
More space doesn’t necessarily make food easier to see. ADEME recommends checking your stocks before shopping. It also points out that choosing a larger or over-equipped appliance can increase the energy it uses when running continuously.
Keep track of what you buy and the portions you freeze over a typical week, then choose usable capacities that suit those stocks.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, chest freezers can offer plenty of capacity, but they take up more floor space. You’ll also need to organise the contents so you can find food stored at the bottom.
Measure the space and plan how you’ll organise your food. If you often reach for small portions, also compare access to the drawers in an upright freezer.
A small fridge, a fridge-freezer and a large multi-door model don’t offer the same storage options, so the energy rating alone won’t tell you which format to choose.
First decide what function and capacity you need, then compare the energy labels and annual consumption of suitable models.
This selection includes fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food separately, multi-door fridges to consider if you need more capacity, and an upright freezer for a separate frozen-food reserve. Compare each format with your usual stocks and the space available.
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Consider this multi-door model if you want to store food for several days and have enough room for this format.
Stated total capacity: 495 L; energy rating E. Check the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments before deciding whether the split suits your stocks.
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Consider this fridge-freezer if you want chilled and frozen storage in one appliance with a stated capacity of 174 L.
The product description lists Low Frost, LED lighting and a reversible door. Check how much space is allocated to each compartment and the model’s annual energy consumption on its label.
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This fridge-freezer makes it easy to compare the stated capacity for fresh food with the space set aside for frozen food.
The product description lists 182 L of fridge capacity and 71 L of freezer capacity, along with No Frost and LED lighting. Check its full dimensions and annual energy consumption before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this four-door model if you’re looking for several easy-access zones to organise food for several days.
The product description lists a total capacity of 474 L, a Vario Box system and an energy rating of E. Check the usable capacity of each compartment and the annual energy consumption before comparing it with other formats.
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This standalone freezer is worth considering if you need a separate supply of frozen food; it doesn’t replace a fridge for fresh food.
The product description lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, No Frost and an energy rating of C. Check the installation dimensions and annual energy consumption before choosing this format.
Start with the amount of fresh and frozen food you usually have at home at the same time. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to how often you shop, the meals you prepare and how much food you freeze.
Consider one if the freezer compartment in your fridge-freezer isn’t big enough for the portions and frozen food you usually keep. An upright freezer makes it easier to reach food in separate compartments; according to UFC-Que Choisir, a chest freezer can offer more capacity, but takes up more floor space and needs to be kept organised.
Not on its own: you also need to be able to see what food you already have. ADEME recommends checking your stocks before writing your shopping list, planning meals and regularly organising your cupboards and fridge.
Compare their stated annual energy consumption and energy labels when their functions and capacities are similar. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, so first check that each appliance offers the capacity you need.
Check the available floor space, the route to the utility room, whether the lid can open fully and the installation conditions specified by the manufacturer. UFC-Que Choisir also advises checking that the appliance’s climate class is suitable for the location.