Start by choosing the balance between refrigerated and frozen storage that matches your actual routine. A fridge-freezer is suitable when prepared meals make up a regular but limited reserve, while a separate freezer becomes worthwhile if the freezer compartment is consistently overflowing; ADEME reminds us that these appliances run continuously, so compare kWh/year for similar capacities.
Prioritise a balance between fresh food and portions to freeze, without adding more appliances. The actual litres available in each compartment matter more than the total capacity alone, as the European Commission points out for the energy label.
If you freeze lots of portions, buy in bulk or store family-sized meals, an upright or chest freezer used alongside your existing appliance may meet your needs better than a fridge-freezer with a freezer section that is too small. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between upright and chest formats according to the capacity and access required.
A fridge-freezer, or a fridge with a small freezer compartment for occasional use, keeps the number of appliances to a minimum. However, check that the frozen storage capacity genuinely matches your habits before opting for a smaller footprint.
Start by dividing your needs between fresh food and frozen portions, then check the available space and annual energy consumption across appliances of a similar size.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen storage balance | Compare the fridge and freezer litres separately. Also check the drawers, shelves and baskets against the sizes of your food containers. | I want to store my portions without reducing the space needed for fresh groceries. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of refrigeration capacity for one person, followed by an additional 50 L per person; frozen storage should be chosen separately. |
| Suitable energy consumption | Compare kWh/year between appliances with similar capacities and formats. Read the A to G rating alongside the separate capacities and dimensions. | I want enough capacity without running an oversized appliance. ADEME states that size and unnecessary features can increase the consumption of equipment that operates continuously. |
| Size and access | Note the height, width, depth, door-opening clearance and delivery access. An upright format makes drawer access easier; a chest freezer holds more large containers but requires internal organisation. | I want to add space for portions without overcrowding the kitchen or making food difficult to reach. Chest freezers can hold up to 600 L, while upright models are often around 200 L according to UFC-Que Choisir. |
| Noise and installation | Check the model’s noise level in dB, noise class and climate class. Choose No Frost for easier maintenance, but do not use it as your only criterion. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep noise to a minimum. For a garage, cellar or utility room, I will check that the appliance’s specified ambient temperature range is suitable for the room. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can offer very different amounts of space for fresh food and frozen portions. The same energy rating also does not allow you to compare appliances of different sizes or formats directly.
Compare the kWh/year, the litres in each compartment and the noise level on the label. The European Commission presents this information as complementary elements of the energy label.
A freezer compartment may be suitable for occasional freezing, but offers little flexibility when prepared meals, bulk purchases or frozen foods start to accumulate. UFC-Que Choisir states that a basic freezer compartment is not enough for high consumption of frozen food.
List the usual number of portions, their containers and how often they are rotated, then check the separate freezer capacity before buying.
A chest freezer can provide substantial reserve capacity, but takes up more floor space and food at the bottom is harder to retrieve. Installing one in an outbuilding also depends on the temperature conditions specified for the model.
Measure the width, depth, opening clearance and delivery access. Baskets and organising food by date make frequently used portions easier to reach.
No Frost mainly concerns frost and defrosting; on its own, it tells you nothing about usable capacity, noise, energy consumption or internal organisation.
Use it as a convenience feature, then check the separate capacities, kWh/year, dimensions, noise level, climate class and storage layout of the exact model.
Worth considering for a freestanding fridge-freezer with separate compartments, No Frost and a standard 60 cm width.
Worth considering when usable capacity, freshness compartments and freezer organisation matter more than total capacity alone.
Worth considering for shoppers looking for a fridge-freezer or integrated model with No Frost technology and a choice of formats.
These Joybuy options include fridge-freezers, a compact chest freezer and an upright freezer, helping you tailor your frozen storage to your prepared meals.
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A fridge-freezer for keeping fresh food and a moderate reserve of frozen portions in a narrow kitchen.
187 L of refrigeration capacity, 75 L of freezer capacity, three drawers, 215 kWh/year, 39 dB(A) and dimensions of 1760 × 540 × 550 mm. Its stated climate range is 16 to 38 °C.
The 75 L freezer capacity may become restrictive if portions continue to build up over time.
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A compact format for a small household that freezes a few portions while keeping just one appliance.
115 L of refrigeration capacity, 59 L of freezer capacity, three drawers, 39 dB, reversible door and dimensions of 50 × 55 × 150 cm; energy rating E.
Check the kWh/year and climate class on the label before comparing its running costs or installing it in an unheated room.
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A slim fridge-freezer for balancing fresh food and frozen portions in a compact kitchen.
153 L of refrigeration capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, 54 cm width, reversible door, adjustable feet, Low Frost and a stated noise level of 39 dB; energy rating E.
Note the full dimensions, kWh/year and climate class before finalising the installation and comparing it with appliances of a similar capacity.
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A compact extra freezer for prepared portions, to use alongside an existing fridge.
99 L, four-star freezing, stated capacity of 4.5 kg/24 h, removable basket, adjustable thermostat, castors and dimensions of 54.5 × 47.6 × 83.5 cm.
A chest freezer does not add any refrigerated storage; organise food by basket or date so you can find items stored at the bottom.
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Dedicated capacity for frozen portions in a household whose fridge-freezer compartment regularly overflows.
161 L, three drawers, two shelves, No Frost, display, alarm, reversible door and a stated setting range of −14 °C to −22 °C; energy rating C.
It should be paired with a fridge that is suitable for your fresh groceries. Check the dimensions, noise level, kWh/year and climate class before installation.
Compare the separate refrigeration and freezer capacities, followed by the kWh/year and noise level. The European Commission states that the A to G label also displays this information; for meals prepared in advance, the litres in each compartment are the starting point.
No, not if the appliances do not have comparable capacities or formats. ADEME highlights that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that size or unnecessary features can increase consumption; therefore, read the rating alongside the kWh/year and usable litres.
This depends on the model and the room temperature. Check its climate class and specified ambient temperature range; UFC-Que Choisir recommends carrying out this check for chest freezers installed in a cellar or utility room, and EPREL may provide this information for some models.
No. According to manufacturers’ information, it is primarily a convenience feature related to frost and defrosting. Also check the freezer capacity, drawer layout, kWh/year, noise level and dimensions of your chosen model.