Households preparing several meals for the week
You mainly want to keep meals fresh for the next few days, with a few frozen portions: the split between the fridge and freezer net capacities is more useful than the total capacity alone.
Which households is it for?
Users building up a stock of frozen portions
You regularly prepare or buy enough portions for several weeks: a separate freezer could be a good fit if its location, climate class and net capacity are suitable for your home.
People with a fitted kitchen or limited space
First check the housing unit, external dimensions, ventilation and installation requirements. The model’s measurements and the instructions in its manual take precedence over the advertised capacity.
Key selection criteria
Small freezer compartment
Consider it: if meals are mainly kept refrigerated and only a few portions are frozen.
Bear in mind: freezing capacity depends entirely on the model and must be read separately from the total capacity.
Fridge freezer
Choose it: to alternate between fresh meals and frozen portions without installing a second appliance.
Check: the space allocated to the freezer may limit a sizeable weekly stock, particularly with an integrated appliance.
Separate freezer
Choose it: if you regularly store portions for several weeks in a dedicated space.
Plan for: its footprint, everyday access and installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer net capacities separately. Also look at the drawers, shelves and available height for your containers. | I want to know how many portions can genuinely be stored, rather than relying on the appliance’s total capacity. |
| Installation | Take the external dimensions or those of the housing unit. Consult the manual for ventilation, clearance from heat sources and climate class. | My appliance must fit in my kitchen, fitted unit or designated room without compromising the installation requirements. |
| Defrosting and access | Check whether the model specifies NoFrost and which compartment it applies to. Compare the door opening, drawers and access to portions according to your containers. | I want accessible storage when I take out portions frequently, with fewer issues caused by frost. |
| Comparing energy consumption | Use the energy label and product information sheet to compare models on the same basis. Also check the stated noise level. | I want to compare appliances using regulated information, rather than a general promise of savings. ADEME states that the energy label provides a useful guide when making a choice. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing by total capacity rather than freezer capacity
A fridge freezer may allocate most of its capacity to the fridge, while prepared portions need to fit in the freezer compartment.
Note the fridge and freezer net capacities separately, then compare them with the number and size of your portions.
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Ordering an integrated appliance without checking the housing unit and ventilation
A model may offer the right capacity but still be incompatible with your kitchen’s height, width, depth, door mounting or airflow requirements.
Measure the housing unit and consult the diagram or manual for the exact model before ordering.
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Assuming a garage or cellar is suitable for every freezer
The permitted ambient temperature range depends on the climate class or on a feature explicitly stated for the model concerned.
Check the climate class in the documentation or on the rating plate, then compare it with the intended location.
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Forgetting collection of your old appliance on delivery
Refrigeration appliances must be sent through an appropriate collection system because of the fluids they contain.
ADEME states that, when replacing an appliance, the old one can be handed to the retailer or delivery driver; a recycling centre equipped for waste electrical and electronic equipment is another option.
Relevant brands to consider
Liebherr
Worth considering for upright or integrated freezers, particularly when you want to compare capacity, dimensions, noise level and defrosting features on a specific model.
- The specifications for some models detail capacity, dimensions and noise level; Liebherr, for example, states 311 L and 37 dB for the FNd 7026.
- Compatibility with a cold room and the benefits of NoFrost must be checked model by model; they do not describe the entire range.
Electrolux
A brand worth comparing for fitted kitchens and fridge freezers, where housing-unit dimensions and the split between compartments are key considerations.
- The integrated ENZ9MC18S model is advertised with 165 L of fridge capacity, 62 L of freezer capacity and a housing-unit size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm.
- The required clearances, ventilation and climate class remain specific to the manual for the selected model.
Bosch
Worth looking at if you are seeking an upright freezer or fridge freezer and want to filter models by capacity, NoFrost and internal layout.
- Bosch offers freestanding and integrated freezers in different sizes, with NoFrost or drawers for larger capacities on certain models.
- Net capacity, dimensions and the energy label must be checked on the product information for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
A brand to compare for No Frost fridge freezers, freestanding or integrated, when you want to combine fresh and frozen storage in one appliance.
- Whirlpool sells No Frost and Total No Frost fridge freezers in France; the brand states 250 L and a D energy rating for the integrated WHC18T323P model.
- Capacity, dimensions, technologies and energy rating vary by model and do not constitute an assessment of the entire range.
Joybuy options for storing prepared meals
This selection brings together fridge freezers for combining fresh meals and frozen portions, as well as dedicated freezers for increasing your storage capacity over several weeks.
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CHiQ JR263LGE 262 L fridge freezer
For a kitchen without a second appliance, with fresh meals for several days and a few frozen portions.
187 L fridge capacity and 75 L freezer capacity; 540 mm wide, with three freezer drawers and a reversible door. The freezer requires manual defrosting; check the ventilation clearances and suitability of the intended room.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC 252 L integrated No Frost fridge freezer
An integrated option for alternating between fresh food and frozen portions in a fitted kitchen.
176 L fridge capacity, 76 L freezer capacity, three drawers and a No Frost system; C energy rating and stated annual consumption of 150 kWh. Check the housing unit, door system and ventilation requirements before installation.
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AEG NSC6M18FES 249 L integrated TwinTech No Frost fridge freezer
For meals to be eaten over the next few days, complemented by a few portions to freeze.
186 L fridge capacity, 62 L freezer capacity and three drawers; TwinTech Total No Frost and a stated freezing capacity of 5 kg/24 h. Check the housing-unit dimensions, door-panel fitting and ventilation.
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Heinrich’s 161 L upright No Frost freezer
Capacity dedicated entirely to frozen portions stored over several weeks.
161 L, three drawers, two shelves, Fast Freeze function down to -22 °C and C energy rating. Allow space for a dedicated location and consult the technical specifications for the dimensions, ventilation and climate class.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR 140 L chest freezer
Additional freezer capacity without adding a second fridge freezer.
140 L, storage basket, castors and stated dimensions of 637 × 556 × 846 mm; E energy rating. Check that top access suits your containers, as well as the installation and defrosting requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which details should I compare to find out whether the freezer suits my prepared portions?
Compare the freezer compartment’s net capacity separately from the fridge compartment’s net capacity and the total capacity. Also measure your containers and check the internal layout before deciding that the space will be usable.
Is NoFrost useful for prepared meals?
It is mainly useful if you want to reduce manual defrosting. Liebherr and Bosch feature this technology on certain models; check that it applies to the compartment you want, as it does not replace comparing net capacity.
Can I install a freezer in a garage or cellar?
Only if the model’s climate class and installation requirements allow it. Electrolux recommends checking the ambient temperature stated on the rating plate; Liebherr states compatibility down to -15 °C for the FNd 7026, but this feature does not apply to other appliances.
What should I check immediately after a fridge or freezer is delivered?
First follow the model’s manual. Electrolux support recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance, keeping it away from heat sources and waiting at least four hours before plugging it in after transport; the manufacturer’s own instructions always take priority.
What should I do with my old fridge or freezer when replacing it in France?
ADEME states that, when replacing an appliance, you can hand the old one to the retailer or delivery driver. It can also be taken to the dedicated electrical and electronic equipment area of a recycling centre.