A fridge freezer is a good choice if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance and its two compartments suit your shopping habits. Separate appliances let you choose a larger freezer, provided you have enough space. If the available space is narrow or built into a kitchen unit, check the dimensions of a compact model or whether a built-in model will fit. In either case, compare the usable capacity, annual energy consumption and noise levels of the models you’re considering.
The space you have available and how much of your shopping goes in the freezer are the main factors when choosing between a fridge freezer and two separate appliances.
If you need to store fresh food for everyday meals as well as a supply of frozen food, a fridge freezer means you only need to make room for one appliance. Check the capacity of each compartment in litres: a suitable total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the section you use most.
If you prepare meals in advance or need plenty of freezer space, a separate freezer lets you choose its capacity independently of your fridge. However, you’ll need room for two appliances and should check the energy consumption of each one.
If you have limited width, a compact fridge freezer may be a good option. If the appliance needs to fit inside a kitchen unit, the dimensions of the space and the installation instructions are crucial: the visible width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit.
Measure the space, then compare the capacity you need for fresh and frozen food separately. For noise and energy consumption, the energy label for refrigerating appliances described by the European Commission provides data you can compare model by model.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with how you usually shop, rather than looking at the total capacity alone. | If my shopping regularly fills both compartments, I want to avoid a large total capacity masking a freezer that’s too small. Around 31% of consumers would make this balance a priority. |
| Available space | Measure the height, width and depth. Also check the clearance required for installation and opening the doors. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance and access its compartments without blocking the way. Space would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with a capacity that suits your needs, then check the noise emissions shown on the label. | If my kitchen opens onto a living area, I want to consider both continuous operation and noise. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
| Kitchen unit and maintenance | For a built-in model, check the space and the instructions. For maintenance, find out how the relevant compartment is defrosted. | When replacing an appliance built into a kitchen unit, installation compatibility comes before choosing the capacity. Around 15% of consumers would make this need, or maintenance, their main priority. |
A fridge freezer can offer plenty of space overall without dividing it up to suit your shopping. For example, Bosch lists 260 L for the fridge and 103 L for the freezer in its KGN39AIBT.
Work out how much space you need in each compartment, then compare their usable capacities separately.
Compatibility depends on the kitchen unit and the model’s installation instructions, not just its category or stated capacity.
Measure the space, note down the reference number of your old appliance if you have one, and check the instructions for the model you’re considering before ordering.
If the dimensions or installation system aren’t compatible, you’ll need to choose another appliance or adapt the kitchen unit.
A fridge and freezer bought as a pair won’t automatically use more or less energy than a fridge freezer. ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously, so you should check the consumption figures for the specific models and capacities you’re considering.
Compare the fridge freezer’s kWh/year figure with the combined kWh/year figures for a separate fridge and freezer.
These ranges offer options to compare for different kitchen layouts. The specifications mentioned apply to specific models, not every appliance from a particular brand.
The range includes freestanding fridge freezers in several widths, as well as built-in appliances.
The brand offers fridge freezers, as well as larder fridges and freezers to consider if you’re planning to install two separate appliances.
The brand’s built-in fridge freezers are worth considering if your kitchen units require this type of installation.
The range includes freestanding and built-in fridge freezers, with capacities and defrosting methods varying by model.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Compare how their capacity is divided with your shopping needs, then check their full dimensions and installation requirements for your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want plenty of room for fresh and frozen food in one appliance, provided you have a suitable space for it.
The model name lists a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before choosing it, check the width and installation clearances against your kitchen, and make sure the capacity of each compartment suits your shopping.
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This fridge freezer lets you store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as long as its compartments suit your shopping habits.
The model name lists a total capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, My Zone and an E energy rating. Check the separate capacities, installation dimensions and whether the advertised features are useful for you.
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Its listed width of 54 cm is worth considering if space is limited, but you’ll still need to check the height and depth of the space.
The product name lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it. Check the annual energy consumption too before comparing this model with another.
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The listed capacity split may suit households that buy more fresh food, if 71 L of freezer space is enough for your needs.
The product name lists 182 L for the fridge, 71 L for the freezer, No Frost and 39 dB. Check its full dimensions and kWh/year consumption before deciding whether it suits your space and comparing its energy use with other models.
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Its listed width of 60 cm gives you a useful starting point if you’re looking for a fridge freezer to fit a measured space.
The product name lists 252 L for the fridge, 103 L for the freezer, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Confirm the capacity split on the product page, and check the height, depth, kWh/year consumption and noise level before making your decision.
Check the annual energy consumption in kWh, storage capacities, energy rating and noise emissions. The European Commission provides this information for refrigerating appliances. To compare a fridge freezer with two separate appliances, check the labels for both the fridge and freezer you’re considering.
It may be, as long as the capacity of both compartments suits your shopping. For example, Bosch lists 260 L of fridge space and 103 L of freezer space for its 60 cm-wide KGN39AIBT. If you need more freezer space, compare other fridge freezers or consider a separate freezer.
Measure the space and check its dimensions and installation system against the instructions for the exact model. A freestanding appliance of a similar width isn’t necessarily compatible with your kitchen unit.