To keep fresh food and frozen food in good condition between weekly shops, start by comparing fridge freezers with a separate freezer compartment. Choose the usable capacity of each compartment to suit what you buy, then check how much space you’ll need for installation. How well the appliance maintains its temperature after loading, its noise level and its annual energy consumption can help you decide between models that appear similar.
If you come home with several days’ worth of fresh and frozen food, look at the space available in each compartment, not just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol looks at how appliances perform after a typical weekly shop.
An alcove, narrow doorway or nearby cabinet may limit the type of appliance that will fit. Also measure the space needed to open the doors and allow for the ventilation specified in the model’s instructions.
If your kitchen is close to a living area, compare the stated noise levels. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, so it’s also worth comparing the stated annual energy consumption of similar models.
The right format depends first on how much space you need for frozen food. A fridge freezer suits regular freezing needs; a compact model or a fridge with a small freezer compartment may be enough if you only store a little, while a multi-door model calls for more capacity and plenty of kitchen space.
Worth considering: if your weekly shop regularly includes both fresh and frozen food.
Consider: whether the balance of fridge and freezer space suits what you buy.
Worth considering: if you mainly buy fresh food and store few frozen items, or keep them elsewhere.
Limitation: a small freezer compartment may not offer the same functionality as a separate freezer. Check the details of the model’s compartment.
Worth considering: if space is your priority and you only need to store a modest amount of food.
Limitation: check the capacity and whether it can freeze food before choosing this format for your weekly shop.
Worth considering: if your household needs more storage space and your kitchen can accommodate a large appliance.
Consider: the extra capacity comes with a larger footprint to measure and energy consumption to compare from model to model.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh and frozen food | The usable capacity of each compartment and the type of freezer compartment. | When my shopping needs to last until the following week, I want to store frozen food without sacrificing space for fresh produce. Around 36 % of shoppers prioritise this balance. |
| Temperature recovery after loading | Test results after a full weekly shop and, if you freeze fresh food, after freezing food. | After putting away a large amount of food at once, I want to know how quickly the appliance returns to temperature. For around 29 % of shoppers, maintaining a consistent temperature is the main priority. |
| Fitting it in your kitchen | The dimensions, access routes, door clearance and specified ventilation. | If space is tight, I need to make sure the appliance will fit through the door and that I can open it before benefiting from its capacity. Around 21 % of shoppers prioritise how well it fits their kitchen. |
| Noise and energy use | The stated noise level and kWh/year, compared across models with similar capacities. | Noise matters day to day if the appliance is near a living area; I also want to know how much energy an appliance that’s always on will use. Around 14 % of shoppers prioritise these factors. |
A large stated capacity may still leave too little room for the frozen food you buy for the week. It’s also important to distinguish between a small freezer compartment and a separate freezer.
Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, then consider how it matches your usual shop.
An appliance may fit in its intended spot but not through a narrow doorway, or it may prevent a drawer from opening fully once installed.
Measure the delivery route, the installation space and the door clearance. For an integrated model, check the cabinet dimensions and ventilation requirements in its instructions.
An unsuitable installation may mean altering your kitchen layout or choosing a different format.
A feature name alone doesn’t tell you how temperatures change after a full shop has been put away. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses this separately.
If this matters to you, look for test results for the specific model.
According to ADEME, fridges and freezers run continuously, so it’s worth comparing annual energy consumption. You should also arrange what will happen to your old appliance before delivery.
Compare the kWh/year and stated noise levels of similar appliances, then confirm the practical arrangements for removal with the retailer.
Bosch offers a range that includes single-door fridges, fridge freezers, and freestanding or integrated models. It’s worth exploring if format and installation are key to your choice.
The range includes freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, as well as larger formats.
Whirlpool’s single-door and integrated fridges may be worth comparing when space is a key consideration.
This selection includes fridge freezers, including an integrated model, as well as multi-door appliances for storing fresh and frozen food. Compare their compartments and overall dimensions to suit your shopping habits and kitchen.
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Worth considering if your weekly shop calls for plenty of space for fresh and frozen food, and your kitchen can accommodate a multi-door model.
The model name indicates 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and door clearance before choosing.
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This three-door fridge freezer is worth comparing if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food.
The model name indicates 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check how the capacity is divided, the installation space required and the door clearance.
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This fridge freezer is worth comparing if you want a separate freezer for a weekly shop that includes both fresh and frozen food.
The product name indicates 282 L and an E energy rating. Check the space allocated to the freezer, the noise level if your kitchen is near a living area, and the installation instructions.
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Consider this model if your kitchen has space for an integrated appliance and you need two separate compartments.
The model name indicates 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Before ordering, check that the cabinet dimensions, door system and ventilation requirements are compatible with your kitchen. Also check the detailed compartment capacities in the model specifications.
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This fridge freezer makes it easy to assess how much space is set aside for frozen food in your weekly shop.
The model name indicates a 182 L fridge, a 71 L freezer, No Frost and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Check its full dimensions and annual energy consumption to compare it with other models.
UFC-Que Choisir’s guide suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to suit what you buy. Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, especially if you store a lot of frozen food.
Look for tests carried out on the specific model after loading. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes adding food daily and loading the appliance with a full weekly shop. A feature mentioned in the product name is no substitute for these results.
Compare annual consumption in kWh across appliances with similar capacities and configurations. According to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, fridges sold in France are among the appliances covered by the energy label. The stated consumption isn’t a guarantee of how much energy your own appliance will use.
Before placing your order, confirm the arrangements for taking away your old appliance, including the collection point and access requirements at your home. In a report published in 2017, the DGCCRF highlighted problems with information and the practical arrangements for taking back appliances bought online.
Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for your model and suited to its installation type. Bosch recommends leaving at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath certain appliances. Don’t automatically apply this figure to other models.