For a weekly shop that regularly includes frozen food, a fridge freezer with a separate, proper freezer compartment is usually the best place to start. First, compare the net capacity of both compartments: a freezer compartment is suitable for limited extra storage, while a separate freezer or American-style multi-door model becomes worthwhile when your supplies genuinely exceed the capacity of a fridge freezer and you have the space to install it.
If you shop for a week or more, make sure you have room for fresh food, drinks, ready meals and a supply of frozen food. According to Que Choisir, how the net capacity is divided between the fridge and freezer matters more than the total capacity alone.
For regularly storing vegetables, meat, bread or prepared portions, compare the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres, the number of drawers and how easy they are to access. Que Choisir says that a simple freezer compartment is not enough when frozen food makes up a significant part of your shop.
An American-style multi-door fridge freezer or a separate freezer can suit large shops and family-sized packs, but it is not essential for every household. Measure the available space and check that the usable capacity genuinely matches your storage habits.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the installation requirements, noise levels and energy consumption of the models you are considering.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the fridge and freezer net capacities separately. Check the drawers or dedicated frozen-food areas rather than relying on the total capacity. | I need to be able to put away a full shop without running out of room for fresh or frozen food. |
| Performance after shopping | Check available tests for the exact model, covering cooling, freezing and temperature stability. A fast-cooling function can be useful, but it does not replace these checks. | After putting away a large amount of food, I want the appliance to return to a suitable temperature. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Compare the energy efficiency class, annual kWh, dB and airborne acoustical noise emission class shown on the energy label. The European Commission also lists the compartment capacities there. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want a discreet appliance and need to compare its annual energy consumption. |
| Size and access | Measure the width, depth, height, delivery routes and door clearance. For a separate freezer, also check the floor space required and how easily you can access the food. | I only want extra storage if the appliance fits in the kitchen and remains practical to use every day. |
A large appliance may leave too little space for frozen food. If you shop less frequently, you could then run out of room in the compartment that is most useful for your habits.
List what you usually buy in a week, estimate how much space your frozen food takes up, then compare the two net capacities on the energy label or in EPREL.
A freezer compartment provides extra storage and cannot replace a proper frozen-food reserve for a household that shops weekly or less often.
If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, choose a fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment or consider an independent freezer, depending on the capacity you need.
Large models can be wide, deep and heavy. Que Choisir says that an American-style appliance can be close to 1 m wide, weigh over 100 kg and use more energy than a standard model.
Measure the space, doors and hallways before ordering, then compare annual kWh, noise, the capacity of each compartment and the features you will genuinely use.
A fridge freezer runs continuously and needs to cope with a full shop being loaded inside. Que Choisir’s tests assess factors including temperature maintenance, freezing, noise and how long the appliance stays cold during a power cut.
Compare the displayed dB rating and noise emission class, then look for independent tests covering cooling and freezing for the models on your shortlist.
Bosch offers fridge freezers and larger formats, with appliances listed in energy efficiency classes A, B or C and technologies such as VitaFresh.
Liebherr’s French product specifications provide details of dimensions, total capacity, noise level and features such as NoFrost or EasyFresh across its fridge freezers and integrated appliances.
Haier covers fridge freezers, side-by-side models and multi-door appliances, making it easier to compare high capacities and wider appliances.
Joybuy options for weekly shops with a supply of frozen food, including fridge freezers and a multi-door model for greater storage requirements.
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A fridge freezer that lets you directly compare fresh-food space with frozen-food storage when doing a large shop.
210 L of fridge capacity and 106 L of freezer capacity, with three freezer drawers. Listed with class D, 198 kWh/year, Dual No Frost and automatic defrosting.
Check the noise level and noise emission class on the energy label, particularly for an open-plan kitchen. Listed dimensions: 59.5 cm wide, 66.3 cm deep and 186.5 cm high.
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A 54 cm-wide fridge freezer for more modest frozen-food storage in a standard kitchen.
187 L of fridge capacity, 75 L of freezer capacity, three drawers and a 4-star freezer. Listed with class E, 215 kWh/year and a noise level of 39 dB(A).
The Low Frost freezer requires manual defrosting, stated to be needed approximately once or twice a year. The 75 L freezer capacity may be limiting for substantial stocks.
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A multi-door model for households that need plenty of space and separate access to several storage areas.
Listed total capacity of 474 L, four doors, two freezer drawers, Vario Box and external controls. Energy efficiency class E listed.
Check the fridge and freezer net capacities separately, along with annual kWh and noise. At 83.8 cm wide, you should also measure access routes and door clearance.
As a starting point, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by 50 L for each additional person. This guidance applies to the fridge as a whole: if you buy frozen food, also check that the freezer’s net capacity matches your usual supply.
No, not for regular use. Que Choisir states that a simple freezer compartment is not enough if you eat a lot of frozen food; choose a fridge freezer with a proper freezer compartment or a separate appliance, depending on the capacity you need.
The European label shows the energy efficiency class from A to G, annual consumption in kWh, the capacities of the frozen and unfrozen compartments, and airborne acoustical noise emissions. Compare all these details for the exact model, rather than judging by its apparent size.
No. A multi-door model generally offers a large capacity and freezer drawers, but its dimensions and weight can be considerable. It is suitable when that capacity is genuinely useful and your kitchen and delivery access allow for installation; a large fridge freezer or separate freezer may involve different compromises.
ADEME states that an appliance can be returned to the retailer or delivery driver when it is replaced, or taken to the designated area for electrical and electronic equipment at a recycling centre. Refrigeration appliances must not be left with ordinary bulky waste.