For one person or a couple who do a weekly food shop including frozen food, a fridge freezer is generally a good starting point: it keeps fresh and frozen food separate without requiring the width of a multi-door model from the outset. Measure the space and the delivery route, then compare the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year and the noise level shown on the energy label; a table-top or single-door model is mainly suitable when you only need limited freezer space.
For weekly food shops without an appliance that is too wide or too tall, compare usable capacity, depth including the doors, noise level and the amount of space allocated to the freezer. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by around 50 L per additional person, adjusted according to your shopping habits and frozen food requirements.
If fresh food, ready meals and frozen products all need to last for a week, choose a proper freezer compartment with drawers rather than a simple freezer box. Check the capacity of each compartment separately on the energy label and in the model specifications.
For storing large dishes, lots of drinks or family-sized shops, a wide fridge freezer or multi-door model could be suitable if the space and access route are wide enough. Some multi-door models are up to 90 cm wide, according to Samsung France.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the format will genuinely fit in your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Also check the interior layout and shelf width for large packages or dishes. | I want my weekly shop to fit without buying more capacity than I actually need. The guidelines from Que Choisir and Darty can provide a starting point, adjusted to my habits. |
| Freezer space | Check the freezer capacity, number of drawers and type of compartment. A small compartment is more suitable for occasional frozen food than for regular storage. | I prefer to keep fresh food and my bags of frozen food clearly separate, so I can put everything away without stacking it all up. |
| Fit and noise level | Note the exact height × width × depth dimensions, the clearances specified by the manufacturer, door opening requirements and delivery access. Compare dB(A) levels between models with similar capacities. | My appliance needs to fit in the kitchen and remain discreet, particularly if the room opens onto the living area. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Read the kWh/year, A to G rating, compartment capacities and noise emissions on the European energy label together. Examine ventilated cooling or No Frost functions on a model-by-model basis. | I want to limit the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously, without overlooking storage or cooling-system maintenance. |
Two appliances with a similar overall capacity can offer very different freezer capacities. A compact freezer compartment may not be enough for a weekly shop containing frozen food.
Note the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then examine the number and shape of the drawers if you freeze food regularly.
Height, depth, door opening and the delivery route can prevent installation or make everyday use difficult. Fridge freezers can vary considerably in width and reach 67.5 cm in depth.
Measure the space, access routes and doorways, then follow the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model. A format advertised as “60 cm” does not, on its own, confirm compatibility.
A multi-door model offers plenty of capacity and flexible organisation, but it requires more room. Some models are 90 cm wide, while larger appliances can increase electricity consumption.
Choose this format if large dishes, substantial capacity or a convertible compartment meet a specific need, after comparing the dimensions, noise level and kWh/year with a wide fridge freezer.
ADEME gives an average guideline of 315 kWh/year for a fridge freezer and 100 kWh/year for the best new A-rated appliances; these figures do not indicate the consumption of any particular multi-door model.
Food preservation also depends on temperature and air circulation. Overfilling the appliance or placing hot food inside it can disrupt cooling.
Anses recommends aiming for 0 to +4 °C in the coldest area, checking the temperature if necessary, allowing air to circulate and storing raw meat and fish in the coldest zone.
Worth considering for freestanding 60 cm-wide fridge freezers, with clearly differentiated options according to capacity, noise level and energy efficiency.
Worth considering for high-capacity fridge freezers in a standard footprint and for multi-door models intended for larger kitchens.
Worth considering for standard- or wide-format NoFrost fridge freezers when noise, interior organisation and capacity are particularly important.
Joybuy options mainly focused on fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food separate, with one multi-door model for greater storage needs.
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For weekly shops combining fresh and frozen food, with 276 L of fridge space, 114 L of freezer space and three advertised freezer drawers.
Advertised dimensions are 59.5 cm wide, 203 cm high and 65.8 cm deep, with 169 kWh/year and 35 dB. Check the space, delivery access and the required ventilation clearances.
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An option for weekly shops containing a significant amount of frozen food: 235 L of fridge space, 125 L of freezer space and three advertised drawers.
Advertised dimensions: 185 × 59.5 × 66.7 cm, with 271 kWh/year, 35 dB and an E rating. Compare these figures with appliances of similar capacity if energy use is a priority.
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For combining fresh and frozen food in a noise-sensitive kitchen, with an advertised noise level of 34 dB and Total No Frost.
The advertised capacities are 183 L of fridge space, 37 L of cooling compartment space and 113 L of freezer space. Dimensions: 597 × 1 860 × 674 mm; the product sheet specifies 5 cm of clearance at the rear, above and on the sides.
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A fridge freezer for weekly shops, with 230 L of fridge space, 114 L of freezer space and three advertised drawers.
Advertised width is 59.5 cm and height is 185.3 cm, with No Frost, Power Cool and Power Freeze. Check the energy label, noise level, depth and installation requirements before making your choice.
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A multi-door model designed for large weekly shops, with an advertised 311 L of fridge space and 156 L of freezer space.
Advertised width is 83.3 cm, depth 65 cm, with 290 kWh/year and 35 dB, plus Total No Frost Circle+. This format requires suitable space, access routes and clearances.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by an additional 50 L per person, while Darty suggests 100 L for one person and 150 L for two people. Use these guidelines as a starting point and increase the capacity if you store lots of dishes, drinks or fresh food; always check the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Generally not if you regularly buy or freeze several bags of frozen food. Darty recommends a freezer compartment for limited use and a two-door model with a bottom freezer and drawers when freezing is a regular requirement.
For domestic fridges and freezers sold in the European Union, the label shows the A to G rating, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise emissions, among other information, according to the European Commission. Compare kWh/year between appliances of a similar format and capacity rather than looking at the letter alone.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest area. Check it regularly, avoid overfilling the appliance so that cold air can circulate, and do not put hot food inside.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to economie.gouv.fr. It covers defects affecting the goods, packaging and assembly instructions, as well as installation in certain circumstances.