Households doing a weekly shop
Prioritise separate fridge and freezer capacities, so you can accommodate a large shop without compromising your usual supplies. Que Choisir specifically assesses this scenario in its testing.
Who is it for?
People who prepare and freeze portions
The freezer’s usable capacity, number of drawers and ease of access matter more than the total capacity alone. Also compare the stated freezing capacity for the exact model.
Households with a compact kitchen or unheated room
Measure the installation space, access routes and door clearance. The depth, noise level and climate class can rule out an appliance that otherwise offers the right capacity.
Buying priorities
Start by dividing your needs between fresh and frozen food, then check that the chosen format can genuinely be installed in the intended room.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the usable litres of the fridge and freezer sections separately. Check the number, depth and accessibility of the drawers, along with the freezing capacity in kg/24 h where stated. | I want enough room for fresh food without running out of drawers for portions and frozen food. A high total capacity does not guarantee that the section you need is large enough. |
| Temperature stability | Check independent test results where available. Verify the climate class against the actual room temperature, as well as the model’s specific rapid-cooling functions. | After a large shop or frequent door openings, I want an appliance suited to my usage and to any heat in the kitchen. |
| Size and access | Record the height, width and depth, then add the clearances specified in the instructions. Check the delivery route, door swing and noise level in dB(A). | I need to be able to get the appliance into the house, open the doors comfortably and access my supplies without sacrificing the capacity I need. |
| Energy and comparable information | Compare the current A to G rating, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise levels between appliances of the same type. The label’s QR code links to EPREL. | I want to compare data on a like-for-like basis, without treating the old A+, A++ or A+++ ratings as equivalent to the current scale. The European Commission has used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based solely on total capacity
A large capacity may be concentrated mainly in the fridge section, while prepared portions require more freezer space.
Note the volume and format of your usual supplies, then compare the litres in each compartment and drawer access on the exact model’s product page.
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Installing the appliance without checking the climate class
A cold cellar, unheated utility room or hot kitchen may fall outside the temperature range intended for the appliance.
Assess the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures and choose a climate class that covers them. Also follow the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions.
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Underestimating the size of a large model or multi-door appliance
High-capacity appliances can be wider and deeper than a standard fridge freezer, making them difficult to deliver or open in a small kitchen.
Measure the installation space, access routes and door clearance before ordering. For a chest freezer, also check the floor area and access to the bottom of the compartment.
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Comparing old and new energy ratings as if they were equivalent
Fridges and freezers now use the A to G scale; the former designations do not allow for a direct comparison.
Compare the current rating, annual consumption in kWh and usable capacities between appliances of a similar category and size.
Brand guide
Bosch
Worth considering for a 60 cm freestanding fridge freezer with clearly documented capacity distribution and storage or fan-assisted cooling features.
- For the KGN39VLCT, Bosch states 260 L of fridge capacity, 103 L of freezer capacity and 35 dB(A).
- The height of 203 cm and depth of 66.5 cm must be compatible with the installation space and access routes.
Liebherr
An option to explore for organising fresh food and separating cooling circuits in a standard-width fridge freezer.
- Liebherr presents the CBNsda 572i Plus with a total capacity of 360 L and a noise level of 34 dB.
- BioFresh, NoFrost and DuoCooling are features advertised by the manufacturer for this model; also check its dimensions of 201.5 × 59.7 × 67.5 cm.
Samsung
Consider it if you want plenty of capacity within a standard kitchen width and depth, without moving to a multi-door model.
- Samsung states that certain RB38, RL38 and RB3E models offer up to 385 L with a depth of 600 mm.
- Capacity and noise levels vary by model; check the energy label for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
Worth exploring when the available space can accommodate the high capacity of a wide fridge freezer.
- Whirlpool states a capacity of 462 L for the WB70E973W, with a width of 70 cm and a depth of 75.5 cm.
- This appliance is larger than a 60 cm fridge freezer; check the installation space carefully before choosing it.
Joybuy products
Joybuy options including fridge freezers for weekly shops and prepared portions, a multi-door model for larger supplies, and an upright freezer to provide separate freezer capacity.
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Hotpoint HPK26363XBR5E 316 L Dual No Frost
A fridge freezer that separates fresh shopping from frozen portions, with 210 L of fridge capacity and 106 L of freezer capacity.
Three freezer drawers, a stated freezing capacity of 6 kg/24 h, 198 kWh/year, a D rating and a width of 59.5 cm. Check the climate class before installing it in a cellar, utility room or very warm kitchen.
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CHiQ JR263LGE 262 L Low Frost
A 54 cm-wide format for a narrow kitchen and moderate supplies, with 187 L of fridge capacity and 75 L of freezer capacity.
Three drawers, a 4-star freezer, a stated freezing capacity of 3.5 kg/24 h and an N-ST climate class from 16 to 38 °C. The freezer requires periodic manual defrosting.
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CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L Low Frost
A compact 54 cm-wide option for everyday shopping, with 153 L of fridge capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity.
4-star compartment, reversible door and adjustable feet. The freezer capacity is better suited to moderate supplies; allow time for defrosting the freezer.
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COMFEE RCF470LS2EU(E) 474 L four-door refrigerator
A multi-door model that increases storage in a single appliance, with a stated total capacity of 474 L and separate compartments.
Width of 83.8 cm, depth of 65.3 cm and height of 177.5 cm. Check the split between fridge and freezer capacity, as well as the space required for delivery and door opening.
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Heinrichs 161 L No Frost upright freezer
Separate freezer capacity to complement an existing fridge, with 161 L dedicated to frozen food and portions.
Three drawers, two shelves, a Fast Freeze function advertised down to −22 °C, an alarm and a reversible door. Check the dimensions and climate class before choosing where to install it.
Frequently asked questions
How should you work out the capacity you need before buying?
First separate your needs for fresh and frozen food. Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L per additional person for the fridge; adjust this if you shop for one or two weeks at a time or store a lot of frozen food. Then check the freezer capacity and drawer sizes for your boxes and bags.
Is a bottom freezer always the best option?
No. A fridge freezer is suitable when your frozen supplies remain moderate, while an upright freezer makes access easier with its drawers. A chest freezer prioritises capacity, but takes up more floor space and requires more hands-on organisation.
What should you check in a utility room, cellar or very hot kitchen?
Check the exact model’s climate class and compare it with the room’s actual temperatures. Que Choisir gives the following guidelines: SN from +10 to +32 °C, N from +16 to +32 °C, ST from +16 to +38 °C and T from +16 to +43 °C. An appliance designed for a temperate kitchen is not automatically suitable for a cold cellar or a very hot room.
Which energy-label details are useful?
The A to G European label displays the annual consumption in kWh, the capacities of the fresh and frozen compartments, and the noise level. The QR code provides access to EPREL, allowing you to check the model’s detailed data before buying.
Is No Frost enough when choosing a model for prepared meals?
No. Depending on the model, No Frost mainly relates to frost formation and defrosting; it does not guarantee sufficient freezer capacity or drawers suited to your supplies. Also check the freezer litres, internal layout and temperature-stability results where available.