If you shop less often, start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge freezer can cover both, while a larger model or separate freezer only makes sense if you’ll use the extra storage. Que Choisir recommends considering how often you shop and how much frozen food you buy. Then compare compartment capacities and the kWh/an shown on the energy label, as well as the space available in your kitchen.
If you tend to do a big shop, work out how much room you need for fresh food rather than automatically choosing the largest appliance. As a starting point, Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person.
Check the capacity of the freezer compartment separately from the total capacity. Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
A multi-door or American-style fridge freezer may be worth considering if you’ll make use of the space for both fresh and frozen food. Que Choisir recommends large American-style models for spacious kitchens, so check the location and delivery access too.
Start with what you need to store between shops, then check the energy use and installation requirements of models that can hold your supplies.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge capacity | Compare the litres allocated to fresh food, not just the total capacity. A larger model is only useful if you’ll use the extra space for your shopping. | I stock up for several days and want room for fresh food without an oversized freezer compartment. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer capacity in litres on the energy label. Que Choisir advises against relying on a small freezer compartment if you buy a lot of frozen food. A separate freezer will also need extra space. | Will a fridge freezer hold my frozen food, or do I really need a second appliance? |
| Energy use | The European Commission says the label shows kWh/an, the energy efficiency class and the capacities. Compare the kWh/an with the storage space you get. If you’re considering two appliances, add together their stated annual energy use. | I want enough room for my shopping without choosing a capacity or features I won’t use. |
| Installation | Measure the width, depth and height, the access route and the space needed to open the doors. Check the model’s manual for clearance requirements. | The fridge freezer needs to fit into my home and remain easy to use once installed. |
Two appliances with similar total capacities may have very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food.
Work out how much space you need for each separately, then compare the compartment capacities shown on the energy label.
According to ADEME, a larger size and extra features can increase the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously.
Check that you’ll use the extra capacity, and compare the kWh/an of models offering similar storage space.
An appliance may fit in its intended spot but still be difficult to get through doorways or hallways.
Measure the space, access route and clearance needed to open the doors before you order.
ADEME points out that a freezer runs continuously, just like a fridge.
If you’re considering a second appliance, add together the kWh/an shown for both and compare their combined capacity with that of a larger fridge freezer.
In France, Bosch offers fridge freezers, multi-door models, single-door fridges and separate freezers.
The range includes fridge freezers such as the RB38C607AS9/EF, which Samsung lists as 387 L and 60 cm wide.
LG offers multi-door and large-capacity American-style fridge freezers.
This selection from Joybuy includes fridge freezers and four-door models with an integrated freezer. Compare their total capacity with the way you need the space divided for your shopping.
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This format is suited to households looking to store a big shop in an appliance with an integrated freezer. The model name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions before choosing.
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This fridge freezer is worth considering if you need to store fresh and frozen food in a space where width is a factor. Its name lists a capacity of 262 L, a 70/30 split, a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm. In particular, check that the freezer space is enough for the food you usually buy.
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This three-door fridge freezer is worth considering if your shopping needs call for room for both fresh and frozen food. The model name lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/an and the space needed to open the doors.
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This 174 L fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a more compact appliance that still has a freezer compartment. The model name lists Low Frost and a reversible door. Check that the freezer capacity is enough for your supplies, and check the kWh/an on the energy label.
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This four-door model is worth considering if you need a large capacity with an integrated freezer. Its name lists a capacity of 474 L, Vario Box storage and an E rating. Before choosing this format, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with the kWh/an and installation dimensions.
Compare their kWh/an against the fridge and freezer capacities you need. The European Commission says the energy label shows these figures, the energy efficiency class and the noise level. The class letter alone doesn’t tell you how much storage space an appliance offers.
Not if you regularly stock up on large amounts. Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. Compare the freezer capacity in litres with how much you usually keep between shops.
Measure the space where it will go, the doors and the route to the kitchen, then check the clearance needed to open the doors in the model’s manual. Que Choisir points out that American-style fridge freezers are suited to large kitchens. The advertised capacity doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit in your home.
When you buy an appliance, the DGCCRF reminds retailers of the « one-for-one » take-back requirement for old electrical or electronic equipment. Ask the retailer how to arrange collection with the delivery of your new fridge.