Households replacing a fridge-freezer
If you want space for both fresh and frozen food without choosing an unnecessarily large appliance, compare the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figures for fridge-freezers with similar capacities.
Who is this guide for?
People with a small kitchen
Width isn’t everything: check the depth and height, how the door opens and whether the appliance will fit through the route to its intended position before settling on a capacity.
Households with changing freezer needs
How the total capacity is divided between fresh and frozen food matters just as much as the overall volume. A fridge-freezer combines both uses, while a single-door fridge or separate freezer suits a different way of storing food.
Which criteria should you compare?
Fridge-freezer
Choose this if: you regularly store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: a large fridge-freezer needs more space. Check that each compartment suits your habits.
Single-door fridge
Choose this if: most of your food storage is fresh, and you freeze little or have another freezer.
Check: whether it has a freezer compartment and how much it holds, rather than assuming it will replace the one in a fridge-freezer.
Separate freezer
Choose this if: your fridge already meets your needs for fresh food and you regularly store more frozen food.
The trade-off: you’ll be adding an appliance that runs continuously and needs its own space.
| Criterion | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Compare the energy rating and declared kWh/year for appliances with the same function and similar capacities. Check the label for the exact model. | I want to limit the energy use of an appliance that stays switched on all the time, without assuming its rating guarantees lower bills in my home. |
| Capacity split | Check the usable litres of the fridge and freezer separately. Measure the height, width and depth, and allow enough room for the door. | Most of my shopping is fresh food, so I don’t want to choose a large freezer compartment that I’ll rarely use. |
| Food storage and maintenance | Check the temperature controls and defrosting features. Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. | If regular defrosting would be a nuisance, I’ll check exactly which compartment has a No Frost feature. |
| Noise and installation | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A). For a built-in model, check the niche dimensions and door-fixing system. | My appliance will be near a living area or needs to fit into an existing niche. These constraints could rule out a model whose capacity would otherwise suit me. |
Which pitfalls should you avoid?
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Relying on the energy rating alone
A small fridge, a large fridge-freezer and a separate freezer don’t do the same job. ADEME points out that size and extra features can affect energy use.
Compare the kWh/year and usable capacities of appliances that do the same job, then choose the capacity you need.
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Measuring the space but not the access route
An appliance may fit in your kitchen but still be too big to get to its intended position or prevent the door from opening properly.
Check the delivery route, all three appliance dimensions and the clearance needed for installation. For a built-in model, also measure the niche and check the door type.
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Choosing features without a clear need
No Frost or a door alarm may be useful for practical reasons, but having either feature doesn’t in itself mean the appliance uses less energy.
Consider how each feature would fit into your daily routine, then compare the appliances’ capacities and declared kWh/year.
A guide to the brands
These features apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance from each brand.
Bosch
Bosch France product pages let you compare the capacities, dimensions, energy ratings and noise levels of freestanding fridge-freezers.
- According to Bosch France, the KGN492IAF offers 311 L of fridge capacity and 129 L of freezer capacity, with an A rating.
- This model measures 203 × 70 × 66,7 cm. Its capacity is only suitable if your storage needs and available space justify it.
Liebherr
Liebherr’s freestanding fridge-freezer range includes a variety of capacities and widths, which can help you narrow down the format you need.
- Liebherr’s range filters include capacities of 150 to 199 L, 200 to 300 L and over 300 L.
- Once you’ve chosen a model, check its energy use and dimensions on the product page.
Electrolux
The built-in ENT6ME19S fridge-freezer is an example of a model that needs to fit a kitchen niche.
- According to Electrolux France, the ENT6ME19S offers 207 L of fridge capacity and 62 L of freezer capacity, with declared energy use of 215 kWh/year.
- The specified niche height is 1894 mm. Check all measurements and the door installation before choosing this model.
Fridge-freezers available on Joybuy
These five models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Compare the space allocated to each compartment and the declared kWh/year before choosing a model to suit your kitchen and habits.
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LG GBBS312AEV, 333 L No Frost black fridge-freezer
Store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, with 220 L of fridge capacity and 113 L of freezer capacity. The product information lists an A rating, declared energy use of 108 kWh/year, a noise level of 29 dB and dimensions of 59,7 × 186 × 67,4 cm. Check the required clearance and delivery route; the kWh/year figure won’t reflect energy use in your home.
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Samsung RB38C603CS9, 390 L silver fridge-freezer
If you need more room for fresh food, this model’s 390 L capacity is split between 276 L of fridge space and 114 L of freezer space. The product information lists a C rating, declared energy use of 169 kWh/year, No Frost, a noise level of 35 dB and dimensions of 59,5 × 203 × 65,8 cm. Check the height and the space needed to open the door.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L Low Frost black fridge-freezer
Its stated width of 54 cm may suit a narrow space, but be sure to check the required clearances. The product information lists 187 L of fridge capacity, 75 L of freezer capacity, an E rating, declared energy use of 215 kWh/year and dimensions of 176 × 54 × 55 cm. The Low Frost freezer needs to be manually defrosted, with defrosting recommended around once or twice a year.
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Hotpoint HPK26363XBR5E, 316 L Dual No Frost fridge-freezer
If manual defrosting would be a nuisance, this model’s product information lists Dual No Frost for both compartments. It states 210 L of fridge capacity, 106 L of freezer capacity, a D rating, energy use of 198 kWh/year and dimensions of 186,5 × 59,5 × 66,3 cm. Allow at least 5 cm of clearance at the back and sides, as specified in the product information.
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Samsung RB38C600EWW, 390 L white fridge-freezer
With 276 L of fridge capacity and 114 L of freezer capacity, it offers plenty of storage space. Make sure you need this much before choosing it. The product information lists an E rating, declared energy use of 264 kWh/year, a noise level of 35 dB and dimensions of 59,5 × 203 × 65,8 cm. Check the clearance and make sure the door can open fully.
Frequently asked questions
Is the energy rating enough to compare two fridge-freezers?
No. Also compare the declared kWh/year and usable capacity of each compartment, ideally between fridge-freezers with similar capacities. ADEME presents the energy label as a useful guide when choosing, but dimensions and noise levels matter too if your space has specific requirements.
Will a separate freezer reduce my household’s energy use?
Not necessarily: it adds an appliance that runs continuously. It’s mainly useful if you regularly need extra freezer space. Check its capacity and declared kWh/year, taking into account the fridge you’ll keep.
What temperature should I set my fridge to?
Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. If the thermostat setting doesn’t tell you the temperature, check it inside the appliance.