Households that shop less often
If prepared meals, fresh ingredients and frozen food need to last until your next shop, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than looking only at the total volume.
Which households are these formats suited to?
Families and house shares
Shared storage needs spaces that are easy to divide between fresh and frozen food. A multi-door model can make it easier to stay organised, provided its doors and overall size suit your kitchen.
Homes with narrow access
To gain capacity without making the appliance wider, consider its height and depth too. Measure the delivery route using the packaged dimensions, then check the manual for ventilation clearances.
What should you check before choosing?
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then rule out any formats that can’t be delivered or installed properly.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and layout | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Que Choisir’s guide is 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to what you actually store. | I keep meals and frozen food between shops, so a large total capacity won’t help if the freezer is too small. |
| Storage and cooling | Look at the drawers, fresh-food compartments and cooling system. No Frost can help reduce ice build-up, but it’s no substitute for suitable storage or checking the temperatures. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends +4 °C for the fridge and −18 °C for the freezer. | I want to be able to keep fresh food separate from food to be frozen, so ingredients and prepared meals are easy to find. |
| Delivery and installation | Check the height, width and depth, packaged dimensions, access routes and door clearance. Follow the clearances in the model’s manual: an Electrolux manual advises against blocking the ventilation openings. | My kitchen or delivery route is restricted. A width that fits the space isn’t enough if the appliance won’t fit through the door. |
| Noise and energy | Compare the stated noise level and energy label of models with a similar capacity and format. Don’t assume energy consumption based on the number of doors alone. | Noise matters every day in an open-plan kitchen. I’d also rather check that the capacity suits my needs than choose a larger model just in case. |
What buying pitfalls should you avoid?
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. You could find there’s not enough room for frozen meals, even if the total capacity looks impressive.
Make a note of what you store during the busiest period between shops, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
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Choosing a multi-door model without measuring access
The number of doors alone doesn’t tell you how wide or deep an appliance is, or how much room you’ll need to open it. A model that fits your kitchen could still be difficult to get through on the delivery route.
Check the exact dimensions of the appliance and its packaging, as well as your entrance doors, hallways and the space needed to open it.
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Forgetting about ventilation in an alcove
An Electrolux manual advises keeping the ventilation openings clear. The required clearances depend on the appliance and how it’s installed.
Check the manual for your chosen model before confirming its position. Don’t assume the clearances for another fridge-freezer will apply.
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Leaving your old appliance until delivery day
Replacing a fridge-freezer leaves you with a bulky appliance to dispose of. Electrical equipment needs to be taken to a suitable collection point, as the Ministry for the Ecological Transition reminds us.
Ask the retailer about collection arrangements when you place your order, and make sure the old fridge-freezer is accessible on the agreed day.
Which brands and ranges should you compare?
These examples from manufacturers show different layouts and sizes to compare. Their features don’t apply to every model from the same brand.
Bosch
The freestanding KGN36VLED fridge-freezer is an example of a traditional layout, with separate spaces for fresh and frozen food.
- Bosch lists a 237 L fridge and an 89 L freezer for this model.
- If you freeze a lot of meals, check that the 89 L freezer capacity is enough before choosing this format.
Samsung
The RB38C776CS9/EF shows how you might find more capacity without choosing a particularly wide appliance.
- Samsung lists a capacity of 390 L and dimensions of 595 × 2 030 × 658 mm for this model.
- Its width isn’t the only measurement to check: make sure the height, depth and delivery route work too.
LG
The GBB72MCUFN is another fridge-freezer to consider if you have room for an appliance around 2 m tall.
- LG lists a capacity of 384 L and dimensions of 59,5 × 203,0 × 68,2 cm for this model.
- Check that its depth and height suit both the space and the access route.
Haier
Haier’s multi-door range lets you explore storage split across several doors.
- Haier offers models with four or five doors.
- Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the door clearance for the specific model you’re considering.
Which models can you browse on Joybuy?
This selection includes fridge-freezers, a four-door model and a side-by-side appliance. Compare their stated capacity with your needs, then check the size and installation requirements of your chosen model.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, three doors, 360 L
If you shop less often, check that the freezer space suits the meals you want to freeze.
The model name indicates Total No Frost and energy class E. Check the manual for installation clearances, and measure the access route with the appliance in its packaging.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four doors, 467 L
This four-door model is worth considering if you want to spread a large amount of food across several compartments and have enough room for it.
Its product name mentions Total No Frost and energy class E. Check its width, the access route with the appliance packaged and the clearances in the manual.
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Samsung RB38C603CS9, 390 L, class C
This fridge-freezer is worth comparing if you want more capacity without immediately opting for a multi-door model.
Check the balance between fridge and freezer space, then confirm the height, depth, packaged dimensions and installation clearances for this model.
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Samsung RB34C704DB1, 344 L, class D
If you want a fridge-freezer with separate spaces for fresh and frozen food, compare the capacity of each compartment with what you usually store.
Check the depth and packaged dimensions, then check the clearances in the manual before confirming where it will go.
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CHiQ JR525WSE side-by-side, 525 L
This large model is only worth considering for less frequent shopping if its separate capacities suit your needs and you have room for it at home.
Its product name lists 333 L of fridge space, 192 L of freezer space, No Frost, 37 dB and energy class E. Check its dimensions, packaged dimensions and installation clearances before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
How much capacity should you allow for if you store more meals?
Que Choisir’s starting guide is 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Next, compare the space available for fresh and frozen food separately. The balance matters just as much as the total if you freeze prepared meals.
Is No Frost enough to store more meals?
No. No Frost can help reduce ice build-up, but it’s no substitute for suitable storage or setting the right temperatures. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends +4 °C for the fridge and −18 °C for the freezer.
What should you measure before ordering a large fridge-freezer?
Measure the space, door openings and every access route to the kitchen, allowing for the packaged dimensions. Also check the manual for the exact model to ensure there’s enough ventilation clearance. A width that fits an alcove doesn’t guarantee the appliance will make it through on delivery or can be installed correctly.