First, choose fridge and freezer capacities that suit your shopping habits, then compare the annual energy use of appliances with similar dimensions and capacity. A fridge-freezer combines both compartments in one appliance; consider a separate freezer if your frozen food needs more room. If your kitchen requires an integrated appliance, check the housing dimensions and door fixing system before comparing models.
If your shopping rarely fills all the available space, start with the fridge and freezer capacities you actually need. ADEME points out that an appliance’s size and extra features can affect the electricity it uses, particularly when it runs continuously.
A fridge-freezer’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is available in the freezer. Depending on what you buy, compare its freezer compartment with the capacity you’d get from a separate appliance.
An existing housing unit, narrow access or an open-plan kitchen can make all the difference between two models with the same capacity. Measure the space and delivery route; for an integrated model, also check the door fixing system and, if noise matters, the stated noise level for the exact model.
First, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the energy labels of similar appliances, without letting an extra feature take priority over your installation requirements.
Consider this if: you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the freezer space varies by model and may not be enough if you buy a lot of frozen food.
Consider this if: your freezing needs justify having a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for two appliances that run continuously, and should check their combined annual energy use.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | The fridge and freezer capacities in litres, separately, and whether they suit your shopping habits. | When households’ frozen food purchases vary, I want each compartment to match what I store. Around 29% of consumers rank having the right capacity for their needs as their top priority. |
| Energy use | The energy rating and kWh/year figures for models with similar dimensions and capacity. | For an appliance that stays on all year, I want to compare its energy use without choosing a capacity that doesn’t suit me. Around 29% of consumers say energy use is their top priority. |
| Installation and noise | Dimensions, clearance and access; for an integrated model, check the housing and door fixing system. Also check the stated dB level if your kitchen is open-plan. | If space is limited or the kitchen opens onto the living area, I need to be able to install the appliance and take its stated noise level into account. Around 24% of consumers prioritise these kitchen constraints. |
| Repairs and replacement | Information about repairs and parts for the exact model, and practical arrangements for taking away your old appliance. | When replacing my fridge, I want to be able to check the repair information and plan for the old one to be taken away. Around 18% of consumers put this preparation first. |
An energy rating letter doesn’t tell you whether the compartments suit your shopping habits. ADEME points out that a larger or over-equipped appliance can use more energy than necessary.
Work out how much fridge and freezer space you need, then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar dimensions and capacity.
The housing and door fitting matter too: Liebherr and Whirlpool product specifications, for example, show that fixing systems vary between models.
Check the full housing dimensions, existing fixing system, door opening direction and required clearances before choosing a model.
Samsung says the stated effect of its AI Energy mode depends on usage conditions and habits, as well as having a compatible model and meeting the connection requirements.
First check the stated annual energy use and capacity; then see whether the connected features suit the way you use the appliance.
You’ll need to have your old fridge removed without getting in the way of installing the new one.
Agree practical collection arrangements with the seller when you place your order, including access to your home and when the old appliance will be taken away.
If collection hasn’t been arranged, you’ll need to work out where to keep the old appliance and how to move it.
A range of freestanding fridge-freezers to compare by dimensions, capacity and the energy label for each model.
Integrated models to consider when your kitchen requires a housing unit and a fitted door front.
Large-capacity fridge-freezers to compare if capacity and connected features appeal to you.
Integrated fridge-freezers to compare based on your housing unit and existing fixing system.
These models combine a fridge and freezer in one appliance. To compare them, start with the capacity you need, then check their energy rating and the space available in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you need the storage space of a 467 L fridge-freezer; measure the space and delivery route before choosing this size.
The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Also check that the door opening direction suits your kitchen.
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If 360 L suits your shopping habits, check how the capacity is divided between the two compartments before choosing this fridge-freezer.
The model name mentions Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Consider whether these features are useful for you, but don’t let them replace comparing the kWh/year figures.
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Consider this if the capacity suits your storage needs; check the space available for fresh and frozen food separately.
Check that the stated height will fit your space and access route. For an open-plan kitchen, also check the noise level for this model.
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Worth considering if you need a 440 L fridge-freezer and have enough space for its width and height.
The model name includes a D energy rating. Compare its kWh/year with appliances that meet the same capacity needs; check separately for the defrosting features that matter to you.
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If 282 L is enough for your household, check the freezer capacity before choosing this model with a bottom freezer compartment.
The model name includes an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, noise level and required door opening direction for your kitchen.
No. First compare appliances with similar dimensions and usable capacities, then look at both their A to G energy ratings and annual energy use in kWh. Also check the dimensions and noise level if your kitchen requires it.
Add together the kWh/year figures shown for both appliances, then compare the total with that of a fridge-freezer offering the capacity you need. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously; remember to allow space for both appliances too.
The category lists published by the ministries responsible for the ecological transition in June and July 2025 don’t include fridge-freezers among the products covered by repairability and durability ratings. To compare specific models, look instead for repair instructions and parts information from the manufacturer and, where available, in EPREL, the European Product Database for Energy Labelling.