If you regularly store fresh and frozen food, start by looking at a fridge-freezer with two compartments sized to suit your habits. A fridge with a small freezer compartment may work if you only keep a few frozen items; consider separate appliances if you have a consistently high need for freezer space and room for both. In either case, compare the capacity in litres of each compartment and the annual energy consumption in kWh for appliances of a similar size and capacity.
If you shop less often or prepare portions in advance, check the space available for fresh and frozen food separately. A fridge-freezer is one option to consider if you want both in a single appliance. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, includes a weekly shop in its testing protocol.
If you don't need much freezer space, compare a fridge with a small freezer compartment against fridge-freezers. Make sure the compartment is big enough for the items you actually want to store.
A cooling appliance runs continuously. ADEME highlights that its size and features can affect energy consumption. Start by choosing a useful capacity that suits your needs, then compare the kWh/year figures for similar appliances.
The right format depends first on how much fresh and frozen food you tend to store; the energy label can then help you compare appliances with similar capacities.
Consider this if: you want to store fresh and frozen food regularly in a single appliance.
Bear in mind: a large total capacity doesn't guarantee that the split between the two compartments will suit you.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and only a few frozen items.
Bear in mind: the small compartment may not be big enough for prepared portions or a regular stock of frozen food.
Consider this if: you consistently need plenty of freezer space and have room for both appliances.
Bear in mind: both appliances take up space and run continuously; add together their stated annual energy consumption.
| Feature | What to check | Based on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. Consider them in relation to how often you shop and what you freeze. | I want enough room for my shopping without having to keep a large amount of space free in compartments I rarely use. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures and energy ratings for appliances of a similar size and capacity. ADEME notes that the size and features of an appliance that runs continuously can affect its energy consumption. | For an appliance that stays on all year, I'd rather check the kWh/year figure than rely on its energy rating alone. |
| Food storage and organisation | Check the temperature settings, interior layout and cooling system. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge at 4 °C and avoiding overfilling it. | If I regularly store foods that need extra care, I need to be able to put them in the right area and allow air to circulate. |
| Frost and maintenance | Check whether the model is No Frost, Low Frost or requires manual defrosting. According to Gifam, fan-assisted cooling prevents frost build-up, but food should be covered to stop it drying out. | I want to minimise defrosting, while also taking into account how I store my food. |
| Space and positioning | Check the dimensions, door-opening direction and clearances specified in the model's manual. If you're buying two appliances, check the space available for each one. | The capacity I choose also needs to fit in my kitchen, with enough room to open the doors easily. |
The label also shows annual energy consumption and the capacity of each compartment. A good energy rating alone doesn't tell you whether the capacity suits your storage needs.
First rule out capacities you don't need, then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances of a similar size and capacity, using the information on the energy label as described by Gifam.
ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously, and that a larger size or extra features can increase energy consumption.
Before opting for a large capacity or a convenience feature, estimate how much space your fresh and frozen food usually takes up.
A small compartment may not have room for the cooked portions and frozen food you keep regularly.
Make a note of everything you freeze over a week or two. If you regularly store a lot, look at the freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer or consider whether you have room for two separate appliances.
A dedicated compartment doesn't replace good food-storage practices. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge at 4 °C and allowing air to circulate.
Choose compartments to suit the food you store, then check where they are, how the appliance is set and what the storage instructions say.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers in France, with a range of configurations to suit different kitchen layouts.
Liebherr highlights its BioFresh compartments for households looking to organise the storage of certain fresh foods.
Whirlpool offers freestanding fridge-freezers, including Total No Frost models in a range of capacities.
These models combine fridge and freezer storage in one appliance. To compare them, check how the capacity is split between compartments, the stated annual energy consumption and the space needed for installation.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen storage in a three-door appliance. The product title lists a 360 L capacity, an E energy rating, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the dimensions before choosing.
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The bottom-mounted freezer may suit you if you prefer this layout for everyday use. The product title lists a 282 L capacity and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the clearances specified in the manual.
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This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you're looking for an appliance with the NatureFRESH, DoorCooling+ and LinearCooling features listed in its title. Check the usable capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the installation requirements for the exact model.
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Compare this total capacity with the amount of fresh and frozen food you usually store. The product title lists an E energy rating and Total No Frost. Check the separate compartment capacities, kWh/year figure, dimensions and installation clearances.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth checking if you have a narrow space. The product title also lists a height of 176 cm and a 70/30 split. Low Frost reduces frost build-up but doesn't eliminate the need for manual defrosting. Check the kWh/year figure and required clearances too.
Start by checking whether the fridge and freezer capacities in litres meet your needs, then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances of a similar size and capacity. Gifam says the energy label includes the annual energy consumption, the capacity of each compartment and the noise rating. The energy rating alone doesn't tell the whole story.
No. Don't assume it will reduce energy consumption by the same amount on every model. According to Gifam, fan-assisted cooling prevents frost build-up, but food needs to be covered to stop it drying out. Compare the kWh/year figures for the appliances you're considering, and choose this feature if it also suits your maintenance preferences.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge at 4 °C, particularly for meat, fish and cooked dishes, and following the appliance's instructions. Avoid overfilling the fridge too, so that air can circulate.