To replace an appliance that keeps food cold without choosing one that is too large, first work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge freezer combines both in one space; if you mainly need to freeze food, consider a dedicated freezer instead, bearing in mind that you’ll still need a fridge. Then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances of the same type and similar capacity, along with the usable capacity of each compartment.
If you’re replacing an older appliance, compare the kWh/year figures for models with a similar format and usable capacity. The energy efficiency class alone isn’t enough to compare appliances with different capacities.
If your shopping includes both, check how much space each compartment in a fridge freezer offers. A suitable total capacity doesn’t guarantee that the space is divided in a way that suits your habits.
If bulk shopping or batch cooking takes up a lot of space, compare upright and chest freezers for ease of access, the space they take up and their annual energy consumption.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare annual energy consumption across similar configurations and capacities. ADEME points out that an appliance that keeps food cold runs continuously, so any extra capacity should meet a genuine need.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity consumption | The kWh/year figure on the energy label and the usable capacities of appliances of the same type and similar capacity. | If I’m replacing an appliance that runs all the time, I want to keep its energy use under control without giving up the space I need; around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | The usable litres in each compartment and the space your fresh and frozen shopping actually takes up. | When my regular shop includes both fresh and frozen food, I want enough space for each in a single appliance; this balance is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Frozen food storage | The usable freezer capacity, followed by how easy it is to reach food in an upright or chest freezer. | For bulk shopping or meals prepared in advance, I’d prioritise dedicated freezer capacity; around 21% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Installation and ease of use | The dimensions, how the doors or lid open, and the declared noise level in dB(A). | In a small kitchen, an alcove or near a living area, I need to be able to install, open and use the appliance without difficulty; this is the deciding factor for around 14% of consumers. |
The energy class doesn’t replace the kWh/year figure: appliances with different formats or capacities won’t offer the same performance.
Compare annual energy consumption and capacity by compartment across similar models. The model’s entry in the European EPREL database can also help you interpret the energy label.
A fridge freezer may offer enough litres overall but too little space in the compartment you use most.
Estimate your needs for fresh and frozen food separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests an average starting point of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your household’s shopping habits.
The appliance’s dimensions alone don’t tell you whether it will fit through to its intended location or whether its doors or lid can open freely.
Measure the delivery route and the space where it will go, then check the instructions for the required clearances. If it’s in an open-plan room, check the declared noise level too.
A large fridge or freezer needs some planning if you want the one it replaces to be taken away.
Check with the seller what collection options are available for your order, and keep the collection details to hand.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding and built-in fridge freezers.
The French range includes standalone fridges, fridge freezers, and both freestanding and built-in models.
Haier offers single-door and double-door fridges, side-by-side models and fridge freezers.
These models include fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as dedicated upright and chest freezers. To keep energy use down, match the capacity to your needs and check the kWh/year figure for your chosen model.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one four-door appliance. The product title lists a 467 L capacity, an E energy class and Total No Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the space needed to open the doors.
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Another option to consider for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The product title lists a 360 L capacity, an E energy class, Total No Frost and Wi-Fi. Check the usable capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure before comparing it with other fridge freezers.
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Worth comparing if a 333 L fridge freezer offers the space you need for your shopping. The product title lists a C energy class; to compare its energy use with models of other capacities, also check the kWh/year figure and the usable capacity of each compartment.
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For storing frozen food separately, with easy access through drawers. The product title lists a 161 L capacity, a C energy class, No Frost and a reversible door hinge. This appliance doesn’t chill fresh food, so factor in the fridge you’ll keep and check the kWh/year figures for both appliances.
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For storing frozen food in a chest freezer rather than an upright model with drawers. The product title lists a 140 L capacity, an E energy class, a basket and a counterbalanced lid. Check the floor space, clearance above the lid and the kWh/year figure. You’ll still need a fridge for fresh food.
Compare their kWh/year figures, then the usable fridge and freezer capacities of appliances of the same type and similar capacity. For the household refrigeration appliances covered in France, the DGCCRF describes energy labelling as a comparison tool; the energy class alone doesn’t show the annual energy consumption of two different formats.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests an average guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this starting point to suit how often you shop, the meals you need to store and how much space you need for frozen food.
A fridge freezer is a good choice if both compartments meet your needs for fresh and frozen food and fit in the available space. If freezing is your priority, compare an upright freezer with a chest freezer, then factor in the energy consumption of the fridge you’ll need for fresh food.
Check the collection arrangements with the seller before placing your order, especially if your new appliance is being delivered to your home. That way, you’ll know how to arrange for your old fridge or freezer to be taken away.
No. Start by choosing the capacity and format that suit your needs, and check the annual energy consumption. If you want to reduce the need for defrosting, check whether the specific model has No Frost, but don’t assume this tells you how much electricity it uses.