If you shop for fresh and frozen food every week, a fridge freezer is a sensible place to start, provided both compartments can hold the food you usually buy. A compact model works well when space is tight and you only keep a limited amount of food in stock; consider a multi-door model if you need the extra capacity. Whichever you choose, measure the space and compare storage capacity, annual energy consumption and noise levels separately.
If you plan several days’ meals around the same food shop, check how much space there is in each compartment instead of relying on the total capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide links your choice of fridge style to your shopping habits.
Width, depth, access to the kitchen and door clearance can all narrow down your options before you even consider capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide covers styles from under-counter fridges to family-sized models, so make sure the size suits the space you can use.
If you shop less often or freeze prepared meals, start by checking the freezer’s capacity in litres and how its drawers are arranged. The total capacity alone won’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food.
For a weekly food shop, start with the space available in your kitchen and what you actually store in the fridge and freezer.
Worth considering: if your regular food shop includes fresh and frozen food, and both compartments have enough room for you.
Bear in mind: freezer capacity may limit how much you can keep in stock, even when the total capacity seems adequate.
Worth considering: if fresh food is your priority and you only keep a small amount of frozen food.
Bear in mind: check the compartment’s specifications before relying on it to store frozen food for longer periods.
Worth considering: if you have a small kitchen or need a compact appliance to fit under a worktop.
Bear in mind: check that it has enough usable capacity for a week’s shopping before choosing this style.
Worth considering: if you need plenty of fresh and frozen storage and have room for the appliance in your kitchen.
Bear in mind: its size means you’ll need to check access, door clearance and the energy consumption of the model you choose.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen storage | Compare the net capacity of each compartment with the food you usually buy for a week. | If I’m preparing meals for several days and keeping frozen food too, I need enough space for both; around 31% of consumers put this balance at the top of their list. |
| Size and space | Measure the space, the route to the kitchen and the door clearance; check the installation instructions too. | In a kitchen where every centimetre counts, I want to be able to install and open the appliance without obstructing the way. Around 31% of consumers say fitting the available space is their top priority. |
| Frozen food storage | Check the freezer’s capacity and layout. If you freeze large amounts of fresh food, check its freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If I shop less often or freeze prepared meals, I need to be able to organise my supplies; this ability to store food for longer comes first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption and noise | For models of a similar size and style, compare the kWh/year and noise levels shown on the EU energy label. | If my kitchen opens onto a living area, noise matters day to day, as does the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously; around 15% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
A spacious appliance may not leave enough room in the freezer for the frozen food you buy.
Make a note of what you usually put away after a week’s shopping, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
The route to the space and the clearance needed to open the doors matter just as much as the room the appliance takes up. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that American-style fridges generally use more energy than standard fridges; this comparison doesn’t remove the need to check each model individually.
Measure the access route and the space, then compare the annual energy consumption and noise levels of appliances that meet your capacity needs.
The energy rating letter on its own won’t tell you how much storage space you’ll have or how noisy the appliance is. The European Commission says the label also shows storage capacities, energy consumption and noise emissions.
Compare models of a similar size and capacity, then look at the rating, kWh/year, litres and noise level together.
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 °C and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge.
Check the temperature with a thermometer, particularly after a big food shop, and follow the instructions for loading and ventilation.
Worth considering among freestanding fridge freezers, particularly if you’re looking for a No Frost feature.
A brand to consider when comparing fridge freezers and larger-capacity configurations.
Worth a look when comparing the capacity and noise levels of specific fridge freezers.
Worth considering if your plans call for an integrated fridge freezer.
These fridge freezers and larger models offer a range of options for storing fresh food, making room for frozen food and fitting into your kitchen.
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Worth a look if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a three-door appliance. The model title lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Before choosing, check the available space against the dimensions and see how much room each compartment offers.
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Consider this model if you need plenty of storage and have room for a multi-door fridge freezer. The title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating and Smart Inverter. Measure the access route, available space and door clearance before deciding on this style.
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This fridge freezer could suit a kitchen where width is a key consideration, as long as its capacity meets your household’s needs. The title lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; it also mentions Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the model’s product information for its annual energy consumption and freezing capacity if you regularly freeze fresh food.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of fresh and frozen storage and a side-by-side model will suit your kitchen. The title lists 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer, a noise level of 37 dB, No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions and annual energy consumption before comparing it with other larger models.
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Worth a look if you’re after a large total capacity in a four-door configuration. The title lists a capacity of 474 L, Vario Box, a three-temperature crisper drawer and an E energy rating. To see if it suits your food shop, check the separate fridge and freezer capacities, then look at the dimensions, noise level and annual energy consumption.
Choose based on how much fridge and freezer space your household needs, then consider the room you have available. A fridge freezer is enough if both compartments can hold the food you usually buy. A multi-door model makes sense if you’ll use the extra capacity and can install it without obstructing access or the doors. Then compare the annual energy consumption of models that meet your needs.
For domestic fridges, the European Commission says the label shows information including the energy rating, energy consumption, storage capacities and noise level. Compare these details across appliances of a similar size and capacity. You can scan the QR code to find detailed information about the model in EPREL.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 °C and +4 °C at the coldest point. Check it with a thermometer placed inside the appliance, particularly after putting away a large food shop.
It can be useful if you want to reduce the need for manual defrosting, but check which compartment the feature applies to on the specific model. It doesn’t replace checking the capacity, noise level, annual energy consumption and care instructions.
No. An optional commercial warranty doesn’t replace the legal guarantee of conformity. For purchases in France, the Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request cover under this guarantee for new and second-hand goods, subject to the applicable legal conditions.