For regular food shops and a limited amount of frozen food, start by comparing the separate fridge and freezer capacities, as well as the layout of fridge freezers. If you regularly need more fridge space, consider a larger capacity; if you mainly need more freezer space, you could add a separate freezer. In either case, compare the annual energy consumption of appliances with a similar format and capacity that meet the same need: ADEME reminds us that fridges and freezers run continuously.
If you check what you have in before going shopping, choose a layout that makes it easy to spot opened products and leftovers. ADEME recommends checking your supplies and tidying your fridge regularly to avoid buying duplicates and forgetting about food.
If you cook in batches or leave longer between food shops, work out how much space you need for chilled and frozen food separately. Also check that the appliance’s external dimensions will fit the space you have in mind.
If you’re considering a larger capacity, compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with a similar format and capacity. ADEME points out that size and extra features can affect the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously.
First work out what your storage really needs — better visibility, more fridge space or more room for frozen food — then compare suitable appliances by capacity and annual energy consumption.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Being able to see your food | Check the layout and dimensions of the shelves, drawers and door storage; don’t rely on the word “adjustable” alone. | If leftovers and opened products get lost among your latest shop, you need to be able to spot them before buying more. Around 36% of consumers rank visibility as their top priority. |
| Storage capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately in litres, then check the appliance’s dimensions. | If you shop less often or prepare several portions in advance, you’ll need enough space in each compartment — not just a large total capacity. Capacity is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Electricity consumption | For appliances with a similar format and capacity, compare the kWh/year figures and energy ratings; check the model’s listing in EPREL. | If you need a larger appliance, you may be particularly keen to keep an eye on how much energy it uses over time. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Separate freezer storage | Compare the freezer capacity and kWh/year figures of a suitable fridge freezer with those of an additional freezer. | If batch-cooked portions or bulk buys regularly fill your freezer, simply increasing the fridge capacity won’t solve the problem. Around 14% of consumers prioritise having separate freezer storage. |
The European Commission says that the labels on fridges and freezers show information including annual energy consumption, storage capacity and noise levels. This helps you compare appliances that suit the same purpose, although the label doesn’t show how the storage is laid out.
An energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you the available capacity or the appliance’s annual energy consumption. The European Commission shows these details separately on the label.
First choose a format and capacity that suit your storage needs, then compare the kWh/year figures and energy ratings.
A larger appliance doesn’t necessarily make food easier to see. ADEME also notes that size and extra features can increase electricity consumption.
Before opting for more litres, check whether a different arrangement of shelves and drawers would make it easier to organise your food.
The energy label doesn’t show the interior layout. The space available for leftovers or prepared meals depends on the model’s configuration.
Check the usable dimensions and storage layout in detailed images, the product specifications or in store.
An additional appliance can provide more freezer storage, but it also runs continuously, as ADEME points out.
Compare its freezing capacity and kWh/year figures with those of a fridge freezer whose capacity split suits your needs.
This selection includes fridge freezers with different capacities, plus a chest freezer to consider if you need extra frozen food storage. Check the capacity split, layout and annual energy consumption of the model that suits your needs.
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Worth considering if you want 360 L of combined fridge and freezer storage in one appliance. The model is listed as a three-door design with Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity split and make sure the storage will suit your containers.
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Consider this if you regularly need plenty of room for your food shop or batch cooking. This 467 L model is listed with four doors, Total No Frost, an E energy rating and Smart Inverter. Check its dimensions, separate capacities and the space needed to open the doors.
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Worth considering if one 282 L appliance offers enough fridge and freezer storage for your needs. The freezer is at the bottom and the stated energy rating is E. Check the capacity of each section and the storage layout before deciding whether it suits your habits.
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Consider this 54 cm-wide fridge freezer if you have more modest storage needs. The listing gives a capacity of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, with Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the interior layout and kWh/year figures before comparing its energy consumption.
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Consider this if you mainly need a separate space for frozen food, rather than more fridge storage. This 140 L freezer is listed with a basket, a counterbalanced lid and an E energy rating. Check that you have enough floor space and compare its kWh/year figures before adding another appliance that runs continuously.
Check the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, fridge and freezer capacities, and noise level. The European Commission says these details appear on the labels for fridges and freezers; you can scan the QR code to access the model’s information in EPREL. Check the interior layout separately, as these figures don’t describe it.
No. Also compare the kWh/year figures and separate capacities of appliances that meet the same need. ADEME reminds us that size and extra features can affect energy consumption, even when the energy rating looks favourable.