Families who do a weekly shop
If you bring home a large shop, it’s worth checking how well the appliance returns to the right temperature afterwards. Que Choisir includes this scenario in its testing protocol for fridge-freezers.
Which households are these options suited to?
Households that regularly stock up on frozen food
Look at the freezer capacity rather than the total capacity alone. If the built-in compartment no longer gives you enough room to organise your food, a separate freezer is another option to consider.
Families with an open-plan kitchen or limited space
The internal capacity needs to suit your available space, delivery access and the stated noise level. For an American-style fridge-freezer, Que Choisir recommends allowing around 1 m in width and gives an approximate depth of 75 to 80 cm.
Which style and features should you compare?
Think about how much space your shopping takes up, then compare the capacity split, overall dimensions and energy-label information for the models you’re considering.
| Priority | What to check | What matters to me |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Compare a fridge-freezer if its built-in freezer is large enough, a multi-door or American-style model for more capacity, and a separate freezer if you regularly keep a large stock of frozen food. Check how much space each option needs. | I want fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or I can make room for a second appliance for frozen food. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person as a starting point, then 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits. | After the weekly shop, do I mainly need room for fresh food, or is my freezer already full? |
| Temperature recovery | If you buy a lot of food in one go, check test results that look at how the appliance handles a large load. Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes a simulated weekly shop. | I do a big shop in one go, so I want to know how the model responds when I add a lot of food at once. |
| Installation | Measure the space’s width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route and door clearance. Que Choisir says an American-style model needs around 1 m of width. | There’s room for a large model in my kitchen, but it also needs to fit through the access route and the doors must open freely. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the kWh/year, capacities and noise levels of the specific models on the EU energy label, as explained by the European Commission. Noise is especially worth considering in an open-plan kitchen. | I want the right capacity without overlooking annual energy use. If my kitchen opens onto the living area, noise matters too. |
What should you avoid before ordering?
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Looking at total capacity alone
A spacious appliance may not leave enough room for frozen food to suit the way you shop.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities shown on the energy label, then look at the interior layout.
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Choosing a large model without measuring the delivery route
An appliance needs to fit through the doors and open properly once it’s in place, as well as fitting in the kitchen. Que Choisir says an American-style model is around 1 m wide and 75 to 80 cm deep.
Measure the space, delivery access and door clearance before you order.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The energy rating letter doesn’t tell you how capacity is split between fresh and frozen food, how noisy the appliance is, or its annual energy use on its own.
Also check the kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and the noise level on the EU energy label.
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Prioritising a water or ice dispenser
This feature doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food.
Check the model’s usable capacity first. If you’re interested in a dispenser, then look into its installation and operating requirements.
Which brands should you look at when comparing styles?
Bosch
A brand worth considering for fridge-freezers, particularly if you’re after family-sized capacity without choosing an American-style model.
- According to Bosch’s product information, the KGN492IAF fridge-freezer offers 311 l of fridge space and 129 l of freezer space, with an A energy rating and a stated noise level of 29 dB.
- These figures are for the KGN492IAF. Check the product information for the specific model you’re interested in.
LG
The multi-door range gives you the chance to compare larger capacities alongside energy use.
- LG’s product information for the GML844PZ6F lists a total capacity of 506 l, including 220 l for the freezer.
- The same information lists energy use of 392 kWh/year, a noise level of 40 dB and an F energy rating. Check the specifications and availability of the model you’re considering.
Samsung
The French catalogue includes several large models, including side-by-side and multi-door appliances.
- Samsung France lists side-by-side models with capacities of 614 and 634 l, as well as a 654 l multi-door model.
- When choosing, check each model’s freezer capacity, kWh/year, noise level and dimensions rather than looking at total capacity alone.
Haier
The French catalogue includes fridge-freezers and American-style models.
- Haier France features No Frost models in these styles, with different energy ratings depending on the appliance.
- Specifications vary between models, so check the freezer capacity and dimensions of the model you choose.
Which Joybuy models should you consider?
This selection includes a fridge-freezer, multi-door models and side-by-side appliances, so you can compare different splits between fridge and freezer space. Check the dimensions and specifications of your chosen model before you buy.
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Samsung RF48A401EB4, 488 l American-style fridge-freezer, E energy rating
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large appliance that combines fridge and freezer space. Its stated capacity is 488 l. Check the freezer capacity, dimensions and delivery route to your kitchen.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door multi-door fridge-freezer, 467 l
Its four-door layout is worth considering if you want to keep your family shop organised. The model name lists a capacity of 467 l, No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities and measure the space available.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 l multi-door fridge-freezer, E energy rating
Worth comparing if your household needs more space for the weekly shop. The stated capacity of 495 l doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food, so check the split between compartments, delivery access and any installation requirements for the water and ice dispenser.
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CHiQ JR525WSE, 525 l side-by-side fridge-freezer
Worth considering if freezer capacity is a key factor in your choice. The model name lists 333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer. It also states No Frost technology, a noise level of 37 dB and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions, freezer layout and annual energy use.
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Samsung RB34C704DB1, 344 l fridge-freezer, D energy rating
This fridge-freezer is an option if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Its stated total capacity is 344 l. Check how much space is reserved for the freezer, as well as the model’s depth, noise level and kWh/year.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare on the energy label of a family fridge-freezer?
Compare the energy rating, annual energy use in kWh, storage capacities and noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on fridge and freezer energy labels. Consider it alongside how much space you actually need for fresh and frozen food.
Does a large total capacity guarantee enough room for frozen food?
No. Total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much space is for refrigeration and how much is for freezing. Check the separate capacities on the model’s label, then make sure the freezer layout suits the food you keep.
When should I consider a separate freezer?
Consider one if your regular stock of frozen food is too large for a built-in freezer compartment. Que Choisir says separate freezers remain useful for large families. Compare their capacity, the space they need and the annual energy use of the two appliances you’d be running.