For a weekly shop that regularly includes frozen food, start by choosing the usable capacity, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. A simple freezer compartment can quickly become limiting when frozen food takes up more space. A fridge-freezer is often suitable when you want two separate zones without moving up to a large format; a multi-door model needs more room, including space for delivery and ventilation.
Allow enough room for fresh food over several days without choosing an unnecessarily large appliance. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, followed by an additional 50 L per person, adjusted according to your cooking and shopping habits.
Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity and accessibility separately. According to Que Choisir, a simple freezer compartment is not enough when you eat a significant amount of frozen food.
Check the location before settling on a capacity: dimensions, door clearance, ventilation, distance from heat sources and, for an integrated model, the precise dimensions of the cabinet niche all need to be checked.
Start by dividing your storage needs between fresh and frozen food, then check that the chosen format can actually be installed and compared with models of equivalent capacity.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the total usable litres and those of each compartment. As an initial guide, allow 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by 50 L per additional person, according to Que Choisir. | I want to store several days’ shopping without leaving a large appliance permanently under-filled. |
| Freezer compartment | Check whether there is a separate freezer, its usable capacity and whether the drawers can be accessed with the packaging you usually buy. | My frozen food needs a dedicated zone rather than a small integrated freezer compartment. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width, depth, access routes and clearance with the doors open. For a freestanding model, Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind; for an integrated model, follow the model’s instructions. | The door must open without obstructing cupboards, walls or access to the drawers. |
| Energy label | For appliances with similar functions and capacities, check the A to G class, annual consumption, volumes, freezer compartment and noise level. The QR code lets you consult EPREL. | I want to compare energy use and noise without relying on the class letter alone. |
A suitable overall capacity may conceal a freezer section that is too small for your frozen food. Frozen storage should be assessed separately.
Note the usable litres of the fridge and freezer. If frozen food makes up a significant part of your shop, rule out appliances with only a simple freezer compartment.
Insufficient ventilation can hinder heat dissipation, while a door that opens the wrong way can block access to drawers and shelves.
Measure the installation space, delivery route and the full opening range of the doors. For an integrated model, use only the cabinet-niche plan for the model you have chosen.
The larger capacity may be useful, but the appliance’s size, weight and energy needs must still suit your kitchen and storage habits.
Choose this format only if you genuinely need the extra litres. Compare the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the energy-label information.
The energy class alone is not enough to compare appliances with different capacities, formats or uses.
For comparable capacities and functions, also examine the annual consumption, storage volumes and airborne acoustical noise emissions shown on the European label.
Joybuy options for several days’ shopping, with separate fridge and freezer zones, including a large-capacity model.
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For dividing your shopping between fresh and frozen food in two separate zones.
187 L fridge and 75 L freezer with three drawers; 54 cm wide, with a reversible door and adjustable feet. The Low Frost freezer requires manual defrosting, stated to be needed approximately once or twice a year; check the ventilation clearances in the instructions.
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An option for a compact household wanting to keep fresh and frozen food separate.
153 L fridge and 74 L 4-star freezer; stated width of 54 cm, with a reversible door and adjustable feet. Check the height, depth, delivery access routes and ventilation clearances before installation.
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Worth considering for a small household with a narrow installation space and moderate frozen-food needs.
115 L fridge and 59 L 4-star freezer; stated dimensions of 470 × 511 × 1500 mm, with a reversible door and adjustable feet. The capacity may be limited for a large family’s substantial weekly shop.
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For substantial fresh and frozen storage needs, provided your kitchen and access routes can accommodate a wider appliance.
Stated total capacity of 474 L, four independent doors and two adjustable freezer drawers; stated dimensions of 838 × 653 × 1775 mm. Check the usable capacity of each zone, the energy label and the required clearances.
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A solution for a small household that stores a moderate amount of frozen food.
120 L fridge and 50 L freezer, with three freezer drawers and a 4-star freezer rating. Check the dimensions, door opening direction, ventilation and available space if you store a lot of frozen food.
Use 100 to 150 L for one person as a starting point, followed by 50 L per additional person, according to Que Choisir. Increase this capacity if you cook a lot or stock up, then check the actual split between the fridge and freezer.
Not when frozen food makes up a significant part of your shop: Que Choisir states that a simple freezer compartment is not enough in this situation. Choose a separate freezer section instead and compare its usable capacity.
Measure the height, width, depth, door opening and delivery route. For freestanding appliances, Whirlpool recommends 5 cm of clearance above and 10 cm behind for ventilation; also keep the appliance away from heat sources.
No. For an integrated model, check the space requirements in the model’s specifications and instructions rather than applying the values intended for a freestanding appliance. The hinge type and opening direction must also match the cabinet.
Since 1 March 2021, the European label has used an A to G scale for household fridges and freezers. The European Commission states that it shows, among other details, the efficiency class, energy consumption, storage volumes, whether a freezer compartment is present and airborne acoustical noise emissions.