To keep fresh food and a regular supply of frozen food each week, start by comparing fridge freezers. Check the usable capacity of each compartment, not just the total volume. An icebox is better suited to occasional frozen food, while a multi-door model needs more space. A separate freezer is worth considering if you regularly store a large amount of frozen food. Dimensions, noise levels and annual energy consumption can then help you narrow down the models that suit your kitchen.
If you put away fresh food, ready meals and frozen food all at once, compare the available space in each compartment separately. Que Choisir also takes into account how quickly the temperature recovers after a full weekly shop is added, as part of its testing procedure.
If you need to store a large amount of frozen food over the long term, check whether a fridge freezer has enough capacity. A separate freezer may be worth considering if you have a suitable space for it.
A multi-door model can make it easier to organise a large amount of food, provided it fits in your kitchen and can be delivered along the access route. Also measure doorways and passageways, and allow enough room to open the doors.
Start with what needs to fit in the appliance after your shop, then compare the available formats with your space and day-to-day needs.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacity of both compartments, rather than looking at the total alone. Que Choisir says a simple icebox is not enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. In that case, consider a fridge freezer or, if you need to store a large amount over the long term, a separate freezer. | I want to put away my whole shop without running short of space for fresh food or immediately filling the freezer compartment. |
| Format and installation | Check the width, depth, height and clearance needed to open the doors. For a multi-door model, also measure doorways, corridors and lifts along the delivery route. | I’m interested in a larger appliance only if it will fit in my kitchen and can be installed there. |
| Energy consumption | The EU energy label shows the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh. Compare the latter between appliances of a similar format and capacity; a separate freezer means another appliance to power. | I’d like enough capacity for my needs without choosing a size I won’t use. |
| Noise | Check the stated noise emissions in dB and the noise class on the EU energy label. Consider where the appliance will go, especially in an open-plan kitchen. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, the stated noise level matters just as much as the available space. |
| Adding your shopping | Look for tests that measure how quickly the temperature recovers after a large quantity of food is added. Que Choisir’s testing procedure includes a simulated weekly shop. For storage, Anses advises against packing food too tightly so that air can circulate. | I put away a lot of food at once and want to be able to distribute it without overloading the compartments. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can offer very different amounts of space for frozen food. The compartment your household relies on most could fill up before the other.
Make a list of everything you need to store at once after your shop, then compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately.
A wide appliance might fit in the space you have planned but not through a doorway or corridor. For example, the Samsung RF24BB620EB1EF is 908 mm wide, and its product information recommends measuring the delivery route.
Check the dimensions of the appliance and its packaging, the route to your kitchen and the clearance needed to open the doors.
The energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you each model’s annual consumption. The EU energy label also shows this figure in kWh.
Compare annual kWh consumption between appliances of a similar format and capacity, then consider whether you’ll make use of any extra features or space.
Adding a large amount of food can raise the temperature inside the appliance. Que Choisir includes this scenario in its fridge freezer testing procedure.
Check the test results for the models you’re considering and leave space between food items. Anses recommends allowing air to circulate inside the fridge.
These specifications apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance made by each brand.
The KGN33NWDA is an example of a freestanding fridge freezer with the fridge and freezer capacities listed separately.
The CBNsfc 5223 Plus BioFresh NoFrost may be worth considering if fresh-food storage and the stated noise level are important to you.
The multi-door RF24BB620EB1EF gives you an idea of the space needed for a high-capacity appliance.
The WFNF82EOXFR is an example of a fridge freezer with separate capacities for fresh and frozen food.
This Joybuy selection includes fridge freezers and multi-door models for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions against your shopping needs and kitchen space.
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If you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance after your shop, compare the space available in each compartment. The model name lists a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost, an E rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the dimensions and required clearances before deciding where to put it.
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This format is suited to households looking to store a large amount of fresh and frozen food, provided there’s enough space for it. The model name lists a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E rating. Measure the space, delivery route and clearance needed to open the doors.
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If you’re comparing fridge freezers for your weekly shop, check how much space is set aside for frozen food and how the fresh-food compartments are arranged. The model name lists a 333 L capacity, a C rating and NatureFRESH™, DoorCooling+™ and LinearCooling™ technologies. Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions before buying.
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The bottom freezer compartment keeps frozen food separate from fresh food. Compare the capacity of each section with the amount you usually store. The model name lists a 282 L capacity and an E rating. If you’re placing the appliance near a living area, also check its stated noise level.
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This format may suit you if you need to store a large amount of fresh and frozen food, provided your kitchen and access points can accommodate it. The model name lists 333 L of fridge space and 192 L of freezer space, as well as No Frost, 37 dB and an E rating. Check the dimensions, clearances and annual energy consumption before comparing it with other formats.
Work out separately how much fresh food and frozen food you need to store at the same time. Que Choisir gives a general guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your cooking habits, and check the usable capacity of each compartment rather than looking at the total alone.
According to Que Choisir, a simple icebox isn’t suitable for storing a large amount of frozen food. If you regularly keep frozen food, compare the freezer compartments in different fridge freezers. If you need more capacity over the long term, also consider whether a separate freezer is an option.
For fridges and freezers covered by the EU energy label, compare the energy efficiency class, annual consumption in kWh, fresh and frozen capacities, and noise information. The European Commission says the EPREL database provides additional information about models.
Compare the stated noise emissions in dB and the noise class of the models you’re considering. Que Choisir uses below 40 dB(A) as its editorial benchmark for quieter appliances, but this figure doesn’t guarantee that noise will be perceived in the same way in every room.
Arrange your shopping with enough space between items for air to circulate. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 °C and 4 °C. If you add a lot of food at once, keep an eye on the temperature and avoid overloading the compartments.