If you do a weekly shop and regularly stock up on frozen food, start by comparing the fridge and freezer capacities of fridge-freezers. Look for a 4-star compartment if you want to freeze food yourself. A multi-door model is worth considering if you need the extra capacity and have room for its larger size. If you shop frequently and buy little frozen food, a larder fridge or table-top model may be a better fit for your available space, but check its freezer compartment first.
If you fill your fridge with food for several days and regularly buy frozen food, compare the fresh-food and freezer space separately. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be suitable for every use involving large amounts of frozen food.
If storing fresh and frozen food is a priority, a larger model may suit your needs, provided you can get it into your home and open its doors once it’s in place. Measure the space before choosing a model based on capacity alone.
A compact model may be a good fit if you shop often and keep little frozen food. Still, check the capacity and star rating of any freezer compartment. Its presence alone doesn’t tell you what you can store or freeze in it.
First, decide how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the available styles with your kitchen and the information on the energy label. The European Commission says the label includes information such as energy consumption, storage capacity and noise emissions.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly supply of frozen food | Freezer capacity separately from fridge capacity; a 4-star compartment if you want to freeze food yourself. | I shop for several days at a time and want room for frozen food without taking up all the space for fresh food. Around 37 % of consumers prioritise freezer capacity. |
| Plenty of space for a family | Fridge and freezer capacities, followed by the width, depth and clearance needed for the doors. | When household supplies take up a lot of space, I’m mainly looking for usable capacity in both compartments. Plenty of storage is the priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Space in the kitchen | Overall dimensions; whether there’s a freezer compartment, its capacity and its star rating. | I shop frequently and have limited space, so a compact appliance matters more to me than having lots of room for frozen food. This is the main concern for around 18 % of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Energy rating, annual consumption in kWh and stated noise emissions, comparing appliances with the same capacity for your needs. | If my kitchen is next to a living area, I want to consider noise and energy consumption without compromising on the capacity I need. Around 18 % of consumers put these everyday-use factors first. |
Two appliances with a similar stated total capacity may have different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. The freezer space might not be enough for your weekly shop.
Check the capacity in litres for each compartment on the label and compare the split with what you actually store.
Just because an appliance has a freezer compartment doesn’t mean it’s suitable for freezing food from room temperature. UFC-Que Choisir specifies that a 4-star compartment is suitable for this use.
If you prepare meals in advance to freeze them, check both the star rating and the compartment’s capacity.
Large capacity is only useful if the appliance can get through the entrances to your home, be installed and have its doors open properly.
Measure the space, access routes and door clearance. Also check the dimensions and delivery arrangements for the model you’re considering.
A good energy rating or low noise level won’t make up for a compartment that’s too small for your shopping habits.
First decide how much storage you need, then compare the energy rating, annual kWh consumption and stated noise levels of models that meet those needs.
These appliances combine fridge and freezer space, with capacities ranging from compact models to multi-door designs. Before choosing, compare the capacity split and the dimensions that matter for your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a larger model to organise your fresh and frozen shopping. Check access routes and door clearance before choosing it.
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If your shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, check that the compartment layout and installation space suit your household.
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Worth a look if you have limited width but still want a separate freezer compartment. Check the height and depth too before ordering.
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This model may suit a household that doesn’t need to store large amounts of food. Check the label for the fridge and freezer capacity split, annual consumption and stated noise level.
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If you want separate, modest amounts of space for fresh and frozen food, check the capacity of each compartment. Measure the space and compare annual consumption before deciding.
Once you’ve ruled out appliances that don’t meet your capacity needs, compare the energy rating, annual consumption, fridge and freezer capacities, and noise emissions. The European Commission says this information appears on the labels for fridges and freezers.
Don’t rely on the word “freezer” alone: check its star rating and capacity. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a 4-star compartment is suitable for freezing food from room temperature. Make sure the capacity is also right for the amount you want to store.
Check the temperature at the coldest point in the fridge. Anses recommends keeping it between 0 °C and 4 °C. Take extra care if the kitchen is warm, the door is opened often or the appliance is very full. Avoid packing food too tightly so air can circulate.
No. First check the style and capacity you need, then consider both factors for models that fit the bill. ADEME recommends comparing appliances for energy consumption and ease of repair. Check the care and spare-parts information for the model you’re considering.