To shop less often, first work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen and can be delivered there. A fridge-freezer keeps both in one appliance; a multi-door model offers more space if its dimensions are right for your kitchen. A table-top or one-door fridge is worth considering mainly if you keep only a small amount of frozen food.
If you buy a lot of fresh food in one go, look at the usable fridge capacity and the space for dishes, bottles and vegetables. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol for fridge-freezers includes adding a full weekly shop, among other things.
Freezer capacity matters just as much as fridge capacity if frozen food regularly features in your shop. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Extra capacity is no use if the appliance gets in the way of doors opening or cannot be brought in during delivery. Measure the space and access route before choosing a large model; Samsung also advises measuring the packaged appliance.
The right size depends on what you buy, but there is no single capacity that suits every household. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with your usual shop, then rule out appliances that won’t fit your kitchen.
Consider it: for a very small kitchen and food stocks made up mostly of fresh produce.
Bear in mind: its capacity and limited space for frozen food may make it unsuitable for less frequent shopping; check the specifications of the exact model.
Consider it: if most of your shopping is fresh food and you use little frozen food.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment, if there is one, may not hold your usual amount of frozen food.
Consider it: if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance between shops.
Bear in mind: compartment capacities vary by model; the total capacity won’t tell you how much room there is for your usual shop.
Consider it: if you need plenty of room for both fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: with a large appliance, check the width, door clearance and access route to your kitchen.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity and the space for your usual containers, not just the total capacity. | When I get home with a full shop of fresh food, I want to put away dishes and vegetables without cramming them in. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this fresh-food storage. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and drawer layout against the amount you usually keep. | If frozen food makes up a large part of my shop, a small freezer compartment could limit what I can store. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this storage. |
| Size and access | Measure the space, required clearances and delivery route, including the packaged appliance. | I’m looking for more storage, but my doors, hallway or kitchen may limit the size I can choose. Space and access would come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Temperature and energy use | Compare the stated annual energy consumption and temperature controls; check the ventilation and care instructions. | Between shops, I want to keep an eye on the temperature without overlooking electricity use or maintenance. Around 13% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity may divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. Depending on what you buy, one of the compartments could end up being too small.
Estimate what a full shop looks like for you and compare the usable capacities of the separate compartments, as well as the space provided by the shelves and drawers.
An appliance may fit in your kitchen but still get stuck in a hallway or be unable to open fully once installed.
Measure the delivery route and installation space, then check them against the packaged dimensions and clearance requirements for the model.
A full shop doesn’t mean you can skip temperature checks or block the airflow. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 °C and 4 °C.
After loading the fridge with a large shop, check the temperature and follow the appliance’s guidance on storage and settings.
The stated energy consumption makes it easier to compare models, but the position of the appliance, ventilation and maintenance also matter in everyday use.
Leave the recommended ventilation clearances, keep the appliance away from heat sources and follow the defrosting instructions for your model.
For appliances prone to frost build-up, UFC-Que Choisir says that a layer thicker than 3 mm can increase electricity consumption by 30%.
Bosch’s freestanding fridge-freezer range is worth exploring if you want separate fresh and frozen compartments in an appliance of moderate width.
Some of the brand’s fridge-freezers may suit you if you’re looking for plenty of capacity and separate spaces for fresh food.
Haier’s French catalogue includes several formats to explore, including fridge-freezers and multi-door appliances.
The brand’s large multi-door models may be an option if you need lots of storage and have enough space to get the appliance into your home.
These models offer two ways to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance: a fridge-freezer or a multi-door model. First compare their stated capacities with your usual shop, then check the dimensions needed for installation and delivery.
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Worth comparing if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a fridge-freezer; check that the compartment layout suits your shop.
Features listed in the product title: Total No Frost, energy rating E, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
Before ordering, check the packaged dimensions, access route and installation clearances.
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Worth considering if you want to store both types of food in one appliance; compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately.
The product title lists a Dual No Frost system, energy rating D and a dark stainless-steel finish.
Check the delivery route, packaged dimensions and required clearances.
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Consider it if you need a large appliance with space for fresh and frozen food, provided the doors can open fully in your kitchen.
The product title lists Total No Frost, energy rating E, Smart Inverter and a silver finish.
Measure the space and delivery route, including for the packaged appliance.
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Worth comparing if you need plenty of space for less frequent shopping; check the capacity of each compartment before choosing.
The product title lists energy rating E and a black finish.
Check how much room is needed to open the doors, as well as the delivery route.
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Consider it if this layout suits your food stocks; in particular, compare the 71 L freezer capacity with the amount of frozen food you buy.
The product title lists No Frost, a noise level of 39 dB, LED lighting and a reversible door hinge.
Check the width, depth, packaged dimensions and installation requirements before choosing this model.
How often you shop doesn’t determine the capacity you need on its own. UFC-Que Choisir suggests an average guide of 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this to the amount of fresh and frozen food you buy, and compare the usable capacities of both compartments.
A small freezer compartment may not be enough if frozen food regularly takes up a large part of your shop, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. Compare the space in a freezer compartment and its drawers with the food you want to store.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 °C and 4 °C. Check this area after loading the fridge, allow air to circulate and store perishable food in the appropriate section.
Measure the space and the entire route the packaged appliance will take, including doors, hallways, corners and lifts, if applicable. Also check the clearances needed for ventilation and to open the doors of your chosen model.
Compare the stated annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering, then install the appliance according to its ventilation instructions. Keep it away from heat sources and, if required, defrost it regularly; UFC-Que Choisir says that frost thicker than 3 mm can increase energy consumption.