Households preparing meals for the week
If you cook several portions in advance, separate the ones you’ll keep chilled from those you’ll freeze. For this choice, the capacity of each compartment matters more than the total volume.
Who are these options for?
Households that store lots of frozen food
If homemade portions and frozen food regularly fill your freezer, compare its usable capacity with that of a separate appliance. Bear in mind, though, that a separate freezer needs extra space.
People with an open-plan kitchen or limited space
Measure the space, the delivery route and the door clearance. Also check the clearances specified in the manual and the declared noise level if the appliance will be near your living area.
What should you consider?
Fridge freezer
Consider this if: you store fresh food and frozen portions every week but don’t have room for two appliances.
The trade-off: a large total capacity can disguise a freezer compartment that’s too small for your food.
Fridge with a small freezer compartment
Consider this if: you only freeze a few items occasionally.
The limitation: UFC-Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider this if: your chilled and frozen storage needs are consistently high or very different.
The trade-off: you’ll need room for two appliances that run continuously, and should compare their energy use separately.
Additional freezer
Consider this if: your current fridge has enough room for fresh food, but its freezer regularly overflows.
The trade-off: an upright freezer makes food easy to reach in drawers; a chest freezer needs more floor space and a different way of organising your food.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of chilled and frozen storage | Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately with the containers you usually use. | I prepare portions for several days and need to decide which to keep chilled and which to freeze. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and how easy it is to access portions, particularly in drawers. | My prepared meals and frozen food regularly take up all the available space. Freezer capacity would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and noise | Measure the delivery route and the space available, then check the model’s stated clearances, climate class and noise level. | In an open-plan or narrow kitchen, I want to install the appliance without obstructing movement or putting up with bothersome noise. Around 21% of consumers would put these constraints first. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the kWh/an figures for the models you’re considering and check whether the defrosting system suits the level of maintenance you’re happy with. | I’d rather avoid paying for unused capacity and want to take account of an appliance that runs all the time. For around 14% of consumers, energy use and maintenance would come before other factors. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two fridge freezers can divide their capacity very differently between the fridge and freezer compartments. So a high total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room for the portions you want to freeze.
Count your meal containers and the frozen food you usually keep, then compare them with the usable capacity of each compartment.
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Installing a large freezer without planning how to access it
A chest freezer can offer plenty of space, but it takes up floor area and you’ll need to think about how to find your food. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends taking the climate class of the location into account.
Choose between drawers and a chest freezer based on the space available, how easy it is to reach your food and the conditions in the room.
An additional freezer is also an electrical appliance that runs continuously.
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Relying on the energy rating alone
According to ADEME, the size of appliances that run continuously and having more equipment than you need can affect a household’s energy use.
Compare the kWh/an figures for the specific models you’re considering with the capacity you’ll actually use.
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Ignoring the manual before setting up your appliance
Even if an appliance fits into its space, you still need to install it with the clearances and airflow specified for that model.
Check the manual before delivery and follow its instructions after transport. Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging in its appliances.
Brands to compare
Bosch
The range includes freestanding fridge freezers, and the balance of capacity is worth checking for each model.
- For the KGN36VLED, Bosch lists 237 l for the fridge, 89 l for the freezer and a noise level of 39 dB.
- These figures apply to the KGN36VLED, not to every Bosch fridge freezer.
Liebherr
Some fridge freezers from the brand offer a large capacity and specialist compartments for fresh food.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 423 l and a noise level of 34 dB for the CBNsdc 765i Prime.
- Its stated width of 74,7 cm needs to be checked against the space available and the delivery route. The food-preservation features claimed by the brand don’t replace these checks.
Samsung
Some fridge-freezer ranges are worth considering if capacity and how the appliance fits into your kitchen are key factors.
- Samsung lists a noise level of 35 dB for models in its RB7300 range.
- Check the capacity, dimensions and noise level of the model you choose: a feature of one range may not apply to another model.
Haier
The French range includes different compartment layouts, including fridge freezers with two or three doors.
- These configurations let you compare the storage layout with your habits.
- Check the energy rating, noise level and capacity on the product details for each model.
Whirlpool
A large-capacity fridge freezer may be a good fit if you need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food.
- Whirlpool lists 340 l of fridge capacity and 150 l of freezer capacity for the WHK2 6493 X4E.
- The stated annual energy consumption for this model is 297 kWh; consider this alongside the capacity rather than focusing on capacity alone.
Fridge freezers available on Joybuy
These appliances combine fridge and freezer compartments in one unit, with a range of capacities and formats. Compare how much space each gives you for different uses. If you’re considering a separate freezer instead, remember to factor in the space and energy use of a second appliance.
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Bosch KGN497LDF, 440 l fridge freezer, D rated, grey
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer to keep meals chilled and freeze some portions.
Stated total capacity: 440 l. Energy rating: D. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and the dimensions with your needs and available space.
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Bosch KGN39VLEB, 368 l fridge freezer, E rated, stainless steel
A fridge freezer to consider if you use both fresh and frozen food to plan your meals.
Stated total capacity: 368 l. Energy rating: E. If you have an open-plan kitchen, check the model’s noise level before choosing.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 l fridge freezer, E rated, stainless steel
Worth comparing if you want to keep portions chilled and frozen without prioritising a large total capacity.
Stated total capacity: 282 l, with a bottom freezer. Energy rating: E. Check the noise level if the appliance will be near a living area.
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CHiQ JR525WSE, 525 l side-by-side fridge freezer, E rated
Worth considering if you need to store plenty of food in both compartments and have space for a side-by-side model.
The model name lists 333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer, as well as a No Frost system and a noise level of 37 dB. Check the overall dimensions and annual energy consumption before buying.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 l fridge freezer, 54 cm, black
Worth considering if space is limited and you don’t need to store large amounts of frozen food.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 262 l, a 70/30 split, a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost technology. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it; also check the depth and installation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
How much space do I need to store meals for several days?
Count the portions you’ll keep chilled and the ones you’ll freeze separately, then compare them with the usable capacity of each compartment. UFC-Que Choisir gives a general guide of 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. The containers you use and the amount of food you usually store are still key to deciding how to divide that space.
Is a small freezer compartment enough for meals prepared in advance?
It may be enough if you only freeze small amounts occasionally. If you regularly prepare portions in advance or store lots of frozen food, check the usable capacity of a proper freezer compartment instead: UFC-Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment isn’t enough for storing large amounts of frozen food.
What should I check before delivery and plugging in the appliance?
Measure the delivery route, the space available and the door clearance, then follow the model’s manual for clearances and setting it up. Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours after transport before plugging in its fridge freezers. Always follow the instructions for the appliance you’ve bought.
What temperature should I set the fridge to for prepared meals?
Anses recommends setting your fridge below 4 °C. Also follow use-by dates and the storage instructions for each food: the temperature setting alone won’t extend how long food can be kept.
What should I do with my old fridge freezer in France?
Old fridge freezers are collected through the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme. The FAQ from the ministries responsible for the ecological transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back when you buy an appliance of the same type. Agree the practical arrangements with the retailer before delivery.