Choose based on what you’re actually short of: a fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in one appliance, while a separate freezer is better if you regularly need more room for frozen portions. Compare the capacity of each compartment, the space available and annual energy consumption, rather than looking only at the total capacity. ADEME points out that size and having more appliances than you need matter for appliances that run continuously. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering your freezing needs and how easy the storage is to access.
You’re mainly short of space for fresh ingredients and meal containers, so the balance between fridge capacity, shelves and drawers matters more than a large total capacity. ADEME recommends checking your food stocks and organising storage to make better use of the food you buy.
Your portions or bulk buys regularly fill up the freezer compartment. Compare its usable capacity, how easy the drawers are to access and whether you have room for a separate appliance. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that easy access to the compartments is an important factor when choosing a freezer.
You need to balance the space an appliance takes up against the energy it uses while running continuously, particularly before adding a second appliance. ADEME points out that size and having more appliances than you need can affect energy consumption.
ADEME recommends checking your food stocks and organising your fridge regularly. UFC-Que Choisir suggests considering usable capacity and how easy the drawers are to access.
| What matters to you | What to check before you buy | Who is it most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food and leftovers | Usable fridge capacity and the layout of shelves and drawers. | If I prepare several meals, I want to find fresh ingredients and meal containers easily without wasting storage space; around 36% of consumers prioritise fresh food and leftovers. |
| Frozen food stocks | Usable freezer capacity and access to the drawers or chest. | If I freeze portions or buy in bulk, I want to be able to store and find them without the compartment regularly getting full; around 29% of consumers prioritise freezer capacity. |
| Electricity use | Consumption shown in kWh/year; add the figures together for two appliances. | When choosing between a fridge freezer and two separate appliances, I want to compare their annual energy consumption on a like-for-like basis; around 21% of consumers prioritise keeping electricity use under control. |
| Location | Dimensions, door opening, required clearances and climate class if needed. | If space is limited or the appliance needs to go in a cellar or garage, I want to check that it will fit and work in those conditions; around 14% of consumers prioritise location and installation conditions. |
A large fridge freezer may still lack space in the compartment you use most.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check how easy it is to access the drawers and containers.
Cooling appliances run continuously, and an extra appliance takes up space and adds to your electricity use.
First work out what is actually overflowing. Consider a separate freezer if you regularly need more room for frozen portions.
The ambient temperature the appliance is designed for also affects how it works.
Check the climate class, the instructions and the clearances required for that model before choosing where to put it.
Packaging can help you portion food, but it doesn’t add any fridge or freezer capacity.
Consider this kind of appliance for packaging or organisation, and address any shortage of chilled or frozen storage separately.
Freestanding fridge freezers can suit you if one appliance needs to hold both fresh and frozen food; the KGN36NLEA is one example.
The B5RCNA346HG is an example of a fridge freezer with separate compartments and NeoFrost Dual Cooling technology.
The GLM71MCCSD larder fridge is aimed at households that prioritise fridge space and have another way to freeze food.
The WHMFF 6312 W5E upright freezer is an example of a dedicated model with drawers for storing portions.
The VS2290X vacuum sealer can be used to package and portion food; it isn’t a replacement for a cooling appliance.
This selection includes fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a dedicated freezer for extra frozen storage.
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For keeping fresh groceries and frozen portions in one appliance.
The stated capacities are 329 L for the fridge and 159 L for the freezer, giving 488 L in total. Energy consumption is listed at 298 kWh/year. The layout includes three shelves and two fruit and vegetable drawers.
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For adding frozen storage when your current fridge has enough room for fresh food.
The stated capacity is 161 L. The product features No Frost protection, a C energy rating and storage in drawers and trays; it doesn’t provide fridge space for fresh food.
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For storing fresh ingredients and frozen portions in one appliance.
The stated capacities are 235 L for the fridge and 125 L for the freezer. Energy consumption is listed at 271 kWh/year. Storage includes three freezer drawers, as well as My Zone and Humidity Zone compartments.
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For keeping fresh and frozen food separate in a freestanding appliance.
The stated capacities are 238 L for the fridge and 98 L for the freezer. The model features Total No Frost, five fridge shelves and three freezer drawers. Its stated noise level is 35 dB.
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For storing fresh and frozen food in one multi-door fridge freezer, with an adjustable-temperature compartment.
The stated capacity is 390 L for the fridge and 216 L for the freezer and variable-temperature compartment. Energy consumption is listed at 320 kWh/year. The My Fresh Choice compartment can be adjusted from around −20 °C to +5 °C.
No. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately against your usual shopping and portion sizes. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking into account, among other things, how much frozen food you need and how often you shop.
It depends on the room temperature and the conditions the specific model is designed for. Check its climate class, instructions and required clearances. A feature designed for use in a cold room on one model won’t necessarily apply to others.
Check the kWh/year figures on the energy labels of the models you’re considering. Add together the figures for two separate appliances before comparing them with a fridge freezer. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously; the cost in pounds then depends on your electricity tariff.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is claimed from the trader. For a new product, you have two years from delivery to exercise this right. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this is separate from an optional commercial guarantee.
Yes. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, energy labelling is required for new fridges sold both in shops and online. For the fridges and freezers covered, the applicable scale has run from A to G since March 2021, rather than from A+ to A+++.