Choose a format based on what you actually store: a larder fridge for mainly fresh food, a fridge-freezer to split the space between fresh and frozen food, or a separate freezer for larger quantities of frozen food if you already have a fridge. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, the space required and annual energy consumption. As ADEME points out, these appliances run continuously.
If most of your storage space is taken up by meals and everyday groceries, and you keep few frozen foods, start by looking at the fridge capacity of a larder model. Make sure you know where you’ll store anything you want to freeze.
A fridge-freezer combines both compartments in one appliance. To see if it suits your shopping habits, check the capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately, then measure the space where it will go.
If you regularly freeze meals or buy in bulk, a separate freezer can complement your fridge. Allow room for the appliance and for its drawers to open, and bear in mind that it will run continuously.
Consider it: if you mainly store fresh food and only freeze a small amount, or have another freezer elsewhere.
The trade-off: check whether it has a freezer compartment; the Bosch KSN36AICM featured by Bosch does not.
Consider it: if you use fresh food every day and also keep frozen food in the same appliance.
The trade-off: the total capacity is split between the two uses, so make sure the freezer compartment is large enough for your frozen food.
Consider it: if you regularly stock up on frozen food and already have a fridge.
The trade-off: it needs a second space and adds another appliance that runs continuously, as ADEME points out.
Once you’ve chosen a format, check the specifications of the exact model against your usual shopping and the space you have available.
| Criteria | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. For a freezer, also look at how the drawers are arranged and, if you freeze food often, the stated freezing capacity. | I want enough room for my usual shopping, rather than choosing based on the total capacity alone. The capacity guidelines published by UFC-Que Choisir should be adjusted to how often you shop and how much frozen food you store. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year and the energy rating of appliances with a suitable type and capacity for the same use. | An appliance that stays on all the time is worth comparing over the long term. ADEME notes that a larger size and unnecessary extra features can increase its energy consumption. |
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the clearances specified in the manual. For an integrated model, also check the niche dimensions and hinge system. | The appliance needs to fit through to my kitchen, fit in the intended space and leave enough room for its doors or drawers to open. |
| Noise and use | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A). Depending on how you use the appliance, check for an alarm and any information about keeping food cold or returning to temperature. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to noise. If the doors are opened frequently or I load a lot of shopping at once, I also look for features that are useful in these situations. |
A fridge-freezer may offer plenty of space overall, but not enough in the compartment you use most. For example, Bosch lists 218 L of fridge space and 103 L of freezer space for the KGN362LBF.
Think about the fresh and frozen food you typically buy in a week, then compare the capacity of the two compartments separately.
A separate freezer gives you room for frozen food, but it doesn’t replace the space you need for fresh food.
Consider one alongside a fridge if you regularly have enough frozen food to make use of a second appliance.
It takes up extra space and runs continuously, so compare its stated annual energy consumption.
An appliance may fit in your kitchen but not through a doorway, or there may not be enough room to open its drawers. For an integrated model, the niche dimensions are different from the storage capacity.
Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go, then check the model’s manual for installation, ventilation and door-opening requirements.
No Frost or smart features alone won’t tell you whether the capacity split suits the food you store. ADEME also recommends considering the size and extra features of an appliance that runs continuously.
Choose the format and capacity you need first, then compare annual energy consumption, noise and the conditions for using any features you’re interested in.
Bosch’s freestanding KSN36AICM and KGN362LBF models are examples of a larder fridge and a fridge-freezer, respectively.
Whirlpool’s WHFF6403W4E upright freezer is an example of a separate appliance for storing a large amount of frozen food.
Electrolux’s integrated ENT6ME19S fridge-freezer shows why the niche matters just as much as the storage capacity.
Samsung’s RB34C671ESA/EF is an example of a fridge-freezer with a stated capacity of 344 L and No Frost.
These models include fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, followed by a separate freezer to consider if you already have a fridge.
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A fridge-freezer that lets you divide your shopping between fresh and frozen food. The model name indicates a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that you have room for its four-door design.
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If you store both fresh and frozen food, check that the capacity split between the two compartments suits your shopping habits. This model is listed at 440 L with a D energy rating. Measure the access route and the space where it will go before ordering, too.
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This fridge-freezer offers storage for fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Its model name indicates a capacity of 333 L and a C energy rating. Check how the capacity is split before deciding whether each compartment is large enough for your household.
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If your shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, compare the usable capacity of each compartment rather than focusing only on the stated 390 L total. This model has a D energy rating. Check its full dimensions and installation clearances.
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This separate freezer can complement a fridge if you need extra room for frozen food. Its model name indicates a capacity of 161 L, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check its dimensions, annual energy consumption and noise level before deciding where to put it.
A larder fridge may suit you if you freeze very little or have another way to store frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to how often you shop and how much you buy.
A fridge-freezer suits everyday use when you need space for both fresh and frozen food, but you should assess its freezer compartment separately. If you stock up on large quantities of frozen food, a separate freezer can complement a fridge, provided you have room for a second appliance.
Compare the energy rating and stated annual consumption in kWh/year for appliances with a type and capacity suited to your needs. Also check the capacity of each compartment and the noise level of the exact model. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you about its capacity or installation requirements.
Check the niche dimensions, hinge system and installation requirements specified for the exact model, as well as the delivery route. For example, Electrolux specifies a niche of 1894 × 560 × 550 mm for the ENT6ME19S. These measurements won’t apply to another appliance.
Yes. Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) for appliances that suit your needs. UFC-Que Choisir gives less than 40 dBA as a guideline for fridges described as among the quietest. Always check the figure for the model you’re considering.