Households that cook ahead
If you freeze portions for several days or weeks, consider the available space and how easy it will be to find each dish.
Who is this choice for?
Households that prioritise fresh food
If your meals are mainly based on fresh food, fridge capacity and an easy-to-navigate layout matter more than the total capacity alone.
Households that shop less often
If you buy more on each shopping trip, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food before choosing between one appliance and a separate freezer.
Which factors should you prioritise?
How you divide your food between fresh and frozen determines which format to consider. The layout and available space can then help you narrow down your options.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it if: you regularly store fresh and frozen food in one place.
Bear in mind: the space for each type of food is determined by how the model divides its capacity.
Large fridge
Consider it if: most of your food is fresh and you want it to be easy to see every day.
Bear in mind: more fridge space won’t meet a high demand for freezer capacity.
Upright freezer
Consider it: as a companion to your fridge, for organising frozen portions in easy-to-access drawers.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space and doesn’t provide any refrigeration capacity.
Chest freezer
Consider it if: your priority is plenty of freezer space and you have enough room for it.
Bear in mind: items at the bottom need careful organisation, and the lid must be able to open fully.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen food storage | Usable freezer capacity and how the drawers or baskets are arranged. | If I prepare several portions in advance, I want enough space to store them and find them easily, without cramming them into a small compartment. Around 33% of consumers put freezer space first. |
| Fresh food in view | Usable fridge capacity and the layout of the shelves and drawers. | When I plan meals around fresh food, I need to spot what should be used before my next shop; around 25% of consumers prioritise this visibility. |
| Less frequent shopping | Fresh and frozen capacity separately, rather than total capacity alone. | If I shop less often, I need enough room for both types of food. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Energy use and space | Annual energy consumption in kWh and dimensions, including the necessary clearance. | With limited space, I don’t want to choose an appliance larger than my food stocks require. For around 17% of consumers, space and energy use come before other factors. |
Storage boxes or labels can help you make the most of an already suitable layout. However, they can’t make up for insufficient capacity or the wrong temperature setting.
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at a fridge-freezer’s total capacity
The capacity is split between two compartments, so an appliance that looks spacious may leave too little room for frozen portions or fresh food. For example, Bosch lists 237 l of fridge capacity and 89 l of freezer capacity for the KGN36VLED.
Consider the food you usually store, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
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Choosing more capacity than you need
The ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that their size and certain features can affect energy consumption.
Choose an appliance to suit your food stocks, then compare annual kWh for models with a similar format and capacity.
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Putting a freezer in a garage without checking its operating range
Whether an appliance can be used in a cold room depends on the model. Liebherr states that the CFd 2505 Plus can be used at temperatures down to −15 °C; Beko gives the same limit for the B1RFNE314W.
Check the manual for the permitted ambient temperature range of the model you’re considering.
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Relying on storage alone to avoid buying duplicates
Better organisation makes it easier to keep track of food, but it doesn’t replace checking what you already have. The ADEME recommends checking your food stocks before writing your shopping list.
Keep food in easy-to-check areas and see what you have before each food shop.
Brands to consider
Bosch
A range of fridge-freezers and upright freezers to compare based on how much space you need for fresh and frozen food.
- Bosch lists 237 l of fridge capacity and 89 l of freezer capacity for the KGN36VLED fridge-freezer.
- This capacity split applies to this specific model, so check the figures for the model you’re interested in.
Liebherr
A brand to look at if you’re considering a chest freezer for storing a large amount of frozen food.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 359 l and operation at temperatures down to −15 °C for the CFd 2505 Plus.
- Before choosing this chest freezer, consider the floor space it needs, how far the lid opens and how to keep items at the bottom accessible.
Beko
Large-capacity fridges and upright freezers to consider based on the type of food you need to store.
- Beko features fridges over 500 l in a selection of its range and states that the B1RFNE314W freezer can be used at temperatures down to −15 °C.
- Capacity and permitted ambient temperature vary by model; these specifications don’t apply to the entire range.
Whirlpool
Fridge-freezers to consider if you want to see exactly how much space is available for fresh and frozen food.
- Whirlpool lists 223 l of fridge capacity and 97 l of freezer capacity for the WFNF82EOXFR.
- These capacities apply to this specific model; compare the split for each other model separately.
Fridge-freezers to compare on Joybuy
These appliances combine refrigeration and freezing. To choose between them, compare the space you have with the amount of food you usually store. If you need a separate freezer, take a look at the factors for standalone freezers covered above.
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Bosch KGN497LDF, 440 l fridge-freezer, energy rating D
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Check how the capacity is divided, how to maintain the freezer compartment and how much clearance is needed for installation.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 l 4-door fridge-freezer, energy rating E
Worth a look if you want to keep different types of food separate in a multi-door appliance. This version is listed as Total No Frost; also check how much space is needed to open the doors.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 l fridge-freezer, energy rating E
Worth considering for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Confirm the exact door layout and check whether this version needs a water supply before deciding where to put it.
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Bosch KGN39VLEB, 368 l fridge-freezer, energy rating E
Worth comparing if you want to divide your food between two compartments in one appliance. Check that the freezer space is right for your portions and that you can leave the clearance specified for this model.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 l fridge-freezer, energy rating E
Worth considering if you prefer a bottom freezer but want both functions in one appliance. Check that the fridge compartment is large enough for your fresh food shopping, and follow the transport and installation instructions for its flammable R600a refrigerant.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I set to keep food fresh?
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends +4 °C for the fridge and −18 °C for the freezer. Also follow any food-specific storage instructions and take account of the temperature zones in your appliance.
Will a larger appliance stop me buying duplicate items?
No. Capacity doesn’t replace keeping track of your food. The ADEME recommends checking what you have before writing your shopping list and tidying your fridge regularly.
How can I use the energy label to compare two models?
Compare their energy ratings and annual consumption in kWh, then check the capacity of each compartment and the noise level. Comparing energy use is more useful for appliances with a similar format and capacity.
Can I install a freezer in an unheated garage?
Yes, if the model’s permitted ambient temperature range covers the conditions in your garage. Liebherr states that the CFd 2505 Plus can be used at temperatures down to −15 °C, as does Beko for the B1RFNE314W. Check the manual before installing any other model.