Households planning several meals ahead
If you plan your meals and shopping in advance, it’s important to see what you already have before buying the same food again. ADEME recommends checking what’s in stock before writing your shopping list.
Who is this choice for?
People who cook several portions to freeze
If you cook in batches, check the freezer capacity and drawer layout. A small compartment used occasionally won’t meet the same needs.
Households fitting out a small or fitted kitchen
If space is limited, the appliance or housing dimensions matter just as much as the stated capacity. Check that the shelves accommodate your containers and that the door can open easily.
What should you look for?
Fridge with a small freezer compartment
Worth considering: if you mainly keep food chilled and only freeze small amounts from time to time.
Limit: space for frozen portions can quickly become restrictive, even if the total capacity seems sufficient.
Fridge freezer
Worth considering: if you store both chilled leftovers and portions to freeze.
Limit: the capacity split between the two compartments varies by model. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough freezer space.
Separate freezer
Worth considering: alongside a fridge if you regularly freeze batch-cooked meals or food bought in bulk.
Limit: you’ll need extra space for it, while still leaving enough room in the fridge for meals you’ll eat soon.
When choosing between these formats, the European Commission says that the energy label shows the capacity of the chilled and frozen compartments separately. Compare them with your usual meals in mind, then check the storage layout and the space available at home.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Chilled and frozen capacity | Compare the litres of each compartment separately and check whether the drawers have room for your portions. | I keep meals to eat soon, but also freeze several portions, so I need enough space for both. Around 36% of consumers make this capacity split a priority. |
| Seeing your leftovers | Check the space between shelves, adjustable storage and the lighting on the specific model. | My containers come in different sizes and end up hidden behind the shopping, so I want to be able to spot what’s already been opened. Around 29% of consumers put visibility first. |
| Temperature and maintenance | Check the temperature settings and defrosting method, and monitor the coldest area during use. | I store cooked meals or perishable food and want to keep an eye on the temperature without neglecting maintenance. Around 21% of consumers prioritise temperature control; Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. |
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance or housing, then check the required clearances and door opening. | There’s little room to spare in my kitchen. An appliance that doesn’t fit or has a door that won’t open properly isn’t right for me. Around 14% of consumers put installation first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
This figure doesn’t show how much space is available for chilled meals and how much for frozen portions. The European Commission says that the energy label shows the storage capacity of the compartments.
Compare the capacities separately, then check whether the drawers and shelves fit the containers you usually use.
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Relying on No Frost or a freshness drawer to keep leftovers safe
A maintenance feature or dedicated storage compartment doesn’t guarantee that the right temperature is reached or that food is eaten within the recommended time. Anses recommends aiming for 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and not packing food too tightly, so that air can circulate.
Check the temperature according to the instructions and follow the storage guidance for the food you keep.
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Waiting until the use-by date to freeze food
According to Anses, freezing doesn’t destroy most micro-organisms and isn’t a way to rescue food that’s at the end of its use-by date.
If you know you won’t eat something soon, follow Anses guidance and freeze it as soon as you buy or prepare it. Label portions with the date and don’t refreeze food once it has been defrosted.
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Forgetting the requirements of a built-in model
The capacity may suit your meals, but the appliance won’t work if the housing, door fixing or door opening isn’t right for your kitchen.
Measure the housing and clearance space, then check the installation requirements and services available for the model you choose.
Brands to consider, model by model
Bosch
Freestanding and built-in fridge freezers to assess based on the capacity split and layout of the model you choose.
- Bosch lists 260 l of fridge capacity and 103 l of freezer capacity for the KGN39AIAU. Compare this split with your fresh and frozen portions.
- These capacities apply to the KGN39AIAU specifically. Check its dimensions and storage layout before choosing this model too.
Liebherr
Fridge freezers to consider if you’re looking for a generous capacity and compartments organised for two different uses.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 359 l and EasyFresh and NoFrost functions for the CNd 5704 Pure.
- To see how much usable space there is, check the separate fridge and freezer capacities as well as the dimensions of this model.
Beko
Some fridge freezers offer a freshness compartment or convertible zone, depending on the model.
- Beko features a 0–3 °C compartment and, on selected models, a Multizone function that changes how one compartment is used.
- Check the features of the exact model. Freshness times stated by the brand don’t replace Anses food storage guidance.
Whirlpool
Built-in and freestanding fridge freezers to consider if internal storage and fitting the appliance into your kitchen are important.
- Whirlpool lists 182 l of fridge capacity, 68 l of freezer capacity and dedicated drawers for the built-in WHC18T132FR.
- Before choosing this model, check the housing dimensions, door fixing and how much usable space there is for your containers.
Appliances to compare on Joybuy
These appliances let you compare fridge freezers for storing chilled and frozen food, as well as a separate freezer that could complement a fridge. For your prepared meals, start with the format that suits how you use it, then check the capacity and installation requirements of each model.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS four-door, 467 L
Worth considering if you’d like to store fresh food and frozen portions in one multi-door appliance.
Stated total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and energy rating E. Check the required clearances and the space available to open the doors.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC built-in, 252 L
Worth considering for storing chilled and frozen food in a fitted kitchen, if its configuration suits your cabinetry.
Stated total capacity of 252 L, No Frost and energy rating C. Check the housing dimensions and ventilation clearances in the instructions before installation.
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AEG NSC6M18FES built-in, TwinTech No Frost
Compare it with other built-in fridge freezers if you need space for chilled meals and frozen portions.
The product details list a total capacity of 249 L and energy rating E. Before choosing the size of your containers, check the net capacity of each compartment: the two figures given in the listing don’t add up exactly to the stated total. Check the housing dimensions too.
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Heinrich´s 161 L No Frost freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering alongside a fridge if you regularly freeze portions. It isn’t suitable for meals that need to be kept chilled.
Stated capacity of 161 L, with three freezer drawers and a specified temperature range of −14 °C to −22 °C. Check its dimensions and the clearances required for your chosen location.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 multi-door, 495 L, black
Worth considering if you have a lot of fresh and frozen food to store, once you’ve checked how much room the doors need.
Stated total capacity of 495 L and energy rating E. Check the exact door configuration, internal storage and the clearance needed to open the doors around your containers.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should leftovers be kept at in the fridge?
Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. This is where you should store cooked meals, meat and fish, among other foods. Check the instructions to find this area and avoid overfilling the appliance so that air can circulate.
Can you freeze a meal just before its use-by date?
Freezing food at the end of its use-by date isn’t a way to rescue it. Anses recommends freezing it as soon as you buy or prepare it if you don’t plan to eat it soon. Freezing doesn’t destroy most micro-organisms. Once defrosted, eat the food promptly and don’t refreeze it.
How long can you keep a cooked meal chilled?
Anses recommends eating ready meals bought in a shop within 3 days of purchase when kept chilled. Also follow any specific instructions on the label and the use-by date where applicable.
What should you look for on a fridge or freezer energy label?
For the household appliances covered in the European Union, the European Commission says the label shows information including the energy rating, annual energy consumption, storage capacity and noise emissions. Then compare the dimensions and layout of each model in its product details: the label alone won’t tell you whether your containers will fit.