Choose according to how much room you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment. A fridge freezer combines both functions in one appliance. If frozen food consistently takes up more space, consider a dedicated freezer instead, taking into account the room it will need and the fact that you’ll be running an extra appliance.
If prepared portions or frozen food shopping fill your freezer before the fridge is full, start by checking the capacity available for frozen food. If you’re considering a separate appliance, also check the space available and how easy it will be to reach your food.
A fridge freezer lets you store fresh and frozen food without having to make room for two appliances. Still, compare the capacity of each compartment in litres: a suitable total capacity doesn’t guarantee the split will suit your shopping habits.
Fridges and freezers run continuously, as ADEME points out. Choose a capacity that suits the amount of food you store, then compare the stated annual energy consumption and noise level of the models you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and already have a way to store frozen food, or don’t use much freezer space.
Check: whether it has a compartment for frozen food and how much space it offers. Don’t confuse this with a dedicated freezer.
Worth considering: if you regularly buy both fresh and frozen food and only have room for one appliance.
The compromise: the two compartments share the available capacity, so make sure each one has enough space for the food you store.
Worth considering: if most of your additional food stock is frozen and you already have a fridge for fresh food.
The compromise: you’ll need space for it and will be running an extra appliance. A chest freezer and an upright freezer also offer different ways to access your food.
Worth considering: if you need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food, or your needs change independently.
The compromise: measure up for two appliances and check the stated annual energy consumption for each one.
Once you’ve chosen a format, start with the compartment that fills up first at home. Then check the installation requirements and the specifications for the exact model.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for frozen food | Usable capacity in litres for the freezer compartment, separate from fridge capacity; and access to food in an upright or chest freezer. | When prepared portions already fill my freezer, I’m looking for more space without losing easy access to everyday items. Around 27% of consumers put freezer space first. |
| Fresh and frozen food in one appliance | How the capacity in litres is split between the two compartments, and the appliance dimensions. | If I regularly buy both fresh and frozen food, I want to store both without having to install a second appliance. This is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year, energy rating and stated noise level in dB(A), comparing models that meet similar needs. | In a kitchen close to a living area, I pay attention to noise and to the specifications of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 20% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
| Installation and access | Dimensions, clearance for the door to open, interior layout and the ambient temperature range the model is designed for. | With limited space, I need to be able to install the appliance and easily find the food inside. For around 20% of consumers, this is the main priority. |
A fridge freezer may offer plenty of space overall, but too little in the compartment that fills up first in your home. A dedicated freezer won’t solve a shortage of space for fresh food either.
Work out which compartment needs more space, then compare the usable capacity for fresh and frozen food separately.
ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that their size or having more capacity than you need can affect their energy consumption.
When comparing models that meet the same storage needs, check the stated annual energy consumption and energy rating. Don’t assume a larger or newer model will use less energy.
A chest freezer needs floor space and is accessed from above, while an upright freezer arranges food differently. The external dimensions of a large fridge freezer also matter when you’re installing it.
Measure the space, access routes and clearance needed to open the doors or lid. Then check that the interior layout will make it easy to reach the food you use most often.
NoFrost defrosting, noise levels and suitability for use in a cold room all depend on the specific model and its installation conditions.
Check the product details and instructions for the version you’re buying, especially if it needs to be built in or installed in an unheated room.
Bosch offers a range that includes fridges, fridge freezers and freezers. Its product information lets you compare configurations model by model.
Liebherr offers refrigeration and freezing appliances, including freestanding and built-in fridge freezers to compare depending on where you plan to install yours.
The Beko range includes fridges and fridge freezers with a variety of capacities and configurations.
These models include options for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a convertible chest freezer to consider if you mainly need more space for frozen food. Compare their capacity and format with your available space before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one 495 L appliance, with an E energy rating.
Confirm the door configuration for this version, along with the split between fridge and freezer capacity, the overall dimensions and the clearance required. Depending on the distributor’s configuration, also check whether a water connection is needed.
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This E-rated fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance, with the freezer compartment at the bottom.
Check that the split in capacity suits your shopping habits. If the appliance will be near a living area, also check the stated noise level for this version. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on ventilation, transport and installation.
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If you have limited width, this fridge freezer is listed as 54 cm wide, with 153 L for fresh food and 74 L for frozen food.
The listing states an E energy rating, a reversible door and Low Frost technology, which doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually. Check the full dimensions and stated annual energy consumption before choosing this model.
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This chest freezer is listed as convertible between fridge and freezer modes, so it may be worth considering if your storage needs change. It can only operate in one mode at a time.
The listing states an E energy rating and includes a removable basket. Make sure you have room to access it from above, and check the capacity available in your chosen mode. Before installing it in an unheated room, check the ambient temperature range permitted for this model.
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If you need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food in one appliance, this model is listed as having 333 L of fridge space and 192 L of freezer space.
The listing states an E energy rating, No Frost technology and a noise level of 37 dB. Compare the noise level with similar-sized models, then check the full dimensions and stated annual energy consumption.
No. First, shortlist appliances with a format and capacity that meet your needs, then compare their energy ratings and stated annual energy consumption. Also check the capacity of each compartment and the stated noise level if it matters where the appliance will go.
It may be a good choice if you have room to install it and can reach your food from above. Que Choisir says some chest freezers can offer up to 600 L of capacity. Before choosing, though, compare the layout of a chest freezer with that of an upright model with drawers.
It depends on the model and the ambient temperature range specified by the manufacturer. Check its climate class, operating temperature range and installation instructions. The fact that it’s a freezer alone doesn’t confirm it’s suitable for that location.
In France, an individual who buys from a business can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity through the seller if the product doesn’t match its description. The Ministry of the Economy explains that this mandatory guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. It is separate from a standard return because you’ve changed your mind.
In France, the so-called ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme is linked to buying a product of the same type, according to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition. Ask the seller how to arrange for your old appliance to be taken away when you place your order or arrange delivery.