Households with a big weekly shop
If you need to store lots of fresh food, compare the fridge capacity and shelf layout. The Anses recommends not overfilling your fridge so that air can circulate.
Who is this guide for ?
Households that prepare meals in advance
If you need to store several cooked meals, check that they will fit in the right area without displacing other fresh food. The Anses advises storing perishable foods in the coldest area.
Small homes with limited freezer needs
If space is tight and you only freeze small amounts, compare a one-door fridge with a freezer compartment against a fridge-freezer. Electrolux says the integrated compartment is generally smaller than the freezer section in a fridge-freezer.
What to compare
| Criteria | What to check before you buy | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable space for your shopping | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the dimensions and the space actually available on the shelves. | If my shopping quickly fills the shelves, I want enough room for fresh food without restricting airflow. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise usable capacity for their shopping. |
| Temperature and coldest area | Check the manual to find the coldest area and see how to monitor its temperature. | If I store cooked meals and other perishable foods, I want to know where to put them and be able to check the temperature. Around 29 % of consumers put temperature control at the top of their list. |
| Space for prepared meals | Check the clearance between shelves and how much space is actually dedicated to fresh food. | To store several containers without stacking them on top of each other, I look at the interior layout as well as the stated capacity. Around 24 % of consumers prioritise how prepared meals are organised. |
| Energy use and installation | Compare the stated kWh/year and noise level, then measure the space, doorways and delivery route. | If my kitchen space is limited or the appliance is near a living area, I check its dimensions and the information on its label. Around 18 % of consumers prioritise how well it fits and its running costs. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for fresh and frozen food. A layout that doesn’t suit your needs can leave too little room for your shopping, while overfilling the appliance can restrict airflow.
Compare the capacities of the compartments separately, then check how much usable shelf space there is for the containers you normally use.
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Assuming all small freezer compartments work in the same way
Star ratings, capacity and freezing performance vary by model. An integrated compartment may offer less space than the freezer section of a fridge-freezer.
If you want to freeze your own meals, check the star rating and freezing capacity of the exact model. If its capacity is too limited, you may need to consider a separate freezer.
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Choosing a multi-door fridge without checking access
An appliance may be too wide for the space or difficult to get through doorways and hallways. Some features also require a specific connection.
Measure the space and delivery route before you choose. For the Liebherr MBbsdi 9556, the manufacturer states a width of 90,6 cm and says the IceMaker requires a water connection.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your statutory rights
An optional commercial warranty and statutory guarantees are not the same thing. The terms of one do not describe the terms of the others.
Before taking out an extended warranty, check what it covers and distinguish it from the statutory guarantees that apply to your purchase.
Brands to know when comparing formats
Bosch
The Bosch KGN39VLEB is an example of a fridge-freezer with two compartments for keeping fresh and frozen food separate.
- For this model, Bosch states a usable fridge capacity of 279 l, a freezer capacity of 89 l and a noise level of 39 dB.
- This capacity split applies to this model only: check that it suits your needs and the space available.
Liebherr
The KPsle290-26 and MBbsdi 9556 models are examples of a one-door fridge with a freezer compartment and a multi-door fridge, respectively.
- Liebherr states a total capacity of 250 l and an annual energy use of 158 kWh for the KPsle290-26; for the MBbsdi 9556, the manufacturer states a total capacity of 586 l and a width of 90,6 cm.
- Capacity and installation requirements differ between these models. The brand’s freshness claims are not independent measurements.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers one-door fridges with a freezer compartment, a format worth considering if fresh food storage is your priority.
- The brand says the integrated compartment is generally smaller than the freezer section of a fridge-freezer.
- Specifications vary by model: check its star rating, capacity and freezing performance in particular.
Whirlpool
The WHK 25404 XBR5E is an example of a fridge-freezer with separate stated capacities for the fridge and freezer compartments.
- For this model, Whirlpool states a fridge capacity of 249 l, a freezer capacity of 106 l, a D energy rating and a noise level of 35 dB.
- The brand’s claims about its technology and the simulated lifespan of the compressor do not prove the actual lifespan of every appliance.
Multi-door fridges on Joybuy
The models below focus on multi-door and side-by-side fridges, so you can compare formats with separate spaces for fresh and frozen food.
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Hisense RS3P558NEID, 544 L side-by-side fridge, No Frost, water dispenser
This format may suit you if you’re looking for a fridge with a freezer compartment and storage spread across several areas.
Capacity stated in the product name: 544 L. The name also specifies No Frost and a water dispenser.
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Hisense RQ758N4SWSE, 606 L multi-door fridge, No Frost, My Fresh Choice
This model may suit you if you’re looking for a multi-door fridge to keep fresh and frozen food separate.
Capacity stated in the product name: 606 L. The name also specifies No Frost and the My Fresh Choice function.
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Hisense RF632N4BCE, 485 L French Door fridge, No Frost, E rating, 38 dB
This French Door format may be worth considering if you want to compare a multi-door appliance for storing fresh and frozen food.
The name specifies 485 L, No Frost, an E energy rating and a noise level of 38 dB.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L multi-door fridge, E rating
This multi-door format may suit you if you want to divide storage between a fridge and a freezer compartment.
The name specifies a capacity of 495 L and an E energy rating.
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CHiQ JR525WSE, 525 L side-by-side fridge, No Frost, Multi-Airflow, E rating
This side-by-side format may be worth considering if you want to compare a multi-door appliance with a freezer compartment.
The name specifies 525 L, No Frost, Multi-Airflow and an E energy rating.
Frequently asked questions
Is the total capacity in litres enough to choose a fridge ?
No. Compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately, then check whether your containers will fit on the shelves. The European label shows the capacities of the compartments separately; for the KGN39VLEB fridge-freezer, Bosch states a fridge capacity of 279 l and a freezer capacity of 89 l.
How can I check the temperature for prepared meals ?
Check the manual to find the coldest area and monitor its temperature. The Anses recommends storing perishable cooked meals in this area and keeping it at 4 °C; a thermometer can help if the temperature isn’t easy to check. Avoid overfilling the fridge.
Can a small freezer compartment replace a separate freezer ?
Not necessarily, if you regularly freeze large quantities. Electrolux says the integrated compartment is generally smaller than the freezer section of a fridge-freezer. Check the model’s capacity, star rating and freezing performance against your needs.
What should I check before installing a fridge ?
Measure the space and delivery route, then follow the model’s instructions for installation and airflow. Also check whether any particular function requires a connection. The Anses advises cleaning your fridge regularly and whenever it gets dirty.
What information do the energy label and warranty provide in France ?
For the household fridges covered, the European label shows information including an A–G rating, kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise level. If you buy from a professional seller in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is separate from any optional commercial warranty. The DGCCRF says that a claim under the guarantee of conformity can be made within two years of delivery of the goods, subject to the applicable legal conditions.