Start by choosing the format based on how much space you need for fresh food and how often you freeze food: a fridge on its own is suitable when frozen food is only an occasional purchase, a fridge freezer combines both uses in one appliance, while a separate freezer makes sense for keeping substantial frozen stocks. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the energy label, as these appliances run continuously.
You need fresh food every day and freezer space for part of your shop, without adding several appliances: a fridge freezer is the first option to compare, paying attention to the litres actually allocated to each compartment.
If you mainly eat fresh food, buy little frozen food or are short on space, a fridge on its own or a compact model may be a better fit than a large fridge freezer that is only partly filled.
For storing supplies, preparing meals in advance or buying in bulk, compare a large fridge freezer with adding a separate freezer, taking into account the space available, storage and ongoing energy consumption.
Choose this if: fresh food makes up most of your shop and frozen food is only an occasional purchase.
Bear in mind: it maximises fresh-food capacity for a given footprint, but cannot replace a proper freezer for regularly storing frozen supplies.
Choose this if: you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one place every day.
Bear in mind: the compromise depends on the litres allocated to each compartment, not the advertised total capacity.
Choose this if: your frozen stocks regularly exceed the capacity of a fridge freezer.
Bear in mind: it adds an appliance that runs continuously and needs a suitable location.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer litres separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus around 50 L for each additional person, adjusted according to your shopping habits. | I want enough room to put away a full shop without paying for unused capacity. The proportion of fresh food, ready meals and frozen food matters more than the number of people in the household alone. |
| Frozen supplies | Check the fresh-to-frozen split, the drawers and the type of freezer. According to UFC-Que Choisir, an upright freezer makes access easier with drawers, while a chest freezer can offer substantial capacity if you have enough floor space. | My supplies need to remain visible and accessible. If the freezer compartment in a fridge freezer is constantly full, a dedicated freezer is worth comparing. |
| Continuous energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year between appliances with similar capacities and formats, then read the energy class alongside this figure. The European Commission states that the label includes the class, annual consumption, capacities and noise level. | I am looking for an appliance sized for my shopping needs, without adding capacity or features I will not use every day. |
| Everyday use | Check the noise level in dB(A), the cooling system, drawers, shelves and compartments. In an open-plan kitchen, noise is a practical consideration; also check the defrosting requirements of the model you choose. | I want to find food easily and avoid the internal layout becoming a chore every time I put the shopping away. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity can offer very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A household that freezes a lot can quickly run out of room in the freezer compartment of a fridge freezer.
List a typical week’s shopping and the proportion that is actually frozen, then compare the usable litres in each compartment and the drawer layout.
Fridges and freezers run 24 hours a day. ADEME highlights that an excessively large appliance or one with too many features can increase electricity consumption throughout its lifespan.
Choose the capacity you need first, then compare the kWh/year of models with similar capacity and format rather than looking at the energy class alone.
For reference, ADEME gives figures of 180 kWh/year for a fridge, 315 kWh/year for a fridge freezer and 300 kWh/year for a freezer; these benchmarks do not replace the label for the specific model.
An appliance may be difficult to install, poorly ventilated or unsuitable for a very hot or unheated room. An unsuitable installation can also increase its energy consumption.
Measure the recess, delivery route and door-opening clearance. Check the exact model’s instructions for the required clearances and permitted ambient temperature, then keep the appliance away from heat sources.
For a new product bought from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. A commercial warranty is optional and comes in addition to the legal guarantees.
Before taking one out, compare the additional cover period, the parts and labour included, exclusions, excesses and the repair process.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding fridge freezers. For the KGN362LAF, Bosch states 218 L of fridge capacity, 103 L of freezer capacity, an A energy class and 30 dB(A).
Liebherr offers single-door fridges, fridge freezers and models with BioFresh compartments or NoFrost options. For example, the brand states 351 L and 35 dB for the RBsfd 5221.
Beko offers upright freezers and integrated fridge freezers, among other products. The brand presents, for example, the B3RFNE274W upright freezer with No Frost and the BCHA306E4SN integrated fridge freezer.
Whirlpool offers fridges, fridge freezers and integrated appliances, including a selection of No Frost models in different capacities and dimensions.
Joybuy options for comparing fridge freezers designed for regular shopping, plus an upright freezer for separate frozen-food storage.
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Worth considering for weekly shopping with separate fresh and frozen storage needs.
235 L of fridge capacity and 125 L of freezer capacity, 35 dB(A), Total No Frost, dedicated zones and a reversible door.
Check that the dimensions of 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm, ventilation clearances and delivery access are suitable for your kitchen.
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A fridge freezer for a household that mainly needs fresh-food storage with moderate frozen capacity.
187 L of fridge capacity, 75 L of freezer capacity, stated consumption of 215 kWh/year, 39 dB(A), 54 cm wide and a reversible door.
The Low Frost system requires manual defrosting; the stated climate range is 16 to 38 °C.
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A compact option for regular shopping with a limited proportion of frozen food.
153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, 54 cm wide, reversible door, adjustable feet and a 4-star freezer compartment.
Before buying, check the energy label to compare annual consumption; Low Frost does not eliminate the need for defrosting.
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Worth comparing if you are looking for separate freezer capacity for regularly storing supplies.
161 L net capacity, five storage zones, three drawers, two shelves, No Frost, Fast Freeze function, alarm and reversible door.
It complements a fridge for fresh food: check the energy label, noise level, dimensions and climate class before choosing where to place it.
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A fridge freezer for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
182 L of fridge capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, 39 dB(A), LED lighting, large freezer drawers, No Frost and a reversible door.
Check the technical specifications for annual consumption, dimensions, installation clearances and climate class.
Yes. Refrigeration appliances are covered by the European ecodesign and energy-labelling rules that apply across the European Union. The label shows the A to G class, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise emissions; ADEME states that it must be displayed in shops and online for large domestic appliances.
A fridge freezer is suitable when you need fresh-food storage and a moderate amount of freezer space in one location. Add a separate freezer if your frozen supplies regularly become too large; an upright model makes access easier with drawers, while a chest freezer prioritises capacity where floor space allows.
Compare the usable litres of the fridge and freezer separately, annual consumption in kWh/year, noise in dB(A), dimensions and climate class. Compare kWh/year between appliances with similar capacity and intended use: energy class alone is not enough to make your choice.
Yes. When selling domestic electrical or electronic equipment, including at a distance, the distributor must take back or arrange the free collection of used equipment, up to the quantity and type of equipment sold, under the French Environmental Code. Confirm the arrangements for disconnection and removal before delivery.
The legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years for a new product, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. An extended warranty is optional and comes in addition to the legal guarantees: check its exclusions, covered services and repair terms before paying for it.