Start by considering how much fresh and frozen food you buy: a fridge is best for fresh food, a fridge freezer gives you both types of storage in one appliance, while a separate freezer is worth considering if you need to store large quantities. Then compare usable capacities and kWh/year across appliances with similar configurations. Finally, check that your chosen model can be delivered, opened and ventilated in the space available.
How often you shop isn’t enough to determine the capacity you need. The balance of fresh food, frozen food and long-life provisions in your shopping will influence which type of appliance to consider.
Look at the fridge and freezer capacities separately. A fridge freezer combines both uses in one appliance. If you need more freezer space than its compartment offers, compare it with adding a separate freezer.
Measure the space where the appliance will go, as well as the delivery route and the room needed to open the doors or access the drawers. In an open-plan kitchen, it’s also worth comparing the noise level shown on the energy label.
ADEME notes that fridges and freezers run continuously. Once you’ve worked out the capacity you need, compare the kWh/year figures on the energy labels of appliances offering similar storage.
Start by considering the balance of fresh and frozen food, then check each configuration against the space available. Energy use and installation requirements can then help you choose between models that meet your needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Best suited to my needs if |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge only | Check the usable capacity for fresh food, then make sure you have space elsewhere for frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir warns that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you need to store a lot of frozen food. | I mainly buy fresh food, or I already have a separate freezer. |
| Fridge freezer | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Make sure the freezer compartment can accommodate your usual shopping and any extra food you plan to store. | I regularly buy both fresh and frozen food, but don’t want to install two large appliances. |
| Large multi-door fridge freezer | Check the capacity of each compartment, the delivery route and the dimensions with the doors open. If the model has a dispenser, check its water supply requirements in the manual. | I need more space for both types of food, and my kitchen allows the doors to open fully. |
| Upright freezer | Check the freezer capacity, access to the drawers and the space needed to open them. Check that the climate class is suitable for the room where you plan to put it. | I need more frozen food storage than a fridge freezer offers and want to organise it in drawers. |
| Chest freezer | Measure the floor space and the clearance needed to open the lid. Check the usable capacity and how easy it is to reach food at the bottom. | I store large quantities of frozen food and have an accessible spot for a wide appliance. |
| Energy use | Check the kWh/year figure, the A to G rating and the compartment capacities on the EU energy label, as described by the European Commission. Compare appliances with similar features and capacities, rather than looking at the rating alone. | I want an appliance that’s the right size for my needs and will run continuously, without paying to keep space I don’t use cold. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the appliance, its delivery route and the clearance needed for the doors to open. Follow the ventilation guidance and climate class in the manual, and compare the noise level shown on the energy label. | My kitchen is narrow or open-plan, so the appliance needs to be easy to use once it’s in place. |
| Fresh food storage | Check the internal layout and temperature settings. Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. | I need to be able to put my shopping away without blocking the circulation of cold air. |
Appliances with different capacities or features won’t offer the same level of storage. ADEME notes that choosing a capacity that’s too large or adding multiple appliances can increase the energy use of appliances that run continuously.
First work out how much fridge and freezer space you need, then use the EU energy label to compare the kWh/year figures of similar models.
An appliance may fit in its space but still make it difficult to access the drawers or get enough ventilation. Bosch’s installation guidance illustrates these considerations, but its clearance requirements won’t apply to every model.
Check the delivery route, the dimensions with the doors open and the ventilation clearances in the diagram and manual for the model you choose.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a small freezer compartment and storing substantial quantities of frozen food. If the compartment is too small, you’ll need to reduce the amount you keep or choose a different configuration.
Estimate how much food you’ll want to freeze after a big shop, then compare the capacity of a fridge freezer with that of an upright or chest freezer.
DGCCRF notes that the “one-for-one” take-back scheme provides for an equivalent used appliance to be collected free of charge when you buy a new one. However, you should find out how collection will work before delivery.
When you place your order, confirm that your old appliance will be collected, the planned time slot and any access requirements for your home.
These examples can help you find manuals and specific models to consider. A brand’s inclusion here is not an assessment of its entire range.
Bosch’s French-language documentation covers the installation of fridges in different configurations, including integrated models.
UFC-Que Choisir includes the Beko B5RCNA346HG among the fridge freezers recently tested in its list dated 27 May 2026.
The Haier HDPR1618CNPK also features in UFC-Que Choisir’s list of models recently tested, published on 27 May 2026.
UFC-Que Choisir lists the LG GBV3100EPY among the fridge freezers recently tested in its list dated 27 May 2026.
This Joybuy selection includes American-style and multi-door fridge freezers, as well as a narrower fridge freezer. Compare their configurations with your needs before choosing. The appliances below aren’t a substitute for considering a fridge-only model or a separate freezer if either would suit you better.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one large appliance. This model’s dispenser needs a water supply, so check the connection, delivery route and clearance required with the doors open in the manual.
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A configuration worth comparing if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Before buying, check the manual for door and ventilation clearances, as well as the water connection required for the water dispenser and ice maker.
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This large model is worth comparing if your shopping includes fresh food and frozen food to store. Check the manual for how to use its convertible zone, as well as the clearances needed for the doors and ventilation.
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This multi-door fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. Measure the space with the doors open and check the manual for the ventilation clearances required for this model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer for fresh and frozen food in a kitchen where width matters. The model name indicates a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm. Also check its kWh/year figure on the energy label and the clearances and defrosting instructions in the manual.
Compare their kWh/year figures, choosing models with similar functions, configurations and usable capacities. The European Commission says the energy label also shows the A to G rating, compartment capacities and noise level, so the rating alone doesn’t tell you how much storage an appliance offers.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person as a starting point, then 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this guideline to how often you shop, and consider freezer capacity separately if you keep a lot of frozen food.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed with the doors open. Then check the model’s manual for ventilation, climate class and door-opening direction. If your kitchen is open-plan, also compare the noise level shown on the energy label.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. Avoid overfilling the appliance when putting your shopping away, so cold air can circulate.