Which households is this choice suited to?

Households that shop once a week

If you put away several days’ worth of fresh food in one go, check that the fridge compartment can hold your shopping without being overloaded.

Regular buyers of frozen food

If frozen food is part of every big shop, look at the freezer capacity and dedicated storage rather than relying on the total capacity alone.

Households with limited kitchen space

The available height, width and depth will limit your choice of format. Check how much space you’ll also need to open the doors.

How do the different formats compare?

When choosing a fridge for your weekly shop, start with the space available and the amount of fresh and frozen food you usually buy. The format gives you an idea of how the storage is arranged, but you’ll need to check the usable capacity of each model.

Fridge-freezer

Consider it: if both fresh and frozen food regularly feature in your shop.

Check: the capacity split between the two compartments varies by model.

Single-door fridge with freezer compartment

Consider it: if you prioritise fresh food and buy only a small amount of frozen food.

Limitation: according to Que Choisir, a small freezer compartment is not enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.

Multi-door

Consider it: if you need plenty of storage and have the space for it.

Check: the width, depth and annual energy consumption of the model you choose.

Table-top

Consider it: if space is very limited and your storage needs are modest.

Limitation: check the actual capacity in litres before relying on it for a weekly shop that includes frozen food.

What to consider What to check Who should consider it?
Fresh food capacity Compare the fridge’s usable capacity in litres and the layout of its shelves and drawers. If I come home with several days’ worth of fruit, vegetables and other fresh food, I want to be able to put everything away without overloading the shelves. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this fresh food capacity.
Freezer capacity Check the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres and the drawer layout; don’t confuse it with the total capacity. If frozen food makes up a large part of my shop, a small compartment could limit what I can store. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this capacity.
Dimensions Measure the space, then check the appliance’s dimensions, the access route and the clearance needed for the doors. In a narrow kitchen, I first need to know whether the fridge can be delivered, installed and opened where I want it. Around 24% of consumers would put this physical fit first.
Energy use and noise For a capacity that suits your needs, check the kWh/year and noise level in dB on the energy label. If my kitchen opens onto the living room, noise matters when I’m choosing; I also want to compare annual energy use. Around 18% of consumers would put these factors first.

According to the European Commission, the energy label includes information such as compartment capacities, annual energy consumption and noise. It helps you compare these features across models that already meet your storage needs.

What should you watch out for before buying?

  • Relying on total capacity alone

    An appliance may be spacious overall but still have too little room for the frozen or fresh food in your weekly shop.

    Make a note of what you usually store in each section, then compare their usable capacities separately.

  • Measuring the space but not the access route or door clearance

    A large appliance may fit in its intended space but still be difficult to get into the kitchen, or there may not be enough room to open the doors fully. For example, LG France lists a width of 908 mm and a depth of 802 mm for its GMW765STGJ multi-door model; these dimensions apply to this model only.

    Check the delivery route, the exact dimensions and the clearances required in the instructions for your chosen model.

  • Comparing energy ratings alone

    The letter on the label is no substitute for checking kWh/year, capacity and noise, which are also listed on the label according to the European Commission.

    Use these figures to compare appliances with capacities suited to your shop, and check their listing in EPREL if necessary.

  • Forgetting to arrange collection of your old fridge

    When you buy a replacement in France, Service-Public.fr states that the retailer must take back your old appliance free of charge. It’s still worth arranging the practical details before delivery.

    Check the seller’s collection arrangements and instructions for preparing your old appliance before placing your order.

Brands to know

Bosch

The range featured by Bosch Home Appliances includes fridge-freezers, multi-door models and single-door fridges.

  • Bosch points regular buyers of frozen food towards models with a bottom freezer and dedicated compartments.
  • Check the capacity and layout of the specific model: this guidance doesn’t guarantee it will suit your shop.

Beko

Beko France’s guides cover fridge-freezers, large-capacity models, multi-door models and compact formats.

  • The brand links your choice of capacity to household size, eating habits and how often you shop.
  • Use its general guidance alongside the quantities you store and the dimensions of your kitchen.

LG

The GMW765STGJ multi-door model is an example of a large-capacity option in the range featured by LG France.

  • LG France lists a total capacity of 750 L for this model, including 504 L for the fridge and 246 L for the freezer.
  • At 908 mm wide and 802 mm deep, with a stated energy consumption of 376 kWh/year, this model calls for careful checks of your available space and the energy label. These figures do not apply to other multi-door models.

Liebherr

Liebherr’s range includes large-capacity fridge-freezers and models with NoFrost.

  • The brand lists a total capacity of 485 L and a noise level of 34 dB for the CNsfa 7723 Plus NoFrost.
  • These figures relate to this specific model; check its dimensions of 201,5 × 74,7 × 67,5 cm before planning its installation.

Electrolux

Electrolux France’s guide links your choice of fridge to your kitchen layout and shopping habits.

  • The brand highlights salad drawers and fresh food compartments as features to consider when planning storage.
  • These features don’t replace the need for enough usable capacity for your shop.

Joybuy products to consider

For a large-capacity option, consider the LG GMW765STGJ multi-door model, with 750 L of total capacity, including 504 L for the fridge and 246 L for the freezer. If you’re looking for a fridge-freezer, the Liebherr CNsfa 7723 Plus NoFrost offers 485 L of total capacity and a noise level of 34 dB. Check each model’s dimensions, compartment capacities and energy label to make sure it suits your kitchen and weekly shop.

Frequently asked questions

Do two fridges with the same total capacity offer the same amount of space for frozen food?

No. The balance between fridge and freezer space can vary. If your weekly shop includes frozen food, compare the capacity in litres of each compartment on the energy label, which shows these figures according to the European Commission.

Is a small freezer compartment enough for frozen food every week?

It may be enough if you only store small quantities, but not if frozen food makes up a large part of your shop. Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment is not enough for people who buy a lot of frozen food; in that case, check the capacity of a dedicated freezer compartment.

Should you choose a NoFrost model?

No. NoFrost isn’t essential when choosing a format, but it may be worth considering if you want to limit frost build-up in the freezer. Liebherr describes it as protection against frost; check that the exact model you’re interested in has this feature.

How can you arrange collection of your old fridge?

If you’re buying a replacement appliance in France, Service-Public.fr states that the retailer must take back your old appliance free of charge. Check the practical arrangements with the seller before choosing a delivery option.