Start by measuring the width, height, depth, door clearance and ventilation space, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. For weekly shopping with frozen food, a fridge freezer is often more flexible if there is enough room; a single-door fridge with a freezer compartment is more suitable when fresh food is the priority and frozen items are only bought occasionally.
Separate the space needed for fresh food from the space reserved for frozen items: a compact appliance can quickly become full if this split does not match your shopping habits. The fridge freezers covered offer between 62 and 76 L of freezer space and 184 to 200 L of fridge space, according to Bosch and Electrolux product specifications.
Before choosing an integrated model, check the housing unit, depth, door-opening direction, hinges and ventilation. If the available space is unsuitable, a freestanding appliance may work better with your kitchen layout.
A single-door fridge with a freezer compartment may be suitable when fresh food is the priority. However, check the compartment’s actual capacity before choosing this format.
First, measure the available space and divide your needs between fresh and frozen food. Energy use, noise and installation features can then help you choose between compatible models.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Also check the shelves, drawers and door balconies for bulky packaging. | I want to store a week’s fresh food without losing the space needed for frozen items. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width, depth, delivery routes and door opening. For an integrated model, check the housing unit, hinges and ventilation specified by the manufacturer. | My appliance must fit without blocking a door, wall or the flow of movement around the kitchen. |
| Energy use | Compare kWh/year between appliances with similar types and capacities. The A to G energy label is an additional guide and should be read alongside the capacity figures. | I want to keep electricity use under control without assuming that a smaller model will necessarily use less. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the sound level in dB(A), its noise class and the cooling system. LowFrost and No Frost technologies should be assessed model by model. | In an open-plan kitchen or studio flat, I want to minimise noise and plan ahead for freezer maintenance. |
Fridge freezers of similar dimensions can distribute their capacity very differently. The models reviewed offer between 62 and 76 L of freezer space and 184 to 200 L of fridge space, so sufficient total capacity does not necessarily mean enough room for frozen food.
Before comparing product specifications, note separately how much space you need for fresh food and how much you require for frozen items.
Unsuitable depth, a door hitting a wall or insufficient ventilation can all prevent correct installation.
Measure the width, height, depth, door opening, delivery routes and ventilation. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit, hinges and installation diagram.
Energy use also depends on capacity and features. Comparing only the rating of two very different appliances can give an incomplete picture of their running costs.
Compare kWh/year between fridges of similar type and capacity, then use the A to G rating as an additional guide.
In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, noise may still be noticeable. Que Choisir states that the quietest appliances produce less than 40 dB(A).
Check the sound level in dB(A) and its class on the label, particularly if the appliance is close to a sleeping or living area.
Bosch offers single-door integrated fridges and fridge freezers suited in particular to 122 cm or 178 cm housing units.
The range includes under-counter solutions and 177.2 cm integrated fridge freezers, which are useful when the kitchen furniture dictates the format.
Liebherr offers under-counter and taller integrated appliances, with a range of capacities and noise levels.
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers that allow you to compare separate storage for fresh and frozen food in a small kitchen, whether freestanding or integrated, depending on your layout.
Image unavailable
For weekly shopping with separate freezer storage in a space 54 cm wide.
Listed with 187 L of fridge space, 75 L of freezer space, dimensions of 1760 × 540 × 550 mm, 39 dB(A), 215 kWh/year and a 4-star freezer.
Check the door opening and ventilation clearances; the Low Frost system requires manual defrosting.
Image unavailable
A narrow freestanding fridge freezer for separating fresh food from frozen items in a compact kitchen.
Listed with 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a 4-star freezer, 39 dB(A), a reversible door and adjustable feet.
Check the clearances around the appliance, door opening and energy label. Low Frost does not mean that manual defrosting is unnecessary.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a kitchen already fitted with a compatible housing unit and shopping that includes both fresh and frozen food.
Listed with 186 L of fridge space, 62 L of freezer space, 37 dB(A), TwinTech Total No Frost, MultiFlow, reversible doors and sliding-hinge installation.
Always check the housing-unit dimensions, hinges and ventilation diagram before installation.
Image unavailable
An integrated option with a separate freezer section for a compatible fitted kitchen.
Listed with 176 L of fridge space, 76 L of freezer space, dimensions of 1772 × 540 × 545 mm, 34 dB(A), 150 kWh/year, C rating, No Frost and a 4-star freezer.
The housing unit, ventilation, cabinet and door-on-door compatibility must match the installation instructions.
Image unavailable
A 50 cm-wide freestanding format for a small household that needs a separate freezer.
Listed with 115 L of fridge space, 59 L of freezer space across three drawers, dimensions of 50 × 55 × 150 cm, 39 dB(A), a reversible door and a 4-star freezer.
The 115 L of fridge space may be limited for several people; also check the ventilation clearances and energy label.
Compare kWh/year, fridge capacity, freezer capacity and noise in dB(A). Since 1 March 2021, the European energy label for household fridges has used the A to G scale and also displays capacities and noise emissions, according to the European Commission.
No. Confirm the housing-unit dimensions, depth, fittings or hinges, door-opening direction and ventilation routes. Bosch states that its general FAQ recommends at least 200 cm² of ventilation space at the back and underneath the appliance, while Electrolux provides a low-level air intake and high-level outlet for its integrated models.
It is not essential: choose this option if reducing defrosting suits the way you use the appliance and the capacities, dimensions and energy consumption remain suitable. The specifications for the models compared distinguish LowFrost from No Frost, including on fridge freezers of similar size.
The French Ministry responsible for Ecology recommends considering repair, reuse or reconditioning where appropriate, as well as collection and recycling schemes for waste electrical and electronic equipment. Check with the retailer what collection options are available when your new appliance is delivered.