Choose according to the food you actually store: a fridge if you mainly keep fresh food, a fridge-freezer if you regularly use both fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or a separate freezer if you need dedicated storage. Then compare the capacity of each compartment and the annual energy consumption of similarly sized models. ADEME points out that the size and extra capacity of an appliance that runs continuously can push up your bills.
How much room you need for fresh and frozen food depends more on what you usually store than on the total capacity shown.
If you’re replacing an old or oversized appliance, compare its annual energy consumption and the capacity of each compartment before paying extra for additional features. ADEME notes that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that an oversized appliance can push up your bills.
If your regular shop includes both, a fridge-freezer can bring everything together in one appliance. Just make sure each compartment suits what you actually store.
If you often freeze prepared portions or food bought in bulk, start by checking the freezer capacity and how easy it is to reach your food. A separate freezer also needs a suitable space and adds another appliance that runs continuously.
Consider this if: you mainly buy fresh food and freeze very little, or already have a freezer.
Drawback: a small freezer compartment won’t suit you if you regularly stock up on frozen food.
Consider this if: you regularly use fresh and frozen food and want to keep both in one appliance.
Drawback: the fixed split between compartments may leave too little space for your frozen food.
Consider this if: stocking up on frozen food is a priority and you already have another appliance for fresh food.
Drawback: you’ll need to make room for it and factor in the energy use of an additional appliance that runs continuously, as ADEME points out.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use and capacity | Compare the kWh/year figures for similarly sized models and the capacity in litres of each compartment, rather than looking at the energy rating letter alone. This information appears on the label provided by the European Commission. | If I’m replacing an appliance that runs all the time, I want enough room without maintaining capacity I don’t need; around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Fresh and frozen food split | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then look at the layout of the drawers and shelves. | To store my regular shopping and a few frozen supplies in one appliance, I need enough room in both compartments; around 27% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Frozen food storage | Check the freezer capacity, access to the drawers or chest, and the space available. | When I regularly freeze portions or food bought in bulk, I want to be able to find my supplies without running out of space; around 20% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Maintenance and storage | Check which compartments are covered by No Frost and whether the storage layout suits the food you keep. | I prefer food that’s easy to find and want to cut down on manual defrosting; this is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Appliances of different sizes or capacities won’t necessarily meet the same needs. According to the European Commission, the label also shows annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise levels.
First decide on the size and capacity you need, then compare the kWh/year figures for the models you’re considering. You can scan the label’s QR code to view their EPREL product information.
Extra capacity that you rarely use won’t, by itself, make it easier to manage your food. ADEME says that the size and extra capacity of refrigeration appliances can push up your bills.
Take stock of what you keep in a typical week, and only choose extra features if you have a clear use for them.
A spacious appliance won’t prevent you buying duplicates or food being left out of sight. ADEME recommends checking what you already have before shopping and tidying your fridge regularly.
Before choosing a larger capacity, see whether the bins, drawers and shelves will make it easy to find what you store.
What information is available about spare parts depends on the model, while arranging collection of your old appliance is a separate step from choosing a new one.
Check the model documentation and any available EPREL information, then confirm the collection and installation arrangements with the retailer before ordering.
The features mentioned below apply to specific models or ranges. They don’t replace checking the label and product information for the model you’re considering.
Worth looking at if dedicated fresh food zones and fridge-freezer settings are important to you.
Worth comparing if you value dedicated fresh food compartments, whether you’re looking for a fridge or a fridge-freezer.
Worth considering if avoiding manual defrosting is a practical priority for your fridge-freezer.
Worth comparing if the layout of the fruit and vegetable compartment is one of your priorities.
This selection includes fridge-freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a convertible chest freezer for dedicated frozen storage. First choose the configuration that suits what you store, then check the energy label for the models on your shortlist.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one fridge-freezer. It has a stated capacity of 390 L; check how that’s split between compartments and the kWh/year figure on the label for this model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with separate storage areas. The model title lists Total No Frost, My Zone, Wi-Fi and a class E rating; check how much room each compartment offers and the annual energy consumption before choosing.
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Worth considering if your fresh and frozen food stocks justify a 467 L multi-door fridge-freezer and you have enough space for it. The model is listed with Total No Frost and a class E rating; compare the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure.
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Worth comparing if you need a fridge-freezer with a stated capacity of 440 L. Check the space available, the separate fridge and freezer capacities, and how the freezer needs to be defrosted: you can’t tell from the fridge-freezer format alone.
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Worth considering for dedicated storage if another appliance already meets your fresh food needs. This class E chest freezer is described as convertible between fridge and freezer modes, with a removable basket and defrost drain; check which mode you need, how easy it is to reach inside and its annual energy consumption.
No. First choose the type of appliance and a suitable capacity, then check its annual energy consumption in kWh. The European Commission says the label for household fridges and freezers also shows compartment capacities and noise levels; its QR code links to model information in EPREL.
No Frost may suit your needs if you want to avoid manual defrosting and the feature covers the compartment in question. Check exactly what it applies to on the model you’re considering, and still compare capacity and kWh/year.
Check the documentation and spare parts information for the specific model. The list of appliances covered by France’s mandatory repairability index, published by the French Ministry of the Economy, doesn’t include fridges or freezers. EPREL may provide further information when it’s available for the model.
Before ordering, confirm the collection and disconnection options offered by the retailer for your address. Ecologic also lists partner collection points for used electrical equipment, which is then directed to the appropriate recycling schemes.
No. Extra capacity only helps if the layout suits what you store and how you use it. ADEME recommends checking what food you already have before shopping and tidying your fridge regularly to avoid buying duplicates.