For a weekly shop that includes fresh and frozen food, start by comparing fridge freezers. Their separate fridge and freezer capacities make it easy to check how much space each type of food will have. A French-door model is worth considering if you need to store a lot and have room for its larger size in your kitchen. A table-top model or a fridge with a freezer compartment is better suited to limited space or a smaller amount of frozen food.
If your shopping includes several days’ worth of fresh food and a substantial amount of frozen food, compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately. Que Choisir also recommends taking into account how often you shop and how much space your frozen food takes up.
Measure the space, check how the doors open and map out the delivery route. A table-top model may suit an under-counter installation, while some French-door models are over 90 cm wide, such as those described by LG and Samsung France.
In an open-plan kitchen, compare the stated noise level in dB(A). Check each model’s kWh/year figures too: ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the appliance can be delivered, installed and used in your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this according to your shopping habits and how much frozen food you buy. | I want to store a week’s shopping without choosing a large total capacity that leaves too little room in the freezer. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check which way the doors open, where the appliance will go and whether it will fit through doors, corridors and lifts. | The fridge needs to reach its intended spot, and its doors must open without obstructing the way. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and styles, along with their stated noise levels in dB(A). The European Commission says these details and the capacities are shown on the energy label. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters just as much to me as the energy use of an appliance that stays on all year. |
| Temperature and frost | Check the temperature settings, cooling system and defrosting instructions for the model. Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. | I want to be able to check the temperature of sensitive foods and follow the right maintenance routine for my appliance. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity can offer different amounts of freezer space. Electrolux says that an integrated freezer compartment is generally smaller than the freezer in a fridge freezer.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres with what you usually buy in a week.
A French-door model can be difficult to manoeuvre into your home, even if there is enough room for it in its final position. LG France says the LG GML945NS9E is 912 mm wide and weighs 136 kg. Samsung France also advises measuring access points before delivery of its RM70F63NER.
Check doors, corridors and the lift, as well as the space needed to open the appliance.
The cooling system or a connected feature is no substitute for checking the model’s stated annual energy consumption. ADEME highlights that a larger appliance with extra features can use more energy.
Compare kWh/year and noise levels for appliances with similar capacities, then consider which features you’ll actually use.
The ministry responsible for the ecological transition says that electrical and electronic equipment is covered by a dedicated collection and recycling system.
Before delivery, ask the retailer about its old-appliance collection service or find a suitable collection point.
The details below relate to the models mentioned, not to every appliance from each brand.
Two freestanding fridge freezers illustrate the different capacities and heights available.
The GML945NS9E is an example of a French-door model for a household needing plenty of space in both compartments.
The range presented by Samsung France includes fridge freezers, larder fridges and French-door models.
The brand presents a larder fridge with a freezer compartment as an option for households that don’t need much freezer space.
A table-top model can be a good option if height is an issue or your kitchen is small.
These five fridge freezers offer a range of capacities and dimensions to consider for storing fresh and frozen food from your weekly shop. Compare the capacity of each compartment and the measurements needed for your installation before choosing.
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For splitting your shopping between fresh and frozen food, the product name lists 182 L of fridge capacity and 71 L of freezer capacity. It also mentions No Frost, a noise level of 39 dB, LED lighting and a reversible door hinge. Check the width and depth needed for installation.
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This fridge freezer may appeal to households looking for a width of 54 cm while still having two separate compartments. Its name lists a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost technology. Check the capacity of each compartment in litres and the defrosting instructions before buying.
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With 153 L of fridge space and 74 L in the freezer, this model makes it easy to assess how much room there is for each type of food. Its name lists a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost, a 4-star freezer and energy class E. Check its height and defrosting instructions to make sure it will suit your kitchen.
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For a larger weekly shop, its name lists 252 L of fridge capacity and 103 L of freezer capacity. It also specifies a width of 60 cm, a reversible door, electronic temperature control and energy class E. Check the height, depth and noise level if the appliance will be near your living space.
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This 174 L fridge freezer is worth considering if you tend to buy modest amounts each week. Its name lists a height of 150 cm, a noise level of 39 dB, Low Frost, a 4-star freezer, a reversible door and energy class E. Check the capacity split and available width in your kitchen.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, based on the food you bring home each week. Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. How often you shop and how much frozen food you buy can change what you need.
It may be enough if you don’t keep much frozen food, but check its usable capacity in litres. Electrolux France says an integrated compartment is generally smaller than the freezer in a fridge freezer. Also check its rating and the recommended uses in the model’s manual.
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point. Store sensitive foods there and check the temperature regularly rather than relying on the thermostat setting alone.
Check both, then compare kWh/year figures for fridges with similar styles and capacities. The European Commission says the energy label also shows capacity and noise levels; ADEME reminds us that the appliance runs continuously.