Start by working out how much space you need for fresh food and how much for portions to freeze, rather than relying on the total capacity alone. A fridge-freezer meets both needs in one space; if frozen food is a long-term priority, a separate freezer may be worth considering, but remember to factor in the space and running costs of a second appliance. A small freezer compartment is best suited to households that keep only a few frozen items.
You shop for several days at a time and want to find fruit, vegetables, dairy products and leftovers easily. Before choosing an appliance size, look at the fridge capacity and the layout of the shelves and drawers.
If you cook ahead or leave longer between shops, check the freezer capacity and how easy the drawers are to access. Whether you choose a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer depends on how much space your frozen food regularly takes up.
In an alcove or open-plan kitchen, dimensions and installation requirements matter just as much as capacity. Compare the kWh/year and dB(A) ratings of the models you’re considering too: ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
How much space your usual shopping takes up can help you choose a format. Then compare the fresh and frozen capacities listed separately on the energy label, as set out in the product information described by the European Commission.
Consider this if: your meals are mainly based on fresh food and you keep only a few frozen items.
Bear in mind: check how many litres are actually available for freezing before relying on the compartment for pre-prepared portions.
Consider this if: you regularly store both fresh food and frozen portions, but only have room for one appliance.
Bear in mind: two fridge-freezers with similar total capacities can allocate their litres very differently between compartments.
Consider this if: your frozen food takes up a lot of space on a regular basis, in addition to your fresh shopping. If you’re looking at a separate freezer, compare the easy access of an upright model with the storage space of a chest freezer.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for two appliances, and should check the annual energy consumption of each one.
| What matters to you | What to check | What consumers say |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres with a typical week’s shopping and meals. | When my meals include fresh food, leftovers and a few frozen portions, I need enough room for each. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Frozen portion storage | Check the freezer capacity, the number and size of the drawers, and whether a separate appliance might be useful. | If I prepare several meals in advance, I need to be able to store and find portions without filling the freezer to capacity. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Kitchen space and access | Measure the space and check that the doors can open fully. For an integrated model, check the niche, door fixing and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | With a fitted or small kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance and reach its contents. Around 20% of consumers prioritise how well it fits their space. |
| Energy use and noise | For similar formats and capacities, check the kWh/year and dB(A) ratings on the energy label. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to noise. I also consider the energy use of an appliance that stays on all the time. These factors are a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
A total capacity that looks sufficient may leave too little room for frozen portions, or for fresh shopping. The energy label shows the capacity of each compartment separately.
Make a list of what you need for a week of meals, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that their size can affect energy use. A larger capacity won’t make up for a layout that doesn’t suit the food you store.
Start with your usual shopping and portions before comparing appliances with different capacities.
The appliance’s overall size alone doesn’t guarantee it will fit your kitchen unit: niche dimensions and door fittings vary between models.
Check the instructions for the exact model to confirm the niche, door fixing, ventilation and clearance needed to open the door.
The A to G rating doesn’t tell you everything about how two appliances with different capacities will perform. According to the European Commission, the label also gives annual energy consumption, capacity and noise levels.
Compare kWh/year and dB(A) ratings for appliances with similar configurations and capacities.
Worth considering for integrated or freestanding fridge-freezers when compartment layout is an important part of your decision.
Compare Bosch freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers model by model, based on the space available and the capacity you need.
Worth considering for fridge-freezers whose capacity and installation requirements vary between models.
These fridge-freezers combine fresh and frozen compartments in one appliance, and are available as freestanding or integrated models depending on the product. Compare them based on the space available and the capacity you need for each type of food.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-door fridge-freezer to organise fresh and frozen food separately.
Listed total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check the space needed to open the doors and the capacity of each compartment.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has space for an integrated appliance to store fresh and frozen food in one place.
Listed total capacity of 252 L, No Frost and a C energy rating. Before ordering, check the instructions for the required niche dimensions, door fitting and ventilation.
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Worth comparing if you need a large-capacity fridge-freezer and your kitchen can accommodate a multi-door model.
Listed total capacity of 495 L and an E energy rating. Measure the space and check that the doors can open fully. Check the capacity and layout of each compartment against your usual storage needs.
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Worth considering if you want to organise fresh food and frozen portions in an integrated fridge-freezer.
Listed total capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Confirm the capacity of each compartment in the model documentation, then check the niche, door system and kWh/year on the energy label.
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Worth considering if you prefer a fridge-freezer with the freezer at the bottom, keeping fresh shopping and frozen portions in one appliance.
Listed total capacity of 282 L and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the dB(A) rating if noise matters in your kitchen.
As well as the energy rating, compare kWh/year, fridge and freezer capacities, and noise levels. The European Commission says these details appear on the labels for refrigeration appliances. For a fair comparison, choose models with similar capacities and formats.
Work out separately how much space you need for fresh shopping and portions to freeze. UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 l for one person, then adding 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guideline to suit how often you shop and how much food you actually store.
Choose according to how much you need to store and how often you’ll access it. A chest freezer can offer plenty of capacity, while the drawers in an upright model make it easier to find food. UFC-Que Choisir lists chest freezers with capacities of up to 600 l. Before choosing one, also check the space available and how easy it is to reach items at the bottom.
Measure the niche and check the model’s instructions for door fitting, ventilation and required clearances. Dimensions vary between models: for example, Liebherr specifies a niche measuring 194–195 × 56–57 × 55 cm for its ICNSd 5603.