Households preparing meals several days in advance
If you cook portions for dinners, lunches or leftovers, compare the litres allocated to fresh and frozen food separately rather than looking only at the total capacity.
Which households is it for?
Busy people taking homemade meals to work
When organising packed lunches, food containers and leftovers, usable capacity and access to storage areas matter more than choosing a compact format without checking its layout.
Households with a restricted kitchen or alcove
Measure the available width, height and depth before choosing a format: a fridge freezer, an integrated appliance with a freezer compartment and two separate appliances will not take up the same amount of space.
Key buying criteria
Fridge freezer
Choose this if: you regularly store fresh food and frozen portions but only have one main space available.
Keep in mind: the space allocated to the fridge and freezer is fixed for each model.
Fridge with freezer compartment
Choose this if: chilled storage is your priority and freezing is only occasional or limited.
Keep in mind: check the freezer capacity, star rating and exact fit for your alcove.
Two separate appliances
Choose this if: frozen food permanently takes up a lot of space and you can install two appliances.
Keep in mind: you’ll need to add together the footprint and kWh/year of both models you’re considering.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Also check the drawers and internal layout of the exact model. | I want to store prepared dishes, fresh food and frozen portions without discovering too late that one compartment is too small. |
| Preparing lunches | Compare the fresh-food capacity with the number of containers and meals stored at the same time. Check the freezer capacity if you prepare portions in batches. | My homemade meals need to remain accessible between working days without disrupting my everyday storage. |
| Stated energy consumption | Compare kWh/year between appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. The energy label also shows the class and the capacity of each compartment. | I want to assess the stated energy use of an appliance that runs continuously, without assuming that a better letter rating alone is enough to distinguish between two different formats. |
| Installation and noise | Measure H × W × D, check the installation type and confirm the required clearances. Check the dB(A) rating and noise class, especially in an open-plan kitchen. | The appliance must fit in my kitchen and remain suitable for use near the living area. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
-
Choosing based only on total capacity or height
Usable capacity is split between the fridge and freezer sections. A tall appliance may therefore lack space exactly where you need it most.
For one or two weeks, note what actually takes up space in your fridge and freezer. Then compare the capacity of each section with the appliance’s external dimensions.
-
Comparing energy classes without checking kWh/year
The energy class and annual consumption are two different pieces of information. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that size or extra features can affect consumption.
Compare kWh/year and usable capacities between appliances designed for the same storage needs, then check the information for the exact model in EPREL.
-
Switching to two appliances without checking the space and total consumption
An upright freezer can significantly increase the available capacity, but you must add its dimensions and energy consumption to those of the main fridge.
Measure two possible locations and add together the kWh/year of both models before comparing them with a fridge freezer.
Two appliances may also mean two deliveries or installations, as well as two after-sales service processes.
-
Paying for a commercial warranty without identifying what it adds
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years to new and second-hand goods bought from a professional seller, according to the Ministry of the Economy. A commercial warranty may cover elements that are already protected or come with different conditions.
Ask for the terms in writing: total duration, parts, labour, call-out charges, exclusions, whether a loan appliance is available and the procedure for reporting a fault.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for a range of formats, including fridge freezers, integrated models with freezer compartments and upright freezers.
- French product pages for the models listed provide details of capacities, dimensions, energy class and noise level.
- These specifications vary by model: check the EU energy label and the dimensions of your chosen appliance.
Liebherr
Worth considering if you’re looking for large-capacity fridge freezers, integrated models or features such as NoFrost and freshness compartments.
- French product pages for the models state the total capacity, external dimensions and noise level, among other details.
- Descriptions of EasyFresh or BioFresh are provided by the manufacturer and do not replace a comparison of the dimensions, capacities and label for the exact model.
Beko
Worth considering if you want to compare a wide range of fridge freezers and features focused on air circulation or storage.
- The French range includes numerous fridge freezers.
- Beko presents AeroFlow as helping to distribute temperature more evenly; this brand claim does not replace checking usable capacities, kWh/year, dimensions and warranty terms.
Joybuy products
Joybuy fridge freezer options for storing fresh food and prepared portions in one appliance.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR263LGE 262L Low Frost, 70/30
At 54 cm wide, this model may suit a kitchen with limited width while still providing separate fridge and freezer compartments.
262 L, 70/30 configuration, 54 cm wide and 176 cm high. Manual defrosting of the freezer is still required; the manufacturer states that it is not suitable for use where the ambient temperature falls below 16 °C.
Image unavailable
Bosch KGN33NLEB 282 L fridge freezer
With the freezer at the bottom, this fridge freezer is suitable for regular use combining fresh food, leftovers and portions to freeze.
282 L, energy class E and a NoFrost freezer. Check the stated clearances: at least 5 cm at the rear, 2 cm at the sides and 10 cm above.
Image unavailable
Samsung RF50C530EB1 495 L multi-door
Its total capacity suits households storing both weekly shops and large quantities of prepared meals at the same time.
495 L, black finish, energy class E and No Frost technology. At 81.7 cm wide and 71.5 cm deep, measure the space and check the installation requirements for the water and ice dispenser.
Image unavailable
Comfee RCB169WH2(E) 174 L, 70/30
At 50 cm wide, this model may meet moderate storage needs in a small kitchen.
174 L, 150 cm high, 4-star freezer, Low Frost, 39 dB and energy class E. Compare the freezer capacity with your usual portion sizes before choosing this format.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L Low Frost
This compact fridge freezer keeps fresh food and frozen portions separate when space is limited.
227 L, 153 L fridge capacity, 74 L freezer capacity, 54 cm wide, 4-star freezer and energy class E. Check that 74 L of freezer space matches how often you prepare meals in batches.
Frequently asked questions
Which information should you compare on a fridge freezer’s energy label?
Compare the class from A to G, kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and the noise emissions. The European Commission states that this information appears on the label; when comparing two sizes or designs, the separate capacities and kWh/year are more useful than the letter rating alone.
Does the label’s QR code help you check a model?
Yes. It links to EPREL, the European Commission’s public database for comparing the main specifications of different models. However, check the exact model reference and the version sold.
Is there a statutory guarantee in France for a new fridge bought from a professional seller?
Yes. According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years to new goods sold by a professional seller to a consumer. The seller is responsible for the goods’ conformity, including in certain cases relating to installation when this falls within the seller’s responsibility or instructions.
Does an extended warranty replace the statutory guarantee?
No. A commercial warranty is optional and comes in addition to statutory guarantees, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Before taking one out, check its duration, exclusions, cover for labour and call-out charges, and who to contact in the event of a fault.