Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the usable capacity of each compartment in litres. A fridge-freezer could suit you if its split works for your shopping; a multi-door model needs more space, while separate appliances let you choose your freezer capacity independently. Also compare the overall dimensions, stated noise level and kWh/year of the models you’re considering.
If you bring home lots of fresh and frozen food at once, look at the capacity of each compartment and make sure there’s enough room to store food without blocking the airflow. Que Choisir’s tests also consider how much the temperature rises after a full shop.
Total capacity alone won’t tell you which model to choose: compare the freezer’s capacity in litres with the amount you usually keep in stock. If the freezer section of a fridge-freezer is too small, consider a different style or a separate freezer.
Measure the access route and the space needed to open the doors, then compare the stated noise level. A model with enough room for your shopping may still not suit the room if it obstructs movement or won’t fit in the space available.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. This will help you choose a style before comparing the features of individual models.
Consider this if: both compartments will fit in one space and their capacity split suits your shopping. Que Choisir puts a classic fridge-freezer at around two-thirds fridge space and one-third freezer space.
Limitation: the built-in freezer section may be too small if you keep a large stock of frozen food.
Consider this if: you want a large capacity with separate access to different compartments and have enough room for the appliance.
Limitation: its width and depth mean you’ll need to measure your kitchen and the delivery route.
Consider this if: you regularly need more freezer space than a fridge-freezer can offer and have room for two appliances.
Limitation: you’ll need space for both appliances and should check the specifications of each, without assuming their combined energy use.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and split | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person; adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | I want to store several meals without running short of space for fresh or frozen food. |
| Temperature and storage | Check the temperature settings, where the coldest part is and how you can monitor the temperature. Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. | After shopping, I need to be able to put perishable food in the cold zone quickly without overfilling the compartments. |
| Noise and energy use | When comparing appliances of a similar type and capacity, check the dB(A) and kWh/year, not just the energy rating letter. The European Commission’s energy label and EPREL register list details including annual energy use and compartment volumes. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen. I also want to compare the energy use of appliances with enough capacity for my shopping. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the access route and door clearance. Check the clearances required in the instruction manual and make sure the climate class is suitable for the room. | The appliance must be deliverable, installable and easy to open without getting in the way in my kitchen. |
A spacious appliance may not leave enough room for frozen food. Que Choisir describes a classic fridge-freezer as having around two-thirds fridge space and one-third freezer space.
Estimate how much space your usual shop takes up, then compare the stated capacity of each compartment.
A large appliance may fit in its alcove but not through the access route, or its doors may not open fully once it’s in place.
Before ordering, measure the route to your kitchen, the available depth, door clearance and the space required in the instruction manual.
The rating letter doesn’t replace the annual energy use shown on the label, especially when capacities and styles differ.
Compare the kWh/year of appliances with similar capacities, and check their noise levels separately.
Anses recommends leaving room for cold air to circulate. Que Choisir’s tests also assess how much the temperature rises after a full shop is added.
Leave enough room to store perishable food in the right zone, and follow the instruction manual before using any rapid-cooling function.
These examples relate to specific models; their features don’t apply to every model in each brand’s range.
The freestanding KGN36VLED fridge-freezer gives you an example of how capacity can be split between two compartments.
The WHK26494X6E is an example of a high-capacity fridge-freezer to consider if space for your shopping is a priority.
The HCW99F18DHMB multi-door fridge-freezer is an example of a style suited to kitchens with room for a wide appliance.
This selection from Joybuy includes multi-door appliances for larger shops and fridge-freezers that keep fresh and frozen food together in one appliance. Before choosing a style, compare the capacity of each compartment with your shopping needs.
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For shops with lots of fresh and frozen food, the product description lists 311 L of fridge space and 156 L of freezer space. It also states Total No Frost, 35 dB(A), 290 kWh/year and dimensions of 83,3 × 65 × 181,5 cm. Check the access route and space for the doors to open: they’re listed as non-reversible. If your perishable food needs to be kept at a specific temperature, check the temperature range and conditions of use.
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The stated capacities of 235 L for fresh food and 125 L for frozen food give you an idea of how much room there is after a shop. The product description lists Total No Frost, My Zone and Humidity Zone compartments, 35 dB(A), 271 kWh/year and dimensions of 59,5 × 66,7 × 185 cm. In particular, measure the available depth and check the temperature settings if you need to confirm a specific temperature.
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This fridge-freezer is 54 cm wide and lists 187 L of fridge space and 75 L of freezer space. Check that the freezer capacity is enough for the food you keep in stock. The product description states 39 dB(A), 215 kWh/year, a reversible door and a fridge temperature range of 2 to 8 °C. The Low Frost freezer needs to be defrosted manually, according to the description.
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With a stated 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space, this 54 cm-wide fridge-freezer lets you assess how the capacity is split in a compact appliance. The product description lists a noise level of 39 dB, adjustable shelves, a reversible door and a four-star freezer. Check the kWh/year on the label and the defrosting requirements before comparing it with other models.
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The product description lists 193 L of fridge space and 89 L of freezer space, with three freezer drawers to organise frozen food. It also states MultiAirflow in the fridge, NoFrost in the freezer, 228 kWh/year and dimensions of 60 × 66 × 176 cm. If noise matters in your kitchen, check the stated noise level before choosing.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with the space your usual shop takes up. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person; adjust this to suit how often you shop, and allow more freezer space if you store lots of frozen food.
Not necessarily. Decide based on your maintenance preferences and the features of the compartment in question. Also check the model’s temperature settings and noise level; the No Frost label alone doesn’t show how consistently it maintains its temperature after a shop.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Find this zone, follow the appliance’s storage guidance and check its temperature without obstructing the flow of cold air.
Compare their kWh/year, usable capacities and dB(A), ideally for models with similar styles and capacities. The European energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL register provide separate information on annual energy use and compartment volumes. The energy rating letter doesn’t replace this comparison.