Households that shop in bulk
If you store several days’ worth of fresh food and meals, compare the usable space and how it is organised, not just the stated total capacity. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends taking your shopping frequency into account.
Who is this choice for ?
Households that stock up on frozen food
If you regularly buy frozen food or prepare meals to freeze, check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately from the fridge’s. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that how much frozen food you buy affects the size of appliance to consider.
Households with limited kitchen space
If the available space, alcove or clearance needed for the door limits your options, measure the space and delivery route before comparing capacities. Installation requirements vary by model, so check the instruction manual.
What to compare
When choosing an appliance for several days’ worth of shopping, start by estimating separately how much fresh and frozen food you usually need to store. Que Choisir Ensemble also highlights the importance of how often you shop and how much space you have in your kitchen.
| What matters | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Usable fridge capacity; layout of shelves and drawers. | If I store several days’ worth of fresh food and meals, I want to be able to organise them without relying on the total capacity alone. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise space for fresh food. |
| Capacity for frozen food | Usable freezer capacity; layout and organisation of compartments. | When I stock up on frozen food or freeze meals, dedicated freezer capacity matters just as much as fridge capacity. Freezing is the priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Fit with your kitchen | Dimensions and installation type; door clearance and ventilation requirements stated in the manual. | If my available space is narrow or close to a wall, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without obstruction. Around 20 % of consumers put where the appliance will go at the top of their list. |
| Energy consumption | kWh/year and energy rating for the exact model; the consumption of both appliances if you are considering a separate freezer. | Once I have found suitable dimensions and capacities, I want to compare the energy consumption of appliances that meet my needs. Around 15 % of consumers prioritise electricity use. |
| Noise and everyday use | Declared noise level in dB(A); storage layout and adjustment and maintenance guidance. | If my kitchen is close to a living room, noise and everyday organisation can help me choose between otherwise suitable appliances. Ease of use is a priority for around 15 % of consumers. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances with a similar stated total capacity may offer different amounts of space in the fridge and freezer. Compare the usable litres in each compartment with the amount you usually store, as recommended by Que Choisir Ensemble.
Make a note of what you keep chilled and frozen between shopping trips, then compare your needs with the capacities shown.
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Measuring the appliance but not the installation space
The alcove, ventilation and door clearance can determine whether an appliance will really fit in its intended spot. Ventilation requirements vary by type of fridge-freezer, so check the manual for the exact model you are considering.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the installation type, clearances and which way the model’s door can open.
An unsuitable space may mean changing your kitchen layout or choosing a different appliance.
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Adding a freezer without considering the running costs of both appliances
A fridge and a freezer run continuously. ADEME points out that larger appliances and having more capacity than you need can increase energy consumption; a separate freezer also needs its own space.
Only consider this option if you regularly need more storage than your current capacity allows. Compare the kWh/year figures for both appliances and check their installation requirements.
Brands to consider by format
Beko
The TS190340N is an example of a freestanding table-top model for a kitchen where space is limited.
- Beko France lists a width of 47,5 cm and a reversible door for this model.
- These dimensions alone do not tell you whether the usable capacity will be enough for a big shop; check the capacity of each compartment.
Bosch
The KGN36NLEA is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer with separate capacities for fresh and frozen food.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists 216 l of fridge capacity, 89 l of freezer capacity, a noise level of 42 dB(A) and a reversible door for this model.
- These specifications apply to this model, not the entire brand. Also check the depth and the installation requirements in the manual.
Haier
The HCR79F18CHMB is a large freestanding four-door model to consider if your household needs plenty of storage.
- Haier lists dimensions of 90,5 × 73,8 × 182,5 cm for this model.
- Check the capacity of each compartment, the route to your kitchen and the space needed to open the doors. The brand’s food-preservation claims are not independent evidence.
Liebherr
The CBNc 5223 is an example of a fridge-freezer whose manufacturer describes dedicated compartments and food-preservation features.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 320 l and a noise level of 35 dB for this model. The product information describes BioFresh and NoFrost as features of the model.
- Total capacity alone does not tell you how much space is available for frozen food: compare the capacity of each compartment with your needs.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection features large fridge-freezers, including multi-door and cross-door models, so you can divide your storage between fresh and frozen food. Check the dimensions and compartment capacities against your kitchen and habits.
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Hisense RS3P558NEID Side-by-Side 544 L
The separate capacities make it easier to compare the space available for fresh and frozen food.
The product description lists 347 l for the fridge and 197 l for the freezer, along with annual energy consumption of 254 kWh. Stated dimensions: 911 × 1786 × 615 mm; check that the width suits your available space.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG 3-door, 360 L
This fridge-freezer is worth comparing if you want one appliance with separate spaces for fresh and frozen food.
The product description lists 235 l of fridge capacity and 125 l of freezer capacity. Stated dimensions: 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm; a reversible door is listed. The title specifies No Frost and energy rating E.
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Hisense RQ758N4SWSE Cross Door 606 L
Its stated capacity may appeal to households with plenty of fresh and frozen food to store.
The product description lists 390 l for the fridge, 95 l for the freezer and an adjustable My Fresh Choice zone, ranging from around −20 °C to +5 °C. The door is listed as non-reversible; check that it will open the right way for your kitchen.
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Hisense RF632N4BCE French Door 485 L
The separate capacities give you a useful basis for comparing the space available for fresh and frozen food.
The product description lists 336 l for the fridge and 149 l for the freezer. The title specifies No Frost, energy rating E and a noise level of 38 dB; the water dispenser is listed as using a tank, with no fixed water connection.
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CHiQ JR525WSE Side-by-Side 525 L
The two stated capacities make it easier to assess how the fresh and frozen compartments are divided for a big shop.
The product description lists 333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer. The title specifies No Frost, energy rating E and a noise level of 37 dB; the door is listed as reversible.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell the difference between total capacity and the space available for frozen food ?
Compare the stated usable capacities for the fridge and freezer separately. A fridge-freezer’s total capacity does not tell you how much space is for frozen food, so start with what you need to store between shopping trips.
Can you fit a freestanding appliance into a fitted space or change the door opening direction without checking ?
No, you cannot tell from the dimensions alone. Check the manual for your chosen model to confirm its installation type, ventilation requirements, required clearances and whether the door can be reversed.
How can I check that food is being kept at the right temperature after installation ?
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C, checking the temperature regularly and arranging food so it does not block the circulation of cold air. These usage recommendations are not a guarantee linked to a commercial feature.
What should I compare when choosing between a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer ?
Compare the kWh/year figures for the exact models; if you have two appliances, take both energy consumption figures into account. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously. Also check that the capacities and dimensions suit your needs.
What should I check when buying a new fridge in France ?
According to the Ministry of the Economy, energy labels also apply to fridges sold online. For purchases from a professional seller, the ministry states that you have two years to request that the legal guarantee of conformity be applied to a new product. If you want an old appliance of the same type taken away, check the practical arrangements with the seller before delivery.