Choose a fridge-freezer if you regularly store frozen food as well as fresh ingredients. If you need more fridge space, compare one-door models with those that have a small freezer compartment. Check the capacities, dimensions and stated energy consumption separately. For food storage, Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge, with food arranged so that air can circulate. A technology name is no substitute for checking the temperature.
If you often store prepared meals and fresh food, make sure there’s room for containers without packing food in tightly. For foods that need extra care, find the coldest part of the fridge and check its temperature: Anses recommends keeping it between 0 and +4 °C.
A fridge-freezer gives you two separate storage areas. Compare the space available in the fridge and freezer with your usual shopping habits, rather than focusing on the advertised total capacity.
Compare the dimensions and noise levels of models that will fit in your kitchen. A one-door fridge or one with a small freezer compartment could suit you if you rarely use the freezer space; check its capacity before you choose.
First decide how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare models that suit your kitchen and the way you like to organise your food.
Worth considering: if fresh and frozen food regularly feature in your shopping.
The trade-off: some of the capacity is set aside for freezing, so check that there’s still enough fridge space for your meals.
Worth considering: if you prioritise fridge storage and already have another way to store frozen food when you need to.
The trade-off: check the exact layout. A one-door design doesn’t necessarily include freezer space that suits your needs.
Worth considering: if you only need to freeze a small amount of food and fridge space is your priority.
The trade-off: check the compartment’s capacity and storage conditions before relying on it for your usual frozen food.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Find the coldest part of the fridge and check how you can measure its temperature. Anses recommends 0 to +4 °C in this area; the temperature shown on the settings alone isn’t a measurement. | I store fresh food and home-cooked meals, so I want to be able to check the temperature where it matters, using the appliance’s display or a thermometer. |
| Capacity | Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately, then look at the layout of the shelves and drawers. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person, as a general guide; adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | I need my meal containers to fit without squashing the food. If I often buy frozen food, I’ll also check how much space is actually available for it. |
| Energy use | For appliances of a similar size and capacity, check the A to G energy rating and the stated annual energy consumption. The European Commission explains this scale on the energy label; ADEME notes that an appliance’s size and extra features can affect its energy use, even though it runs continuously. | I’d rather compare capacities that suit my shopping than choose extra space or features I won’t use. |
| Cooling features | Check which compartment uses features such as fan-assisted cooling, No Frost or a particular drawer. Read the specifications for the exact model and check the temperature during use: an advertised feature alone doesn’t prove the results you’ll get. | If I store food that needs extra care, I want to know where to put it and how to check the temperature, whatever technology the product listing mentions. |
| Installation | Measure the space and the route into your kitchen. Check whether the model is freestanding or built-in, the required niche dimensions if applicable, the door opening direction, the recommended clearances and the stated noise level. | The door needs to open and my containers must be easy to reach once the appliance is installed, without getting in the way of my kitchen layout. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can offer different amounts of space for chilled meals and frozen food. A small freezer compartment may not be suitable if you regularly store frozen food.
Make a note of what you store each week, then compare the capacity of each compartment and the shelf space available.
Feature names such as Multi Airflow, DynamicAir and EasyFresh refer to features that manufacturers list for specific models. They don’t replace the temperature checks recommended by Anses.
Check the features of the model you’re considering, find the coldest area and measure its temperature during use.
Anses recommends not overfilling your fridge, to help cold air circulate. How you organise the shelves matters even after you’ve made your purchase.
Choose shelves that suit your containers and leave space between items. Follow the guidance on cooling prepared food before putting it in the fridge.
A larger appliance or one with extra features won’t necessarily meet a need for more storage. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously.
Also compare the stated annual energy consumption of models with similar sizes and capacities. The QR code on the label can take you to information about the model in the European Commission’s EPREL database.
These examples show configurations you can compare; a feature of one model doesn’t necessarily apply to every appliance from the same brand.
The KGN39AIAU is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer featured by Bosch Electroménager France.
The ENT6TE18S is an example of the brand’s built-in fridge-freezers, where your choice will also depend on the dimensions of the niche.
The range mentioned includes a one-door fridge and a fridge-freezer, with different amounts of freezer space to suit different needs.
This selection includes fridge-freezers in different sizes and a built-in model with a small freezer compartment. For each one, compare the stated capacity with your needs for fresh and frozen food, then check the temperature during use.
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If your shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, compare the space available in each compartment. Stated total capacity of 467 L, E energy rating and Total No Frost technology; check the dimensions and the temperature in the coldest part during use.
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A three-door design could suit you if you want to organise fresh and frozen food separately; take a look at the layout inside. Stated total capacity of 360 L, E energy rating, Total No Frost and Wi-Fi. Check the actual temperature in the coldest part.
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If you’re considering a multi-door appliance for regular shopping, first check that it will fit through to your kitchen and that there’s room for the doors to open. Stated total capacity of 467 L, E energy rating and Total No Frost; measure the temperature in the coldest part during use.
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If kitchen width is a key consideration, check whether the stated width of 54 cm leaves enough clearance. Total capacity of 262 L, stated height of 176 cm and Low Frost technology; compare the space allocated to each compartment and check the actual temperature.
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This model has a top freezer compartment and is designed for built-in installation. Check the niche, door fixing system and the space available for frozen food. Stated total capacity of 188 L and E energy rating; also check the temperature in the coldest part.
Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check it regularly in that area using the appliance’s display or a suitable thermometer; the temperature selected on the control doesn’t tell you the actual temperature.
No. An advertised technology doesn’t remove the need to check the temperature in the appliance you’re using. UFC-Que Choisir describes these systems as helping to distribute cold air; check which compartment the feature applies to in the product specifications, then measure the temperature in the coldest part, as Anses recommends.
Start with the number of people in your household and what you actually store. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person and 50 L for each additional person as a general guide. Adjust this to suit your containers, how often you shop and how much freezer space you need; Anses recommends not overfilling the fridge compartment.
Compare appliances of a similar size and capacity, using their A to G energy ratings and stated annual energy consumption. The European Commission says the QR code on the label gives you access to the model’s information in EPREL. Also consider how much capacity you need: ADEME points out that fridges run continuously.
Measure the niche and check the door fixing system, opening direction and installation instructions for the exact model. These details affect how well the appliance fits in your kitchen; dimensions for a different built-in model aren’t interchangeable.