If you do a weekly shop that includes frozen food, a fridge-freezer is a good starting point, provided its freezer compartment has enough room for your usual purchases. If it is too small, consider two separate appliances. A multi-door model is better suited to anyone who wants a large capacity in a single appliance, as long as it fits in your kitchen and can be delivered through your access route. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment, then check the dimensions, noise level and annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering.
If your shopping needs to last several days, compare the space available for frozen food without overlooking the room you need for fresh groceries. A fridge-freezer may be enough; if its freezer becomes too small, a separate appliance is another option.
The width and depth of the appliance, door clearance and the route into your kitchen can all limit your options before you even consider capacity. If you’re choosing a built-in model, check the dimensions of the housing unit too.
A fridge runs continuously, according to ADEME. If your kitchen opens onto a living area, check the stated noise level. When comparing annual energy use, also take the appliances’ capacity and format into account.
For a weekly shop that includes frozen food, start by checking the usable capacity of a fridge-freezer’s freezer compartment. If it doesn’t suit your shopping habits, consider a separate freezer. A single-door or under-counter fridge leaves limited room for frozen food. With a multi-door model, also check how the capacity is divided and whether you can get the appliance into your home.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Room for frozen food | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately with the contents of your usual shop. | When the frozen food quickly fills the compartment, I still want room to store fresh groceries; around 36% of consumers would prioritise freezer capacity. |
| Dimensions and access | Measure the space, door clearance and delivery route. For a built-in model, check the dimensions of the housing unit. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without blocking the way; around 29% of consumers would prioritise a good fit for their space. |
| Energy use and noise | Check annual energy consumption and the noise level in dB(A), comparing appliances of a similar format and capacity. | If the kitchen is next to the living area, I want to consider both noise and day-to-day electricity use; around 21% of consumers would put these factors first. |
| Large capacity in one appliance | Check how the space is divided between fresh and frozen food, then look at the width and depth of the model you’re considering. | When I need plenty of room for my shopping, I’d rather store it all in one appliance if my kitchen allows; around 14% of consumers would prioritise this larger capacity. |
Two fridges with a similar total capacity can divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. So the total capacity alone won’t tell you whether the freezer can hold your weekly shop.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with your usual shopping basket, rather than assuming the number of doors tells you how much freezer space there is.
An appliance may fit in its intended spot but still be difficult to get through a doorway, corridor or lift. Samsung recommends measuring these access points for its RF65DG9H0EB1EF multi-door model.
Before you order, check the exact dimensions of the model, the clearance needed to open its doors and the delivery access route.
An energy rating doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption of appliances of different sizes. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
Compare kWh/year alongside usable capacity and format, then check the noise level if your kitchen is close to a living area.
An old fridge should be taken to an appropriate collection point. The ministries responsible for Ecology say you can take it to a collection point or recycling centre.
Before delivery, ask the retailer whether they’ll take away your old appliance when you buy a new one of the same type, or arrange to take it to an appropriate collection point.
These models give you examples of formats to compare when your shopping includes fresh and frozen food. Their specifications don’t apply to every product from each brand.
The KGN392WCF is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer that combines fresh and frozen storage.
The CNsfc 574i Plus NoFrost is another freestanding fridge-freezer to consider if the capacity of a single appliance is important to you.
The RF65DG9H0EB1EF is an example of the space you’ll need to allow for a large-capacity multi-door model.
The LNA7CE18S0 is a built-in option to consider when the kitchen housing unit determines which format will fit.
The brand offers freestanding fridge-freezers, including the WHK 25404 XBR5E, as well as models in different widths.
Check the usable capacity of both compartments separately: the total capacity won’t tell you how much room will be left for frozen food. Que Choisir suggests an average fridge capacity of 100 to 150 l for one person, but the freezer space you need depends on your usual shopping habits.
No. A multi-door model is only a good choice if the capacity of each compartment suits your needs and its size works for your kitchen and access route. Que Choisir describes American-style fridges as more energy-intensive than standard models. Compare the energy consumption of the model you’re considering with that of appliances suited to your needs.
Check the annual energy consumption in kWh and the noise level in dB(A), ideally comparing appliances of a similar format and capacity. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously. Noise is particularly worth considering if your kitchen opens onto a living area.
You can take it to a collection point or recycling centre, as advised by the ministries responsible for Ecology. Their FAQ also explains the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy a new appliance of the same type. Check the practical arrangements with the retailer before delivery.