Start by choosing a usable capacity that suits the size of your household, how often you shop and how much room you need for frozen food. Then check whether the shelves and drawers make it easy to find what you need. A fridge freezer is a good choice if you want a separate freezer, while specialist compartments are most worth considering if you regularly store the foods they’re designed for. Finally, check the appliance’s dimensions, the ventilation requirements and its climate class before choosing a model.
If you put away fresh food, leftovers and prepared meals after a shop, consider the layout of the shelves and drawers as well as the usable capacity. The lighting also matters, as it helps you see what’s at the back.
If you regularly use both compartments, compare their capacities separately. A generous total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room you’ll have for each type of food.
A more compact appliance may be enough if you don’t buy much at a time. However, check its usable capacity, the space needed to open the doors and the ventilation requirements in the instruction manual.
Think about how much space your usual shop takes up before comparing storage features. More litres won’t solve a lack of space in the compartment you need.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | If my shopping quickly fills the appliance, I want enough room for the meals I’ve planned without choosing a capacity that’s bigger than I need. Around 31% of consumers prioritise getting the right capacity. |
| Access to food | Consider the position and adjustability of the shelves, the size of the drawers and the lighting, bearing in mind the containers you usually use. | When leftovers and fresh groceries start to pile up, I want to find what I need without clearing a shelf. Visibility comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Storage zones | Check the cooling system, what the specialist drawers are designed for and how much freezer capacity you need. | If I often store delicate foods or portions to freeze, I prioritise compartments suited to those uses. This is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Kitchen space | Measure the space and check that the doors can open fully. Consult the instruction manual for ventilation requirements and check the climate class. Also compare the energy consumption and noise information. | In a kitchen where every centimetre counts, I need to be able to open and ventilate the appliance properly every day. Around 25% of consumers put these restrictions first. |
A fridge freezer may offer plenty of space overall, but the balance between fridge and freezer capacity may not suit your household.
After one or two shops, make a note of the meals, containers and frozen products you need to put away, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
Temperature and humidity vary by compartment and model. A specialist zone doesn’t remove the need to store food according to the appliance’s instructions.
Choose these zones based on the foods you store regularly, and check the instruction manual for details of their settings and intended uses.
The external dimensions alone don’t tell you whether an appliance can be opened and ventilated as set out in the instruction manual. The room temperature must also be suitable for its climate class.
Before buying, check the access route, how far the doors open, the required clearances and the temperature range the model is designed for.
The energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you about the capacity split, noise level or layout you need.
For appliances covered by the EU energy label, compare the A to G rating, annual energy consumption, stated capacities and noise level together.
The freestanding KGN36VLED fridge freezer is an example of a layout with separate fridge and freezer compartments.
Some of the brand’s fridge freezers offer dedicated compartments and separate cooling circuits.
According to Beko, the B5RDNE504LDXB has a dedicated zone for delicate foods and air circulation features.
The built-in ENP7MD19S is worth considering if your plans depend on the dimensions of an existing cabinet space.
These models offer different ways to store your shopping: fridge freezers, zoned storage, a larger overall capacity or a narrower design. Compare their layouts with the food you usually buy and the space available in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want to separate fresh and frozen food, with a My Zone compartment too. The model name lists a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost, an E rating and Wi-Fi. Consult the instruction manual for how to use the zones and the installation clearances required.
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A fridge freezer to consider if you need to split your shopping between chilled and frozen food. The model name lists a 344 L capacity and a D rating. Before choosing it for your kitchen, check the depth, climate class and required clearances in particular.
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Worth considering if you store a large shop and want to explore a four-door layout. The model name lists a total capacity of 474 L, a three-temperature crisper drawer, Vario Box and an E rating. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and the installation dimensions before making your choice.
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This style gives you separate storage for fresh and frozen food. The model name lists a 282 L capacity, an E rating and a stainless steel finish. Check the climate class for this model and the space it needs in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you have limited width but still want a separate freezer. The model name lists a 153 L fridge capacity, a 74 L freezer capacity, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E rating. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost the appliance. Also check the height, depth and required clearances.
Start with the usable capacity: UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this based on how often you shop and the containers you need to store. If you use a freezer regularly, compare its capacity separately.
Not necessarily. According to UFC-Que Choisir, fan-assisted or ventilated cooling provides a more even temperature than static cooling. If you store food in a dedicated zone, check the temperatures and intended uses listed in the model’s instruction manual.
Check the dimensions, door clearance and ventilation requirements in the instruction manual. Also make sure the room’s ambient temperature is within the range specified by the appliance’s climate class. Don’t assume a garage or conservatory will be suitable.
For household appliances covered by EU energy labelling, compare the A to G rating, annual energy consumption, stated capacities and noise level, as set out by the European Commission. Then check the dimensions and layout separately: the energy rating won’t answer those questions.