When planning meals, start by choosing a configuration that gives you the space you actually need for fresh food and frozen supplies. A fridge freezer combines both compartments in one appliance. If you rarely freeze food, compare standard fridges instead; if you need plenty of frozen storage, a separate freezer alongside a fridge may be a better fit. Then check the usable litres in each compartment, the space available and the kWh/year shown for each appliance you’re considering.
If your weekly meals include both fresh ingredients and frozen portions, compare the space available for each separately. The total capacity of a fridge freezer doesn’t tell you how that space is divided.
If you batch cook or regularly store large food shops, easy access to your portions and how they’re organised may point you towards a separate freezer alongside your fridge.
If you freeze very little or have limited space, compare the capacity of each compartment with your usual food shop. ADEME reminds us that fridges and freezers run continuously, so also check the kWh/year for the model you’re considering.
Your storage habits should guide your choice of appliance; then compare capacity and energy use to find the right model.
Consider one if: your meals mainly feature fresh food and you rarely freeze anything.
The trade-off: it won’t meet a regular need for frozen storage. Check whether it has a freezer compartment and, if so, how large it is.
Consider one if: you regularly use both compartments and want them together in one appliance.
The trade-off: the balance between fresh and frozen storage may not suit your needs, even if the total capacity looks sufficient.
Consider one if: prepared portions or frozen supplies make up most of your storage needs.
The trade-off: you’ll also need a fridge for fresh food, so consider the space and energy use required for both appliances.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | Compare the usable litres in each compartment and how easy it is to access the storage in the fridge freezer. | When my food shop regularly includes fresh and frozen items, I want enough space for both without relying on the total capacity alone. Around 33% of shoppers put this balance first. |
| Frozen storage | Check the usable freezer capacity and the layout of the drawers or baskets. | If I freeze prepared portions or store large food shops, I want to be able to find what I need easily. Around 25% of shoppers put this storage capacity first. |
| Fresh food storage | Check the layout of the shelves, drawers and door balconies on the specific model. | To use the ingredients I’ve planned for the week, I need to see them and keep them separate without overcrowding the shelves. Around 25% of shoppers prioritise how fresh food is organised. |
| Space and energy use | Check the installation dimensions and the kWh/year shown for models with a capacity that suits your needs. | If space is limited or I rarely freeze food, I don’t want to size my appliance around supplies I won’t keep. Around 17% of shoppers prioritise the space an appliance takes up and its continuous energy use. |
ADEME reminds us that fridges and freezers run continuously. For the relevant new appliances sold in France, the Ministry of the Economy says the energy label provides information to help you compare models. Look at the kWh/year alongside capacity and configuration, rather than focusing on the energy rating alone.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can have different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. The compartment you use most could end up being too small.
Start with a typical week’s food shop and frozen portions, then compare the usable litres in both compartments for each model.
The energy rating doesn’t replace the annual energy use shown, especially when the capacities you’re comparing differ. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run day and night.
Compare the kWh/year of models with a capacity and configuration that meet the same needs. If you’re buying a separate freezer, check the figures for the fridge that will go with it too.
Features such as fan-assisted cooling, dedicated zones and flexible storage vary between models. A general overview of a range doesn’t necessarily describe the appliance you’re ordering.
Check the full model number and its product information before choosing a feature for your day-to-day storage needs.
If you’re replacing a fridge, you’ll need to make sure it can be unplugged and collected under the arrangements agreed for delivery.
Service-Public.fr states that in France, when you buy an equivalent appliance, the retailer must take away your old one free of charge, including for online purchases. Agree the practical collection arrangements with the retailer before delivery.
These brands offer configurations worth comparing model by model. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean every product in their ranges will suit the same needs.
The range includes freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, with product information that lets you check dimensions and capacity by compartment.
The fridge freezer range combines fridge and freezer compartments, with features varying between models.
The range includes freestanding and built-in fridges and fridge freezers, including No Frost models.
These fridge freezers are for households that want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment and the installation requirements before choosing a model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for plenty of space for fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Listed capacity: 495 L; energy rating E. Check the door and compartment layout of the model being delivered, as well as the installation requirements for any water and ice dispenser.
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For a household that regularly uses both compartments, the listed capacities help you assess how much space is available for each type of food.
Fridge: 211 L; freezer: 99 L. Width: 60 cm; reversible door and energy rating E. Before choosing, check the full dimensions and kWh/year on the model’s product page.
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Worth considering if you want to integrate fresh and frozen food storage into a fitted kitchen.
Listed total capacity: 249 L; energy rating E and TwinTech No Frost technology are mentioned in the product title. Check the exact capacity of each compartment, the niche dimensions and the kWh/year for this model before planning the installation.
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If you want to keep frozen supplies separate from fresh ingredients, compare the capacity of both compartments with your usual food shop.
Fridge: 182 L; freezer: 71 L. The product title lists LED lighting, freezer drawers and a noise level of 39 dB. Check the full dimensions and kWh/year before deciding where to put it.
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Its listed width may make it worth considering if space is tight, provided both compartments meet your needs.
Fridge: 153 L; freezer: 74 L. The product title lists a reversible door, adjustable feet, Low Frost and energy rating E. Check the other dimensions and kWh/year for the exact model.
No. A fridge freezer is best suited to regular use of both fresh and frozen food in one appliance. If you rarely freeze food, consider a standard fridge; if frozen supplies take priority, consider a separate freezer and factor in the fridge you’ll need alongside it.
Compare their listed kWh/year, taking into account the usable capacity and configuration you need. For the relevant new appliances sold in France, the Ministry of the Economy describes the energy label as a comparison tool. Looking at the rating alone isn’t enough to compare appliances with different capacities.
Yes. According to the Ministry of the Economy, energy labelling information for the relevant appliances must be available before you buy online in France. Check the details for the exact model, particularly if the product page offers several variants.
Not necessarily. How well you can organise frozen food also depends on the capacity and how easy the drawers are to access. Whirlpool describes its No Frost technology as limiting frost build-up. Check that the model you’re considering has this feature, then compare its noise level and kWh/year too.
When you buy an equivalent appliance, the retailer must take away your old one free of charge, including for online purchases, according to Service-Public.fr. Before delivery, ask the retailer how to arrange the collection.