A fridge-freezer is a good choice if its freezer section can hold the portions you keep between meal-prep sessions. If the drawers are always full or you shop less often, consider adding an upright or chest freezer; a small freezer compartment is better suited to occasional freezing. Count your portions and containers before comparing the usable freezer capacity, the space each appliance takes up and its annual energy consumption.
Start by counting how many portions are in the freezer at once, how large the containers are and how often you replenish your stock. Choosing a capacity based only on the number of people in your household won’t reflect these habits.
If the drawers already make it difficult to store meals and ingredients, compare two options: choose a different fridge-freezer or keep your fridge and add a separate freezer. Easy access to food and available space matter just as much as extra capacity.
A fridge-freezer saves you from having to find space for a second appliance. You’ll still need to measure the space, check that the door can open fully, and compare the noise level and annual energy consumption of the model you choose.
If you prepare meals regularly, first choose a format that can store what you have between sessions: a small compartment for occasional use, a fridge-freezer if its freezer is large enough, or a separate appliance if you need more storage. Then consider how easy it is to access the contents, along with installation and day-to-day requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer capacity | Count the portions, containers and ingredients you store at the same time. Compare the usable freezer capacity in litres, separately from the fridge capacity; UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you use a lot of frozen food. | I cook several batches before replenishing my stock, so all my containers need to fit without filling the compartment to capacity. |
| Access to portions | Look at the drawers in a fridge-freezer or upright freezer, and any baskets in a chest freezer. Check that larger containers will fit and remain easy to reach. | If I take out a meal every day, I want to find my portions without moving the whole stock around; a chest freezer needs more organising if food is stacked. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label and the noise level of the specific models, making sure they have a similar capacity and function. ADEME points out that both fridges and freezers run continuously, so adding an appliance means considering the consumption of both. | If I add a freezer to my existing fridge, I want to know how much extra energy the new appliance will use. Noise also matters in an open-plan kitchen. |
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width, depth, access route and clearance needed to open the door or lid. Follow the manual’s ventilation guidance; if you’re placing the appliance in a cold room, check the permitted ambient temperature range for that model. | Capacity won’t help if the appliance won’t fit through the door, lacks clearance or isn’t suitable for the temperature of the room where I plan to put it. |
A large total capacity may leave less room for frozen portions than you expect: the fridge and freezer each have their own separate space.
Check the usable capacity in litres for each section, then compare the freezer space with the containers and ingredients you store at the same time.
A separate freezer gives you more storage, but it runs continuously alongside the fridge you’re keeping.
Compare the kWh/year, usable capacity and noise level of the freezer you’re considering, then check whether you’ll use the extra capacity regularly.
The permitted ambient temperature depends on the model. Beko states that the HSM46740 has a minimum operating temperature of -15 °C; this doesn’t apply to all chest freezers.
Check the product details and manual to make sure the permitted temperature range suits your garage, cellar or other chosen location.
An appliance may fit on the floor but still lack enough room for the door or lid to open, or for the required ventilation clearances. If the model is prone to frost build-up, maintenance also affects energy consumption.
Measure the full opening clearance and follow the clearances specified in the manual. As general guidance, UFC-Que Choisir recommends at least 10 cm above and behind appliances; also check the defrosting instructions for the model you choose.
These examples show different formats; the features listed apply to the specific models and don’t describe every product range from each brand.
These two freestanding fridge-freezers let you compare how much space is given to the fridge and freezer sections.
The FNe 5006 is an example of a separate upright freezer, which makes it easy to organise food vertically.
The HSM46740 is an example of a chest freezer for storing larger quantities, provided you have enough room for it.
These options include fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a chest freezer to consider as extra storage. Compare the usable freezer capacity of your chosen model with the space your portions need: a fridge-freezer’s total capacity isn’t the same as the capacity of its freezer section.
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A fridge-freezer to consider if you want one appliance for fresh food and frozen portions. The title lists a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an energy rating of E; check the space available in the freezer section and the installation dimensions separately.
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This fridge-freezer combines fridge and freezer storage in a three-door appliance. The title lists a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E; compare the freezer’s capacity with the size of your containers before choosing.
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This fridge-freezer is another option if you want both functions in one appliance. The stated 368 L is the total capacity and the title lists an energy rating of E; check how the capacity is divided between the fridge and freezer, as well as how much space you have at home.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth considering if space is tight, as long as the freezer can accommodate your portions. The title lists a total capacity of 262 L, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost technology; check the capacity of each section and the defrosting instructions.
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Consider this chest freezer if you want extra storage without replacing your fridge. The title lists a capacity of 140 L, a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and an energy rating of E. Allow space to open the lid and reach the bottom; check the annual energy consumption and defrosting method before comparing it with other options.
Start with the portions and containers you store at the same time, rather than relying on a universal capacity per person. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking your frozen food consumption and shopping habits into account; then compare your stock with the usable freezer capacity in litres, without confusing it with the fridge-freezer’s total capacity.
No. First check that the freezer has enough room and is laid out to suit your portions. Bosch lists No Frost for the KGN492IAF and Liebherr lists NoFrost for the FNe 5006; check this feature for each individual model, along with its maintenance instructions.
Yes, as long as the permitted ambient temperature range for the model suits the room. Beko France lists a minimum operating temperature of -15 °C for the HSM46740, but this limit doesn’t apply to other chest freezers. Also check that there’s enough space to open the lid and access the contents.
Compare the usable capacity and kWh/year for the specific appliances in each option. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, so if you keep your fridge and add a freezer, consider the energy consumption of both appliances, not just the new one.
Measure the space, access routes and clearance needed to fully open the door or lid, then follow the clearances in the manual. As general guidance, UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm above and behind appliances for ventilation; always check the instructions for the model you choose.