If you regularly store fresh food and frozen portions in one place, a fridge freezer combines both uses. Choose one based on the capacity of each compartment, not just its total volume. A small freezer compartment may be enough for the occasional frozen item; if you keep a large frozen-food stock and have room and power for both, it’s worth considering two separate appliances. In either case, check the dimensions, the stated kWh/year and the installation instructions against the conditions in your kitchen.
If you keep both fresh ingredients and frozen meals, look at the space available in each compartment and how easy the drawers are to access. A large total capacity doesn’t tell you how many containers you can fit in the freezer.
If most of your shopping is fresh, a fridge with a freezer compartment may suit your needs, as long as its capacity and layout work for the occasional frozen items you keep.
If you want to store fresh food, prepared meals and frozen food at the same time, compare a large fridge freezer with two separate appliances. The space available in your kitchen and the stated annual energy consumption of each option matter just as much as its total capacity.
Start by deciding how much room fresh and frozen food need to take up in your shopping, then check that your chosen configuration will fit in your kitchen.
Consider this if: you regularly use both compartments and want them together in one place.
Bear in mind: the amount of freezer space varies between models, so check that it will genuinely fit your portions.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and only keep a few frozen items for convenience.
Bear in mind: a small compartment can become restrictive if you start freezing prepared meals regularly.
Consider this if: you keep a large stock of frozen food and have enough room for two appliances.
Bear in mind: you’ll need two suitable spaces, and should compare the stated annual energy consumption of both appliances combined.
| What to compare | What to check | Based on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. If you use portion containers, check the height of the drawers and how easy they are to access. | I prepare several meals in advance: I need room for fresh ingredients without squeezing in the frozen portions. |
| Energy consumption | Check the kWh/year and energy rating alongside the capacity and format. For two separate appliances, add together their stated annual energy consumption. | I shop less often and want enough capacity, without choosing space I won’t use or assuming a feature will reduce energy consumption. |
| Cooling and maintenance | Check the temperature settings and the freezer compartment’s features. No Frost relates to frost management; compare kWh/year separately. | I want to keep my food fresh at a suitable temperature and take defrosting into account when choosing. ANSES recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. |
| Installation | Measure the space and the delivery route. Check the model’s manual for ventilation clearances and the ambient temperature range for its climate class. | My appliance needs to fit in my kitchen and be installed in accordance with its manual, whether it’s freestanding or integrated. |
Two large appliances can offer very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. Total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much room you’ll have for frozen portions.
Estimate how much space you need in each compartment, then check the stated capacity and the layout of the drawers and shelves on the specific model.
This feature tells you about frost management, not how a model’s annual energy consumption compares with another’s.
Compare the kWh/year for appliances with similar formats and capacities. If you choose two appliances, take both figures into account.
The right capacity doesn’t guarantee the appliance will fit through your access routes or have enough ventilation in its intended location.
Measure the delivery route and available space, then check the model’s manual for its installation instructions.
According to Bosch Home Appliances, the climate class indicates the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for.
Check the range in the manual for the model you’re considering and make sure it matches the usual conditions in the room.
These models illustrate different capacity splits and installation requirements. Their specifications won’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Bosch’s product listing for the freestanding KGN367ICT fridge freezer gives a 218 l fridge capacity, a 103 l freezer capacity, a C energy rating and a noise level of 35 dB.
Samsung describes the BRB30600EWW as a 298 l integrated fridge freezer with No Frost, measuring 540 × 1935 × 550 mm.
Liebherr’s product listing for the CNsfa 7723 Plus gives a total capacity of 485 l, a noise level of 34 dB and dimensions of 201.5 × 74.7 × 67.5 cm.
Whirlpool gives the WHK2 6494 X6E a total capacity of 490 l, split between a 340 l fridge and a 150 l freezer, with a C energy rating and a noise level of 36 dB.
These appliances combine refrigeration and freezing in one unit, including multi-door and side-by-side formats. To choose one that suits your meal prep, check the capacity split where it’s given, then confirm the installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
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This 467 l four-door appliance combines fridge and freezer space for meal prep, and is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the space needed for installation and the capacity of each compartment before choosing.
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This 360 l three-door fridge freezer is worth considering if you want to store fresh food and frozen portions in one appliance. Its listing mentions Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment and the ventilation requirements before buying.
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With a stated capacity of 316 l, this fridge freezer is worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Its listing mentions dual No Frost and a D energy rating. Check how the capacity is split, the climate class and the installation instructions for this model.
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This 467 l fridge freezer could offer plenty of storage in one appliance, provided the split between fresh and frozen capacity suits your meals. The listing mentions Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the space and check the installation instructions.
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Designed for less frequent shopping and frozen portions, this side-by-side appliance lists a 333 l fridge and a 192 l freezer. Its listing mentions No Frost, 37 dB and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions, kWh/year and installation instructions before comparing it with other formats.
Start with how often you shop and how much fresh food and frozen portions you need to store, then check the capacity of each compartment in litres. Gifam provides capacity guidelines based on household size, but these don’t replace checking what you actually store, particularly in the freezer.
Compare the stated kWh/year for appliances with similar capacities and formats. If you’re considering a separate fridge and freezer, add together their stated annual energy consumption, then check that the combined capacity suits your needs.
No, this feature alone doesn’t mean an appliance uses less energy. It relates to frost management; to compare models, check their stated kWh/year for similar formats and capacities.
ANSES recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. After installation, check the temperature with a thermometer and follow the manual to set the appliance.
Measure the space and the delivery route, then check the manual for the chosen model’s ventilation and installation requirements. Also check its climate class: the specified ambient temperature range needs to match the room where the appliance will be used.