If you regularly keep some meals chilled and freeze others, start by comparing the usable capacity of each compartment in a fridge-freezer, rather than looking only at its total capacity. A small freezer compartment may be enough for a few portions, while two separate appliances are worth considering if you freeze large batches and have the space and suitable installation. In either case, make sure your food is stored in a way that allows air to circulate, and check that you can monitor the temperatures recommended by Anses: 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and −18 °C for home freezing.
If you keep some portions chilled and freeze others, compare the available space in each compartment separately. Shelves and drawers that suit your containers will help you avoid piling dishes on top of one another.
A compact fridge-freezer or a fridge with a freezer compartment may be suitable if you only freeze a few portions. Measure the space first and check that the compartment has enough capacity for the food you prepare.
If your frozen portions and ingredients take up a lot of space, look at the drawer capacity of a fridge-freezer or consider installing a separate freezer. The latter option requires a suitable space for each appliance.
Worth considering if: you regularly keep meals chilled and frozen, but want to install just one appliance.
Bear in mind: a generous total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough space in the compartment you use most.
Worth considering if: you mostly keep food chilled and only freeze a few portions.
Bear in mind: check the compartment’s capacity and freezing features before using it to store regular batches.
Worth considering if: your frozen batches need more space than a fridge-freezer can offer.
Bear in mind: you’ll need two suitable spaces, and must check access, power supply and ventilation for each appliance.
Once you’ve chosen a format, compare the capacity of each compartment with the containers you usually use, then check the settings and installation requirements for the specific model.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and storage | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, then check the size of the drawers and the layout of the shelves. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L as a general guide for one person, with around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit the balance of chilled and frozen food you store. | I want to store meals for the next few days without giving up the space I need for portions to freeze. |
| Temperatures | Check the model’s temperature settings and monitoring options. Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest part for perishable foods, including cooked meals, and gives −18 °C as the temperature for home freezing. | My cooked meals need space in the coldest part of the fridge, and I also need to be able to check the freezing conditions. |
| Freezer and access | Check the number and size of the drawers, as well as the type of cooling specified for the compartment in question. If you want rapid freezing or to reduce the need for defrosting, check whether the model has these features. | When I freeze several portions, I want to be able to organise them and find a meal without moving everything else around. |
| Installation | Compare the appliance dimensions with the available space or housing, then check the door opening direction, delivery access and ventilation clearances specified in the manual. | In my kitchen, the doors need to open without getting in the way of the units, while leaving the required clearance around the appliance. |
An appliance may offer plenty of litres overall, but too little freezer space for your batches of portions.
Work out how much space you need for chilled and frozen meals separately, then check the usable capacity and layout of each compartment.
Anses recommends not overfilling the fridge, so that air can circulate, and storing perishable foods in its coldest part at 4 °C.
Choose a layout that fits your containers without blocking the airflow, then check the temperature in the coldest part when the appliance is full.
The housing for an integrated model, delivery access, door opening and ventilation clearances can all affect which model you choose.
Measure these spaces before ordering and follow the installation instructions. Bosch recommends leaving sufficient clear space behind and beneath its fridge-freezers for ventilation.
On the CHiQ JR227LSE page, Joybuy lists several services separately, including installation and changing the door opening direction. Check which services are available for the model and delivery address in question.
No Frost relates in particular to managing frost in the compartments it’s fitted to; it doesn’t replace checking the temperature or storing food in a way that allows air to circulate.
Compare this feature separately from capacity, temperature settings and the option to check the coldest part of the fridge.
The details below relate to specific models or support guidance. Always check the product information for the appliance you’re considering.
The KBN96NSE0 integrated fridge-freezer is an example of a model with separate capacity figures for chilled and frozen storage.
The WHC18T132FR is an example of an integrated fridge-freezer with separate capacity figures for both compartments.
Electrolux support provides guidance on setting fridge and freezer temperatures.
This fridge-freezer is an option if you want one appliance for storing prepared meals in both the fridge and freezer. Check the capacity of each compartment and make sure the appliance will fit your space and needs.
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This fridge-freezer gives you space for meals to keep chilled and portions to freeze. The product description lists a capacity of 262 L, a 70/30 split, a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm. Check the usable capacity of each compartment, the installation clearances and the temperatures reached once the appliance is up and running.
Que Choisir suggests starting with a usable capacity of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus around 50 L for each additional person. For meals prepared in advance, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, based on how many portions you’ll keep in each.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge at 4 °C and storing cooked meals, meat and fish there. It gives −18 °C as the temperature for home freezing.
No. It’s a feature to consider if you want to reduce frost or manual defrosting in the compartment it’s fitted to. It doesn’t replace having enough freezer capacity, checking temperatures or allowing air to circulate.
Measure the space, doorways and delivery route, as well as the clearance needed to open the appliance. For an integrated model, check the housing dimensions too. Follow the ventilation clearances in the model’s manual: Bosch, for example, recommends leaving space behind and beneath its fridge-freezers.
For refrigeration appliances covered by the European energy labelling regulation, compare the label and product information for the exact model, including its energy rating, stated capacities and noise level. Don’t estimate its energy consumption based on size alone.