People who batch cook
If you regularly freeze portions to use over several weeks, check the freezer’s net capacity and drawer layout before looking at the appliance’s total capacity.
Who are these configurations suitable for?
Households that alternate between fresh and frozen food
If you keep fresh ingredients while setting aside a few meals, a fridge-freezer makes it easy to compare the space available for each use.
Buyers with kitchen space constraints
An alcove, narrow doorway or door that’s difficult to open could rule out an appliance that otherwise has the right capacity. Check the delivery route, clearances and installation instructions for your chosen model.
Which factors should guide your choice?
First decide how much space your meals need in the fridge and freezer. Then check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen and work for everyday use.
Small freezer compartment
Consider this if: you mainly keep your meal prep in the fridge and only freeze food occasionally, in small quantities.
Bear in mind: space for frozen portions can quickly become limiting, so check the compartment’s net capacity.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: fresh food and frozen portions both feature regularly in your meal prep.
Bear in mind: the total capacity doesn’t guarantee that the space is divided between the two compartments in a way that suits you.
Separate freezer
Consider this if: you already have a suitable fridge and want to store more portions for several weeks.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for a second appliance that runs continuously, and should compare its annual energy consumption. ADEME notes that choosing an oversized appliance can increase energy consumption.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Balance between fresh and frozen food | Compare the net capacity in litres of each compartment, and the space provided by the shelves and drawers. | I keep fresh ingredients while also freezing portions, so both compartments need to be practical for everyday use. Around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Space for batch freezing | Check the freezer’s net capacity and drawer layout against the containers you usually use. | When I prepare lots of portions at once, I want to store them for several weeks without running out of space. This would be the main concern for around 36% of consumers. |
| Fitting the appliance in your kitchen | Measure the delivery route and the space needed when the door is open; check the clearances specified for the model. | If my kitchen has an alcove or narrow doorway, I need to be able to get the appliance in, install it and open it. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Compare the stated kWh/year and noise levels of the models you’re considering. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters every day. I also keep an eye on the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 14% of consumers would put these factors first. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Looking only at the total capacity
A large total capacity can still leave too little room in the compartment you need most. Whirlpool lists 223 L of fridge space and 97 L of freezer space for its WFNF82EOXFR. This split helps you assess whether the model will suit your portions.
Work out how much space you need for chilled and frozen food separately, then compare the net capacities of the models you’re considering.
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Choosing a bigger appliance just in case
ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that an oversized appliance can increase energy consumption.
Start with the quantities you usually store, then compare the annual energy consumption in kWh of appliances that can hold them.
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Measuring only the floor space
You also need to be able to get the appliance into your home, open its doors and allow for the clearances needed for ventilation. An integrated model needs a compatible housing space.
Measure the route to your kitchen and check the installation diagram for the exact model before you order.
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Confusing food-preservation features with suitable capacity
A No Frost feature or a specialist compartment won’t tell you how many containers will fit in each section, or what the annual energy consumption will be.
First check usable capacity, layout, installation requirements and energy information. Then look at the features specific to the model.
Brands and models to consider
Electrolux
The brand provides detailed specifications for some integrated fridge-freezers, which can be useful if the housing space and capacity split are key to your choice.
- Electrolux states that the ENP7MD19S has a net capacity of 269 L, split between 207 L of fridge space and 62 L of freezer space.
- Its stated housing dimensions of 1894 × 560 × 550 mm apply to this specific model. Check the dimensions and fitting requirements separately for any other model.
Whirlpool
French product specifications for some Whirlpool fridge-freezers list the capacity of each compartment and the installation requirements.
- Whirlpool lists 223 L of fridge space and 97 L of freezer space for the freestanding WFNF82EOXFR fridge-freezer.
- For the integrated WHC18T323P, the brand specifies a housing space 56 cm wide. This measurement doesn’t apply to other models.
Haier
A convertible compartment may suit households whose need for fridge and freezer space varies depending on what they’re preparing.
- Haier states that the Switch Zone in the HCW58F18EHMP can be set from −20 °C to +5 °C.
- This model is listed as 83 cm wide, so check that it will fit through doorways, into your space and allow the doors to open.
Beko
Some Beko fridges have dedicated storage features for fruit and vegetables. Consider these alongside the space available for your pre-prepared portions.
- Beko describes HarvestFresh as lighting for the fruit and vegetable compartment. Check that it’s included on the model you’re considering.
- This feature doesn’t replace checking the net capacities, layout and energy consumption of the exact model.
Joybuy products for these needs
These fridge-freezers let you compare different splits between fresh and frozen storage. The separate freezer is for those who already have a solution for fresh food. Check the dimensions, energy label and installation requirements for each model before choosing.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four doors, 467 L
Worth considering if you want to split your meal prep between fresh and frozen food in a four-door appliance. The product name lists a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and energy rating E. Also compare the capacity of each compartment and check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, three doors, 360 L
Worth considering if you regularly store fresh ingredients and frozen portions in the same appliance. The product name lists a total capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E. Check how much space is actually available in each compartment.
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AEG NSC6M18FES integrated
Worth considering if your kitchen has a compatible housing space and you need both compartments. The product name lists TwinTech No Frost and energy rating E. Check the housing dimensions, capacity of each compartment and annual energy consumption in the model documents before choosing this model.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L
Worth considering if space is limited and you freeze quantities that will fit in its freezer compartment. The product name lists a total capacity of 174 L, Low Frost and a reversible door. Check the freezer capacity, clearances and annual energy consumption separately.
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Heinrich´s freezer, 161 L
Worth considering for storing frozen portions if you already have a separate fridge that meets your fresh-food needs. The product name lists a capacity of 161 L, three freezer drawers, No Frost and energy rating C. Check its dimensions and annual energy consumption before making room for it.
Frequently asked questions
Which figures should you check before looking at total capacity?
First, check the net capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately. This shows how much space is available for fresh ingredients and frozen portions. Then compare the kWh/year and noise levels of models that suit the quantities you need to store.
What should you measure before a fridge-freezer is delivered?
Measure the delivery route, the space for the appliance and the door-opening clearance. For an integrated model, measure the housing space too. Follow the ventilation clearance instructions in the model’s manual: measurements for another appliance won’t be enough.
Can you plug the appliance in as soon as it arrives?
Check the manual for the model you’ve bought before plugging it in. Electrolux Support advises waiting at least four hours after transport for appliances covered by its installation guidance. Don’t automatically apply this waiting time to another model.
Does a new fridge sold online in France need to display an energy label?
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that energy labelling requirements apply to new fridges, whether they’re sold in a shop or online. Check the label for the exact model to compare its energy rating and annual consumption.
What should you do if an appliance bought from a trader isn’t as described?
The French Ministry of the Economy points out that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a trader to an individual. Keep your order confirmation, invoice and delivery documents, then report the problem to the seller. This legal guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty that may be offered.