If you keep both chilled meals and portions to freeze, compare the capacity of each compartment in a fridge-freezer with your habits. A small freezer compartment is better suited to occasional freezing. If frozen portions are piling up and you already have a fridge, a separate freezer may be a better fit, provided you have room for it and take its energy consumption into account.
If your meals regularly take up space in the fridge, look at the usable capacity, shelf layout and temperature control. Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge.
Estimate how much space the portions you store at any one time will take up. This will help you compare the freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer with that of a separate freezer, rather than relying on the appliance’s total capacity.
Check the condition, operation and specifications of the model, as well as the seller’s identity. The DGCCRF states that an appliance sold as refurbished must have undergone a full functional test and, if necessary, been repaired or restored.
Start by working out how much space you need for chilled and frozen food, then check the installation requirements and how you’ll use the appliance.
Worth considering: if most of your prepared meals stay in the fridge and you only freeze a few portions.
Limitation: the available freezer space can quickly become restrictive, so check it separately.
Worth considering: if you alternate between chilled meals and frozen portions without wanting two appliances.
Limitation: the freezer drawers may not be large enough if you batch-cook and need plenty of storage space.
Worth considering: alongside an existing fridge if you regularly store a large number of frozen portions.
Keep in mind: you’ll need space for a second appliance, as well as to account for its electricity consumption.
| What to consider | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and storage | Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately, then look at the layout of the shelves and drawers. The European Commission states that storage capacities are shown on the energy label. | I want to store my meal containers without filling the compartment I need most. |
| Temperature | Check how to set and monitor the fridge temperature. For chilled food, Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part. | My meals need to stay chilled, so I need to be able to monitor the temperature without overfilling the storage space. |
| Installation and use | Measure the space and check how far the doors open. For appliances with a similar capacity, compare the kWh/year consumption and noise levels shown on the energy label, as advised by the European Commission. | If the appliance is near a living area, noise matters as much to me as the space it takes up. |
| Replacement or refurbished | If you’re replacing an appliance, check the take-back options: ecosystem describes free “1-for-1” take-back offered by retailers, including for distance sales. For a refurbished appliance, check what tests have been carried out and the seller’s status. | I want to know how to have my old appliance taken away, or what checks have been carried out on the one I’m considering buying. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide the space differently between the fridge and freezer. The compartment you need for your portions could end up being too small.
Estimate how much you keep chilled and frozen at the same time, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
Extra capacity won’t help if it’s in the wrong compartment or the doors are difficult to open in your kitchen.
Measure the available space, allow room for the doors to open and compare the annual energy consumption and noise levels of appliances that fit.
Anses recommends not overfilling the fridge to allow cold air to circulate. It recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part.
Choose a layout that leaves space around your food, and check how you can monitor the temperature on the model you’re considering.
According to the DGCCRF, “refurbished” refers to a second-hand item whose functions have been fully tested and which has been repaired or restored if necessary.
Before you buy, ask what checks have been carried out, inspect the appliance’s condition, and confirm the seller’s identity and the terms of sale.
These product ranges can help you identify formats and features to check on each model. They don’t necessarily reflect the appliances listed below.
Bosch France offers a range that includes fridge-freezers, fridge-only models and freezers.
Liebherr offers BioFresh compartments and HydroBreeze on selected models.
Beko offers integrated fridge-freezers which, depending on the model, feature air-circulation technology.
Samsung lists a capacity of 340 L and a depth of 600 mm for its RB34T600CSA/EF fridge-freezer.
This Joybuy selection includes fridge-freezers that split storage between chilled and frozen food, as well as a convertible appliance to consider for extra storage in one mode at a time.
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Worth considering if you’d like to store chilled meals and frozen portions separately in a four-door appliance. The model name lists a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check how much space you need to open the doors.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth considering if space is limited in your kitchen. This fridge-freezer is 176 cm high and has a 70/30 split. Before choosing it for frozen portions, check the usable capacity of each compartment and the defrosting requirements.
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This three-door format can be compared with other fridge-freezers if you regularly store meals in both the fridge and freezer. The model name lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment, the temperature settings and the space needed for installation.
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The stated split of 120 L for the fridge and 50 L for the freezer is worth considering if you prioritise chilled meals and freeze fewer portions. The model name lists an E energy rating and 40 dB. Compare the freezer capacity with your meal prep needs, and check the dimensions and annual energy consumption.
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Worth considering as an additional appliance if you already have a fridge and need more room for frozen portions. This top-opening chest appliance is listed with a removable basket, five-level digital control and an E energy rating. Its convertible design means you can use it as a fridge or a freezer, but not both at the same time. Check the temperature ranges and the space needed to open it.
Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately with the portions you store at the same time. The European Commission states that these capacities, along with energy consumption and noise levels, are shown on the energy label for refrigeration appliances.
No. No Frost doesn’t remove the need to check the temperature of the fridge compartment. For the relevant foods, Anses recommends keeping them between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part. Check the temperature setting and avoid overfilling the appliance.
When replacing an appliance, check the take-back options before you order. ecosystem describes free “1-for-1” take-back by retailers, including for distance sales. The practical arrangements should be confirmed for your order.
Check the exact model, its condition, the tests carried out and the seller’s identity. According to the DGCCRF, a refurbished item is a second-hand item whose functions have been fully tested and which has been repaired or restored if necessary.