To store meals you’ve prepared several days in advance, start by working out how much fridge and freezer space you need, rather than focusing on total capacity alone. A fridge-freezer suits a mix of fresh and frozen food; a small ice box may be enough if you freeze very little, while two separate appliances let you size each space independently if you have room. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment, the space required, the noise level and the stated energy consumption in kWh/year.
If you keep some meals chilled and freeze some portions, check the capacity of each compartment in litres. A fridge-freezer can suit this mix of needs, provided its freezer section has room for the containers you normally use.
A fridge with a small ice box may be suitable if you mainly store chilled meals and rarely freeze anything. Check how much usable space the compartment offers before choosing this format.
If you regularly store portions or batch-cooked meals, compare a fridge-freezer with a generous freezer compartment against two separate appliances. Drawer capacity matters just as much as the stated number of litres.
Best for: fresh meals every day, with some frozen portions on the side.
Worth considering: the split between fridge and freezer space varies by model. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the freezer.
Best for: mainly fresh meals, with occasional freezing in a kitchen where space is limited.
Worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir advises against relying on a simple ice box if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Best for: regularly freezing a large number of portions, if your kitchen has room for both appliances.
Worth considering: you’ll need space for both appliances, and they’ll both run continuously. Compare their energy labels separately.
| Priority | What to check | Questions to ask yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge and freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacity in litres for each compartment on the label, then check how much room there is for your containers in practice. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person; adjust this to suit your shopping habits and how much you freeze. | Do I mainly keep meals chilled, or do I also need space for several portions in the freezer? The number of people in your household alone won’t tell you how to divide the capacity. |
| Freezing portions | Check the freezer’s capacity and drawer layout. If you add a lot of meals at once, look for test results for the specific model: UFC-Que Choisir’s testing, for example, measures freezing speed, the temperature reached and the energy required. | After a batch-cooking session, I need to be able to fit my containers into the freezer and organise them there, rather than relying on its total capacity alone. |
| Energy consumption | Compare energy ratings and kWh/year for appliances with similar formats and capacities. If you’re buying two separate appliances, check both labels: ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously. | I want enough space without choosing an appliance that’s bigger than I need for everyday use. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the space, allow for the clearances specified in the manual, check that the doors can open fully and consider the delivery route. The European energy label also gives the noise emissions and noise class. | In a small kitchen or near a living area, the dimensions and noise level could decide between two formats that otherwise offer enough storage. |
The amount of fridge and freezer space can vary considerably from one fridge-freezer to another. The total capacity doesn’t tell you where your portions will go.
Estimate how many containers you usually keep in each compartment, then compare the usable capacity and interior layout of both.
A small compartment can quickly become restrictive when you’re storing prepared portions. UFC-Que Choisir says a simple ice box isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
If freezing is part of your routine, look for a proper freezer compartment with drawers or a separate freezer.
Appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily meet the same needs. According to ADEME, choosing an appliance that’s too large or has more capacity than you need can increase the energy used by appliances that run continuously.
Check the kWh/year and compare similar formats and capacities, while keeping in mind how much space you actually need.
An appliance might fit in the space you’ve set aside, but still not leave enough room to open the doors or get through the hallway.
Measure the space and access route, check the clearances in the manual, and look at the stated noise level if the fridge is near a living area.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at freestanding fridge-freezers and are interested in features designed to keep fresh food in good condition.
Worth considering if you’d like to control the fridge and freezer compartments independently.
The WFNF82EOXFR fridge-freezer is an example of a model with separate stated capacities for the fridge and freezer.
These five fridge-freezers are for anyone looking to store fresh and frozen food in a single appliance. Compare the space in each compartment against the portions you normally store: total capacity alone won’t tell you which model best suits your needs.
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If you need to store a mix of fresh meals and frozen portions, check that the 360 L capacity is divided in a way that suits the containers you normally use. The product description lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone; also check the dimensions and required clearances.
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If you’re considering a large-capacity appliance for storing meals for several days, compare the fridge and freezer compartments separately. This four-door model is listed as Total No Frost, with an E energy rating and Smart Inverter technology; measure the space needed for installation and to open the doors.
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If space is at a premium in your kitchen, check the dimensions and how the 174 L capacity is divided before planning where to store your chilled and frozen meals. The product description lists Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat and a reversible door; check the model’s energy label for its kWh/year.
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This model, with its freezer at the bottom, could be a good option for storing fresh meals and frozen portions. Check the capacity of each compartment and the space available for installation; the product description lists an E energy rating.
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If you’re looking for a narrower fridge-freezer, this model is listed as 54 cm wide and 176 cm tall, with a 70/30 split. Check that the freezer section can hold your usual portions and allow for the required clearances; Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually.
Compare the kWh/year and the stated usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. The European energy label also gives the energy rating and noise level. Choose a capacity that suits your portions first, then compare the energy use of similar appliances.
It may be enough if you freeze very little and mainly keep your meals chilled. If you regularly freeze portions, consider a proper freezer compartment or a separate appliance instead; UFC-Que Choisir says a simple ice box isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
No. First check that the capacity and drawers suit the way you use the appliance, then compare the kWh/year and noise level. If avoiding defrosting matters to you, check exactly which compartments have the advertised technology. To assess how well a model freezes food, look for test results for that specific model.