Households that cook for several days
If you prepare several meals in advance, compare the space you need for dishes to keep chilled with the space required for portions you plan to freeze.
Who is this choice for?
Shoppers who do their shopping in one go
When you plan your meals and shopping, being able to see what you have in stock can matter as much as total capacity. ADEME recommends checking what you already have before writing your shopping list.
Households with kitchen constraints
If you have a narrow space or an integrated appliance housing, first check the dimensions, installation type and ventilation requirements stated in the manual for the model you’re considering.
What should you look for?
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you regularly use both the fridge and freezer compartments and want a single appliance.
Bear in mind: total capacity doesn’t guarantee that the freezer compartment will be big enough for your portions.
Fridge with a freezer compartment
Consider this if: you keep most meals chilled and freeze very little.
Bear in mind: the small compartment may not be suitable for your usual supply of frozen portions and frozen food.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider this if: you freeze a lot and want to choose the size of each compartment separately.
Bear in mind: you’ll need two suitable spaces and should check the energy consumption of each appliance.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately with what you usually keep in stock. | If I prepare meals for several days, I want enough room for chilled containers without running out of space for frozen portions. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this split in capacity. |
| Installation | Measure the space and access routes; check the installation type and ventilation requirements in the model’s manual. | In a kitchen with an appliance housing or restricted door clearance, I need to be able to install and use the appliance without forcing it into place. For around 29% of consumers, this compatibility comes first. |
| Energy and noise | For appliances that meet the same needs, check the kWh/year and noise level stated for the exact model number. | If the kitchen opens onto a living area, I want to take noise into account while also checking the consumption of an appliance that runs continuously. These factors are a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Storage and maintenance | Check whether the drawers suit your containers and whether the model features No Frost. | To find my portions easily and organise my next shop, I focus first on the interior layout. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this need and ease of maintenance. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may allocate different amounts of space to the fridge and freezer. When you’re preparing meals, it’s the split that determines whether there’s room for your usual portions.
Take stock of what you use in a typical week, then compare the usable capacity of the two compartments separately.
-
Relying on the external dimensions of an integrated appliance
The housing, fixing system, door opening and ventilation must all suit the specific model. An appliance shouldn’t be forced into an unsuitable cabinet.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then compare them with the installation manual before ordering.
-
Comparing energy ratings alone
An energy rating letter doesn’t tell you the stated annual consumption, capacity or size of the appliance. Noise may also matter if the fridge is close to a living area.
Compare appliances that offer the capacity you need, then check the kWh/year and noise level for the exact model number.
Brands to consider for these formats
Bosch
Bosch offers a range of freestanding fridge-freezers and integrated appliances. Compare the dimensions and capacity split for each model number.
- Bosch states that the KGN49XLEA fridge-freezer offers 330 L of fridge capacity and 108 L of freezer capacity.
- Installation options and ventilation requirements vary by model: check the manual.
Liebherr
The range includes freestanding and integrated appliances, with capacity and noise levels varying by model number.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 371 L and a noise level of 35 dB for the CNsfc 574i Plus NoFrost.
- These specifications, including the NoFrost function, don’t apply to the entire range.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers integrated and freestanding fridge-freezers. Choose between them based on the space available and the capacity you need.
- Whirlpool specifies a housing width of 56 cm and a capacity of 250 L for the integrated WHC18T323P.
- The housing dimensions for this integrated model don’t apply to other models from the brand.
Fridge-freezers available on Joybuy
These appliances combine refrigeration and freezing in a single fridge-freezer. To choose between them, start with the amount of fresh food and frozen portions you need to store, then check the available space and specifications of your chosen model.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door, 360 L
Worth considering if you want to store fresh food and frozen portions in a single three-door fridge-freezer.
The title lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check how the capacity is split and the installation requirements for this model before choosing.
Image unavailable
LG GBBS312AEV, black, 333 L
Worth considering if a 333 L fridge-freezer suits the amount of fresh and frozen food you store.
The title lists No Frost and an A energy rating. Check how much space is allocated to the freezer and the installation requirements for this model.
Image unavailable
Samsung RB53DG703DS9, grey, 538 L
Worth considering if you want a large capacity in a single appliance and have a suitable space for it.
The title lists a capacity of 538 L. Measure the space and delivery route, then check the energy label for the exact model number before comparing its rating with other models.
Image unavailable
Bosch KGN33NLEB, stainless steel, 282 L
Worth considering if you want a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer and its capacity suits what you usually store.
The title lists a capacity of 282 L and an E energy rating. Check the freezer capacity and installation requirements before buying.
Image unavailable
Heinrich’s stainless steel fridge-freezer, 253 L
Worth considering if you mainly store fresh food and also want to freeze portions in the same appliance.
The title splits the 253 L into 182 L of fridge capacity and 71 L of freezer capacity. It also lists No Frost and a noise level of 39 dB. Check that the freezer meets your needs, as well as the full dimensions and annual energy consumption.
Frequently asked questions
Is an energy label required for a new fridge bought online in France?
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that an energy label is required for new fridges sold in shops or online. To compare two models that meet your needs, check the energy rating and annual consumption shown for each exact model number.
What should you measure before buying an integrated fridge?
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing, then check the model’s manual for the fixing system, door opening and ventilation requirements. Bosch provides ventilation guidance for its own installation configurations; this doesn’t replace the manual for the appliance you choose.
Does No Frost eliminate manual defrosting?
Bosch and Liebherr describe the feature as preventing frost build-up that would require manual defrosting on the models concerned. However, check which compartment and model number it applies to: seeing the name in a range doesn’t confirm that every appliance has the feature.
What should you do with your old fridge when buying a new one?
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back service when you buy a new appliance of the same type. Before completing your order, ask the seller how to hand over your old appliance and what arrangements apply to delivery.