If you need to keep fresh and frozen food in one place, start by looking at fridge-freezers. A single-door fridge, two separate appliances or a compact model may suit you better, depending on your available space and shopping habits. Measure the space, then compare the capacity of each compartment and the annual energy consumption of similarly sized models.
Width alone won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit. Measure its height and depth too, along with the route to the kitchen and the space needed to open the door. Ventilation requirements vary by model and installation type.
Check the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. A large total capacity won’t help if the freezer space doesn’t suit your needs.
ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously and that their size can affect energy consumption. When comparing models with similar features and capacity, check their annual consumption in kWh and noise level, as well as their energy rating.
First, choose a layout that fits your available space and freezing needs. Then compare the specifications of the models that could work for you.
Worth considering if: you need both refrigeration and freezing but only have room for one appliance.
Bear in mind: the balance between the two compartments is fixed for each model, so check their capacities separately.
Worth considering if: most of your shopping is fresh food and you freeze very little, or you already have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: if your habits change, make sure you have a plan for storing frozen food.
Worth considering if: your fresh and frozen food needs are very different and you have room for two appliances.
Bear in mind: you’ll need two spaces, and should compare the combined annual energy consumption of both appliances.
Worth considering if: space is limited and you don’t need to store much food.
Bear in mind: check the usable capacity for your shopping and, if needed, whether it has a freezer compartment and how large it is.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space and delivery route; check the model’s manual for door clearance and ventilation gaps. | If you have a small kitchen, make sure the appliance can get through the access points and that its door can open freely. Around 31% of consumers make fit their top priority. |
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Compare the usable litres of each compartment with your usual shopping, rather than looking only at the total capacity. | If you shop regularly and freeze meals, look for enough room in both compartments. Capacity is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Energy and noise | For models with similar formats and capacities, consider the energy rating, kWh/year and noise level together. | If you have an open-plan kitchen, take both continuous operation and noise into account. Around 23% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
| Maintenance and storage | Check the defrosting system and the layout of the drawers and shelves; follow the manual when setting the temperature. | If you often store prepared meals, look for an appliance that’s easy to organise without overfilling and simple to maintain. Around 15% of consumers put these needs first. |
Two fridge-freezers with a similar total capacity won’t necessarily offer the same amount of freezer space. This matters if you store frozen food or prepared portions.
Check the usable litres in both compartments and compare them with how often you shop.
According to ADEME, the size and extra features of an appliance that runs continuously can affect its energy consumption. The rating letter alone won’t tell you how much of the capacity will be useful or the model’s kWh/year.
Compare appliances with similar functions and capacities using their energy labels and product specifications, and take noise into account too.
An appliance might fit in the space but still be difficult to deliver, open or install in line with its manual. For example, the Bosch KGN492IAF measures 2030 × 700 × 667 mm, according to Bosch Électroménager France.
Measure the delivery route and check the door-opening direction and required clearances for the model you’re considering.
A No Frost feature listed for a model doesn’t replace setting the temperature correctly or leaving enough room for air to circulate between food items. Anses recommends maintaining a temperature of 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and avoiding overfilling it.
Once the appliance is installed, use the manual to find this area, check its temperature and arrange your food accordingly.
The features mentioned below apply to the ranges or models specified, not every appliance from each brand.
Bosch Électroménager France offers freestanding fridge-freezers, integrated appliances and separate units.
LG France offers a range of fridge-freezers, with capacity and storage features varying by model.
The Liebherr France catalogue includes fridge-freezers, single-door fridges and freezers in a range of formats.
These five appliances combine refrigeration and freezing in one unit. Their capacities vary, so start by measuring the space in your new kitchen and working out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one high-capacity appliance. Check that it will fit along the delivery route and in your kitchen.
Advertised total capacity: 495 L. E energy rating.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer for your regular shopping. Before placing it near a wall or in an alcove, check the required clearances in the installation manual.
Advertised total capacity: 333 L. C energy rating.
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Worth considering if you’d like a freezer at the bottom. If your kitchen is open-plan, check the noise level for this model before making your choice.
Advertised total capacity: 282 L. E energy rating.
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Worth considering if the listed balance of fridge and freezer space suits your shopping. Check the width, depth and annual energy consumption before making your final choice.
182 L of fridge space and 71 L of freezer space. The product name lists No Frost and 39 dB.
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Worth considering for a narrow kitchen if its capacity meets your needs. Check its height and the clearances specified in the manual too.
153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space; listed width of 54 cm, reversible door and E energy rating. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it.
First, compare appliances with the same function and a similar capacity. Then look at their energy rating, annual consumption in kWh and the capacity of each compartment together. You can also check the noise level in the product specifications. The energy rating alone won’t tell you whether the capacity suits your shopping.
Anses recommends maintaining a temperature of 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Use the manual to find this area, store sensitive foods there and avoid overfilling the appliance so air can circulate.
No. Clearances depend on the model and installation type, whether freestanding or integrated. Check the manual for your chosen model before ordering, especially if it will be fitted in an alcove or placed against a wall.
The ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme covers the collection of an old appliance when you buy a similar one, as explained by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition. Agree the collection and delivery arrangements with the retailer, then prepare to disconnect your old fridge.