People who prepare meals to freeze
If you cook several portions in advance, look at the usable freezer space and how easy it is to find meals in the drawers. Anses also reminds us that food storage must follow the cold chain.
Who are these options for?
Households that buy more fresh food
If most of your shopping goes into the fridge, easy access to meals and food that needs eating soon matters just as much as the stated capacity. ADEME recommends checking what you already have before shopping to avoid buying items twice.
People with limited space for installation
If the appliance needs to fit into an alcove or a narrow kitchen, check its dimensions against the available space, access routes and door opening. The energy label also shows annual energy consumption and noise levels.
What should you look for?
To choose between the three types of appliance, start with the food you’ll store most often. Then make sure the installation space and layout allow you to use the stated capacity.
A larger fridge
Consider this if: you mainly need space for fresh food and meals, and freeze very little or already have a freezer.
Keep in mind: extra fridge space won’t meet a regular need to freeze portions.
Fridge freezer
Consider this if: you need fresh and frozen food compartments in one appliance.
Keep in mind: the freezer section may be too small if you often prepare meals in large quantities.
Separate freezer
Consider this if: freezing portions or shopping is your main priority and you already have a fridge for fresh food.
Keep in mind: you’ll need space for a second appliance and should factor in its energy consumption.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer space | Compare the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity, then check the size and format of the drawers or baskets. | If I often freeze portions or shopping, I want to be able to keep everything separate and find it easily without cluttering the compartment; around 40% of consumers would prioritise this need for freezer space. |
| Fresh food storage | Check the fridge capacity and how easy it is to access the drawers, shelves and prepared meals. | After shopping, I need to see which fresh food needs using before I buy more; this storage space would be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Installation and everyday use | Measure the space and check that the door can open fully; also compare the kWh/year and noise levels shown on the energy label. | If my kitchen has limited space for an appliance, I need to be able to install it and live with its noise and energy consumption; around 30% of consumers would prioritise these considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
In a fridge freezer, capacity can be divided very differently between the fridge and freezer. So a large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room for your portions.
Compare the two capacities separately, then check whether the drawers, compartments and shelves suit the food you store.
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Filling the fridge to the brim
Anses advises against overloading the fridge so that air can circulate inside. Overfilled shelves also make it harder to spot food that needs using.
Choose a layout that keeps your meals within easy reach and leaves space around your food.
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Waiting until food is nearly out of date before freezing it
According to Anses, home freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying but does not eliminate most microorganisms. It cannot make up for food that has been stored incorrectly beforehand.
Freeze portions as soon as you buy or prepare them, and label them with the date to help you rotate your stock.
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Comparing labels without checking the model
DGCCRF has found errors in the way energy labels are displayed. The energy class alone also tells you nothing about how the capacity is divided.
Match the full product reference to its label, then check the kWh/year, capacities, noise level and installation instructions.
Brands to compare
Bosch
The range includes freestanding fridge freezers with separate fridge and freezer compartments.
- For the KGN36VLED, Bosch lists 237 l of fridge capacity, 89 l of freezer capacity, NoFrost and 39 dB: useful details to check when comparing how capacity is divided.
- These figures apply to the KGN36VLED, not every Bosch fridge freezer; check the reference of the model you’re considering.
Liebherr
Some fridge freezers have dedicated compartments for fresh food as well as a freezer.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 423 l, 34 dB, BioFresh and NoFrost for its CBNsdc 765i Prime.
- Dedicated compartments are only useful if they suit the food you store; these features aren’t available across the whole range.
Beko
The range includes built-in and freestanding fridge freezers, with layouts and settings that vary by model.
- For the B7BCNA295HS1, Beko describes a 0–3 °C compartment, a quick-freeze function and an open-door alarm.
- If you choose a built-in model, check its capacity, niche dimensions and energy label for the exact reference.
Whirlpool
The range of built-in fridge freezers is designed for specific niche requirements, which should be checked for each model.
- Whirlpool lists a 56 cm niche, an E rating and 34 dB for the WHC20D011B1FR.
- Before fitting the appliance, also check the fixing method, ventilation and door clearance in the instructions.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These appliances let you explore two of the options described above: fridge freezers for storing fresh food and frozen portions in one appliance, and a separate freezer to add to an existing fridge.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge freezer, 360 l
Worth a look if you want fresh food storage and freezer space in a three-door fridge freezer.
The model name lists a 360 l capacity, Total No Frost, an E rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the dimensions and required clearance before buying.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door fridge freezer, 467 l
Consider this if you’re looking for a multi-door fridge freezer to organise fresh groceries and food to freeze.
The model name lists a 467 l capacity, Total No Frost and an E rating. Check that you have enough room for the appliance and to open the doors, and confirm the reference on its energy label.
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Heinrich´s, 161 l freezer with three drawers
Worth considering for storing frozen portions in a separate appliance, if you already have a fridge for fresh food.
The model name lists a 161 l capacity, three drawers, No Frost, a C rating and a temperature range of −14 °C to −22 °C. Check its dimensions and energy consumption details to make sure they suit your space.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 l fridge freezer
Worth a look if you want one appliance for fresh and frozen food, with the freezer at the bottom.
The model name lists a 282 l capacity and an E rating. Before choosing, compare how the capacity is divided between the two compartments with your usual needs, and check the ventilation instructions in the manual.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 l fridge freezer
Consider this if the width of the space matters just as much as having two compartments.
The model name lists 153 l of fridge capacity and 74 l of freezer capacity, with a width of 54 cm; it also lists Low Frost, a reversible door and an E rating. Check the full dimensions, and don’t mistake Low Frost for frost-free operation.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature setting should I check for storing cooked meals in the fridge?
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge below 4 °C, and storing cooked meals there. Check the settings available on your model and consult the manual to find this area; the name of a compartment alone doesn’t tell you its actual temperature.
Does a large freezer mean you can wait before freezing meals?
No. According to Anses, home freezing at −18 °C stops bacteria from multiplying, but most microorganisms survive. Freeze food as soon as you buy or prepare it rather than waiting until its use-by date is nearly up, and follow the guidance on defrosting and not refreezing.
What should you compare on an appliance’s energy label?
For a fridge or freezer, compare the energy efficiency class, annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise level shown on the label. The European Commission provides this information for refrigeration appliances; check that the label matches the exact model you’re considering.
Why leave some space after a big shop?
Anses recommends not overloading the fridge so that air can circulate. If you buy in bulk, choose a layout that keeps food within easy reach without filling the shelves completely.