If you regularly store fresh and frozen food in a kitchen with space for just one appliance, start by looking at a fridge freezer and comparing the capacity of its two compartments. If you only need to store a small amount of frozen food, a fridge with a freezer compartment may be enough: Electrolux says this compartment is generally smaller than the freezer section of a standard fridge freezer. Separate appliances are worth considering mainly if you have space for two and need more capacity. In every case, check the dimensions, door opening, ventilation and annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering.
You need to store fresh and frozen food in a single space, so check the installation dimensions and how the capacity is divided. EPREL, the European Commission’s database, lists the dimensions and capacities of each compartment separately on appliance product sheets.
You mainly use your fridge and want to know whether an integrated freezer compartment will suit your habits. Electrolux says this type of compartment is generally smaller than the freezer section of a standard fridge freezer, and capacity varies by model.
You’re considering a separate freezer because the compartment in a single appliance may be too small, provided you have space for two suitable appliances. Compare your storage needs with the capacities listed for the models you’re considering.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the alcove, access routes and door clearance; check the clearances specified in the manual. | If the appliance needs to fit into an alcove and pass through a narrow doorway, also check the door opening and ventilation. Around 36% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Freezing capacity | Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity, its star rating and, if you want to freeze fresh food, its stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If you regularly store frozen food or want to freeze fresh food, check that the compartment is suitable for this use. Around 29% of consumers prioritise freezing capacity. |
| Fresh-food capacity and storage | Check the fridge capacity separately, along with the layout of the shelves, bins and drawers. | If most of your shopping is fresh food, make sure the fridge compartment has enough room to store it. Around 21% of consumers put fresh-food capacity and organisation first. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the models’ kWh/year figures and the defrosting method for each compartment. | If you want to compare the energy use and maintenance of appliances that meet your needs, check their energy labels and defrosting information. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these running costs and practical considerations. |
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for fresh and frozen food separately.
Compare the capacity of each compartment separately against your shopping habits.
Whether a compartment can freeze fresh food, and how much usable space it offers, depends on the compartment in question.
Check its star rating, capacity and freezing capacity on the model’s product sheet.
External dimensions alone don’t tell you how much clearance is needed or how much room the door needs to open.
Check the manual, and measure the alcove, the route into the kitchen and the door clearance. An unsuitable installation may mean you have to find a different spot.
The size and features of the models matter when comparing their annual energy consumption.
Add together the kWh/year figures for the two appliances you’re considering and compare the total with that of a fridge freezer suited to your needs. With two appliances, you’ll also need to factor in the energy use of both and potentially maintain both.
Bosch offers freestanding and built-in fridge freezers, as well as single-door fridges with a freezer compartment.
Electrolux offers fridges with an integrated freezer compartment, worth considering if fresh-food storage is your priority.
Liebherr offers compact fridges with or without a freezer compartment, as well as built-in fridge freezers.
Beko offers, among other models, built-in single-door fridges with a freezer compartment, as well as separate freezers.
This selection includes built-in and freestanding fridge freezers, so you can store fresh and frozen food in a single appliance. Before choosing, compare the split between the two compartments and the appliance dimensions with the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in appliance with separate capacities for fresh and frozen food.
The product description lists 186 L for the fridge and 62 L for the freezer, with a freezing capacity of 5 kg/24 h. The title gives a total capacity of 249 L and energy rating E.
Make sure you have a suitable alcove and keep the ventilation openings clear.
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Worth a look if you have a suitable alcove and want to check the freezing capacity against your needs.
The listed capacities are 176 L for the fridge and 76 L for the freezer. The description mentions a four-star compartment and a freezing capacity of 6 kg/24 h; the title gives energy rating C.
Listed dimensions: 540 mm wide, 1,772 mm high and 545 mm deep. Check the ventilation openings and fitting instructions.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge freezer and have room for its dimensions.
The product description lists 211 L for the fridge and 99 L for the freezer. The title gives a width of 60 cm and energy rating E; the description mentions a full Frost-Free system and a reversible door.
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Worth a look if you’d like to combine a fridge and freezer in one freestanding appliance.
The product description lists 115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer, with a four-star compartment. The title gives a total capacity of 174 L and energy rating E; the description mentions the Low Frost system and a reversible door.
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Worth considering if the stated width fits your space and you want two compartments in one appliance.
The product description lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, which has a four-star rating. The title gives a width of 54 cm and energy rating E; the description mentions the Low Frost system and a reversible door.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as the delivery route and the room needed to open the door and drawers. Follow the model’s manual for clearance and ventilation requirements, as these vary depending on the appliance and its installation.
The word ‘freezer’ alone doesn’t tell you. Check the compartment’s star rating: a four-star compartment can freeze fresh food, but you should check the model’s product sheet for its specific capacity.
Compare the kWh/year figures given for the specific models. If you’re looking at two appliances, add their figures together before comparing the total with that of the fridge freezer you’re considering. Comparing energy label figures alone won’t predict your actual bill. ADEME points out that an appliance’s size and features can affect its energy consumption.
For the fridges and freezers covered, the energy label has used a scale from A to G since 1 March 2021, according to the DGCCRF. Check the label and product sheet for the model you’re considering.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when an individual buys from a professional seller, subject to its conditions. The DGCCRF states that claims must be made within two years of the goods being delivered.