For weekly shops that include both fresh and frozen food, start by comparing the usable capacity of each compartment. A fridge-freezer keeps both in one appliance, while a separate freezer is worth considering if frozen food makes up most of your stock. A multi-door model needs more space, while a fridge with a small freezer compartment is only suitable if you freeze a limited amount. UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 litres for one person, then adding 50 litres for each additional person, and adjusting this according to your shopping habits.
If you bring home several days’ worth of fresh food and some frozen items, a fridge-freezer means you won’t need to install two appliances. Check the usable capacity of each compartment, though: UFC-Que Choisir highlights that how the space is divided matters just as much as the total capacity.
If bags of frozen food, prepared portions and frozen meals take up a lot of room after each big shop, compare the freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer with that of a separate appliance. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the capacities of upright and chest freezers in particular.
A wide appliance can make it easier to put away a large shop, provided there’s enough room for it and it can be brought in through the delivery route. For a multi-door model, also measure the space needed to open the doors and compare its annual energy consumption with that of the other models you’re considering.
Consider it: if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance after your weekly shop.
Bear in mind: the space available for frozen food varies by model and may not be enough if you store a lot.
Consider them: if freezer capacity is your priority and you have space for two appliances.
Bear in mind: two appliances take up more room. Compare their annual energy consumption before choosing.
Consider it: if you need plenty of capacity and wide shelves, and your kitchen and access allow for it.
Bear in mind: its size means you’ll need to check the route in, door clearance and required gaps.
Consider it: if you mainly refrigerate fresh food and only freeze small amounts now and again.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a small freezer compartment won’t be enough for a large stock of frozen food.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity split | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, rather than looking only at the total. | If I want to store both the week’s fresh food and a few frozen items without installing two appliances, the balance between the compartments matters more than the total capacity. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and layout. If it matters for your stock, also check how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut. | When frozen food takes up a large part of my shop, I want to know whether an integrated compartment will be enough or whether I need a separate appliance. This capacity would be the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and access route, then check how far the doors open and the clearances specified in the manual. | In a kitchen with a narrow entrance, I need to be sure I can get the appliance in and open its doors before choosing a larger format. For around 21% of consumers, this would be the deciding factor. |
| Energy use and day-to-day use | Compare the kWh/year of models with similar capacities and formats. Also check the noise level and cooling system. | If I already have enough storage space, I’d rather compare appliances by their energy use and everyday maintenance. Around 14% of consumers would put these factors first. |
UFC-Que Choisir describes a typical fridge-freezer with a capacity of around 300 litres, roughly two-thirds of which is for refrigeration and one-third for freezing. This split may not suit a household that stores a lot of frozen food.
After a big shop, note what goes into each compartment, then compare the usable capacities accordingly.
An appliance may fit in its designated space but still be impossible to deliver, ventilate or open properly. The clearance required varies by model and kitchen layout.
Measure the access route and the space where it will go, then check the manual for the dimensions with the doors open and the required clearances.
Cooling appliances run continuously. ADEME gives 315 kWh/year as an indicative average for a fridge-freezer, but this figure does not describe any specific model.
To compare appliances with similar formats and capacities, check the kWh/year figures on their energy labels.
Manufacturers present this feature as a way to limit frost build-up, but it tells you nothing about usable capacity, annual energy consumption or the space the appliance needs.
Check which compartment it applies to, then assess capacity, kWh/year and installation requirements separately.
Bosch offers fridge-freezers, multi-door models, single-door fridges and freezers, giving you several configurations to compare across its range.
Liebherr’s fridge-freezer range lets you compare freestanding and built-in appliances.
Samsung offers multi-door models designed for kitchens with room for a wide appliance.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers in a range of capacities.
These Joybuy appliances combine refrigeration and freezing in a fridge-freezer or larger format. For your weekly shop, start by choosing the capacity split you need, then check that the appliance can be delivered and installed in your home.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Check that the capacity split between the two compartments suits your shopping habits.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 333 L, No Frost and an A energy rating. Check the dimensions and clearance required for installation.
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Worth a look if you want separate compartments to organise your shopping. Compare the space for frozen food with the amount you usually store.
The model name lists a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the access route, door clearance and required gaps before installation.
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This large format is worth comparing if your shopping needs lots of room for fresh and frozen food, provided your kitchen and access allow for it.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 628 L and a stainless steel finish. Check the door clearance and water connection requirements before choosing it.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer for the week’s fresh and frozen food. Make sure each compartment has enough room for your household.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 282 L, with the freezer at the bottom. Check the ventilation clearances and access route before delivery.
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Worth a look if you need a wide appliance to store fresh and frozen food after your shop, as long as you have enough space for it.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 495 L. Check the exact door configuration, how much space the doors need when open and any connection requirements for the version being sold.
As a starting point, use the 100 to 150 litres for one person, then add 50 litres for each additional person, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir. Adjust your choice according to how much fresh and frozen food you actually store, and compare the usable capacity of each compartment.
No. It depends on the capacity you need in each compartment and the space available. For a wide appliance, also check the delivery route, door clearance and the kWh/year on the energy label. UFC-Que Choisir notes that American-style formats can use more energy than conventional ones.
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model, including for a built-in installation. As an example, Samsung recommends 50 mm at the sides and back and 100 mm above in its installation guidance. These measurements don’t replace the requirements for your appliance.
Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy labels of appliances with similar capacities and formats, as well as their energy ratings. ADEME provides averages for different types of cooling appliances, but the labels for the models you’re considering are what will help you choose between them.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when an individual buys a product from a professional seller and it doesn’t match its description, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. Report the discrepancy to the seller and keep a copy of the product description and your proof of purchase.