Joybuy Insights

Buying a Fridge Freezer: What Households Should Really Look For

A fridge freezer should keep food organised, cool reliably and require as little day-to-day effort as possible. Yet product descriptions often lead to disappointing purchases: a large capacity says little about the actual layout, a good energy-efficiency rating does not replace checking annual consumption, and “quiet” is only useful when a specific decibel figure is provided.

This buying guide explains which details matter when choosing a freestanding fridge freezer and which models may suit different types of household.

Three Common Buying Traps When Choosing a Fridge Freezer

1. Gross capacity is confused with usable volume

A fridge freezer with a large freezer compartment may look appealing on paper. However, the key figure is the net volume. An appliance with a total capacity of 300 litres may offer considerably more fridge space or freezer space, depending on how it is divided. Families often need a different layout from couples or people who store a lot of frozen food.

So, look for separate figures covering:

  • Fridge capacity in litres
  • Freezer capacity in litres
  • Number and height of drawers
  • Ratio between the compartments, such as 70/30
  • Usable storage space for bottles, containers and large packages

2. No Frost is mistaken for being completely maintenance-free

A No Frost fridge freezer prevents ice from forming in the freezer compartment through air circulation and automatic defrosting. This reduces the need for manual maintenance. However, the interior, door seals and ventilation openings still need to be cleaned regularly.

Low Frost appliances develop ice more slowly, but occasional manual defrosting is still required. If you want to keep maintenance to a minimum, make sure you distinguish carefully between No Frost, Total No Frost and Low Frost.

3. The energy rating alone does not show running costs

The EU energy label ranges from A to G. For planning your costs, the stated annual consumption in kWh is also crucial. Compare appliances with a similar capacity and bear in mind that a very large American-style or side-by-side fridge freezer may use more electricity than a slim fridge freezer, despite its modern features.

A simple rule of thumb:

Annual electricity costs = annual consumption in kWh × your electricity price per kWh

Actual consumption depends on factors including room temperature, how full the appliance is, how often the door is opened and the temperature setting.

The Most Important Technical Parameters

Dimensions and installation location

Do not just measure the recess. Also check the delivery route, door-opening area and clearance from walls. Consider:

  • The appliance’s width, height and depth
  • Space required for open doors or drawers
  • Ventilation clearances specified in the instruction manual
  • Position of the socket
  • Door hinge position and whether it can be reversed
  • Floor load capacity for large appliances

An appliance with a depth of 63.5 cm may visibly protrude from a 60 cm kitchen worktop. American-style or side-by-side fridge freezers also have wider doors and require more room to move around.

Noise level in dB(A)

For open-plan kitchens, small flats and work areas, the sound level in dB(A) is important. Values of 35 to 40 dB(A) are comparatively low for the models listed. Noise may seem temporarily higher while the compressor is running or during automatic defrosting.

Also check the airborne acoustical noise emission class on the EU label. A quiet fridge freezer should not be chosen solely on the basis of marketing language, but according to a specific measured value.

Usage profile and freezing performance

The freezer compartment’s 4-star rating indicates a storage temperature of at least −18 °C and confirms that fresh food can be frozen. Freezing capacity, measured in kilograms per 24 hours, shows how much food the appliance can freeze under the specified conditions.

Functions such as Fast Freeze, Super Freeze and Super Cool are useful when storing a large shop in one go. However, they should be switched off again afterwards unless the appliance does this automatically.

Our Selection by Household Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
CHiQ JR263LGE 262L Low Frost Fridge Freezer

CHiQ JR263LGE 262L Low Frost Fridge Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: This 54 cm-wide appliance offers 187 litres of fridge space and 75 litres of freezer space. It is therefore well suited to smaller kitchens and households with limited room.

How this product avoids the trap

The product details specify the net volume, width, energy rating E and consumption of 215 kWh per year. Low Frost is clearly stated rather than being presented as a maintenance-free No Frost solution.

Main benefit & strengths

Compact width, reversible door hinge, 4-star freezer compartment and a noise level of 39 dB(A).

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Gorenje NRK620CA2XL4 Freestanding Fridge Freezer

Gorenje NRK620CA2XL4 Freestanding Fridge Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: With 331 litres of net volume, No Frost in both compartments and a noise level of 35 dB, this model is an appealing choice for families and open-plan kitchens.

How this product avoids the trap

The specification sheet clearly separates fridge and freezer capacity. It also gives the annual consumption, noise level, dimensions and Super Cool and Fast Freeze functions.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy-efficiency class C, annual consumption of 158 kWh, 235 litres of fridge space and 96 litres of freezer space.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
CHiQ JR318WSD 322L Total No Frost Fridge Freezer

CHiQ JR318WSD 322L Total No Frost Fridge Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: 226 litres of fridge space and 96 litres of freezer space provide ample room for larger shops. According to the product details, the climate classes N, SN, ST and T allow operation at temperatures from 10 to 43 °C.

How this product avoids the trap

The depth of 63.5 cm is clearly stated. This allows you to check before buying whether the appliance will protrude from your kitchen units.

Main benefit & strengths

Total No Frost, annual consumption of 196 kWh, Fast Freeze and 37 dB(A).

Suitable for: Large households needing plenty of space
LG GSXB90EVDD InstaView Side-by-Side Refrigerator

LG GSXB90EVDD InstaView Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Why this product suits this profile: This side-by-side model provides 407 litres of fridge space and 221 litres of freezer space. It is designed for households that store plenty of fresh and frozen food at the same time.

How this product avoids the trap

The width, depth and space required with the door open are specified as 91.3 cm, 73.5 cm and up to 163.5 cm. Check these measurements against the installation location before ordering.

Main benefit & strengths

628 litres of total capacity, Total No Frost, 35 dB(A), water and ice dispenser, plus app control.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Checklist Before Buying

  • Will the appliance, including the required ventilation clearance, fit through doors, hallways and the stairwell?
  • Is the net volume sufficient for the size of your household?
  • Is the balance between fridge and freezer space right for your needs?
  • What are the annual consumption and noise levels?
  • Does it offer No Frost or only Low Frost?
  • Can the door hinge be reversed?
  • Is the appliance suitable for a cellar, garage or unheated utility room?
  • Are a water connection, filter replacement or special maintenance required?

Frequently Asked Questions About Fridge Freezers

How many litres should a fridge freezer have for a family?

As a rough guide, families can allow around 60 to 80 litres of total capacity per person. However, the right size depends on how often you shop, how much frozen food you store and how much space is available. For a four-person household, an appliance with around 300 to 400 litres may be suitable, provided the layout matches your habits.

Which is more economical: a fridge with a freezer compartment or a fridge freezer?

A fridge with a freezer compartment may be sufficient for one person or a couple. Larger households will generally benefit from the greater usable storage space offered by a separate fridge freezer. Do not compare the energy rating alone: always consider the annual consumption in kWh and the respective capacities.

How long does a fridge freezer last?

Its lifespan depends on the model, usage, room temperature, care and maintenance. Ensuring that the appliance is level, keeping ventilation paths clear, cleaning the door seals and opening the door as briefly and infrequently as possible can help support reliable operation. Warranty and compressor cover are governed exclusively by the details provided by the respective manufacturer.