Joybuy Insights

Buying a Fridge-Freezer: A Guide to Size, Energy Consumption and Features

A new fridge-freezer should fit neatly into your kitchen, keep food well organised and avoid unnecessary running costs in everyday use. However, there are clear differences in space requirements, storage capacity and features between a compact fridge with a freezer compartment, a freestanding fridge-freezer for a single-person household and a side-by-side fridge-freezer for several people.

If you focus only on the purchase price or eye-catching features, you can easily overlook important details. This guide explains which specifications you should check before buying and which appliance profiles suit different households.

Common Fridge-Freezer Buying Traps

1. External dimensions are not considered in full

The stated width alone is not enough for planning. Depth, height, door-opening angle and ventilation clearances are also crucial. A 60 cm-wide appliance may protrude well beyond the kitchen units because of its depth. With a French-door or side-by-side design, you must also check whether the doors and drawers can be opened fully.

You should also measure the stairwell, lift and front door before ordering. This is particularly important for a large fridge-freezer.

2. The energy efficiency class is assessed without considering annual consumption

The energy efficiency class ranges from A to G. For running costs, the stated annual consumption in kilowatt hours is also relevant. Two appliances in the same class may use different amounts of electricity depending on their size and features.

An energy-efficient fridge-freezer with a larger capacity may use more kilowatt hours overall than a smaller appliance in the same class. Always compare the class, usable capacity and kWh per year together.

3. No Frost and water dispensers are confused with ongoing costs

A No Frost fridge-freezer prevents ice from forming in the freezer compartment and reduces the need for manual defrosting. However, the feature requires additional technology and may affect energy consumption. Depending on the design, a fridge-freezer with a water dispenser may also require cleaning, filter replacement or regular filling of the water tank.

Consider whether you would actually use the feature in everyday life. An integrated water dispenser without a fixed water connection can be more practical in rented accommodation, but it does require regular cleaning.

The Most Important Selection Criteria at a Glance

Usable capacity to suit your household

For singles and couples, a model with around 200 to 260 litres may be sufficient. Families often need more fridge and freezer space. The layout is just as important as the total capacity:

  • Fridge compartment: Space for fresh food, drinks and opened packaging
  • Freezer compartment: Drawers or compartments for supplies and frozen food
  • Door shelves: Suitable for bottles, sauces and smaller packs
  • Freshness drawers: Practical for fruit, vegetables and delicate food

A 70/30 split provides more fridge space, while a larger freezer compartment makes sense for households that like to stock up. With a fridge-freezer that has the freezer compartment at the top, you should also check whether its position is convenient to access in everyday use.

Noise level in decibels

For open-plan kitchens, studio flats, offices or hotel rooms, a quiet fridge-freezer is particularly important. Noise levels are stated in dB(A). Values of around 37 to 40 dB(A) are comparatively low among the appliances considered here; however, the perceived noise also depends on the floor, distance from the wall and operating status.

Occasional humming, clicking or the compressor starting up briefly is normal for refrigeration appliances. Also check the airborne acoustical noise emissions class on the energy label.

Design, door hinging and positioning

A freestanding fridge-freezer can be positioned more flexibly than a built-in appliance. Pay attention to:

  1. Distance from cookers, radiators and direct sunlight
  2. Sufficient air circulation at the rear and sides
  3. Height-adjustable feet for a stable position
  4. Reversible door hinging if required by the layout of the room
  5. The floor’s load-bearing capacity for large appliances

A side-by-side or French-door fridge-freezer usually needs more floor space and a wider area for the doors. In return, these designs often provide a readily accessible interior and additional compartments.

Assess additional features realistically

No Frost, rapid cooling, rapid freezing, separate cooling circuits, LED lighting and flexible compartments can make an appliance more convenient to use. Features such as app control, ice makers or a fridge-freezer with a water dispenser are only worthwhile if you use them regularly.

Pay close attention to the precise wording of product details that make technical performance claims. According to the TCL model’s product description, the stated reduction in bacteria is based on a BV report and identifies the bacteria tested. This does not establish any general hygienic or health benefit.

Our Selection by User Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
TCL RF225BID0DE Fridge-Freezer Combination

TCL RF225BID0DE Fridge-Freezer Combination

Why this product suits this profile: The model offers 121 litres of fridge space and 52 litres of freezer space, making it suitable for singles, couples or smaller kitchens. Height-adjustable shelves and LED lighting help keep the interior easy to organise.

How this product avoids the trap

The separately stated capacities make it easier to compare this model with similarly compact appliances. The adjustable shelves prevent a fixed interior layout.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy efficiency class D, LED interior lighting, height-adjustable shelves and a vegetable drawer.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
homeX CFSN2531C-S Fridge-Freezer Combination

homeX CFSN2531C-S Fridge-Freezer Combination

Why this product suits this profile: This freestanding appliance combines 182 litres of fridge space with 71 litres of freezer space. No Frost, 39 dB(A), adjustable glass shelves and reversible door hinging appeal to buyers who prioritise convenience and flexible positioning.

How this product avoids the trap

The technical specifications state the noise level, usable capacity and dimensions. This allows you to check before buying whether the appliance suits your room and household size.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy efficiency class C, No Frost system, 253-litre total capacity and Super Freeze function.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
Hisense RF632N4WIE French Door Fridge Freezer

Hisense RF632N4WIE French Door Fridge Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: The French-door design provides 336 litres of fridge space and 149 litres of freezer space. With 38 dB, NoFrostPlus, FreshZone, CrispZone and a water tank, this model is suitable for families and regular large shops.

How this product avoids the trap

The water tank does not require a fixed water connection. At the same time, you should check the required installation width, door clearance and stated energy efficiency class E before ordering.

Main benefit & strengths

485-litre total capacity, NoFrostPlus, 38 dB and an integrated water dispenser with a manually refillable tank.

Suitable for: Large households and bulk buyers
SAMSUNG RS90F65EDFEF Side-by-Side Fridge-Freezer

SAMSUNG RS90F65EDFEF RS94F Side-by-Side

Why this product suits this profile: With 401 litres of fridge space and 220 litres of freezer space, this appliance is designed for households with substantial storage needs. Water and ice dispensers, No Frost+, separate temperature controls and app connectivity add to its specification.

How this product avoids the trap

The high capacity is broken down into specific compartment volumes. Before buying, make sure that the width of 912 mm, height of 1,784 mm and the required door clearance will fit your kitchen.

Main benefit & strengths

621-litre total capacity, energy efficiency class D, No Frost+ and water and ice dispensers with a water tank.

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.

Practical Tips Before Ordering and Connecting

  • Check the recess dimensions, installation space and door clearance using the technical drawing.
  • Compare annual consumption, energy efficiency class and usable capacity.
  • After transporting the appliance on its side, leave it upright for the period specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Use an earthed socket and avoid unsuitable extension leads or multi-way adaptors.
  • Keep ventilation openings clear and do not position the appliance directly next to heat sources.
  • Clean the door seals, compartments and water dispenser regularly.
  • For older appliances, follow the proper disposal procedure in accordance with local WEEE requirements.

Fridge-Freezer FAQ

How many litres should a fridge-freezer have?

For one person or a couple, around 200 to 260 litres may be sufficient. Families should plan for a larger total capacity depending on their shopping habits and how much food they store. The division between fridge and freezer space is crucial, not just the litre figure on the product label.

Is a No Frost fridge-freezer worthwhile?

No Frost is useful if you regularly use the freezer compartment and want to avoid manual defrosting. The feature reduces ice formation, but it can affect the purchase price and energy consumption. You should therefore also check the energy label and annual consumption.

How much does it cost to run a fridge-freezer?

Annual electricity costs are based on the stated annual consumption in kWh and your electricity tariff. Example: with annual consumption of 200 kWh and a tariff of 0,35 Euro per kWh, the calculated cost is around 70 Euro per year. The actual amount depends on the tariff and the operating environment.