Joybuy Insights

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

A fridge-freezer should work reliably for many years. However, eye-catching displays, large litre figures or terms such as “Inverter” do not automatically mean it is the right choice. What really matters is the actual usable capacity, the installation requirements and your everyday needs.

Common Buying and Marketing Pitfalls

1. Gross capacity is confused with usable capacity

A large fridge can look very appealing on the specification sheet. In practice, however, the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments is what counts. Shelves, ice makers and air ducts reduce the space that is actually available. Always check these separately:

  • Usable capacity of the fridge compartment
  • Usable capacity of the freezer compartment
  • Number and size of drawers
  • Width of the shelves for bottles, pans and food containers

A 250-litre fridge-freezer may be sufficient for a small household, while families or larger households are more likely to need a model with 330 to over 600 litres of capacity.

2. NoFrost is treated as meaning completely maintenance-free

A NoFrost fridge generally prevents ice from building up in the freezer compartment and reduces the need for manual defrosting. However, interior surfaces, door seals, ventilation areas and a water dispenser still need to be cleaned regularly. Models with a water or ice dispenser also require the water tank, outlet and, where applicable, filter to be cleaned.

3. The required floor space is underestimated

It is not just the external dimensions that matter. Before buying, you should also check:

  • The door opening angle and the required clearance from the side wall
  • The width of doors, stairways and lifts
  • Clearance for air circulation at the back and sides
  • The position of the socket and water connection
  • The space required when the door is open and drawers are pulled out

A side-by-side fridge or French-door fridge often requires more width and room to manoeuvre than a conventional freestanding fridge.

These Technical Specifications Matter

Energy efficiency and running costs

The EU energy label ranges from A to G. However, the energy efficiency class should always be considered together with the annual consumption in kilowatt hours. Despite having a good rating, a large fridge may use more electricity than a smaller model.

For a rough cost calculation:

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

Example: A model using 172 kWh per year would cost around 60,20 Euro in electricity at 0,35 Euro per kWh. The actual amount depends on your tariff. If you are looking for an energy-efficient fridge, do not just look at the letter rating; check the kWh figure as well.

Noise level in decibels

The figure in dB(A) describes the noise emissions. Levels of around 34 to 40 dB are considered relatively unobtrusive in many homes, although perceived noise also depends on the room acoustics and installation position. A quiet fridge is particularly important for open-plan kitchens, small flats and rooms next to bedrooms or home offices.

Design and temperature zones

A conventional combination with the freezer compartment at the bottom often places the fridge section at a convenient eye level. A side-by-side fridge offers wide shelves and plenty of freezer space, but requires more floor width. A French-door fridge combines wide fridge compartments with a generally separate freezer section.

For households that need to store large quantities of food, an additional freezer may be a more practical option than an oversized fridge-freezer. In a cellar or garage, check the stated climate class and permitted ambient temperature range. Not every appliance is suitable for unheated rooms.

Product Selection by User Profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Beko B3RCNO255XB Freestanding Fridge-Freezer 250L

Beko B3RCNO255XB Freestanding Fridge-Freezer 250L

Why this product suits the profile: This combination provides 180 litres of fridge space and 70 litres of freezer space in a width of 54 cm. It is suitable for smaller households and kitchens with limited floor space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The usable capacity is listed separately. NoFrost, a door alarm and a reversible door make everyday use easier.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy efficiency class D, annual consumption of 172 kWh and 39 dB according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
LG GSXB90EVDD Side-by-Side Fridge

LG GSXB90EVDD Side-by-Side Fridge

Why this product suits the profile: With a total capacity of 628 litres, a water and ice dispenser and app control, it is designed for households that value convenience and generous storage space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specification sheet lists the fridge and freezer capacities separately, as well as a noise level of 35 dB. Make sure you plan for the width, depth and door opening before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy efficiency class D, 276 kWh per year, NoFrost, Craft-Ice function and LG-ThinQ compatibility according to the product description.

Suitable for: Special uses & high-volume users
Beko B7RFNE315XP Freezer 286 Litres

Beko B7RFNE315XP Freezer

Why this product suits the profile: As a separate 286-litre freezer, it is ideal for storing supplies and larger packs, or for adding extra capacity to an existing fridge-freezer.

How this product avoids the pitfall

NoFrost reduces ice build-up. For use in a garage or cellar, you must still observe the permitted temperature range of down to -15 °C.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy efficiency class D, 34 dB, Fast Freeze function, five drawers and a reversible door according to the product data.

Suitable for: Families needing separate temperature zones
Hisense RF632N4WIE French Door Fridge-Freezer

Hisense RF632N4WIE French Door Fridge-Freezer

Why this product suits the profile: The French-door design provides 336 litres of fridge space and 149 litres of freezer space, plus an integrated water dispenser.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product data specifies a total usable capacity of 485 litres, 38 dB and NoFrost Plus. Remember to factor in tank cleaning when using the water dispenser.

Main benefit & strengths

MultiFlow-360° Inverter compressor, CrispZone with humidity control and Holiday Mode according to the product description.

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 Pre-Purchase Checklist

  1. Measure the installation space: including doors, drawers and ventilation clearances.
  2. Compare usable capacity: consider the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
  3. Note the annual consumption: calculate the kWh figure using your own electricity tariff.
  4. Check the noise level: especially in an open-plan or kitchen-living room.
  5. Distinguish between NoFrost and cleaning: NoFrost does not replace hygiene checks and door-seal inspections.
  6. Clarify the water connection: tank operation and a mains water connection have different requirements.
  7. Check the garage or cellar: the climate class and minimum ambient temperature must be suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fridge-Freezers

How long does a fridge-freezer last?

Its service life depends on usage, installation location, ventilation, door seals and maintenance. It is not possible to give a reliable fixed lifespan for every model. Regularly cleaning the seals, leaving sufficient clearance from the wall and ensuring the appliance is level can help it operate reliably with fewer problems.

How much space does a fridge-freezer need?

In addition to the width, height and depth, many models require extra space for air circulation. The doors must also be able to open fully. With a side-by-side fridge or French-door fridge, the door width is particularly important. The installation instructions provided by the manufacturer are the definitive guide.

Is a separate freezer worthwhile?

For households that store a lot of frozen food, a separate freezer can provide a clearer layout and more usable freezer space. It is also suitable as an addition to a fridge with a freezer compartment or a smaller fridge-freezer. Before buying, compare the electricity consumption, installation space and temperature conditions at the intended location.