Joybuy Insights

Buying a Fridge Freezer: A Buying Guide to Suitable Models

A fridge freezer saves space by combining two appliances in one housing. However, an apparently great-value offer can later lead to higher electricity costs, space issues or additional maintenance. Three points in particular are often underestimated: the actual external dimensions, the difference between No Frost and Low Frost, and annual energy consumption.

This buying guide helps households, couples and families choose a suitable fridge freezer for their kitchen, flat, utility room or garage.

Common Buying Traps When Choosing a Fridge Freezer

1. Confusing the recess size with the appliance size

An appliance measuring 60 cm wide will not automatically fit every 60 cm recess. Many models also need clearance at the sides, rear and top to dissipate heat. Depth is important too: the CHiQ JR318WSD, for example, is 59.5 cm wide, 185.5 cm high and 63.5 cm deep. This means it may protrude visibly from a fitted kitchen run.

Before buying, measure:

  • The width, height and depth of the installation space
  • The clearance from the wall, worktop and neighbouring furniture
  • The door-opening angle
  • The route through doors, hallways and stairwells
  • The position of the socket and adequate ventilation

2. Not confusing “frost-free” with “Total No Frost”

A No-Frost fridge freezer technically removes moisture from the freezer compartment, thereby reducing ice formation. With Total No Frost, the system generally applies to both the fridge and freezer compartments. With Low Frost, ice builds up more slowly, but manual defrosting is still required.

If you want to keep maintenance to a minimum, look specifically for “No Frost” or “Total No Frost” in the technical specifications. This helps avoid the mistaken expectation that a Low Frost appliance will never need defrosting.

3. Looking at the energy efficiency class alone

The energy efficiency classes on the EU label range from A to G. The kWh per year figure is also relevant to running costs. Despite having a favourable energy class, a large fridge freezer may use more electricity overall than a smaller appliance.

You should therefore always compare:

  • Energy efficiency class
  • Annual energy consumption in kWh
  • Usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments
  • Planned period of use
  • Additional features such as ice or water dispensers

The Most Important Selection Criteria

Capacity and layout

For one or two people, a fridge with a freezer compartment and a capacity of around 200 to 260 litres may be sufficient. A family fridge freezer should often offer more than 300 litres of usable capacity. The CHiQ JR318WSD has 226 litres of fridge space and 96 litres of freezer space, giving 322 litres in total. Its 70/30 layout is suitable for households that regularly store fresh food and frozen products.

However, a 300-litre fridge or larger only makes sense if the installation space and your actual needs are suited to it. Unused storage space still contributes to the appliance’s energy consumption.

Noise level

A quiet fridge freezer is particularly important in open-plan kitchens, small flats or rooms next to a bedroom. Manufacturers state noise levels in dB(A). Models rated at 35 to 40 dB(A) are often chosen for noise-sensitive living environments. The actual impression of the noise also depends on the floor, distance from the wall and the compressor’s operating phase.

Freezer compartment at the bottom or top

A fridge freezer with a bottom freezer places the frequently used fridge compartment at eye level. This makes it easier to access drinks, vegetables and everyday groceries. A top-freezer model, on the other hand, can be practical where space is limited in height or the budget is restricted.

Features with practical benefits

Useful features may include:

  • Fast cooling for larger quantities of fresh food
  • Fast freezing function when storing larger quantities
  • LED interior lighting
  • Height-adjustable glass shelves
  • Reversible door
  • Height-adjustable feet
  • Door-open alarm
  • Temperature display

Additional features such as water and ice dispensers require more space and may increase cleaning requirements. Also check whether a water connection or a manually filled tank is needed.

Our Selection by Household and Usage

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
CHiQ JR205LSE 205L Fridge-Freezer Combination

CHiQ JR205LSE 205L Fridge-Freezer Combination

Why this product suits this profile: With 205 litres of usable capacity, a width of 54 cm and a height of 144 cm, this model is suitable for couples, smaller flats and kitchens with limited installation space.

How this product avoids the trap

The compact dimensions make planning easier. Low Frost reduces ice formation but does not eliminate the need for occasional defrosting.

Main benefit & strengths

205 litres of total capacity, reversible door, 39 dB and energy efficiency class E.

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

Gorenje NRK620CA2XL4 Freestanding Fridge Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: This model combines 331 litres of usable capacity with No Frost, Super Cool and Fast Freeze for households that shop regularly.

How this product avoids the trap

No Frost is specified for both the fridge and freezer compartments. The dimensions of 60 × 200 × 59.2 cm must be taken into account before ordering.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy efficiency class C, 158 kWh per year, 35 dB, door alarm and reversible door.

Suitable for: Specialist 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: With 322 litres of storage, a bottom freezer compartment and climate classes N, SN, ST and T, this appliance is also suitable for a utility room or garage with temperatures from 10 to 43 °C.

How this product avoids the trap

The specifications state Total No Frost and an operating range down to 10 °C. Its depth of 63.5 cm prevents inaccurate planning based on an exact 60 cm space.

Main benefit & strengths

226 litres of fridge space and 96 litres of freezer space, Fast Freeze, 196 kWh per year and 37 dB.

Suitable for: Large households
LG GMF961EV6C Multi Door Refrigerator

LG GMF961EV6C Multi Door Refrigerator

Why this product suits this profile: With 645 litres of total capacity and four doors, this appliance is designed for large households with high refrigeration and freezing needs.

How this product avoids the trap

No Frost reduces the need for manual defrosting. Before buying, however, check the width of 91.4 cm, depth of 73.3 cm and the space required for the doors to open.

Main benefit & strengths

384 litres of fridge space and 261 litres of freezer space, energy efficiency class C, 230 kWh per year and Fast Freeze.

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.

Installation, Operation and Lifespan

Place the appliance on a level, stable floor and leave the clearances specified in the instruction manual. After transporting the fridge freezer on its side, leave it standing upright for several hours before connecting it. The exact waiting time depends on the manufacturer’s instructions.

For efficient operation, allow hot food to cool first, open the door only briefly and avoid overfilling the compartments. Regularly cleaning the seals helps ensure that the door closes properly. The actual lifespan depends on use, location, maintenance and repair options; it would not be reliable to give a general figure in years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fridge Freezers

How many litres does a household need?

As a general guide, couples can plan for around 200 to 260 litres. Families often need 300 litres or more. The key factors are how often you shop, how much food you store and the proportion of frozen food.

How much does it cost to run a fridge freezer?

Annual costs can be calculated from the consumption shown on the EU energy label: kWh per year × your electricity price per kWh. At the same electricity price, a model using 158 kWh per year will incur lower running costs than an appliance using 300 kWh per year.

Is a No-Frost appliance always the right choice?

No Frost is practical if you want to avoid manual defrosting. Depending on their design, however, appliances may contain more technology, have larger external dimensions or use a different amount of energy. You should therefore compare the No-Frost function, usable capacity, dimensions and kWh figure together.