Joybuy Insights

Buying a Fridge-Freezer: A Guide to Choosing the Right Appliance

A fridge-freezer needs to do more than simply cool and freeze your food. The right dimensions, a well-organised interior, low noise levels and energy consumption suited to your household are all important considerations. Focusing only on capacity or eye-catching extra features can mean overlooking crucial details.

Common Buying and Marketing Pitfalls

1. Large total capacity, but little usable storage space

The litre capacity alone says little about how practical the layout is. For example, a fridge-freezer may offer plenty of space in the freezer compartment, while leaving very little room in the fridge for bottles, fresh food and supplies. Always check the separate figures for fridge capacity and freezer capacity.

For couples, a fridge-freezer between around 200 and 270 litres is often sufficient. Depending on their shopping habits, families are more likely to need 300 litres or more. A 250-litre fridge may be enough for two or three people, while a 300-litre fridge provides extra room for larger shops.

2. “Frost-free” is confused with No Frost

No Frost uses air circulation and automatic defrosting to prevent ice from forming in the freezer compartment. Low Frost produces less ice, but the appliance still needs to be defrosted manually from time to time. Appliances with manual defrosting require even more maintenance.

A No Frost fridge-freezer is therefore not automatically more energy-efficient. The specific energy efficiency class and annual consumption in kilowatt-hours provide a more meaningful indication of running costs.

3. Noise levels without any context

A low decibel rating is particularly relevant in open-plan kitchens, studio flats or kitchen-diners. However, the figure is measured under standardised conditions. Operating noise can be perceived differently depending on the room, floor and distance from the wall. Pay attention to the stated dB(A) rating and ensure the appliance is placed securely and level.

The Most Important Criteria Before Buying

Dimensions and door hinge

Measure not only the available space, but also the route into your home, the doorway width and the clearance required to open the door. A freestanding fridge-freezer also needs sufficient space at the sides and rear for ventilation. The exact requirements are set out in the instruction manual.

A reversible door hinge makes it easier to install the appliance in small kitchens. Adjustable feet help compensate for uneven floors and reduce vibrations. For a compact kitchen, models measuring around 54 to 55 cm wide are particularly worth considering.

Energy efficiency and annual consumption

The EU energy efficiency scale runs from A to G. You should also check the stated annual consumption in kWh. Two appliances in the same efficiency class can have different running costs if their capacities differ.

For comparison, the CHiQ JR318WSD is listed with energy efficiency class D and annual consumption of 196 kWh, while the Gorenje NRK620CA2XL4 is assigned to class C with annual consumption of 158 kWh. These figures come from the respective product details and should be compared with your own usage requirements before buying.

Cooling technology, layout and controls

Look for:

  • separate fridge and freezer capacities,
  • adjustable glass shelves,
  • sufficiently large door compartments,
  • salad or freshness drawers,
  • the number and accessibility of freezer drawers,
  • LED interior lighting,
  • a temperature display or mechanical control,
  • fast cooling and fast freezing functions.

A fridge-freezer with several drawers makes it easier to organise your food. If you regularly freeze fresh food, the freezing capacity in kg per 24 hours is also relevant.

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 153 litres of fridge capacity, 52 litres of freezer capacity and a width of 54 cm, this model is suitable for couples and kitchens with limited space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify the separate capacities, dimensions, Low Frost technology and a noise level of 39 dB.

Main benefit & strengths

205-litre total capacity, five cooling modes according to the product description and a reversible door hinge.

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

Gorenje NRK620CA2XL4 Freestanding Fridge Freezer

Why this product suits this profile: This appliance is designed for households looking to combine 331 litres of storage space with automatic defrosting and a versatile interior layout.

How this product avoids the pitfall

No Frost in both the fridge and freezer compartments reduces the need for manual defrosting. Before buying, check the width of 60 cm, height of 200 cm and depth of 59.2 cm.

Main benefit & strengths

235 litres of fridge capacity, 96 litres of freezer capacity, energy efficiency class C and 35 dB.

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: The 70/30 split, with 226 litres of fridge capacity and 96 litres of freezer capacity, is designed for larger shops and regular stockpiling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product details, Total No Frost prevents ice from forming. Its depth of 63.5 cm should be checked against your worktop and access route in advance.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy efficiency class D, annual consumption of 196 kWh, 37 dB and climate classes N, SN, ST and T.

Suitable for: Small kitchens and flexible layouts
TCL Fridge-Freezer Combination 260L

TCL Fridge-Freezer Combination 260L

Why this product suits this profile: This 55 cm-wide model offers 260 litres of total capacity and a reversible door hinge for different kitchen layouts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The compact width is specified as 545 mm. Important: according to the data sheet, the appliance uses manual defrosting and is therefore not a No Frost fridge-freezer.

Main benefit & strengths

187 litres of fridge capacity, 73 litres of freezer capacity, LED lighting and an operating noise level of 40 dB.

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.

Plan Installation and Use Properly

Before connecting the appliance, it should be left standing upright; the exact waiting time depends on how it was transported and the manufacturer’s instructions. Place the fridge-freezer on a firm, level surface and keep the ventilation openings clear. A socket with an earth connection and avoiding extension leads are both important for safe installation.

Simple habits can help reduce energy consumption:

  • allow hot food to cool down first,
  • only open the doors briefly,
  • do not stack food in front of ventilation channels,
  • keep the seals clean and undamaged,
  • do not set the temperature lower than necessary,
  • regularly remove ice from Low Frost appliances.

Fridge-Freezer FAQ

How many litres does a household need?

Around 200 to 270 litres may be suitable for one person or a couple. Families often benefit from 300 litres or more. The key factors are how often you shop, how much food you store and how much freezer space you need.

Is No Frost worth the extra cost?

No Frost significantly reduces the need for manual defrosting. Whether the higher purchase price is worthwhile depends on how often you freeze food and how important low-maintenance use is to you. Also compare energy consumption, noise levels and dimensions.

How long does a fridge-freezer last?

Service life depends on usage, ventilation, maintenance and the strain placed on the compressor. There is no reliable blanket lifespan that can be applied to every model. Check the warranty terms, availability of spare parts and the manufacturer’s guidance.