Joybuy Insights

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

A new fridge freezer should work reliably for many years. However, some product claims can lead to disappointing purchases: a low purchase price says little about future electricity consumption, large external dimensions do not automatically mean plenty of usable storage space, and a water dispenser can involve additional cleaning and installation work.

This buying guide from the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer explains what households, families, couples and individuals in Germany should consider.

Common pitfalls when buying a fridge freezer

1. Judging energy efficiency by the letter alone

The EU energy efficiency scale ranges from A to G. However, the stated annual consumption in kWh per year is also important for ongoing costs. A larger appliance in energy class C may use more electricity than a smaller model in class E. That is why energy class, usable capacity and annual consumption should always be considered together.

A simple calculation can help: multiply the annual consumption in kWh by your electricity tariff. This gives you a more realistic idea of the running costs of a fridge freezer than advertising claims such as “energy-saving”.

2. Confusing external dimensions with usable capacity

A freestanding fridge with a freezer compartment may look compact, even though doors, hinges and the required ventilation clearance take up additional space. Before buying, make sure you check width, height, depth and door-opening area.

The layout also matters: a 70/30 model offers more fridge space and is suitable for households that regularly store fresh food. If you keep lots of frozen food, on the other hand, you will need a larger freezer compartment.

3. Treating No Frost and water dispensers as an automatic guarantee of convenience

A No Frost fridge freezer reduces ice build-up in the freezer compartment and usually eliminates the need for manual defrosting. However, the technology does not replace regular cleaning or sensible loading. Air vents should be kept clear.

A fridge freezer with a water or ice dispenser requires particular attention. Appliances with a water tank need to be cleaned regularly. Models connected to the mains water supply require suitable pipes, sufficient space and checks for leaks.

The most important buying criteria at a glance

Size and layout

A usable capacity of around 200 to 270 litres may be sufficient for one person or a couple. A fridge freezer for families often offers around 300 litres or more, depending on shopping habits and freezer requirements.

Practical guidelines:

  • Compact fridge freezer: for small kitchens, offices or second homes
  • 253 to 331 litres: for couples and smaller families
  • 440 to 485 litres: for larger households or frequent bulk shopping
  • Over 600 litres: for substantial food storage, but requires considerably more floor space

A side-by-side fridge freezer, French-door fridge freezer or multi-door fridge freezer usually offers plenty of storage space, but is often more than 70 cm wide and over 70 cm deep. Check the doors and delivery route in advance.

Energy consumption and noise level

Compare annual consumption in kWh rather than looking only at the energy class. The noise level in dB(A) is also relevant. Levels between 35 and 40 dB(A) can be suitable for open-plan kitchens, living areas or offices. However, the perceived noise also depends on the room acoustics, flooring and distance from the wall.

No Frost, Low Frost and temperature functions

  • No Frost: automatic defrosting of the freezer compartment and, depending on the model, the fridge compartment too
  • Low Frost: slower ice build-up, but manual defrosting is still required
  • Fast Freeze: temporarily lowers the freezing temperature after larger quantities of food have been added
  • Super Cool: temporarily cools fresh groceries more quickly in the fridge compartment

Also look for adjustable glass shelves, flexible door compartments, a salad crisper, interior lighting and a reversible door.

Our selection for different household profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
homeX Fridge Freezer Combination 253 Litres

homeX Fridge Freezer Combination, 253 Litres

Why this product suits the profile: With 182 litres of fridge space and 71 litres of freezer space, this freestanding appliance is suitable for couples and smaller households. No Frost, LED lighting and a reversible door combine essential features with flexible positioning.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated annual consumption of 141 kWh makes running costs easier to estimate than a general advertising claim about efficiency. Nevertheless, the dimensions of 54,5 × 61,6 × 181 cm should still be checked.

Main benefit & strengths

Energy efficiency class C, No Frost system and a noise level of 39 dB(A).

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

Gorenje NRK620CA2XL4, 331 Litres

Why this product suits the profile: With 235 litres of fridge space and 96 litres of freezer space, the layout provides families with a well-balanced amount of storage. Five shelves, four door compartments and three freezer drawers help keep everything organised.

How this product avoids the pitfall

No Frost is specified for both the fridge and freezer compartments. The annual consumption of 158 kWh is listed alongside energy efficiency class C, enabling an objective comparison.

Main benefit & strengths

35 dB(A), fast freezing, rapid cooling and a reversible door.

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

CHiQ JR318WSD, 322 Litres

Why this product suits the profile: With 226 litres of fridge space and 96 litres of freezer space, this model is designed for regular family shopping. The stated climate classes N, SN, ST and T allow operation at ambient temperatures from 10 to 43 °C.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The precise depth of 63,5 cm prevents incorrect planning for a flush-fitting kitchen run. Total No Frost reduces maintenance compared with a conventional freezer compartment.

Main benefit & strengths

322 litres of usable capacity, annual consumption of 196 kWh, 37 dB(A) and a Fast Freeze function.

Suitable for: Large households needing plenty of storage
Hisense RF632N4WIE French Door Fridge Freezer

Hisense RF632N4WIE French-Door Fridge Freezer, 485 Litres

Why this product suits the profile: The French-door design combines 336 litres of fridge space with 149 litres of freezer space. An integrated water dispenser, FreshZone and CrispZone appeal to households that regularly store fresh food and drinks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The width of 70 cm, height of 200 cm and depth of 69,4 cm must be taken into account before ordering. The water dispenser also requires attention to tank and cleaning requirements.

Main benefit & strengths

No Frost Plus, 38 dB(A), 485 litres of usable capacity and Holiday mode.

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.

Positioning and initial setup

Before delivery, measure the door width, stairwell, lift and available floor space. After transport, leave the appliance standing upright for the period specified in the manufacturer’s instructions before connecting it. Sufficient clearance must be left around the appliance for ventilation.

Position the fridge freezer on a level surface and adjust the feet. Hot food should be allowed to cool before being placed inside. An overfilled interior can restrict air circulation and increase electricity consumption.

Frequently asked questions about fridge freezers

How many litres should a fridge freezer have?

As a general guideline, individuals and couples can plan for around 200 to 270 litres. For families, around 300 litres or more is sensible, depending on shopping routines and how much food they store. The capacity you actually need depends more on the type of food you buy and how often you shop than on the size of your household alone.

How much electricity does an energy-efficient fridge freezer use?

Consumption is shown on the energy label in kWh per year. Multiply this figure by your electricity tariff to estimate the annual running costs. Compare appliances with a similar usable capacity, as larger models naturally cool more space and often require more energy.

Is a quiet fridge freezer suitable for an open-plan kitchen?

A noise level of around 35 to 40 dB(A) is often chosen for open-plan kitchens and living areas. Alongside the stated figure, flooring, distance from the wall and the position of the compressor affect how the noise is perceived. Adequate ventilation and a level installation can help reduce operating noise.