Choosing Fridge Freezer Capacity?

Buying a new fridge freezer is exciting, but it can be confusing too.

With so many different ones to choose from, how do you find the right one for you? Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a new fridge freezer for your home.

1. How big is your household?

Fridge freezer capacity is measured in litres so the bigger your family, the more fridge and freezer space you’ll need. This is a general guide:

Smaller households (1-2 people): Up to 200 litres, enough to fit around 10 shopping bags – a good fridge freezer size for a single person or couple.

Medium-sized households (3-4 people): 200 to 300 litres, enough to fit up to 15 shopping bags. The Sensis RFCMF0154EW 60/40 Total NoFrost Fridge Freezer is the perfect sized fridge freezer with a 280 litre storage capacity for a medium-sized family. With Total NoFrost technology, there’s no need to worry about manually defrosting your appliance.

Larger households (5-6 people): 300 litres and above, enough to fit more than 15 shopping bags. The Haier HCR5919EHMB 60/40 Frost Free American Fridge Freezer is an ideal size fridge freezer for larger families and entertaining guests, with its generous 528 litre storage capacity. It also has Total No Frost tech, a Humidity Zone and a Plumbed Water Dispenser.

Need extra fridge or freezer space? A second cooling appliance – perhaps a small fridge, under-counter freezer or chest freezer – could be the answer.

2. Where will your fridge freezer go?

Fridge freezers are measured in cms height, depth and width, so think about the size and layout of your kitchen or utility room.

A freestanding fridge or fridge freezer can be fitted anywhere in your kitchen – provided it’s close to a power socket and has enough space above and around it to release its heat. Around 5cm is recommended.

Integrated fridge freezers are trickier to fit, but are perfect for those who prefer a sleeker kitchen design.

Most fridge freezers also have removable door hinges. This means you can choose the way you want them to open, but remember to leave space for the door to open.

Plus, if you’re looking for a second fridge freezer or chest freezer for an unheated garage, check it has special Food Protector tech. This is so it can operate safely at ambient temperatures as low as -15°C.

3. What fridge vs freezer space do you need?

Consider the proportion of fridge to freezer space you’ll need – 50/50, 60/40 or 70/30? Base your decision on the types of food you like to eat.

A 60/40 fridge freezer spilt is a popular choice for many households. But if ‘fresh food daily’ is your thing, a 70/30 split might work best.

However, if you’re just as big on batch cooking or stocking up those frozen deals, a 50/50 fridge freezer might be better.

Explore our range of Beko, Blomberg, Bosch, Haier, Hisense, Hoover, LG and Sensis fridge freezers.

4. What type of fridge freezer is right for you?

Choosing the right fridge freezer isn’t just about size. Ease of access is also important, especially if you struggle to lift items, lean over or bend down.

Many fridge freezers have the freezer compartment at the bottom or the top.

But larger American-style fridge freezers are often split vertically for easy access, with the fridge and freezer sections side-by-side.

Or look out for an American-style fridge freezer with a multi-door design. Unlike the typical side-by-side models with just two doors, these feature four doors, offering a wider fridge space that can be more practical than the taller, narrower compartments of a side-by-side.

Chest freezers open from the top.

Knowing how to organise space in your freezer will minimise the time you spend bending over your freezer or reaching down.

5. What about your future needs?

Most fridge freezers are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. This means it’s a good idea to consider how your life might change in that time.

Check out the Hoover HOCH1T518EWHK 50/50 Frost Free Fridge Freezer if you’re after a range of storage options for your family meals. With a 247-litre storage capacity, you’ll have plenty of room to organise your groceries exactly how you’d like.

For example, if you’re hoping to start (or expand) your family, it makes sense to buy a larger fridge freezer now.

Alternatively, you may be downsizing now your children have homes of their own. If so, a small fridge freezer might be more convenient – and cost less to run.

If you're unsure about which fridge freezer capacity best suits your needs for storing fresh and frozen goods, feel free to visit us in store. Our experts are here to offer advice and help you make the right choice, or check out our full refrigeration range to see our appliances.