More than 43% of refrigerators in French households are of the combined type. The refrigerator-freezer is characterized by its small footprint. You have decided to buy one, but between capacity and energy class, you don't know on which criteria to base your choice? Discover our buying guide and our selection of the best combined refrigerators of the moment.
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Our selection
"Opt for a model that perfectly combines ergonomics and practicality. This combined fridge signed Samsung offers a net volume of 311 l and works entirely…"
"Want to keep your food fresh longer? Choose the CHiQ FBM157L4 low-level refrigerator-freezer! It is functional, reliable and above all space-saving!"
"The large capacity of this LG combined fridge as well as its ultra quiet side will please you for sure. Its exceptional cooling performance allows…"
"For fans of the big brand, the Whirlpool W7821OW 2-door combination fridge will fully satisfy your needs. With a total volume of 338 L, it…"
"Treat yourself to this refrigerator-freezer with a useful volume of 251 l. With an energy class of A+, its annual energy consumption is estimated at…"
Opt for a model that perfectly combines ergonomics and practicality. This combined fridge signed Samsung offers a net volume of 311 l and works entirely with the technology of ventilated cooling.
399 £ on AmazonSpacious, economical and quiet (39 dB), this combined fridge designed by Samsung is ideal for keeping your food in the best conditions of freshness. The refrigerator part is equipped with Multi Flow technology and offers a storage capacity of 213 l. This part has 4 glass shelves, 4 shelves, 1 vegetable tray and a cheese compartment.
As for the freezer, it can hold up to 98 l of food in its 3 freezer drawers and vegetable tray. This combi has the energy class A + and consumes 272 kWh/year. Its annual cost of use is estimated at 41 euros.
Want to keep your food fresh longer? Choose the CHiQ FBM157L4 low-level refrigerator-freezer! It is functional, reliable and above all space-saving!
279 £ on AmazonDesigned with space saving in mind, the FBM157L4 low profile fridge freezer does not require a large space for installation. In fact, with its compact size and sturdy stainless steel design, it can be placed anywhere in the home. It has a satisfying volume of 157 L, which perfectly meets the needs of a couple with a child.
This model is made of stainless steel, which guarantees its long-term resistance. Conveniently, the low freezer location makes it easy to access the refrigerator compartment. You can keep a sufficient volume of food while saving energy thanks to its E-class energy efficiency. In addition, it is a very quiet fridge with only 38 dB of noise pollution.
The large capacity of this LG combined fridge as well as its ultra quiet side will please you for sure. Its exceptional cooling performance allows it to preserve the taste and consistency of your most fragile victuals for longer.
658 £ on AmazonWith an energy class of A+++, this refrigerator-freezer from LG will effectively optimize the comfort of your home, while limiting your energy expenses. It can be controlled remotely through a mobile app and as the appliance is very quiet, only its imposing and elegant design will remind you of its presence. Just by looking at it, the device exudes quality and showcases elegance. A beautiful design that will not detract from your kitchen's interior design.
The refrigerator section has several shelves, including a retractable and foldable shelf for storing large containers, a bottle holder (5 bottles) and a drawer. The freezer part offers a storage space of 107 liters equipped with 3 drawers and an ice cube tray. A large storage space that will keep your food fresh and organized.
For fans of the big brand, the Whirlpool W7821OW 2-door combination fridge will fully satisfy your needs. With a total volume of 338 L, it includes a 104 L freezer. All you have to do is find a suitable place for it.
420 £ on CdiscountThe Whirlpool W7821OW is certainly the loudest of this top 5 (40 dB), although it is also a very good alternative to the first model. The appliance is equipped with an automatic defrosting function, which can only increase its comfort of use. With continuous use, this No Frost fridge consumes around 271 kWh/year, a high score in terms of energy performance . Thanks to a humidity control device in the fruit and vegetable drawer, you will keep them fresh for a minimum of 15 days.
The 2-door reversible refrigerator uses R600a gas. It is, among other things, equipped with an electronic thermostat giving you the possibility to choose the temperature according to your expectations. For ease of use, the Whirlpool W7821OW comes with sliding glass shelves that separate the fridge into several compartments. In short, you have everything you need to keep your food organized in a smart way.
Treat yourself to this refrigerator-freezer with a useful volume of 251 l. With an energy class of A+, its annual energy consumption is estimated at 237 kWh/year.
288 £ on AmazonThis combined fridge designed by CHiQ is a ventilated cooling model. It has an electronic control that allows you to manage and monitor the temperature of the appliance directly. With a refrigerator that offers a storage capacity of 198 l and a freezer with 53 l of useful volume, it is a very spacious model.
The Multi-Air-Flow system ensures uniform air circulation and the appliance is super quiet with a sound level of 42 dB. No need to worry about compartmentalization, it is designed to accommodate different types of items, including tall drinks.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level combo fridge
The best high-end combo fridge
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | NOT EXPENSIVE | TOP OF THE RANGE | EXCELLENT | Very good | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Samsung RB30J3000SA/EF
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CHiQ réfrigérateur congélateur bas FBM157L4
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LG GBB72PZDFN combined refrigerator
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Whirlpool W7821OW
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CHiQ FBM250NE4
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Opt for a model that perfectly combines ergonomics and practicality. This combined fridge signed Samsung offers a net volume of 311 l and works entirely with the technology of ventilated cooling.
|
Want to keep your food fresh longer? Choose the CHiQ FBM157L4 low-level refrigerator-freezer! It is functional, reliable and above all space-saving!
|
The large capacity of this LG combined fridge as well as its ultra quiet side will please you for sure. Its exceptional cooling performance allows it to preserve the taste and consistency of your most fragile victuals for longer.
|
For fans of the big brand, the Whirlpool W7821OW 2-door combination fridge will fully satisfy your needs. With a total volume of 338 L, it includes a 104 L freezer. All you have to do is find a suitable place for it.
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Treat yourself to this refrigerator-freezer with a useful volume of 251 l. With an energy class of A+, its annual energy consumption is estimated at 237 kWh/year.
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Capacity
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118 L
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157 L
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384 L
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338 L
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250 L
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Number of doors
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2
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2
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2
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2
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2
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Energy class
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A+
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F
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A+++
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A++
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F
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No Frost
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Noise level
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39 dB
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38 dB
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36 dB
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40 dB
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42 dB
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The storage capacity of your combination refrigerator depends on two parameters: the number of people, and your shopping habits. If you shop only once every two weeks, for example, a larger storage volume may be necessary. However, the size of the household is the most important factor. As a rule of thumb, a capacity of 250 l is recommended for a couple, while a household of three people will need a combined fridge of 250 to 330 l. If the household consists of 4 people, it is advisable to take a model with more than 330 l.
The power consumption of a combined fridge represents a significant part of the energy bill. That's why you should pay particular attention to the energy label of the model of combined fridge you are interested in. This information is always mentioned on the packaging and in the technical details of each appliance. A refrigerator is classified from A to D according to its energy consumption. The A energy class is divided into three categories, with the A++ class being the most energy efficient. Indeed, an appliance classified A+++ consumes between 25 and 50% less electricity than another classified A+. It is important to know that manufacturers are now obliged to offer only appliances with at least an A+ rating.
Depending on the available space and the layout of your kitchen, you can install your combination fridge in a particular way. If you have space, a freestanding refrigerator-freezer is ideal. Simply place it where it suits you best, taking into account the safety requirements for its proper functioning. If you only have a small amount of space, you can opt for a built-in combination fridge. This one is placed in a cabinet with a ventilation system, as is often found in a fitted kitchen. You can also choose a built-in combination fridge. As its name suggests, this type of fridge is fully integrated into your kitchen furniture and its compartment is closed by a door.
To
produce cold and to distribute it well inside its two compartments, a combined fridge uses a particular system. In a fridge with a static cold system, the air is not distributed evenly and there are areas where the temperature is warmer or colder. A combined refrigerator with stirred cooling is equipped with a fan that distributes the cold air evenly. This allows for better preservation of food. Finally, the ventilated or "no-frost" refrigerator-freezer is characterized by a perfect distribution of cold air in each level. This type of refrigeration is found mainly in the most expensive appliances and has the advantage of not creating frost and ensuring perfect food preservation. Indeed, the ventilated cold air is free of any humidity.
A combined fridge generates noise when it is in operation, and this can cause discomfort during the night. The noise level of a fridge is also listed in its technical data sheet, along with its energy class. Fortunately, manufacturers are now offering increasingly quiet refrigerators.
As its name indicates, a combined fridge is characterized by the combination of a refrigerator and a freezer. It consists of two separate compartments with their respective doors. The freezer and the refrigerator work completely independently.
What is the value of a combined fridge freezer? What is its freezing performance? To answer these questions, you should also know that the freezing function is classified by number of stars on all current models of combined refrigerators. The storage time of food varies according to the freezing capacity.
Here are the main types of freezers according to their number of stars:
If you thus need a real and effective freezing function, opt for a combination fridge whose freezing part is rated 4 stars.
The combined fridge is an appliance that is characterized by a freezer located in the lower part. The majority of the models available today belong to the family of combined refrigerators with ventilated cooling or with stirred cooling: zoom on these two types of refrigerators:
The ventilated combined refrigerator is characterized by a perfectly homogeneous distribution of cold in each cold stage. This allows to maintain an ideal temperature inside the fridge
. This homogeneity of the cold and the fact that this system prevents the formation of frost explain the success of this type of fridge with consumers.
The technology of ventilated cooling equips most of the high-end combined refrigerators, which makes these appliances more expensive than the models with stirred cooling. The 4 products selected for our guide belong to this first family.
The
stirred-cool combination fridge is an appliance that produces cold by a fan located at the bottom of the fridge. This process is also called dynamic cold
. It keeps the temperature even inside the appliance while homogenizing the humidity level.
Unlike fan-cooled appliances, fan-cooled refrigerators do not prevent frost from forming. However, they significantly reduce it. The stirred cooling process is used in many combination refrigerators available on the market. These are more affordable compared to fan-cooled models.
The combined fridge is characterized by the freezer that is located in the lower part of the appliance. If you consume frozen food on a regular basis, opt for a combination fridge model where the freezer part is located at the bottom. This allows you to store your frozen food more easily, while benefiting from a larger storage volume for this type of food.
The top-mounted freezer fridge is also called a two-door fridge. This model has a larger storage volume for fresh food and less space dedicated to frozen food. So if you eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, this type of fridge will be perfect for you.
To know whether it is better to choose a combined fridge or a top-mounted freezer, you must first of all take into account your consumption habits. A combination fridge allows you to access the fridge section without bending down, and vice versa for the two-door models. In short, choose your appliance according to your eating habits.
It can easily meet the needs of a nuclear or mixed family
A combination fridge is enough to complete your nuclear needs, even for a large family. If you have 3 to 7 family members, it is worth buying a combination fridge. Whether it's storing several bottles of water, a week's worth of groceries, meat, fish and poultry and more, everything can be easily placed in it. That's because it's equipped with larger shelves.
Two doors, one exclusively for the freezer
In a combination fridge, there are two doors. One is the main door and the other is the freezer. As a result, you can open the freezer without opening the main door. This feature is very advantageous, because it allows you to stock up on fresh products, but also to freeze for a good period of time. And even if you have a small kitchen, you can save space, because it is an appliance that combines two at once.
Large capacity in litres
The capacities of any of the best combination fridges start at 236 litres and can go up to 500 litres. This means that you are free to store as much as you like depending on the litre size you select.
Frost-free technology
All the best combination fridges come with frost-free technology. This means that you don't need to clean the ice manually. Most of these fridges even come with automatic cleaning technology. But the fridge part and the freezer part can also have the same cooling technology.
You get a large freezer compartment
The freezer compartment of a combination fridge is also large compared to the single door one. As a result, it's up to you to throw in as much stuff as you need.
In our opinion, the best brands of combination refrigerators in 2022 are :
Samsung is a brand that needs no introduction. The Korean giant has a proven track record in many areas of technology, including smartphones, various home appliances, and especially the No Frost technology line of combination refrigerators.
Bosch is also a leading brand when it comes to various appliances, including home appliances. It has produced some of the most popular combination refrigerators in the world today.
Bosch is a reference in the field of various appliances. Tools, automotive equipment, it is also one of the world leaders in combined refrigerators, including all ranges.
CHiQ is a Chinese brand belonging to the Changhong Group. Specialized in home appliances including TVs, it is also one of the world leaders in entry-level and mid-range combined refrigerators.
Whirlpool Corporation is a company that specializes in home appliances. Whether it's a tumble dryer, dishwasher or fridge combo, their appliances are in high demand all over the world.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Defrost regularly
If your combination refrigerator is not equipped with an automatic defrosting function, remember to defrost it at least once every four months. The thickness of the frost should not exceed 3 mm to prevent your refrigerator from consuming energy unnecessarily.
Clean the inside of your combination refrigerator
Defrosting is also an opportunity to clean the inside of your combination fridge. Nevertheless, it is recommended to clean it once a month. This will prevent the proliferation of bacteria, the appearance of bad odors and the yellowing of the walls of the appliance. Use a product specially designed for cleaning a refrigerator or freezer, and avoid bleach.
Place your fridge away from any heat source
Avoid
placing your combination refrigerator near a stove, oven or heater. If it is near a heat source, the appliance will use more electricity.
Do not turn on your appliance immediately after installation
After
installing your combination refrigerator, do not turn it on right away if it was just delivered. Once it has been positioned upright, wait 4 hours before plugging it in. This is the time it takes for the refrigerant gas to properly fill the cooling system.
Leave at least 5 cm of space at the back of the fridge and on each side
When
installing it, leave at least 5 cm of space on each side of the fridge and at the back, to ensure its ventilation and preserve its proper operation
.
Your combination fridge must be placed in a room where the ambient temperature does not affect its operation, hence the importance of checking its climate class. For example, a temperate climate class fridge should operate at an ambient temperature of between 16 and 32°C. For a model with an "extended tropical" climate class, the ideal operating temperature is between 10 and 43°C.
The best combination fridge depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out more.
Yes, if the model you have chosen is equipped with reversible doors, you can choose the opening direction by installing the doors on the right side. This is easy to do with the necessary tools.
We strongly advise against putting thawed food back in the freezer. This can lead to food poisoning and can promote the growth of bacteria.
Many foods lose their flavour or change their texture after freezing. In particular, vegetables should be blanched before going into the freezer, and packed in a freezer bag.
If your combination fridge is equipped with a water dispenser, it is advisable to change the water filter at least every 6 months. If the flow rate is reduced or the water tastes unpleasant, change the filter immediately.
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