Good fridge-freezer combos at a glance

When it comes to refrigerators, most people go for a standard fridge-freezer combo that is around 1.80 m tall. In addition to Samsung and Bosch, Ikea surprisingly also gets a recommendation.

Everyone needs a refrigerator and the most popular are free-standing fridge-freezer combinations with a standard height of around 1.80 metres. They have two doors, the larger one is at the top and leads to the cooling compartments, the smaller one is installed below and you can use it to get to the frozen goods. In this segment you are correct if you have a compact fridge freezer wanted to have.

But there is another type of refrigerator that is gaining more and more fans, Side-by-side models. The thick ships are so called because their wing doors open on both sides. Sometimes they are also marketed as “Multi Door” or “French Door”. 9 of these models has Stiftung Warentest checked (Issue 12/2021) and some discovered some weaknesses that you should know before you buy.

Fridge-freezer combos in the test: winner at Stiftung Warentest

Test winner fridge-freezer combination Standard Samsung RL41R7799SR

There is a large selection of good refrigerators, but if you want a very good one, Stiftung Warentest was so impressed by the Samsung RL41R7799SR. There are no real weaknesses, although there are models that are easier to admit. But that’s not really bad, after all, the test winner is one of the models with the largest volume.

No other model is as good at cooling and freezing. In addition, the station wagon proved to be very temperature-stable during storage in the laboratory. Also important, the refrigerator is also energy-efficient and easy to use. The only thing left is the comparatively high price, which you have to think about. And before you ask – yes, it’s also good and cheap.

Price tip fridge-freezer combos standard Bosch KGE36AWCA

The price of the test winner is quite high. If you are looking for a good and cheap refrigerator, you are in good hands with the Bosch KGE36AWCA. The overall grade isn’t that far from the test winner, but the device doesn’t even cost half as much.

The Bosch model works very well when it comes to cooling, proves to be very temperature-stable when stored and doesn’t make any loud noises during operation either. But what you should know: In the test winner you can accommodate more, the volume of the Bosch KGE36AWCA is smaller. In addition, there is also a need for optimization with this model when it comes to storage. And most importantly, when freezing there is only the rating “satisfactory” from Stiftung Warentest.

Test winner side-by-side refrigerator Ikea Vinterkall

If you are looking for a refrigerator with hinged doors, you should keep your eyes peeled the next time you visit Ikea. The Ikea Vinterkall model wins the test with a good overall rating. Very important, the refrigerator does its homework perfectly, there is nothing to complain about when it comes to cooling and freezing.

What you wouldn’t expect: the large model works very quietly. In addition, it is temperature-stable during storage. Unfortunately, the Ikea refrigerator is not particularly energy-efficient and the testers also found deficits in handling.

Fridge-freezer combos: This is how much you get for your money

The prices for refrigerators determined by Stiftung Warentest in December 2021 ranged between 605 and 1,680 euros. So it’s about a price difference of around 1,000 euros in the selection of devices alone, that’s no small matter. In general, one can say that the standard models are usually cheaper than the side-by-side refrigerators. You can get the Bosch KGE36AWCA price tip for around 650 euros, a really good deal. If you absolutely want a very good model, only the test winner remains for more than double the price. Ikea is the recommendation for the side-by-side models, but they also cost around 1,000 euros. But for this type of refrigerator there are few alternatives in the three-digit range.

Choosing the right fridge-freezer combo

When choosing the right fridge, don’t let the little extras distract you. The basic functions are important, i.e. cooling and freezing. The better the rating in these areas, the more interesting a device is. The test winners for the standard models and for the side-by-side refrigerators get top marks everywhere. The more important function is the best possible cooling performance.

Most models work very temperature stable, it is best to choose one of them. In terms of energy efficiency, at least the grade “good” should be awarded. The noise development is also important. Although refrigerators have improved enormously in recent years, anyone who is sensitive in this area should choose a particularly quiet model.

This is how Stiftung Warentest tests refrigerators

With 30 percent of the rating, energy efficiency is the most important point in the test, followed by handling (25 percent) and cooling and freezing, each with 12.5 percent. Temperature stability accounted for 10 percent of the rating and noise development and behavior in the event of faults each accounted for 5 percent. To ensure the same conditions, the test devices are placed in climate chambers. The tests are not carried out with real food, but with cooling packs with standardized fillings. The packages are equipped with temperature sensors. Cooling measures the time it takes to cool packages from 25 to 8 degrees Celsius. When freezing, it goes from 25 degrees to -16 degrees Celsius.

Fridge-freezer combos: losers in the test

There is only one very good refrigerator, but there are a lot of good models in the test. So you have a good choice for purchase. But with the amount of devices tested, there were also test candidates that you should avoid. Koenic KFK 411 E, for example, is “poor” when chilling, Siemens KG36VVIEA gets the same mark when freezing.

From small to large: this is how much space refrigerators need

Not every kitchen has an excessive amount of space. You should definitely consider this when buying a new refrigerator. It is best to measure the available space beforehand. It is easier to accommodate the standard models. They offer a width of around 60 centimeters. But here, too, there are slightly wider models that are 70 centimeters wide.

The side-by-side models are thicker: there are narrower devices around 90 centimeters and real thick ships with up to 163 centimeters. There are also differences in height: the models in the test are from 1.78 meters to 2.01 meters tall. Important: Just because a fridge appears bulky from the outside doesn’t mean it has to have a lot of internal volume. Extras such as ice cube dispensers in the door take up storage space.

A+++ no longer exists: you need to know this about the energy label

As a rule, refrigerators are not bought all the time, so many people only remember the old energy labels, where you had to look out for A+++ for the most efficient devices. But the classification was completely redesigned and A +++ no longer exists. The new standard fridges are in the C, D and E ranges, with C being better than D, which in turn is better than E. The side-by-side models are in the E or F range.

Calculate electricity costs

Hopefully there will be a time when electricity prices are cheaper again, but it is still worth taking a look at energy consumption. Stiftung Warentest has calculated how high the electricity costs for the devices will be in 15 years of operation. With many models, you have invested the purchase price again in electricity costs. With the price tip, you also get the model that causes the lowest electricity costs over the assumed usage time.

Quiet and noisy refrigerators

As a rule of thumb, modern refrigerators are quieter than older models, but they are not completely silent. Especially in open-plan living-dining areas, it can be annoying when you constantly hear the hum of the refrigerator. The majority of the test devices buzzed around three quarters of the day at an outside temperature of 25 degrees. At 32 degrees, the devices could then mostly be heard permanently. The inexpensive Siemens KG49EAICA is one of the quietest models in the test. The Liebherr CNkw 4313-22, on the other hand, is more noticeable.

Freestanding vs built-in

Stiftung Warentest chose free-standing refrigerator models in this comparison. They just have to be unpacked and need a socket to start them up, that’s it. It is a bit more complicated with built-in models that are clad in kitchen optics and thus merge with the rest of the kitchen unit. Even choosing the right location can be tricky with built-in models, because they need good ventilation and should not be placed directly next to a stove or oven.

The optimal temperature for the refrigerator

All models allow separate temperature settings for both the refrigerator and the freezer. You can also vary this a bit, but we recommend 5 to 7 degrees Celsius for cooling. For the freezer, the optimal temperature is -18 degrees Celsius.

Refrigerators FAQ: Everything you need to know in a nutshell

What is the best fridge?

The best freestanding refrigerator is the Samsung RL41R7799SR. It was the only model to receive the grade “very good” from Stiftung Warentest in December 2021. There are no real weaknesses, but Samsung is willing to pay handsomely for the good quality.

How much does a good fridge cost?

Good refrigerators are available from around 600 euros, the price tip Bosch KGE36AWCA is recommended for around 650 euros. Since it also works very energy-efficiently, you should shortlist it.

Which fridge uses the least electricity?

In the test, the Bosch KGE39ALCA and the identical Siemens KG39EAICA were the models with the lowest power consumption.

When is it worth buying a new refrigerator?

Giving away a working refrigerator should be considered carefully, after all the device consumed a lot of energy during production and it does not simply disappear into thin air when it comes to disposal. At the same time, however, a lot has happened in terms of energy consumption in recent years and if an old refrigerator draws much more electricity than a modern model, you can consider making the switch. But, thumbs up, you can use a fridge for 10 to 15 years. If you are not sure, it is best to measure the consumption with an ammeter and compare it with current models.