We can find many types of refrigerators on the market, such as two-door refrigerators or American-style refrigerators, but the most convenient and common are combi refrigerators. They offer both cooling and freezing functions in a single unit , saving us space in the kitchen without sacrificing ample storage capacity.
Combi refrigerators, as their name suggests, combine a freezer and a refrigerator . In these refrigerators, the refrigerator is located on the top and is larger, while the freezer drawers are located below.
Combi refrigerators are equipped with two thermostats, one to regulate the temperature of the top compartment and another for the freezer area. In some cases, we can find models with two compressors, which considerably speeds up the freezing process. However, be careful, as this will increase energy consumption.
Functions
Refrigerator-freezers have many important safety features, such as door open alarms, fault alarms , and temperature adjustments, which provide greater convenience and allow you to extend the appliance's lifespan.
They are very useful if they offer compartments with a temperature adjustment function down to 0°C to keep meat and fish fresh. There are also compartments with a temperature adjustment of 3°C to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for a long time.
Some refrigerators feature LED lighting inside the refrigerator compartment, so you can see the entire contents when you open them. Others offer a gradual start-up time, which is easier on the eyes. Some of these appliances also feature LCD screens or a control panel on the front panel, so you can more easily control their functions.
Many of these smart refrigerators , using an app, can tell you when a specific food item is missing or when you should go shopping.
There are models that offer a “Vacation” feature, which allows you to reduce energy consumption while you are away from home for extended periods.
Noise level and energy class
The energy label shows the efficiency class, so you can see the long-term savings. It also shows the noise level expressed in dB emitted by the appliance, which is useful for comparing devices; for example, a noise level of 36 dB or less and 42 dB or less is considered moderate.
Nowadays, there are very quiet models that are barely perceptible. Therefore, if you're someone who's bothered by any noise when you're in silence, it's best to choose one that emits few decibels. Ideally, it should stay around 45 dB, since you won't notice the sound.
Ability
Also, you have to take into account the total capacity of the refrigerator, since you can find models with a range between 279 liters and 368 liters , so you can take into account that these storage volumes adapt to your needs.
Design
It is important to consider the design and layout of the space in the combi refrigerators.
As for the interior, the refrigeration area can include bottle racks so you can use the shelves to store other containers. There are also models with adjustable shelves, so you can raise or lower them according to your needs. Other refrigerators have a very large freezer drawer, so you can store a large amount of food.
As for the exterior design, there are combi refrigerators that have anti-fingerprint coated doors, making cleaning easier. There are also models that offer reversible doors, so you can install them on the right or left side depending on your needs. There are also refrigerators with glass doors, which can add a sophisticated and elegant touch to the kitchen.
Organizing food in a combi-refrigerator
Combi refrigerators have plenty of space and capacity to store food and drinks, but it's always important to remember that there are specific areas for storing foods that are used more frequently or that, due to their characteristics, need to be consumed more quickly.
These foods should be placed at the top of the refrigeration area, so that they are easily visible, especially cheeses and sausages , but also cooked products, such as cakes and leftovers.
Short-term perishable foods , such as meat and fish, as well as dairy products like yogurt and milk, should be placed in the middle .
At the bottom go the vegetables, fruits and fresh herbs.
As for the organization of the door, the top shelf should be used to store eggs, jam, and butter.
In the middle ones, the containers with sauces and preserves,
The space below can be used to organize larger containers and bottles.
How many watts does a combi refrigerator consume?
The wattage consumed by a refrigerator-freezer depends on the model. For example, an A+++ energy efficiency rating consumes an average of 191 kWh/year, while an A++ energy efficiency rating can consume around 231 kWh/year, so you should take this into account before choosing one.
No Frost
This is a system that prevents frost buildup, better maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator. It also helps reduce energy consumption.
Freezer of a combi refrigerator
The freezer drawers are located at the bottom of the refrigerator . Having them at the bottom is more convenient, since the refrigerator is usually opened more often than the freezer.
When it comes to freezer stars , it's important to understand what they mean because they're classified according to their capacities. These symbols refer to the temperature they're capable of reaching to keep all our foods perfectly frozen.
- 1 star reaches up to 6 degrees below zero.
- 2 stars reach 12 degrees below zero.
- 3 stars reach 18 degrees below zero.
- 4 stars freeze at a temperature of up to -24 degrees.
Bosch KGN39WIDP

Bosch KGN39XIDP is a combi refrigerator with a VitaFresh drawer . This system promotes freshness, creating optimal conditions for preserving food for longer. To achieve this, it has different compartments : two upper ones, one for meat and one for fish, where a temperature close to 0ºC is reached ; and a third lower one for fruits and vegetables. The fruit and vegetable drawer has a humidity regulator that allows it to be adjusted depending on the food inside: high humidity for vegetables, or low humidity for fruits.
FreshSense sensors constantly monitor and control the ambient, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures. The result is a constant temperature inside the refrigerator, regardless of the outside temperature.
It allows you to activate the "Super Cooling" function before going shopping. It will lower the temperature for a short period of time, preparing your refrigerator to accommodate large quantities of hot or room-temperature food and maintain it in optimal conditions.
It maintains a consistent temperature throughout the refrigerator thanks to its multiple air vents located on the back wall. Temperature fluctuations are minimized and cooling times are reduced, improving the preservation of different foods.
The EasyAccess glass shelves are extendable up to 15 cm and feature anti-tip safety stops, preventing food or containers from falling off the shelf. This provides added flexibility inside the refrigerator.
Electronic control allows the temperatures of the refrigeration and freezing zones to be adjusted independently in refrigerators with independent cooling circuits.
This Bosch Combi refrigerator has a digital inverter technology compressor , which offers good performance for saving electricity.
It offers No Frost technology , so it does not generate frost and is easy to clean.
This Bosch refrigerator-freezer features LED interior lighting so you can better see the contents of the refrigerator compartment. It also has a SoftStart function, so the appliance starts up gradually, making it easier on the eyes.
It has a total capacity of 368 liters.
Siemens KG36NXIEA

Siemens KG36NXIEA is a very efficient (E) combi refrigerator, with a hyperFresh drawer to keep meat and fish fresh for longer, as it reaches a temperature close to 0ºC.
It incorporates smart cooling technology . Variations in external temperatures and the constant opening of the refrigerator lead to changes in its internal temperature. This technology uses smart sensors that respond immediately to temperature changes.
Cools faster. You can use the "super cooling" function to reduce the refrigerator temperature by up to 2°C. This feature provides an extra burst of cold air, helping to cool food more quickly. It also prevents the temperature of already cold food from rising when new, warmer items are added.
Fast, automatic defrosting. Thanks to the refrigerator's automatic defrost, ice buildup is prevented, resulting in faster cooling and greater energy efficiency.
The multiAirflow system distributes air evenly inside the refrigerator to maintain a constant temperature. Freshly added food cools faster, and fresh food retains its quality.
The glass shelves can be pulled out halfway along the guides, providing optimal visibility. They slide easily without the risk of tipping over. This means you can return them to their original position even when fully loaded. These frameless shelves are made of high-quality, durable glass.
Large storage capacity. A large , removable bottle rack keeps bottles within easy reach and safely stored.
The high-quality stainless steel surface has a special anti-fingerprint finish that allows for easy cleaning of the door so it always looks perfect.
LED lighting allows perfect visibility of the interior of the refrigerator
The system notifies you visually and acoustically when the temperature rises if the door is left open.
Balay 3KFE768WI

Balay 3KFE768WI is a No Frost combi refrigerator with a control panel integrated into the front of the door, so you can control the temperature of the refrigeration and freezer areas with its large LCD external electronics.
Independent electronic temperature control. Independent temperature control in the refrigerator and freezer. Defrosting and evaporation are automatic in both compartments.
When you open the door, the LED lighting gradually turns on, creating a more natural and attractive effect.
It includes an ExtraFresh drawer to adjust the humidity of fruits and vegetables, ExtraCold drawers for meats and fish, and also a practical chrome-plated bottle rack for better space distribution.
It has EasyAccess safety glass shelves in both compartments and removable shelves in the refrigerator.
The integrated vertical handles form a continuous design line that also makes cleaning easier.
As for its cooling system, the refrigerator offers No Frost technology, so it doesn't generate frost, making it very easy to clean. Furthermore, thanks to this system, the air is distributed evenly, thus preserving the food's flavor and nutritional properties.
Thanks to its "Super" Cooling and "Super" Freezing functions , you can prepare your refrigerator ahead of time to store large quantities of hot or room-temperature food and maintain it in optimal conditions.
It includes optical and acoustic alarms for breakdowns and temperature.
In terms of design, this Balay refrigerator-freezer features glass doors , giving the kitchen an elegant look. It also has a 366-liter capacity: 279 liters for the refrigerator and 87 liters for the freezer, allowing you to store a large amount of food.
LG GBB62PZFGN

LG GBB62PZFGN is a 2m No Frost Combi refrigerator.
Thanks to its Smart Inverter Compressor, you'll enjoy maximum efficiency and durability. LG's Smart Inverter Compressor™ takes energy efficiency to the next level, saving you money and protecting the planet.
The NatureFRESH™ system precisely controls your refrigerator's temperature to keep food fresher for longer. It features 9 air vents next to each shelf.
Its DoorCooling+ technology cools up to 32% faster and more evenly. The cascading air outlet on the top front of the refrigerator cools drinks and food faster and reduces the temperature difference between the inside and the refrigerator door.
Its FRESHConverter function adapts the temperature. A "special beer" multi-temperature drawer adapts the drawer temperature (between -2ºC and 3ºC) to each type of food: beer, vegetables, meat, or fish. 24 hours of uniform cooling. Precise temperature control.
It has the Magic Crisper drawer , which optimizes humidity levels, allowing you to regulate the humidity level for fruits or vegetables using a selector so that they retain their freshness for longer.
Using the SmartThinQ app on your smartphone, you can control certain functions (temperature control, quick freezing, activating the Pure N Fresh filter, etc.) wherever you are.
It has a bottle rack, with capacity to store 5 bottles.
Beko RCHE300K30WN

Beko RCHE300K30WN is a fantastic free-standing combi refrigerator.
It incorporates a Semi No Frost cooling system and a No Frost freezer with automatic defrosting and cyclical refrigerator.
It has 3 glass shelves, 1 drawer, and 4 freezer drawers. It also has a compartment for storing vegetables and fruit, and an egg tray.
The total gross capacity is 300L, the net refrigerator capacity is 168L and the freezer capacity is 95L.
Its two reversible, wide-opening doors make it easy to access your food. The large door handles make opening the door easier.
Interior LED lighting saves energy and helps you see everything more clearly when organizing.
The freezer has a 3-star rating and an anti-stale function. It also has a quick-freeze function and ice cube tray.
Energy rating: F and annual energy consumption: 294 kWh
It is a good alternative with basic functions and a fairly reasonable price.
