Cook with leftovers
You want to cool cooked lentils quickly and eat them within a few days. For lentils without salt, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping them in the fridge for two days. The recommended fridge temperature is 4 °C.
Who is this relevant to?
Batch cook
You portion cooked lentils for later and need enough freezer space to store them neatly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends setting your freezer to −18 °C or colder.
Shopper with limited kitchen space
You want to combine fridge and freezer space, but also need to consider the appliance dimensions, ventilation space and the route into your kitchen.
What should you consider when choosing?
No Frost fridge freezer
A good fit if: you regularly freeze portions and want to spend less time defrosting by hand.
Trade-off: the Dutch Consumers' Association notes that it may use more energy, make more noise and offer less freezer space. Compare the full specifications of each model.
Fridge freezer with a static freezer
A good fit if: you freeze food occasionally and are happy to defrost the freezer by hand when needed.
Trade-off: you won't get the convenience of No Frost. A static freezer isn't automatically more energy-efficient or spacious, so compare the capacity and annual energy consumption of each model.
| What matters when buying | What to look for | Especially relevant if |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping leftovers chilled safely | Check whether you can adjust the fridge temperature, then measure it once the appliance is in place. | If I want to eat lentils within two days, I need to be able to set the fridge compartment to the recommended temperature. Around 33% of consumers are most concerned with keeping leftovers chilled reliably when buying. |
| Freezer space for portions | Compare the freezer capacity and layout separately; check whether the freezer compartment can reach −18 °C or colder. | When I freeze portions for later, I want to know how much freezer space is available and whether the compartment can reach the required temperature. Around 27% of consumers are most concerned with having enough freezer space for portions. |
| Finding the right size | Measure the space where the appliance will go, the ventilation clearance, the doorways and the delivery route. | In a small kitchen, I want to make sure the appliance will fit with the required ventilation clearance. Around 20% of consumers are most concerned with finding the right size and a practical layout. |
| Annual energy consumption | Compare the stated annual energy use in kWh with the capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments. | If I use the appliance all the time, I want to compare its annual energy consumption with the capacity that suits my storage needs. Around 20% of consumers are most concerned with the electricity used during operation. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming the total capacity tells you how much room there is for portions of lentils
The total capacity doesn't tell you how much space is available in the fridge and freezer compartments separately. What's more, stated capacity and measured usable capacity may be calculated differently.
Compare each compartment separately, and use the same basis when comparing different models.
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Assuming No Frost means lower energy use
No Frost reduces ice build-up, but the Dutch Consumers' Association also notes that it may use more energy, make more noise and offer less usable freezer space.
Choose No Frost for easier maintenance, and compare each model's annual energy consumption, capacity and noise level as well.
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Assuming a sealed container means food will keep indefinitely
A sealed container doesn't replace the need for the right temperature or prompt chilling. For cooked lentils without salt, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping them in the fridge for two days or in the freezer for three months.
Cool the lentils quickly, seal and chill them within two hours, and check the fridge temperature.
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Checking only the appliance dimensions
Your fridge needs to fit not only in its allocated space, but also through the doorways. It must also have enough ventilation clearance, as specified in the instructions.
Measure the route into your kitchen and check the installation instructions for the exact model before buying.
Brands to consider
Bosch
A freestanding fridge freezer such as the KGN36VICT can be a useful point of comparison if you want to check the stated split between fridge and freezer space.
- For the KGN36VICT, Bosch lists Total NoFrost, 218 l of fridge space, 103 l of freezer space and external dimensions of 1860 × 600 × 665 mm.
- These specifications don't tell you whether the appliance will fit in your kitchen. Check the space available and the ventilation requirements.
Samsung
The RB38C607AS9/EF is a taller freestanding model to consider if you're looking for a generous stated capacity.
- Samsung lists a capacity of 387 l and dimensions of 595 × 2030 × 658 mm for this model.
- The Dutch Consumers' Association lists usable volumes of 205 l for the fridge compartment and 72 l for the freezer compartment. These figures aren't directly comparable with the stated total capacity, so check the installation space as well.
Beko
Beko lists fridge freezers with No Frost, including models that are 59,5 cm wide.
- Beko lists No Frost and a width of 59,5 cm for the B5RCNE366HXB1.
- Check the energy rating on the product information sheet for the exact model before comparing.
LG
For selected fridge freezers, LG lists features such as Zero Clearance and DoorCooling+.
- For selected models, the LG range lists total capacities of 333 l or 375 l.
- These details don't prove that every version will fit in the same space or cool better in independent tests. Check the specifications for the exact model.
Fridge freezers at Joybuy
Fridge freezers for keeping leftovers chilled and freezing portions.
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Beko B5RCNE366HXB1, 316 l, No Frost
An option if you're looking for one appliance for chilled leftovers and portions in the freezer. Check that the stated capacity suits your kitchen and storage needs.
The product name lists a total capacity of 316 l and No Frost.
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Exquisit KGC295-80-NF-041EB, 293 l, No Frost
This fridge freezer could suit you if you want to store chilled leftovers and frozen portions in one appliance. Measure the available space before choosing a model.
The product name lists 293 l, No Frost and an E energy rating.
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Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 l, side-by-side, 83 cm
Consider this model if you're looking for plenty of freezer space as well as fridge space. Check that its width and the space needed for the doors and ventilation will fit in your kitchen.
The product name lists 276 l of fridge space, 168 l of freezer space, No Frost, digital temperature control, 40 dB and an E energy rating.
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Bosch KGN392LAG, No Frost
An option if you want to chill leftovers and freeze portions in one appliance. Check the capacity and dimensions of the version you're considering to make sure it suits your kitchen.
The product name lists No Frost, VitaFresh, Super Cooling and Super Freezing.
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CHiQ JR205LSE, 205 l, Low Frost, 54 cm
Consider this model if you're looking for a narrower fridge freezer for chilled leftovers and smaller frozen portions. Check the space available and the layout.
The product name lists 153 l of fridge space, 52 l of freezer space, Low Frost, a reversible door, adjustable feet and an E energy rating.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I keep cooked lentils?
For cooked lentils without salt, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping them in the fridge for two days or in the freezer for three months. Cool leftovers quickly, seal them well and don't leave them out of the fridge for more than two hours. Different storage advice may apply to dishes made with other ingredients.
How can I check whether my fridge is cold enough?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends setting your fridge to 4 °C. Place a fridge thermometer in the middle of the bottom shelf, leave the fridge closed for half a day or overnight, then adjust the temperature if needed.
Is every freezer compartment suitable for freezing portions of lentils?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends setting your freezer to −18 °C or colder; a one- or two-star freezer compartment can't reach that temperature. Freeze portions and avoid putting too much in the freezer at once.
What information does a fridge's energy label provide?
Since 1 March 2021, the EU energy label for household fridges and freezers has used ratings from A to G. It shows details including annual energy consumption, fridge and freezer capacity, and noise level. The European Commission provides further information about specific models through EPREL.
Am I always entitled to exactly two years' legal guarantee in the Netherlands?
No. According to the Government of the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period: what you can expect from a product depends on the product and the circumstances. If a product is faulty, the retailer is your point of contact. Any manufacturer's guarantee or extra cover you have bought may apply in addition.