Weekend cook who likes to plan ahead
You open the tofu before the weekend and want to know whether the time until lunch falls within the recommended refrigeration period, or whether it would be better to freeze a portion.
Who is this guide for?
Cook with a small kitchen
You’re looking for fridge space and the option to freeze a small portion, but first you want to know which appliance will fit in your kitchen.
Household that freezes food regularly
You also use the freezer for other groceries, so you want to consider freezer capacity, maintenance and energy consumption alongside the tofu.
What should you look for when choosing?
Your current fridge
A good fit if: you’ll eat the tofu within two days of opening it and can keep your fridge at around 4 °C.
Bear in mind: this option won’t give you extra storage time if lunch falls outside that recommended period.
Compact model with a four-star freezer compartment
A good fit if: you have limited space and want to be able to freeze small portions of fresh tofu.
Bear in mind: there may be limited freezer space for other groceries, so compare the capacity of both compartments.
Fridge-freezer
A good fit if: you regularly freeze other foods as well as tofu, and have space for a taller appliance.
Bear in mind: check the external dimensions and annual energy consumption. A Low Frost freezer compartment may still need defrosting.
For opened tofu, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping it in the fridge for no more than two days at a temperature of 4 °C. According to the Consumers’ Association, a four-star freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh food. The table can then help you choose an appliance that meets your main needs.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing fresh tofu | Check that the freezer compartment has a four-star rating and compare its capacity separately. | If I want to save a portion for a lunch that falls outside the recommended refrigeration period, I want to know whether the freezer compartment is suitable for fresh food. Around 36% of consumers prioritise freezing food in good time. |
| Reliable short-term refrigeration | Check how to set and measure the temperature. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 4 °C and storing the tofu in a well-sealed container. | When I’ll use the tofu within two days, I want to be able to check the fridge temperature and keep the leftovers well sealed. Around 29% of consumers give short-term refrigeration top priority. |
| A suitable size | Measure the available space and compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. | In a small kitchen, I want an appliance that fits without taking up more space than necessary. Around 21% of consumers start by checking the fit. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the stated annual energy consumption in kWh of appliances that are the right size and capacity. | If I’m choosing an appliance for regular use, I want to weigh its annual energy consumption against its storage capacity. Around 14% of consumers put energy consumption first. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a better fridge will keep tofu for longer
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened tofu in the fridge for no more than two days. An extra feature doesn’t change this storage advice.
Plan from the moment you open it. If lunch is more than two days away, freeze the portion in good time, provided your appliance is suitable.
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Assuming any freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh tofu
According to the Consumers’ Association, a four-star freezer compartment is suitable for this. The star rating alone doesn’t tell you how quickly a particular model freezes food.
Check the rating of the exact appliance and compare the available freezer space with what you want to store.
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide that space differently between the fridge and freezer.
Compare the external dimensions and the capacity of each compartment. Also check the annual energy consumption stated on the energy label.
Brands to consider
Inventum
Inventum offers examples of both compact fridges with freezer compartments and freestanding fridge-freezers.
- For the KV550B, Inventum lists 97 l of fridge space and a 16 l four-star freezer compartment.
- For the KV1500W, Inventum lists 115 l of fridge space and 59 l of four-star freezer space.
- The KV1500W uses Low Frost, so Inventum says its freezer compartment still needs defrosting. These model specifications are not an independent performance test.
Bosch
The KGN36VICT freestanding fridge-freezer is an example of a model with separate fridge and freezer compartments.
- Bosch lists 218 l of fridge space, 103 l of freezer space and No Frost for this model.
- The stated volumes describe the capacity, but don’t in themselves demonstrate a performance advantage.
Liebherr
The CNgbc 5723 Plus is a larger freestanding NoFrost model and an alternative to an under-counter appliance.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 371 l and external dimensions of 201,5 × 59,7 × 68,2 cm for this model.
- The dimensions and capacity don’t in themselves mean that opened tofu will stay fresh for longer.
Midea
The MDRB600MIC46 is a fridge-freezer for households looking to store other groceries as well as tofu.
- Midea lists 312 l of fridge space, 130 l of freezer space and a height of 201 cm for this model.
- Check that its capacity and height suit your household and kitchen, and compare the energy label for the exact model.
Products at Joybuy
This selection includes under-counter fridges with freezer compartments and fridge-freezers for anyone who wants to keep opened tofu chilled for a short time or freeze a portion in a suitable freezer compartment. If you want to freeze fresh tofu, check the star rating of the exact model.
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Bella BKV555-040CW under-counter fridge with freezer compartment
An under-counter model with separate fridge and freezer space for a compact setup.
95 l of fridge space and 14 l of freezer space; stated annual energy consumption 89 kWh.
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Exquisit KS16-4-051CW under-counter fridge with freezer compartment
An under-counter model with a separate freezer compartment for anyone looking for a compact fridge.
107 l of fridge space and 13 l of freezer space; the description mentions a temperature control dial. Check the star rating if you want to freeze fresh tofu.
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CHiQ JR263LGE 262 L Low Frost fridge-freezer
A fridge-freezer with a four-star freezer compartment for anyone who wants to freeze fresh portions as well as chill food.
The title mentions Low Frost and a reversible door. Check the separate fridge and freezer capacities and the dimensions needed for installation before choosing.
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CHiQ FBM260L fridge-freezer, 262 litres
A freestanding fridge-freezer for anyone looking to combine chilled and frozen storage in one appliance.
The product information mentions Low Frost and a reversible door. Check the separate capacities and whether the freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh food.
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Bosch KGN392LAG freestanding fridge-freezer
A freestanding model with separate fridge and freezer compartments for households that store a range of groceries.
The product information lists 260 l of fridge space, 103 l of freezer space and No Frost in both compartments.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep tofu that I open before the weekend in the fridge only?
Yes, if you use the tofu within two days and your fridge stays at around 4 °C. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened tofu in the fridge for no more than two days and storing any leftovers in a well-sealed container. If lunch is later, don’t assume that a fridge with more features will keep it for longer.
Which freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh tofu?
According to the Consumers’ Association, a four-star freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh food. Check the rating of the exact appliance, and compare the available freezer space with the amount you want to store.
What should I check after installation and during use?
Set the fridge compartment to 4 °C and check the temperature, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Follow the instructions for installation and defrosting in the manual for your chosen model. For example, Inventum says that the Low Frost freezer compartment in the KV1500W still needs defrosting.
How do I compare energy consumption, and what should I do if the appliance is faulty?
Compare the stated annual energy consumption in kWh of models that meet your space requirements. To estimate your own costs, multiply the annual consumption by your rate per kWh. The Dutch Government explains that statutory guarantees apply in the Netherlands, with no fixed legal guarantee period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.
How does the energy label work, and what happens to my old fridge?
According to the European Commission, EU energy labels for household fridges and freezers have used a scale from A to G since 1 March 2021. If you buy a new, similar appliance in the Netherlands, the retailer must take your old appliance back under the take-back scheme, according to the Dutch Government.