Start by measuring the space, ventilation clearances and delivery route, then match the capacity to the size of your household and your shopping habits. A table-top or single-door fridge is suitable for more limited needs, while a fridge freezer provides separate space for frozen food; a multi-door model mainly requires a sufficiently spacious kitchen and access route.
You mainly want to fit the appliance into a compact kitchen without paying for excessive capacity. A table-top or single-door fridge can work well if you buy limited amounts of frozen food and can provide the ventilation specified in the instructions.
You need a practical balance of everyday storage for fresh and frozen food. A fridge freezer keeps the two areas separate; match the usable capacity to the number of people in your household and how often you shop.
You prioritise ample capacity and separate compartments for big weekly shops. A multi-door model is worth considering after checking its width, depth, door clearance and delivery route.
Compare formats according to the storage you need, then check the installation requirements and energy-label information before choosing a model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, in litres. Que Choisir uses 100 to 150 litres for one person as a guide, followed by around 50 litres for each additional person. | I want enough room for my shopping, prepared meals and drinks without buying an unnecessarily large appliance. If I often freeze food, a separate compartment matters more than a basic internal freezer box. |
| Format and installation | Check the width, height and depth of the appliance, its packaging, the housing unit and the delivery route. Also check the door-opening angle, whether drawers can be removed and the clearances specified by the manufacturer. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to open the doors and remove the drawers without hitting a wall or another unit. The fridge must also fit through doors, corridors and stairways. |
| Noise | Use dB(A) and the noise class to compare similar models. Que Choisir points out that vibrations, frequency and the type of sound also affect how intrusive the noise feels. | Near a living room or sleeping area, I look for an appliance whose stated noise level suits my surroundings. Once installed, a stable, level position with adequate ventilation remains important. |
| Energy consumption | Read the kWh/year figure alongside the capacity, format and noise level, rather than looking only at the A to G rating. ADEME highlights that fridges operate continuously. | I want to estimate running costs using comparable models. I can multiply the stated annual consumption by my own gross price per kWh, without assuming that this will match my actual consumption. |
An appliance may fit into its space yet prevent the doors from opening fully or the drawers from being removed. Wide and deep models can also block the way through a corridor, stairway or lift.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the packaged appliance. Check the hinges, door-opening angle and required clearances before placing your order.
Insufficient ventilation or installing the appliance too close to an oven, radiator or direct sunlight can affect its performance. Que Choisir recommends leaving clearance around a freestanding fridge, but the model’s instructions remain the definitive guide.
Follow the specified ventilation distances and openings, install the appliance level and check its climate class if the room is particularly cold or hot.
A larger appliance or one with extra features may have a different annual energy consumption from a more compact model, even when their energy classes appear similar.
Compare the kWh/year figures for fridges with similar capacities and configurations, then also check the litres, noise level and dimensions.
Perceived noise also depends on vibrations and the nature of the sound. Two appliances displaying the same dB(A) level may feel different in an open-plan kitchen.
Use dB(A) as an initial filter, consult independent listening tests where available and make sure the appliance is installed securely and correctly.
The range includes freestanding, built-in, fridge freezer, multi-door and single-door appliances, making it useful for comparing several kitchen formats within one brand.
The range includes standard fridges, fridge freezers and built-in models, with configurations featuring a freezer compartment.
The range includes large-capacity fridge freezers, single-door and multi-door models, worth considering for fresh-food storage and specialist compartments.
The range includes fridge freezers, side-by-side and multi-door models, making it relevant for households looking for high capacity and multi-door organisation.
This Joybuy selection brings together fridge freezers for keeping both fresh and frozen food when moving into a new home.
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For a fitted kitchen requiring separate fresh-food and freezer compartments.
176 L fridge, 76 L four-star freezer, 150 kWh/year and a stated noise level of 34 dB(A). Product dimensions: 540 × 1772 × 545 mm; reversible door.
Check the housing unit dimensions, fixing system and ventilation clearances before buying.
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For mixed shopping in a compact kitchen, thanks to its 54 cm width.
187 L fridge, 75 L four-star freezer, 215 kWh/year and a stated noise level of 39 dB(A). Dimensions: 1760 × 540 × 550 mm; reversible door and adjustable feet.
The Low Frost system requires manual defrosting; also check the ventilation clearances and the climate range of 16 to 38 °C.
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For households that do large shops and need plenty of fresh and frozen storage.
366 L fridge, 101 L freezer, 254 kWh/year and a stated noise level of 38 dB(A). Dimensions: 704 × 1850 × 686 mm; Total No Frost.
Its size and 74 kg weight mean you should carefully check the delivery route, available space, ventilation and door clearance.
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For a couple or family looking for a freestanding fridge freezer with a bottom freezer.
193 L fridge, 89 L freezer and 228 kWh/year. Dimensions: 1760 × 600 × 660 mm; NoFrost, MultiAirflow, three freezer drawers and adjustable shelves.
Check the noise level, noise class, available depth and the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model.
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For a fitted kitchen that needs fresh and frozen food kept separate in a built-in appliance.
186 L fridge, 62 L freezer and a stated noise level of 37 dB(A). TwinTech Total No Frost, MultiFlow, separately adjustable temperatures and reversible doors.
Check the housing unit dimensions, ventilation, runner compatibility and annual energy consumption on the energy label before comparing this model.
As a starting point, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres for one person, followed by around 50 additional litres per person. For more than three people, the organisation refers to at least 300 litres; adjust this guide according to your shopping habits, prepared meals and amount of frozen food.
First compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and formats, then apply your gross price per kWh to estimate the annual cost. ADEME points out that a fridge operates continuously, so read the A to G rating alongside the capacity, noise level and dimensions.
Yes, and the model’s instructions take priority. For freestanding installation, Que Choisir recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and rear, as well as 10 cm above; Bosch also states, for some appliances, that a ventilation area of at least 200 cm² is required at the rear and underneath the appliance.
No. dB(A) is useful for comparing models, but Que Choisir stresses that vibrations, frequency and the type of noise also affect how it is perceived. In an open-plan kitchen, combine this figure with a level, well-ventilated installation.
Check the model’s climate class and follow the instructions. Que Choisir states, for example, that an N-class appliance is not designed to operate below 16 °C or above 32 °C; also avoid heat sources, direct sunlight and very damp areas.