Who are these criteria useful for?

Households storing perishable foods

If you regularly store meat, fish or prepared meals, you need to be able to find and check the coldest area. Anses recommends storing perishable foods there.

People preparing several meals

Containers and prepared meals need to fit without overfilling the fridge. The layout matters just as much as the stated capacity, so there is enough room for air to circulate, as Anses recommends.

Buyers working with limited kitchen space

Your choice will depend on the available width or the dimensions of the appliance recess, the fridge capacity you need and, where applicable, the space to set aside for freezing.

What should you check before buying?

For perishable foods, start by checking the coldest area, as recommended by Anses. Then choose a format that suits the quantities you usually store: UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between table-top, single-door and fridge-freezer models.

Table-top

Consider this if: you have limited space and only need to store small quantities.

Bear in mind: there may be less room to store several prepared meals without overloading the appliance.

Single-door

Consider this if: you want to prioritise space for fresh food and already have another way to freeze food, or rarely freeze anything.

Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment, if included, may not be suitable for regular freezing.

Fridge-freezer

Consider this if: you store fresh food, prepared meals and frozen food.

Bear in mind: part of the appliance’s capacity is taken up by the freezer, so check how much usable fridge space there is.

Criteria What to check Who it’s for
Checking the coldest area Check the manual to find the coldest area and see how to check its temperature. Don’t confuse the set temperature with the temperature you measure. I often store perishable foods and want to know where to put them at 4 °C or below, in line with Anses recommendations; around 36% of consumers put this first.
Storage and air circulation Check that the shelves are tall enough for your containers and leave enough room to avoid overfilling the fridge. When I have several meals to keep chilled, I want to be able to separate them and leave enough space between them; this is a priority for around 29% of consumers.
Capacity and installation Compare the fridge capacity separately from the freezer capacity, then check the external dimensions or those of the appliance recess. My kitchen has strict size requirements, but I still need room for my groceries and prepared meals; almost 21% of consumers prioritise this balance between available space and capacity.
Freezer space If you regularly freeze prepared meals, check the capacity and layout of a separate freezer compartment. I want to keep fresh food for upcoming meals and freeze some of my prepared dishes; around 14% of consumers say this combination of capacities is their main need.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming the displayed setting shows the temperature of your food

    The selected setting alone doesn’t confirm the temperature in the area where perishable foods are stored. Anses recommends monitoring the coldest area.

    Before buying, check the manual to find out how to identify this area. Once the appliance is installed, check its temperature, using a thermometer if necessary.

  • Relying on an air-circulation function alone

    A function designed to distribute cold air doesn’t, by itself, prove that the coldest area stays at 4 °C or below. UFC-Que Choisir assesses cold distribution and temperature fluctuations separately in its tests.

    Check the specifications for the exact model and, if independent test results are available, see how the measurements were taken. Keep checking the coldest area during use.

  • Choosing based on total capacity alone

    A single overall figure doesn’t tell you how much room will be left in the fridge for containers and fresh food. Overfilling can also restrict air circulation, according to Anses.

    Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then look at the arrangement of the shelves and drawers.

  • Ordering a built-in fridge based on its apparent height

    Two appliances that look similar may require different recess dimensions or door fittings.

    Measure the recess and check the model’s manual for installation dimensions, ventilation requirements, door fitting and opening direction.

    If the appliance is incompatible, you may need to modify the installation or choose another model.

Brands to consider, model by model

Bosch

Worth considering for certain single-door or fridge-freezer models, which offer different layouts and temperature controls depending on the model.

  • Bosch lists Multi Airflow, temperature control and a VitaFresh XXL drawer among the features of the KGN86AIDP.
  • The KGN86AIDP’s features don’t tell you the temperature of the coldest area in another Bosch model; check the appliance you choose.

Liebherr

Worth considering if separate compartments and a temperature display suit the way you store food.

  • Liebherr describes the IRBci 5150 Prime BioFresh as having a Meat & Dairy compartment close to 0 °C and a Fruit & Vegetable compartment with higher humidity.
  • These details apply to this model and don’t remove the need to identify and check the coldest area.

Electrolux

Worth considering for a built-in fridge-freezer, comparing its capacities and installation requirements with your kitchen.

  • For the ENC8MD18S, Electrolux lists a fridge capacity of 186 L, a freezer capacity of 62 L and a recess size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm.
  • These dimensions and capacities apply to the ENC8MD18S only. Also check the door fitting and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.

Whirlpool

Worth considering for built-in or freestanding models with different controls and cooling functions.

  • Whirlpool lists 6th SENSE sensors on the ARG 8161, designed to adjust the temperature after food is added.
  • This feature, as stated for the ARG 8161, doesn’t prove the temperature reached in each area and may not apply to other models.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a digital display enough to check the temperature of perishable foods?

No. The display is no substitute for checking the coldest area. Anses recommends keeping perishable foods at 4 °C or below in this area. Check the manual to find it, and use a thermometer if necessary.

Do fan-assisted cooling or No Frost mean you don’t need to monitor the temperature?

No. These functions don’t remove the need to check the coldest area in the fridge. Anses also recommends not overloading the appliance, to allow air to circulate.

How can I compare the capacity and energy consumption of two fridges?

Compare the capacity of each compartment separately, and compare the stated annual energy consumption for each model on the same basis. Check the energy label and product details. The European Commission’s EPREL public database lets you compare the main characteristics of models covered by energy labelling in the European Union.

What should I check before replacing a built-in fridge?

Check the recess dimensions, ventilation requirements, door fitting and opening direction for the model you’re considering. As an example specific to this model, Electrolux lists a recess size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for the ENC8MD18S, so its apparent height alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.