Anyone reusing an existing cabinet space
If you’re keeping the unit or its door, check the internal dimensions, door fixing method and airflow. Bosch Home Appliances France highlights these points when choosing an integrated appliance.
Who is this option for?
Households that keep frozen food
If you regularly store frozen food, compare the freezer capacity with the fridge capacity and consider your usual shopping habits. Que Choisir notes that your kitchen layout and frozen food needs can help determine the right format.
People with an open-plan kitchen
If the fridge is near your living area, its stated noise level may influence your choice. Compare the figures for models that already fit your unit, but bear in mind that they don’t tell you exactly how noisy an appliance will seem in your room.
What to check
Integrated larder fridge
Worth considering: if you have a separate freezer or don’t need a freezer compartment in the appliance.
Bear in mind: all the stated capacity is for refrigeration, so you’ll need another solution for frozen food.
Integrated fridge freezer
Worth considering: if you want to store frozen food while keeping a seamless kitchen finish.
Bear in mind: some of the capacity is used for freezing. Check the capacity of each compartment rather than looking only at the total.
Freestanding fridge
Worth considering: if your plans allow the appliance to remain on show and leave enough clearance for installation.
Bear in mind: this format isn’t a substitute for an integrated appliance in an enclosed cabinet space. Compare its dimensions with the space you actually have.
When renovating an open-plan kitchen, first check each model against your unit, then compare storage capacity, stated noise level and energy consumption.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet space, door and ventilation | Measure the finished cabinet space for height, width and depth. Check the door-fixing system and the ventilation gaps specified in the model’s instructions. | If you’re keeping the planned cabinet space and door, you’ll want to confirm the dimensions, fixing method and airflow before choosing an appliance. Around 36% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Fridge and freezer capacity | Compare fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, based on how often you shop and how much frozen food you need to store. | If you often store frozen food, you’ll want to know the capacity of each compartment, not just the total. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this balance of storage space. |
| Noise in your living space | Compare the stated noise levels of models that already fit your unit and storage needs. The figures alone can’t predict how noisy an appliance will seem in your home. | In an open-plan kitchen, you’ll want to compare stated noise levels before choosing between appliances that fit your unit. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this factor. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy labels of the appliances you’re considering. | If you want to keep electricity consumption down, compare the kWh/year figures for models that fit your cabinet space. Around 14% of consumers put energy use first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the stated height
The appliance height, the required cabinet dimensions and the door fitting are separate measurements. So an appliance may not fit the unit, even if its height seems right.
Measure the finished cabinet space in all three dimensions, identify the door system and check the model’s fitting plan before altering the units or arranging installation.
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Comparing only the total capacity
For a fridge freezer, the total capacity includes the freezer and doesn’t reflect how much space is available for fresh food.
Compare the two compartments separately and check that the cabinet space is suitable for the format you’ve chosen.
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Assuming a freestanding model is a roomier integrated option
Freestanding and integrated appliances can have different overall dimensions. A larger capacity doesn’t prove that a freestanding model will fit in a cabinet space or offer more room at similar dimensions.
Before changing your layout, compare the appliance dimensions and installation clearances with the space you actually have.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The documented range includes integrated larder fridges, integrated fridge freezers and freestanding models. Check each model and its fixing method separately.
- Bosch Home Appliances France lists a capacity of 204 l for the KIR41VFE0 and 184 l for the fridge plus 76 l for the freezer in the KIN86VSE0. The former is listed with a fixed-door system and the latter with sliding hinges.
- These models differ in format and fixing method. Their capacities alone aren’t enough to confirm that a particular door or cabinet space will be compatible.
Liebherr
The IRd 4120 Plus is worth considering for a cabinet space of around 122 cm if your planned door is suitable for its fixed hinges.
- Liebherr France lists a capacity of 201 l and a noise level of 27 dB for the IRd 4120 Plus.
- These are figures stated by the manufacturer. Check the required cabinet dimensions and fixing method in the instructions for the exact model.
Smeg
Smeg France identifies the S4C122E as an integrated larder fridge to consider for a project with a cabinet door.
- The manufacturer’s product information identifies the model and confirms that it is designed for integration.
- Before choosing this model, check the exact reference, cabinet dimensions and door system against the installation instructions.
Beko
The BCHA306E4SN is an example of an integrated fridge freezer with sliding hinges.
- Beko France lists it as an integrated, two-door model with the freezer at the bottom.
- Check the required dimensions and cabinet ventilation in the instructions for this model.
Whirlpool
The WHC20D011B1 FR is an example of a built-in fridge freezer with sliding hinges.
- Whirlpool lists an appliance height of 193,5 cm and a noise level of 34 dB for this model.
- The appliance height alone doesn’t tell you the required cabinet dimensions or ventilation requirements. Check the model’s instructions.
Models available on Joybuy
This selection focuses mainly on built-in fridge freezers, alongside an integrated larder fridge and a flush-design option whose installation requirements should be checked in its instructions.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, built-in fridge freezer
Joybuy’s product information describes a built-in appliance with sliding hinges, worth considering if you want fridge and freezer compartments in an integrated unit.
The listing gives a fridge capacity of 186 l, a freezer capacity of 62 l and a stated noise level of 37 dB(A). Keep the ventilation openings clear and check the required cabinet dimensions in the instructions.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, built-in fridge freezer
This model may be worth considering if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food in an integrated appliance.
Joybuy’s listing gives a fridge capacity of 176 l, a freezer capacity of 76 l and a stated noise level of 34 dB(A). It mentions a reversible door. Check the cabinet dimensions and keep the ventilation openings clear.
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SMEG S4L120E, integrated larder fridge
This larder fridge format is worth considering if you want an integrated appliance dedicated to refrigeration and have a separate solution for frozen food.
The product title lists a capacity of 188 l and an energy rating of E. Check the required cabinet space and door fixing for this model.
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SMEG S4C122E, built-in fridge freezer
Joybuy’s listing describes this model as a built-in appliance with fridge and freezer compartments. Check the model details and door fitting before choosing it for a specific unit.
Joybuy’s listing gives a fridge capacity of 174 l, a 14 l freezer and a cavity size of 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm. The cabinet door is not included. Check the instructions and the dimensions of your cabinet space.
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CHiQ JR460WSE, flush-design fridge
Consider this flush-fitting KITFIT design only if your plans allow for this type of installation. Don’t assume it will fit a standard cabinet space.
Joybuy’s listing gives a capacity of 458 l and a height of 191 cm, along with a 28 l Care+ zone with three temperature settings. It says ventilation must be provided in line with the manual. Check the required layout before installation.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether the cabinet door will fit before ordering?
Find out whether your unit uses sliding hinges or a fixed-door system, then compare the cabinet space and door dimensions with the fitting plan for the exact model. Bosch Home Appliances France describes these fixing systems; the word “integrated” alone doesn’t confirm compatibility.
Can I block the ventilation openings behind a built-in fridge?
Don’t block the airflow the appliance needs. Electrolux Assistance France says ventilation requirements vary depending on the type of fridge freezer. Follow the installation instructions for your chosen model rather than relying on a general measurement.
How do I compare a larder fridge with a fridge freezer?
Compare fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. A larder fridge without a freezer compartment uses all its capacity for refrigeration, while a fridge freezer reserves some of its total capacity for frozen food. Que Choisir recommends considering your kitchen layout and your frozen food needs.
Can I use an old A+ label to compare new fridges?
No. According to the European Union, “+” ratings have not been used on the energy scale for the appliances concerned since 2021. Compare current labels from A to G and the kWh/year figures on the same basis.
What guarantee and take-back service should I ask about in France?
When you buy from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new goods, among other products, and cannot be replaced by a commercial extended warranty. The Ministry of the Economy explains that it applies to goods sold to consumers; the DGCCRF describes the free “one-for-one” take-back of an equivalent used appliance when a new product is sold. Ask the seller how collection and removal work in practice.