For a renovated kitchen, first choose a fridge that fits the finished cabinet space and matches the door fixing, opening direction and ventilation requirements set out in its manual. A single-door built-in model gives you more fridge space, while a fridge freezer is better suited to greater freezer needs. If your cabinet cannot accommodate the installation specified, consider a freestanding model rather than trying to force a built-in fit.
If you’re keeping the cabinet and its door, measure the internal dimensions of the cabinet space, check how the existing door is fitted and confirm which way it can open. The height of your old fridge alone won’t tell you whether a new one will fit.
If frozen food is a regular part of your shopping, compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately. The small freezer compartment in a single-door model may not meet the same needs as a fridge freezer.
If its dimensions or airflow openings won’t let you follow the appliance instructions, consider making space for a freestanding fridge before ordering a built-in model.
Consider this if: your priority is fridge space and the cabinet can accommodate the model you’ve chosen.
Bear in mind: some models have only a small freezer compartment, and the cabinet door must match the specified fitting system.
Consider this if: you need a separate freezer while keeping the appliance behind an integrated cabinet door.
Bear in mind: the available capacity is shared between the two compartments, so compare them separately.
Consider this if: the cabinet space won’t allow you to meet the installation or ventilation requirements of your preferred built-in model.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible, and its position must allow for the required clearance.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet space and ventilation | Measure the finished cabinet’s internal dimensions in all three directions and compare its airflow openings with the installation diagram for your chosen model. | If the cabinets are already fitted, I want the appliance to fit and have the ventilation specified in its manual. Around 36% of shoppers would put this compatibility check at the top of their list. |
| Cabinet door and opening | Identify the door-fixing system and check the opening direction, as well as the space available in front of neighbouring cabinets. | If I’m keeping my cabinet door, I want to be able to fit it and open the doors without obstruction. This compatibility would be the top priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments rather than looking only at the total capacity. | If I regularly store frozen food, a small compartment may not meet my needs. Around 21% of shoppers would make the split between compartments their main consideration. |
| Energy and maintenance | Compare the stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year and check whether the freezer needs manual defrosting. | For an appliance that runs continuously, I want to choose a suitable capacity and know what maintenance to expect. Around 14% of shoppers would put energy consumption and maintenance first. |
According to its product specifications, a 176.3 cm-tall Electrolux fridge freezer needs a cabinet space measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm. The appliance’s height alone therefore doesn’t tell you what size cabinet you’ll need.
Measure the finished cabinet space and compare all three dimensions with the installation diagram for the exact model.
Sliding hinges and fixed hinges are designed for different types of installation. Keeping your existing cabinet door doesn’t guarantee it will fit the new appliance.
Identify the existing fitting system, then check that it’s compatible with the model’s instructions and, if needed, with the person installing it.
Bosch specifies at least 200 cm² of clear space at the back and underneath some of its appliances. This isn’t a measurement that applies to every built-in fridge.
Before approving the cabinet, check the openings and airflow areas required in the instructions for your chosen model.
ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously and that their size affects energy consumption. The Electrolux KNS3SE18S fridge freezer is also described as LowFrost, but its freezer still needs manual defrosting.
Compare the usable capacities, kWh/year and defrosting method of the exact model against your food storage habits.
Explore single-door and fridge freezer models, checking that they suit your cabinet height and door type.
Compare built-in fridge freezers if your cabinet has a suitable space and you’d like a separate freezer.
Consider its integrated fridges if your cabinet-door design calls for fixed hinges.
Explore single-door built-in models if sliding hinges and the door-opening direction are important to your plans.
These two built-in fridge freezers are worth considering if you want to add a freezer compartment to your renovated kitchen. Compare their stated capacities, then check the cabinet dimensions, door fitting and ventilation requirements in the instructions for each model before you choose.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in fridge freezer with a top-mounted freezer. The product name gives a total capacity of 188 L and an energy rating of E.
Before buying, compare your cabinet space and door with the installation and ventilation instructions for the S4C122E.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in fridge freezer with a stated total capacity of 249 L. The product name mentions TwinTech No Frost and an energy rating of E.
Check the capacity of each compartment, installation dimensions, ventilation and annual energy consumption for this model separately.
No. Measure the finished cabinet space and check the new model’s installation dimensions, ventilation requirements and door-fitting system. For example, Electrolux France specifies a 1780 × 560 × 550 mm cabinet space for its 176.3 cm-tall KNS3SE18S fridge freezer.
Don’t assume that both systems will work with the same cabinet door. Bosch, Electrolux and Whirlpool product specifications describe models with sliding hinges, while Siemens specifies fixed hinges for the KI82LSDD0. Ask someone to confirm which fitting system will work with your cabinet and chosen model.
Don’t choose that model for a built-in installation that doesn’t meet its instructions. Check whether your cabinet can accommodate a compatible model; if not, consider a freestanding fridge in a space that provides the required clearance.