Start by thinking about what you store and how much space you have. A compact appliance may be suitable if you mainly keep fresh food, while a fridge-freezer combination can handle both fresh and frozen food. If you shop less often, compare the usable capacity of each compartment, the space the appliance takes up and its annual energy consumption. For an integrated model, also check the dimensions of the housing unit, ventilation requirements and the door-fitting system for the specific model.
If space is limited, check whether a table-top fridge without a freezer will meet your needs rather than assuming that a small fridge can store frozen food. Beko France’s product information for the TSE1504FN illustrates this with a specific model.
Compare the usable capacity of both compartments, not just the total capacity. The European Commission explains that the energy label shows storage volumes; for the KGN36ELEA, Bosch Home Appliances France lists the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
A larger capacity may suit your storage needs, as long as you check how much space the appliance takes up and its annual energy consumption. The European Commission says the energy label includes consumption information; LG France lists the dimensions and energy consumption of the GML844PZ6F.
Worth considering : if space is tight and you mainly store fresh food.
Check : the available capacity and whether there’s a freezer. The Beko TSE1504FN featured by Beko France is a table-top fridge without a freezer.
Worth considering : if your shopping regularly includes both fresh and frozen food.
Compare : the usable capacity of both compartments, as well as the appliance’s height and depth. Bosch Home Appliances France lists 216 l of fridge capacity and 89 l of freezer capacity for the KGN36ELEA. This is one example, not a guide to all fridge-freezers.
Worth considering : if you shop less often and need more storage space.
Weigh up : the capacity against the space the specific model takes up and its energy consumption. LG France lists a capacity of 506 l, a width of 83,5 cm and energy consumption of 392 kWh/an for the GML844PZ6F.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who is it most relevant to ? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space and access route; check the dimensions, door opening direction and whether there’s a freezer compartment. | In a small kitchen, I want an appliance that fits the space available and suits my shopping habits. Around 33 % of consumers say saving space is their main priority. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities of the exact model separately, in litres. | If I regularly store fresh and frozen food, I need to check how much room there is in each compartment. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise this mix of storage. |
| Less frequent shopping | Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the delivery access route, then compare the kWh/an figures of models suited to similar needs. | If I shop less often, I want enough room for my shopping without taking up space with an unnecessarily bulky appliance. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Fitting with kitchen units | Measure the housing unit and check the instructions for ventilation, door-fitting type and the clearances required. | In a fitted kitchen, I want the fridge to fit the housing unit and door front. Around 17 % of consumers say fitting with their kitchen units is their main priority. |
The total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is available for fresh and frozen food; some smaller models don’t have a freezer. The European Commission says the energy label shows storage volumes separately.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with the food you usually buy.
A freezer compartment that’s too small may mean you need to find another storage solution.
A housing unit that looks suitable doesn’t guarantee that the dimensions, ventilation or door fixings will work with your chosen model.
Before buying, check the instructions, the housing unit dimensions, airflow requirements and door-fitting system.
If the space isn’t suitable, you may need a different appliance or changes to your kitchen units.
A larger capacity can also take up more room, and it’s worth comparing the annual energy consumption with models that meet similar needs. LG France lists a width of 83,5 cm and energy consumption of 392 kWh/an for the GML844PZ6F; these details apply to this model.
Choose a capacity that suits your shopping habits, then check the dimensions and compare the kWh/an figures on a like-for-like basis.
The TSE1504FN is an example of a freestanding table-top option for a kitchen where fresh food storage and a compact footprint are priorities.
Bosch has information on both freestanding fridge-freezers and integrated fridges. The KGN36ELEA is one example of a model with separate fresh and frozen storage.
The GML844PZ6F is an example of a multi-door fridge designed for greater storage needs, in a kitchen with enough width to accommodate it.
Electrolux’s French range includes under-counter and tall integrated fridges, which are worth considering once you’ve measured your fitted kitchen.
The RB5K330GSFC is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer, listed at 330 l by Hisense France.
These products cater for mixed fresh and frozen storage, larger capacities or fitted kitchens. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for each model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large capacity with separate compartments for fresh and frozen food, and your kitchen can accommodate a freestanding appliance.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 329 l for the fridge and 159 l for the freezer, making 488 l in total, as well as energy consumption of 298 kWh/an.
Listed dimensions: 83,3 × 179,3 × 74 cm. Check the available space and delivery access route.
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Worth considering if your fitted kitchen is designed for an integrated fridge-freezer with a sliding door-fitting system.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 186 l for the fridge and 62 l for the freezer. It also lists dimensions of 59,2 × 58,5 × 186,2 cm and TwinTech Total No Frost and MultiFlow technologies.
Check that it’s compatible with the housing unit and door-fitting system you have in mind.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer to store both fresh and frozen food.
The Joybuy listing gives an approximate capacity of 249 l for the fridge and 106 l for the freezer, as well as energy consumption of 240 kWh/an. The model is listed as Total No Frost.
The listing recommends leaving at least 5 cm of clearance at the sides and rear to allow air to circulate.
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Worth considering if you have a fitted kitchen and are looking for an integrated fridge-freezer for fresh and frozen food.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 176 l for the fridge and 76 l for the freezer, energy consumption of 150 kWh/an and dimensions of 540 × 1772 × 545 mm. It lists a No Frost system.
Keep the ventilation openings clear and check the housing unit requirements and instructions.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large capacity to organise fresh and frozen food between less frequent shops.
The Joybuy listing gives a total capacity of 444 l and energy consumption of 289 kWh/an. The model is described as a side-by-side fridge-freezer with Total No Frost.
Check the appliance dimensions and available space before choosing this format.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the external dimensions. Two appliances with a similar total capacity may suit different needs. The European Commission says the energy label also gives annual energy consumption and noise levels.
The external dimensions alone won’t tell you. Check the model’s instructions for ventilation space, door opening and installation requirements. An integrated model must also be compatible with the housing unit and its door-fitting system.
Check the model’s instructions for maintenance advice and whether it needs manual defrosting. To compare energy consumption, use the kWh/an figure on the energy label rather than assuming the annual cost will be the same for every household.
The DGCCRF says that Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016 has applied to household fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers since 1 March 2021. The current label uses an A to G scale; its rating isn’t directly comparable with the rating on an old A+++ label.
No. For a non-professional buyer purchasing from a professional seller, a commercial guarantee is optional and comes in addition to statutory guarantees. In its guidance dated 3 October 2023, the DGCCRF notes that the right to take legal action under the statutory guarantee of conformity expires two years after the goods are delivered.