Choose a size that fits your kitchen, with fridge and freezer capacities suited to your shopping habits and household size. A single-door model is a good choice if you prioritise fresh food and don’t store many frozen items; a fridge freezer gives you both compartments, while a multi-door model means paying close attention to its width and the delivery route. Then compare noise levels, annual energy consumption and the clearance requirements in each model’s instructions.
Which formats suit which households?
Small spaces and frequent shopping
In a studio flat or a kitchen where every centimetre counts, a compact appliance may be all you need if you shop frequently and don’t store many frozen items. Check the usable capacity, the full dimensions and the space needed to open the door.
Households that shop weekly
If you keep fresh food and a supply of frozen items until your next shop, compare the capacity of each compartment separately. Noise and annual energy consumption are worth considering too, especially if your kitchen opens onto a living area.
Households that store more frozen food
Larger shops may call for a fridge freezer with more freezer space or separate compartments. That extra capacity is only useful if the appliance can get through your home’s access points and has the clearance required for installation.
What should you consider before choosing?
First, measure the space and the delivery route, then work out how much fresh and frozen food you need to store between shops. A table-top model suits limited storage needs and tight spaces; a single-door model generally prioritises fridge space, a fridge freezer gives you two compartments for a mix of groceries, and a multi-door model requires careful checks of the available space.
| Consideration |
What to check |
Who it matters to |
| Space and delivery |
Measure the appliance, the space where it will go and the route to the kitchen. Check that the doors can open and allow for the clearances in the instructions; for a built-in model, check the housing space too. |
In a small kitchen or a home with tricky access, I need to be able to install the appliance without blocking the way. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these space and access constraints. |
| Fridge capacity |
Compare the capacity in litres of the fresh-food compartment and its layout with the amount of food you keep between shops. |
If I shop for several days at a time, I need enough room for fresh food rather than relying on the total capacity alone. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Frozen food storage |
Check the freezer capacity separately and confirm the compartment layout for the model you’re considering. |
If frozen food is a regular part of my shop, a small integrated freezer compartment may not give me enough storage. Around 27% of consumers put freezer capacity first. |
| Noise and everyday use |
Check the noise level and annual energy consumption shown on the label. For information about spare parts and maintenance, check the exact model details. |
With an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to noise while also considering energy use and long-term maintenance options. These are the main priorities for around 20% of consumers. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two fridges with a similar total capacity can divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. A small freezer compartment can be limiting if frozen food is a regular part of your shop.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres with the food you usually keep until your next shop.
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Measuring the housing space but forgetting the door opening and delivery route
An appliance may fit in its space but not have enough room for the doors to open, or it may not fit through a hallway or up a staircase. For a built-in model, the housing space and ventilation must also meet the requirements in the instructions.
Measure the appliance and the route to your kitchen, then check the door opening and required clearances before you order.
If access or installation proves difficult, you may need to consider a different model or discuss delivery arrangements with the seller.
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Assuming the same ventilation clearance applies to every model
Installation requirements vary between appliances. Guidance published by Bosch or LG does not replace the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Check the clearances for the specific model and installation type rather than using the measurement given for a different brand.
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Relying on a repairability rating to compare all fridges
The list of product categories covered by the French repairability index, published by the Ministry of the Economy in August 2026, does not include fridges. A general promise of durability also tells you nothing about the parts available for a specific model.
Ask which parts are available for the model you’re considering, and check the applicable service and repair terms.
Brands to consider, depending on your priorities
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re comparing built-in, under-counter and freestanding models and need to plan the installation.
- Bosch’s installation documentation explains the requirements for housing spaces and ventilation.
- Its general guidance does not replace the dimensions and instructions for the specific model you choose.
LG
Worth considering if the clearance needed for a large-capacity appliance is a key factor in your kitchen.
- LG’s support guide recommends at least 10 cm of clearance around the fridge for the appliances it covers.
- This brand recommendation does not automatically apply to other models: always follow the instructions for the model you choose.
Electrolux
Worth considering if the internal layout needs to suit your shopping habits.
- The Electrolux guide recommends considering your kitchen layout, as well as the drawers and shelves you need for the food you store.
- Check the features of the specific model and compare its label information with other models you’re considering.
Fridges to explore on Joybuy
These models offer options for storing fresh and frozen food, including fridge freezers, a multi-door model and a single-door fridge. Start by choosing the format that suits your shopping habits, then check the capacity of each compartment and the installation requirements for each model.
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Samsung RB38C604DSA, 390 L fridge freezer, D rating
Worth considering if you want a freestanding fridge freezer for storing fresh and frozen food together. The stated total capacity is 390 L; check the capacity of each compartment, the delivery route and the required clearances.
View on Joybuy
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer, E rating
Worth considering if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. The model name specifies a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost technology and My Zone; check the usable capacity of each compartment, the dimensions along the delivery route and the installation requirements.
View on Joybuy
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, black 495 L multi-door fridge freezer, E rating
Worth considering if your household needs more space for fresh and frozen food, provided you have suitable access. The stated total capacity is 495 L; measure the available width and delivery route, and check the clearances in the instructions before choosing this multi-door model.
View on Joybuy
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LG GBBS312CEV, black 333 L fridge freezer, C rating
Worth considering if you want a fridge freezer to keep fresh and frozen food between shops. Its stated total capacity is 333 L; compare the capacity of each compartment and check the required clearances and delivery route.
View on Joybuy
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Candy CIO 225 EE/N, 179 L single-door fridge
Worth considering if you prioritise fresh food but still want an integrated freezer compartment. The stated total capacity is 179 L; check how much space is actually available for frozen food, along with the dimensions and installation clearances.
View on Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering a fridge?
Measure both the space where it will go and the entire route to the kitchen: the entrance, corridors, doorways, stairs or lift. Allow room for the doors to open and follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for the model you choose; for a built-in model, check the housing space and ventilation too.
How should I compare a fridge freezer with a single-door fridge?
Start by comparing the capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food, rather than looking only at the total capacity. A fridge freezer gives you two storage spaces for a mix of groceries; if you eat little frozen food, check whether the compartment in a single-door model will meet your needs. Then compare the noise levels and annual energy consumption of similar models.
Can a French repairability rating help me choose a fridge?
Don’t rely on this rating to compare fridges: they are not included in the list of covered product categories published by the Ministry of the Economy in August 2026. For the model you’re interested in, ask instead about spare parts, documentation and repair options.