First, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen and can be brought in along the delivery route. A compact model may suit frequent shopping trips, while a fridge-freezer, a multi-door model or a separate freezer offers different storage options. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering your kitchen layout and shopping habits. When comparing models, also check the information on the EU energy label.
If you buy fresh food often and have limited space, check the appliance’s overall dimensions as well as its usable capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide recommends taking the size of your kitchen and how often you shop into account.
If you store fresh food, meals and some frozen items, compare the capacity in litres of each compartment rather than looking only at the total capacity. The EU energy label lists the chilled and frozen volumes separately.
If your priority is storing more food, decide whether you need a large shared capacity or a separate freezer. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of the space you need for frozen food when choosing a format.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the appliance’s format against the dimensions of its intended location and delivery route. UFC-Que Choisir highlights shopping habits and kitchen layout. The EU energy label lets you compare each model’s capacity, kWh/year and noise emissions.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size, installation and delivery | Appliance and packaging dimensions, access route, door opening and the clearances specified for the model. | In a small kitchen or a home with narrow access, I want to know whether the appliance can be installed without blocking the way. Around 31 % of consumers would put available space, installation and delivery first. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | Capacity in litres for each compartment and the interior layout. | If I store food shops and meals for several days, I check that both compartments meet my needs. Around 31 % of consumers would prioritise this balance between refrigeration and freezing. |
| Freezing capacity | Capacity of the frozen-food compartment and, if you are considering two appliances, the annual energy consumption in kWh for each. | If I store lots of frozen food, a small integrated compartment may not be enough for my needs. Around 23 % of consumers would make frozen-food storage their main priority. |
| Large capacity and performance | Capacity of each compartment, dimensions, kWh/year and the noise level in dB shown on the label. | If I’m sharing a large food store with others, I want plenty of capacity without losing sight of the space available and the appliance’s performance information. Around 15 % of consumers would prioritise a large shared capacity. |
Total capacity doesn’t show how much space is set aside for fresh and frozen food. Two appliances with a similar total capacity may suit different storage habits.
Compare the capacity of each compartment separately and check it against the food you usually buy.
The appliance must also fit along the access route while still in its packaging, and the required clearances vary by model.
Measure doorways, corridors and the lift, then check the packaging dimensions, door opening direction and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
Having two appliances means adding the freezer’s energy consumption to that of the fridge.
To compare two set-ups, add together the kWh/year figures shown for both appliances and compare the result with the annual figure for the other model. The stated energy consumption isn’t an estimate of your actual electricity bill.
The KTe551 is an example of a table-top fridge to consider if you’re looking for a compact format.
The KGN49XWEA and KGN392XCF fridge-freezers let you compare different widths and capacity splits.
Consider the multi-door RM70F63NEREF if its large capacity suits your needs and your access route allows for delivery.
The HFR59F18CWMM is a freestanding four-door multi-door model to consider for organising a large food store.
The B1RFNE314W is a freestanding upright freezer to consider if storing frozen food is your main priority and you have room for a second appliance.
This selection brings together multi-door fridge-freezers and fridge-freezers with separate compartments, so you can compare how they divide fresh and frozen storage to suit the space available.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-door model to keep fresh and frozen food organised.
360 l; Total No Frost; E rating; Wi-Fi; My Zone.
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Consider this model if you’re looking for a large capacity in a French-door format. Check that its dimensions suit the space and delivery route.
485 l; Total No Frost; Inverter compressor; Multi Air Flow; water dispenser; E rating; 38 dB; stainless steel finish.
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Worth considering if you want a freestanding fridge-freezer and need to compare its total capacity with the space available.
310 l; 211 l fridge and 99 l freezer; 60 cm wide; Inverter compressor; reversible door; E rating.
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Consider this model if you need separate fresh and frozen storage in a fridge-freezer with a more compact total capacity.
174 l; 115 l fridge and 59 l freezer; Low Frost; 39 dB; E rating. Low Frost is not described as a frost-free system.
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Worth considering if width is an important factor and you want two separate compartments.
227 l; 153 l fridge and 74 l freezer; 54 cm wide; Low Frost; four-star freezer rating; reversible door; E rating.
No, clearances and installation requirements vary by model. Check the instructions and measure the route the packaged appliance will take, especially for a large model. Electrolux’s general recommendations aren’t a universal measurement.
Compare the kWh/year, the capacities of the fresh and frozen compartments, and the noise emissions and noise class for the exact models. The European Commission states that the label has used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021. The annual energy consumption shown isn’t an electricity bill.
Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check the temperature and avoid overfilling the appliance so that cold air can circulate. This advice applies whichever format you choose.
The Ministry of the Economy and Finance reminds shoppers that purchases made by individuals from professional sellers are covered by the mandatory legal guarantee of conformity. Before placing your order, ask about delivery, installation and collection of your old appliance. The DGCCRF describes free “one-for-one” take-back. An optional commercial warranty does not replace the legal guarantee.
No, fridges aren’t included in the official list of product categories that must display this index, according to information from the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. So its absence from a product listing doesn’t, on its own, prove that the listing is non-compliant.