Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the doors, then compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities with your shopping habits. An under-counter model may suit a small kitchen, while a fridge-freezer gives you separate space for fresh and frozen food. A multi-door model offers more storage if its dimensions and door opening work for your space. For an integrated model, also check the housing, door-fixing system and ventilation requirements for that specific model.
If you’re moving home or replacing an appliance in a tight space, the housing, delivery route and door clearance will determine which styles are worth comparing. Que Choisir Ensemble highlights the importance of kitchen size and clearance.
Compare the freezer capacity with the fridge capacity to check that the appliance suits your storage habits. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends taking your consumption of frozen food into account.
If you shop less often, consider the usable capacity and layout of the compartments, as well as the overall size and access to the drawers. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes, in particular, between frequent small shops and shopping intended to last one or two weeks.
Worth considering: if you’re looking for a compact appliance for a small kitchen or one that fits under a worktop.
Check: its usable capacity, and whether it has a freezer compartment and what it can be used for.
Worth considering: if you want to prioritise fresh-food storage and don’t need a large freezer in the same appliance.
Check: some models have a small freezer compartment, while others have none.
Worth considering: if you buy both fresh and frozen food and want two separate compartments.
Check: the capacity in litres of each compartment, the height and the clearance needed to open the doors.
Worth considering: if your shopping needs several compartments and your kitchen can accommodate a wider appliance.
Check: the route to its final position, door clearance and the split between fresh and frozen storage.
To compare styles that suit your needs, first check how they’ll fit, then look at the capacity split and usage information.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and door clearance | Measure the space and delivery route, then check the door clearance and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | If my kitchen is narrow or the appliance needs to fit into a housing, I’ll check the route in and door clearance before choosing a style. Around 31% of consumers prioritise size. |
| Freezer compartment | Check whether it’s included, what it can be used for and its usable capacity, separately from the fridge capacity. | If I regularly store frozen food, I’ll compare the capacity actually set aside for it rather than relying on the total capacity alone. Around 31% of consumers prioritise frozen-food storage. |
| Fridge capacity | Compare usable capacity in litres and the interior layout with the size of your household and how often you shop. Que Choisir Ensemble offers a general guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person; this isn’t a mandatory minimum. | If I do a big shop or shop less often, I’ll check that the fridge capacity suits what I need to store between shops. Around 25% of consumers prioritise capacity for their shopping. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the energy label information for appliances with relevant features and capacities. Also check the stated noise level if your kitchen is close to a living area. | If I’m choosing between appliances that already meet my space and storage needs, I’ll compare their energy information and stated noise levels. Around 13% of consumers prioritise these practical features. |
The total capacity doesn’t tell you how many litres are set aside for fresh food and how many for the freezer.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with the types of food you buy.
The delivery route, housing, ventilation, door-fixing system and door clearance all need to be checked separately.
Measure the route and the kitchen, then follow the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen rather than assuming the clearances for another model will apply.
If the appliance doesn’t fit, you may need to return it or change your kitchen layout.
Having a freezer compartment doesn’t guarantee that it has the capacity or features you need for your habits.
Check the compartment specifications and consider a fridge-freezer if you regularly store frozen food.
Freestanding fridge-freezer examples let you compare fresh and frozen capacities, as well as the dimensions of a specific model.
Examples of larder and integrated models help you assess fresh-food storage and housing dimensions.
The RF48A401EB4/EF is an example of a multi-door fridge to consider if you’re looking for plenty of storage space.
The ELB3AE82YY is a compact example to consider when under-worktop space and the kitchen layout are key factors.
The GBBSJ10DPY is an example of a fridge-freezer you can use to check dimensions and door clearance in a tight kitchen.
The models featured here are multi-door or side-by-side fridges, designed for households that need plenty of fresh and frozen food storage.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for several compartments to store fresh and frozen food.
Stated net capacity: 329 L for the fridge and 159 L for the freezer. The product listing includes Twin Cooling, a filtered water dispenser and an ice maker.
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Worth considering if you need separate storage for fresh and frozen food.
Stated net capacities: 330 L for the fridge and 165 L for the freezer. The product listing specifies Twin Cooling Plus and No Frost.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large freestanding appliance to store fresh and frozen food.
Stated gross capacity: 583 L, split between 375 L for the fridge and 208 L for the freezer. The product listing specifies a Wi-Fi connection.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of storage for fresh and frozen food.
The product listing states a capacity of 375 L for the fridge and 208 L for the freezer, with a total capacity of 583 L. It also mentions Multi-Flow and Wi-Fi.
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Worth considering if you want separate fresh and frozen storage in a side-by-side appliance.
Stated capacities: 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer. The product listing specifies No Frost, Multi-Airflow, a reversible door and a noise level of 37 dB.
Measure the housing in three dimensions and check the instructions for the model’s door-fixing system, ventilation and clearance. Bosch highlights base ventilation for some under-worktop appliances; its 200 cm² recommendation doesn’t apply to every model.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part between 0 and +4 °C, monitoring the temperature, avoiding overfilling the appliance and cleaning it regularly. This is food safety advice, not a statement about the performance of any particular brand.
Check the model’s energy label rather than assuming its energy use based on its style or an old A+++ rating. If you’re buying a replacement, also check the arrangements for delivery, installation and removal of your old appliance.
The statutory guarantee of conformity covers new and second-hand goods sold by a business to an individual. You have two years to make a claim, according to the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance. When you buy a new appliance, the retailer must offer free take-back of an equivalent used appliance under the “one-for-one” scheme, according to the DGCCRF. The energy labelling of household fridges is covered by the European regulation applicable in France.