First, choose a fridge that fits your available space and shopping habits. Then compare the usable capacity for fresh food and frozen food separately. A tabletop model could work if space is limited and its small freezer compartment is enough for you. A fridge-freezer has a separate freezer, while a multi-door model needs plenty of room and is best suited to households with a genuine need for lots of storage. Before you decide, check the delivery route, door clearance and the space required, as stated in the manual for the exact model.
You’re moving into a home with limited space and need to balance the fridge’s footprint, door clearance and usable capacity. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering your kitchen layout and checking that doors and drawers remain accessible.
You store several days’ worth of fresh food and need to work out whether you need a fridge-freezer or a larger appliance. The right format depends in part on the size of your household and your shopping habits.
Compare freezer capacity separately from the total capacity: a small freezer compartment and a drawer-style freezer won’t meet the same storage needs.
Worth considering : if floor space is your priority and you don’t store much frozen food. Beko states that the TSE1284N has 101 L of fridge capacity and 13 L of freezer capacity.
Bear in mind : its 13 L, four-star freezer compartment is limited. Also check the dimensions and door clearance in your kitchen.
Worth considering : if you want to store fresh and frozen food separately. Bosch Home Appliances France states that the Bosch KGN36NWEA has 216 L of fridge capacity and 89 L of freezer capacity.
Bear in mind : this model measures 1 860 × 600 × 660 mm and has a stated noise level of 42 dB(A), according to Bosch Home Appliances France.
Worth considering : if your household genuinely needs a large amount of storage and your kitchen can accommodate the appliance. LG states that the GMZ765SBHJ has 504 L of fridge capacity and 246 L of freezer capacity.
Bear in mind : this model measures 908 × 1 785 × 802 mm, and its dispenser requires a water supply, according to LG France.
The criteria below cover where the fridge will go, its usable capacity and practical considerations. UFC-Que Choisir links the right format to your kitchen size, household and storage habits. ADEME also points out that choosing an appliance that’s too large or has more features than you need can increase the energy it uses, as it runs continuously.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the space and delivery route; check how far the doors open and the clearances specified in the manual. | If my kitchen is small, I want to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without blocking nearby units. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise available space. |
| Fridge capacity | Compare the usable litres for fresh food with your usual shopping and containers, rather than looking only at the total capacity. | If I shop less frequently, I want room to store fresh food for several days without choosing an appliance that’s too large for my kitchen. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise fridge capacity. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer’s own capacity and the shape of its compartments against the frozen food you buy. | If I regularly store frozen food, I want to know how much space is actually available for it, rather than relying on the total capacity. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise freezer capacity. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the stated kWh/year and dB(A) for the exact models, taking the planned capacity and location into account. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep noise to a minimum and avoid paying for capacity or features I won’t use. Around 14 % of consumers put energy use and noise at the top of their list. |
The Beko TSE1284N has a stated total capacity of 114 L, but only 13 L is in its four-star freezer compartment. So the overall figure doesn’t tell you how much space is available for frozen food.
Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check how the compartments are laid out.
A fridge may fit into an alcove but leave too little room to open the door or remove the bins and drawers. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking that they can be accessed when the appliance is near a wall or between units.
Measure the delivery route and the space available, including door clearance, then check the clearances in the manual for the exact model.
The dispenser on the LG GMZ765SBHJ needs a water supply. Its stated dimensions are 908 × 1 785 × 802 mm, according to LG France.
Before choosing this model, make sure its capacity meets your needs and that you have enough space and a suitable water connection in your kitchen.
Worth a look if you’re after a compact tabletop fridge, such as the TSE1284N featured here.
Worth considering if you want a fridge-freezer with a separate freezer, such as the KGN36NWEA.
Worth considering if you need lots of space in a multi-door fridge, such as the GMZ765SBHJ.
Another tabletop model worth comparing if space is limited: the KTe551.
This selection includes fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food separately, as well as a compact model for chilled storage without a freezer compartment.
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For keeping fresh and frozen food in separate compartments.
Stated capacities: 235 L for the fridge and 125 L for the freezer; stated width: 59,5 cm.
The product listing specifies Total No Frost, My Zone and Humidity Zone compartments, and three freezer drawers.
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For storing fresh and frozen food separately in one fridge-freezer.
Stated capacities: 211 L for the fridge and 99 L for the freezer; stated width: 60 cm.
The product listing specifies a reversible door, an inverter compressor and energy class E.
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For keeping fresh and frozen food in a compact appliance with two compartments.
Stated capacities: 115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer; stated dimensions: 50 × 55 × 150 cm.
The product listing specifies Low Frost, a reversible door and energy class E. Low Frost reduces frost build-up, but isn’t claimed to eliminate the need for defrosting.
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For keeping fresh and frozen food separate in a kitchen where width is a consideration.
Stated capacities: 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; stated width: 54 cm.
The product listing specifies Low Frost, a four-star compartment, adjustable shelves, a reversible door and energy class E. Low Frost reduces frost build-up, but isn’t claimed to eliminate manual defrosting.
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For prioritising chilled storage in a small space, without needing to freeze food.
Stated capacity: 82 L for fresh food; no freezer compartment is listed.
The product listing specifies adjustable shelves, a salad crisper and door storage.
Measure the space and check that the door can open without hitting nearby walls or units. UFC-Que Choisir recommends making sure that bins and drawers can be removed. Check the manual for the exact model for any opening and installation requirements.
If the appliance was transported on its side, check the manual for how long to wait before plugging it in again. Then wait for the temperature to drop before storing food inside. Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 °C and 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge.
Compare the stated kWh/year for models that meet your needs: ADEME points out that choosing an appliance that’s too large or has more features than you need can increase your bill. If you buy from a professional seller in France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies under its terms; claims must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered. A commercial guarantee is separate and optional, according to the DGCCRF.
The DGCCRF states that relevant retailers must take back used electrical and electronic equipment free of charge, in line with the applicable arrangements. Ask the seller how take-back works when you arrange delivery.