First, choose a fridge that will fit in your kitchen and can be installed there. Then compare the space available for fresh and frozen food separately. A table-top model suits light storage needs; a larder fridge is best if you store very few frozen foods or have a separate freezer. If you regularly store both, look at fridge freezers, then multi-door models if you need plenty of capacity and have enough room to install one.
If your appliance needs to fit in a small kitchen or under a worktop, a table-top model is worth considering. Que Choisir recommends this type for studio flats; also check the space needed for ventilation and to open the door.
If you shop less often and buy both fresh and frozen food, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than looking only at the total capacity. A fridge freezer gives you both in one appliance, provided the split suits your shopping habits.
A large fridge freezer or multi-door model may suit your storage needs. Before choosing a model, compare its stated noise level and measure its width, door clearance and delivery route.
The right type depends first on the space available and how much frozen food you need to store. Once you have established these, compare the noise and energy consumption of models that will genuinely fit your kitchen.
Consider it: for a studio flat or light storage needs; Que Choisir lists table-top models among the options for studio flats.
Bear in mind: its limited capacity means you should check the freezer compartment before planning to buy frozen food regularly.
Consider it: if you mainly store fresh food or already have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: the space for frozen food varies by model and may be limited to a small freezer compartment.
Consider it: if you want to store fresh food and a regular amount of frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: two fridge freezers with similar total capacities may divide the space between refrigeration and freezing differently.
Consider it: if you need a large capacity and separate access to compartments to suit your storage habits.
Bear in mind: carefully check the width, depth and delivery route for your chosen model.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and access | Measure the space, the clearances required in the manual, door swing and delivery route. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its door without blocking the way. Around 34 % of consumers would put installation constraints first. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable litres of fridge and freezer space separately, based on your shopping habits. | If I shop for several days at a time, I need enough room for both fresh and frozen food. This split would be the top priority for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Stated noise level | Check the dB(A) rating for the exact model and compare appliances with similar capacities. | In an open-plan kitchen or one close to a bedroom, I want to keep everyday noise to a minimum; around 20 % of consumers would make this their main concern. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Check the annual energy consumption on the energy label and find out how the appliance defrosts. | If the appliance runs in my home all year round, I want to consider its energy use and the maintenance it will need. For around 13 % of consumers, this would be the main criterion. |
A large-capacity fridge may leave too little room for frozen food if its freezer compartment is small.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately with how often you shop and what you buy.
An appliance may fit in the space but lack the required clearances, or it may not fit through a door or corridor when it is delivered.
Measure the route, door swing and clearances specified in the model's manual. For a built-in model, also check the internal dimensions of the housing.
The stated noise level deserves more attention when the appliance is near a living room or sleeping area.
Compare the dB(A) ratings of models with similar capacities; don't assume how noisy an appliance will be based on its type or brand alone.
An old refrigeration appliance must be taken to an appropriate collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Ask the retailer how to arrange a like-for-like take-back when buying a similar appliance, or find an authorised collection point.
Worth considering for a freestanding fridge freezer or multi-door model if you want to compare capacities and dimensions in detail.
Worth considering if the capacity split, stated noise level and width of a fridge freezer are important to your choice.
Worth considering if a large-capacity multi-door model and dedicated compartments suit your needs.
These models cover three different needs: plenty of storage with a multi-door model, space for fresh and frozen food with a fridge freezer, and light storage needs with a small fridge. Check the dimensions and compartment layout of each model before choosing.
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Worth considering if you're looking for a multi-door fridge to store fresh and frozen food. Check the capacity of each compartment and measure the delivery route, the space available and the clearances specified in the manual.
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A fridge freezer to consider if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in the same appliance. Its stated capacity is 333 L; compare the space in each compartment and check the clearances and door-opening direction required in your home.
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Worth considering for a kitchen where you need to store both fresh and frozen food. The model name indicates 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and a Low Frost system; also check its height and depth before ordering.
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Worth considering for light storage needs or as an extra appliance, rather than for storing frozen food regularly. Its stated capacity is 45 L and its name indicates an E energy rating; check the type and capacity of the freezer compartment, as well as the space needed to install it.
Que Choisir suggests an average of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to how often you shop. Compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately.
Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 5 cm on each side and behind the appliance, and 10 cm above it. However, follow the requirements in your chosen model's manual, particularly if its installation or ventilation calls for different clearances.
Compare their stated noise levels in dB(A), ideally between appliances of similar capacity. This is particularly important in a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, although it can't tell you exactly how noisy the appliance will seem in your home.
Check the stated annual energy consumption and noise level, then compare these with the capacity and type you need. ADEME recommends considering the size of these appliances, which run continuously, rather than choosing a capacity that's larger than necessary.
Arrange for it to be collected through the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme rather than leaving it with ordinary waste. If you're replacing it, ask the retailer about the like-for-like take-back of a similar appliance and how it works.