Which format is right for you?

Compact kitchen, little need for frozen food

In a studio flat or small kitchen, a table-top fridge can save space if you don't need much freezer capacity. Even so, compare its usable capacity and the room needed to open the door.

Household that shops weekly

If you store both fresh and frozen food between shops, a fridge freezer lets you compare the capacity of each compartment separately. How that capacity is divided matters more than the total capacity alone.

Larger household with a spacious kitchen

If you buy larger quantities, a multi-door fridge may be worth considering, provided its width, delivery route to the kitchen and door clearance are suitable for your home. Check these points before settling on its capacity.

What to consider before you buy

First rule out any appliances that can't be installed properly, then choose compartment sizes to suit your shopping habits. Next, compare the features that will affect how you use the appliance every day.

Consideration What to check Who is it for?
Space and installation Measure the space and delivery access. Check the manual for clearance requirements and door opening. For an integrated model, check the niche dimensions and fixing system. If I'm redesigning a narrow kitchen, the appliance must fit through the access route and open without blocking the way; around 33% of consumers put this first.
Capacity for fresh food Compare the fridge's net capacity with how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person, adjusted to suit your habits. When I need fresh food to last until my next shop, I prioritise the space available for storing it; this is the main consideration for around 27% of consumers.
Space for frozen food Check the net capacity and type of freezer compartment separately from the total capacity. Also look at the defrosting system if ease of maintenance matters to you. If I regularly buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment may not suit my shopping habits; around 20% of consumers prioritise this space.
Everyday use Compare the stated noise level if your kitchen is open-plan, and check the interior layout. For food storage, Anses recommends 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part. In an open-plan living space, I want to be able to store my food easily and live with the appliance's noise every day; this is a priority for around 20% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Focusing only on total capacity

    Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food.

    Compare the net capacity of each compartment with what you buy between shops.

  • Measuring only the final spot

    An appliance that fits in your kitchen may still be difficult to get through a doorway, hallway or lift. Que Choisir highlights the particularly large size of American-style fridges.

    Measure the delivery route and the space needed in front of the appliance to open its doors and remove the drawers.

  • Confusing integrated and freestanding models

    Similar external dimensions don't guarantee that an appliance will fit in a niche: the door fixing and ventilation matter too.

    For an integrated model, compare the cabinet with the installation diagram for the model. For a freestanding model, follow the clearance requirements in its manual.

  • Forgetting about temperature settings and loading after you buy

    Choosing the right format doesn't mean you can skip checking the temperature and allowing air to circulate inside the appliance.

    Anses recommends 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part. Avoid overfilling the shelves and check the temperature regularly.

Brands to compare

Bosch

Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridges, with or without a freezer.

  • These ranges let you compare different installation types and compartment layouts.
  • For an integrated model, check the niche dimensions and door fixing system in the manual.

Liebherr

Liebherr offers a range of integrated fridges designed for different niche sizes.

  • The range lets you explore different niche heights and widths to suit your kitchen plans.
  • The range's dimensions are no substitute for the installation diagram for the model you choose.

Electrolux

Electrolux product details let you compare features specific to its integrated models, including niche dimensions and capacity split.

  • The product details for model ETS3LE16S show its installation dimensions and cooling system.
  • Follow the model's manual for ventilation and installation requirements.

Samsung

Samsung multi-door fridges may suit larger households looking for plenty of capacity and with enough room to accommodate one.

  • Samsung lists a capacity of 648 l and dimensions of 912 × 1 853 × 683 mm for its RM70F63NER model.
  • These figures apply to this model: measure the access route too and check its installation clearances.

A fridge freezer to consider on Joybuy

This freestanding fridge freezer is designed for households that want fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. Check that its size and the ventilation requirements in the manual are suitable for your kitchen.

Beko B5RCNE406HG freestanding grey fridge freezer

Beko B5RCNE406HG, grey freestanding fridge freezer, 355 l

Worth considering if you need to store fresh and frozen food in a freestanding fridge freezer.

The product name lists a capacity of 355 l, Total No Frost and an energy rating of C. Before ordering, compare its dimensions and the clearance requirements in the manual with the space and access route in your home.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should I set my fridge to?

Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part. Check it regularly, particularly when the appliance is very full.

Can I install a freestanding fridge in a cabinet?

Don't assume a freestanding model will fit in a niche: it needs the ventilation specified in its manual. If your kitchen has a cabinet designed for an integrated model, check the niche dimensions, door fixing and installation diagram for the model you've chosen.

What should I check before a large fridge is delivered?

Measure the route to the kitchen, the final space and the clearance needed to open the doors. After delivery, follow the model's manual for positioning it and for any recommended wait before plugging it in.

Is the energy label enough to compare two models?

No. First compare the energy labels of models that meet your capacity and installation needs. The rating and other information on the label can then help you choose between appliances suited to your kitchen, but you should still check their compartments.