Start by measuring the available space and checking the clearances specified in the manual: a fridge positioned too tightly against a wall or inside a recess may not have enough ventilation. A table-top model is best suited to one person with few frozen foods, while a fridge freezer is a more practical choice for mixed storage. Larger models and built-in appliances mainly require you to confirm the available space, housing unit and installation requirements.
In a studio flat or kitchenette, prioritise a compact appliance and check the actual available capacity, whether there is a freezer compartment and the overall dimensions. Que Choisir presents table-top fridges as a format suited to smaller spaces.
To keep everyday groceries and frozen food in one appliance, compare the capacities of both compartments first. A fridge freezer is worth considering when how often you shop or the size of your household means you need more space.
Buying in bulk may justify a larger capacity, while a fitted kitchen means checking the housing unit, ventilation and front-panel compatibility. Do not choose a built-in model based on appearance alone.
Start by choosing the format based on the available space and the compartments you need, then check the installation requirements and practical features of the exact model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food and freezer capacity | Compare the usable litres of the fridge and freezer separately. Match them to the amount of frozen food you buy and the time between shopping trips. | I want enough room for fresh food without discovering too late that the freezer is too small. Beko France provides household-size guidelines, which should be adjusted when you shop less frequently. |
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the door swing. For a built-in model, compare the housing-unit dimensions rather than just the appliance’s external dimensions. | My appliance needs to fit in the kitchen without blocking a walkway, unit or door opening. |
| Ventilation | Check the model’s manual for the required clearances around the appliance. Some Beko manuals allow at least 5 cm to the ceiling and wall when installed in a recess, but this measurement depends on the model. | I need to be able to leave air circulating around the fridge, even if it is positioned between two units. |
| Energy, noise and defrosting | Compare the energy label, stated energy consumption, declared noise level and whether a No Frost or Low Frost function is explicitly included. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to take the stated noise level into account and avoid choosing a large appliance whose capacity exceeds my needs. ADEME recommends using the energy label when comparing appliances. |
Two fridge freezers with a similar width can have very different heights, depths and capacities. Bosch, for example, lists 1754 × 614 × 663 mm for the KGN33NWDA, compared with 2030 × 600 × 665 mm for the KGN39VLCT.
Measure the available height, width and depth, and allow for the doors to open before comparing the model’s specifications and manual.
A fridge needs to release heat. Beko France explains that some manuals require a clearance of at least 5 cm from the ceiling and wall when an appliance is installed in a recess.
Before ordering, check the clearances required for the specific model, nearby units and heat sources.
Depending on the configuration, fitting, door panelling or joinery work may be required.
Bosch’s documented range includes a compact table-top model, freestanding fridge freezers and larger-capacity models, with specifications detailing capacity, dimensions, noise levels and energy ratings for each reference.
Beko offers capacity guidelines based on household size, along with fridge freezers, multi-door models and built-in appliances supported by installation documentation.
Electrolux is a useful reference when comparing built-in fridge freezers, particularly when the housing-unit dimensions and integration behind a door panel determine the choice.
These Joybuy options include built-in fridge freezers, a freestanding fridge freezer and larger formats, allowing you to compare fresh and frozen-food storage to suit your kitchen layout.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with separate fresh and frozen-food storage.
176 L fridge capacity, 76 L freezer capacity, No Frost, energy rating C, stated consumption of 150 kWh/year and a declared noise level of 34 dB(A).
Before ordering, check the housing-unit dimensions, ventilation and compatibility with the cabinet and front panel.
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This built-in format suits an average-sized household if the housing unit and sliding-door system are compatible.
186 L fridge capacity, 62 L freezer capacity, TwinTech Total No Frost, separate controls, energy rating E and a declared noise level of 37 dB(A).
The freezer capacity may be limited for large or infrequent frozen-food shops; also confirm the housing-unit dimensions and front panel.
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A freestanding fridge freezer to consider when width is limited but you still want a separate freezer compartment.
187 L fridge capacity, 75 L freezer capacity, width of 540 mm, height of 1760 mm, Low Frost, energy rating E and a declared noise level of 39 dB(A).
Low Frost does not mean that defrosting is never needed; also check the ventilation clearances in the manual before installation.
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This large format is designed for bulk shopping and households that store a high proportion of frozen food, provided your kitchen has room for it.
333 L fridge capacity, 192 L freezer capacity, No Frost, Multi-Airflow, energy rating E and a declared noise level of 37 dB.
Check the overall dimensions, delivery access and required clearances before choosing this capacity.
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A four-door option for a kitchen that can accommodate a wide appliance and requires plenty of storage space.
Stated total capacity of 474 L, dimensions of 838 × 653 × 1775 mm, a vegetable drawer with three settings and two combinable freezer drawers.
The exact split between fridge and freezer capacity, ventilation clearances and door opening need to be checked before purchase.
Use capacity guidelines based on household size as a starting point, then allow extra room if you cook in large quantities or buy lots of frozen food. As a general guide, Beko France suggests 150 to 200 L of fridge capacity and around 60 L of freezer capacity for two people, rising to 200 to 250 L and around 70 L for three people.
Do not assume so: the appliance needs suitable ventilation. Some Beko manuals require at least 5 cm to the ceiling and wall in a recess, while Electrolux France advises following the instructions for each individual appliance. Always check the manual for the exact model.
No. A built-in model must be chosen based on the housing unit, fitting system and front-panel compatibility. The Electrolux KNS3SE18S, for example, requires a 1780 × 560 × 550 mm housing unit; fitting or door panelling may also require separate work.
Yes. A fridge runs continuously, and ADEME recommends using the energy label to compare appliances. Compare the rating and stated consumption with capacity, noise and useful features: extra capacity is not justified by one specification alone.
When you buy an equivalent new appliance, the retailer must offer free « 1-for-1 » take-back of the old appliance, including for distance sales, according to ecosystem. Check the collection or take-back arrangements when placing your order.