First, check whether your kitchen needs a built-in model or can accommodate a freestanding fridge. Then measure the space and check the ventilation requirements for the appliance you’re considering. A compact model is best when space is limited, while a fridge freezer is a good choice if you regularly store frozen food. If you mainly need fridge space, consider a fridge-only model. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment, the stated noise level, annual energy consumption and delivery arrangements for your home.
If your appliance needs to fit under a worktop or into an existing housing unit, the external dimensions are only part of the picture. You’ll also need to allow for the clearance and ventilation required for your chosen model.
If your shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, the capacity of each compartment matters more than the total capacity alone. A fridge freezer may suit your needs, provided its two compartments are the right size for you.
If your fridge is close to your living space, compare its stated noise level in dB(A), as well as its size and the annual energy consumption shown on the energy label.
First rule out any sizes that won’t fit the space or suit the installation type. Then work out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food before comparing noise levels, energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
Consider this: if fitting the appliance under your worktop is the priority and you only store a small amount of food at a time.
Bear in mind: storage capacity is generally more limited, particularly for frozen food.
Consider this: if your regular shopping includes both fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: it generally needs more height and depth than an under-counter fridge. Check how much space is actually available for each compartment.
Consider this: if you prioritise fresh food and only freeze food occasionally, or have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: whether there’s a freezer compartment, and how much capacity it offers, varies by model.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the appliance, the space where it will go and the access route for delivery. For a built-in model, check the housing unit, door and ventilation requirements against the instructions for the exact model. | If my kitchen has a narrow housing unit or a space under the worktop, I first need to know whether the appliance will fit and work with the required clearances. Around 36% of consumers would put installation compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. For a fridge-only model, check whether it has a freezer compartment. | To store my regular shopping and frozen food without running short of space in either compartment, I need the right balance of capacity. Around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Check the dB(A), noise class and kWh/year on the label. Compare energy consumption for appliances that are the right size and capacity for your needs. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to consider the noise near my living space and the electricity the appliance uses. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise these two practical considerations. |
| Maintenance and replacement | Check the instructions for defrosting and maintenance. If you’re replacing an appliance, find out about collection of the old one and delivery arrangements. | If I’m replacing an old fridge, I want to plan for its removal and the maintenance needed for the new model when I place my order. Ease of use and replacement would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
A suitable width doesn’t guarantee that the height or depth of the housing unit, the door fixing or the ventilation will be right. Bosch, for example, lists several housing-unit heights for some of its models designed for a 56 cm-wide space.
Measure the entire housing unit, check the door system and compare them with the installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the unit or choose a different model.
Two fridges with a similar total capacity may divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. The capacity that’s useful to you will depend on your shopping habits.
Compare the capacity of each compartment and check there’s enough room for the food you buy most often.
If your appliance is near the sofa or your bed, its stated noise level may matter more to you than it would in a separate kitchen.
Compare the dB(A) and noise class shown on the labels of models in a suitable size.
The appliance’s dimensions alone won’t tell you whether it can get through the building, doorways or stairwell. You’ll also need to arrange collection of your old fridge and installation with the retailer.
Before ordering, check the packaged dimensions, access routes, floor and services available at your address.
If access is unsuitable, the appliance may not be deliverable to the intended location.
A brand to consider if you’re choosing between a freestanding, built-in or fridge-only model.
A brand to consider when comparing fridge freezers with built-in and freestanding models.
A brand to consider for fridge-only models and fridge freezers, particularly if you’re comparing different capacities.
These models include freestanding fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, as well as a built-in model to consider if its housing unit and door system suit your kitchen. Check each model’s dimensions against the space available before choosing a capacity.
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Consider this if you want a freestanding appliance that combines fridge and freezer storage.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 390 l and energy efficiency class C. Measure the space and check the instructions for the clearance needed for installation.
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Consider this if you’re looking for a four-door fridge freezer for fresh and frozen food, provided there’s enough room and the doors can open freely in your kitchen.
This model is described as Total No Frost and Smart Inverter, and has energy efficiency class E. Check the instructions for its installation clearances.
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Consider this if you’re planning to buy a freestanding fridge freezer and want to check whether a total capacity of 437 l suits your shopping needs.
The model name indicates energy efficiency class E. Before choosing, check its dimensions against your delivery access route and find out about freezer maintenance.
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Consider this if kitchen width is limited but you still need a compartment for frozen food.
This model offers 153 l of fridge capacity and 74 l of freezer capacity. It’s 54 cm wide, with a reversible door, Low Frost and energy efficiency class E. Check its height and depth, as well as the defrosting instructions, before ordering.
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Consider this if your kitchen has a space for a built-in model and you only need a modest amount of freezer capacity.
The model name indicates a freezer compartment at the top and energy efficiency class E. Before choosing it, check the housing-unit dimensions, door fixing system and what’s included for fitting the unit’s door front.
Check the height, width and depth of the housing unit, the door system and the ventilation requirements against the instructions for the exact model. Bosch Home Appliances notes that some 56 cm-wide housing units are available in several heights, so width alone isn’t enough to choose the right appliance.
Follow the clearance requirements in your model’s instructions. Whirlpool France recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges. Don’t apply these measurements to a built-in model without checking its specific requirements.
For appliances suited to the same needs, compare the energy efficiency class, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise level in dB(A). For products sold in the European Union, Your Europe says you can check the energy information registered for a model in EPREL.
Arrange for the retailer to take it away before your new appliance is delivered. In its FAQ dated 17 January 2023, the French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that in-store ‘one-for-one’ take-back applies when you buy another product of the same type. Check separately how collection at your address and delivery are arranged.