First, choose a fridge that will fit in your home, can be installed as instructed and has enough room for the doors to open freely. A table-top model suits limited storage needs, a single-door model prioritises fresh food, a fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food separate, while a multi-door model needs more space. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, annual energy consumption and noise levels across models that suit the way you use your fridge.
If the space and delivery route are narrow, compare the dimensions of a table-top model and a single-door fridge. Also check the usable capacity and whether it has a freezer compartment: a small appliance may not meet both needs.
A fridge freezer lets you look at the space set aside for fresh food and the freezer separately. Choose the split that suits your shopping habits, then compare noise levels and energy consumption across appliances with similar capacities.
A multi-door fridge can offer the capacity and storage zones you’re looking for. However, its practicality depends on the space in your kitchen, how far the doors swing open and whether the appliance can be moved through your home to its intended spot.
Consider this if: you have a small kitchen and limited storage needs, and capacity is not your top priority.
Bear in mind: capacity is more limited; check whether the model’s freezer compartment suits your needs.
Consider this if: you don’t use much frozen food or already have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: some models don’t have a freezer compartment. For an integrated model, the housing and door fixing must be compatible.
Consider this if: you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food every day.
Bear in mind: it will be taller than a compact model; choose the capacity split to suit your habits rather than focusing only on the total capacity.
Consider this if: you need plenty of storage and your kitchen and access routes can accommodate it.
Bear in mind: it’s a large appliance; if the model has a dispenser, check its connection requirements.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space, delivery route and door clearance. Check the manual for required clearances and, for an integrated model, the housing dimensions. | When every doorway matters, I want to be sure the appliance will reach its spot and the doors can open. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and distinguish a small freezer compartment from a separate freezer. | If I regularly store frozen food, the total capacity alone doesn’t tell me how much space is available for it. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this split. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Check the noise emissions and annual energy consumption on the energy label; compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. | In an open-plan kitchen, I care about the noise from an appliance that runs all the time, as well as its energy consumption. Nearly 23% of consumers would put these factors first. |
| Large capacity | Check the capacity of each zone, then make sure the width and depth will fit your kitchen and access routes. | For storing large family supplies, I’d prioritise a generous capacity while accepting that the appliance will take up more space. Around 15% of consumers would make this their main need. |
A large fridge may fit in its intended spot but not through a doorway, corridor or lift. Samsung specifically recommends measuring these access points for its RF65DG960ESL multi-door model.
Before ordering, check the delivery dimensions, route, door clearance and the clearances specified in the model’s manual.
If the route is too narrow, you may need to change your layout or rearrange the delivery.
Two appliances with similar total capacities may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A small freezer compartment may not suit regular freezer use.
Work out how much you store in each zone separately, then check the usable capacity of each compartment.
The energy rating doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about annual energy consumption, capacity and noise when making a purchase. The European Commission says these details are shown on the energy label for fridges and freezers.
Compare these figures across models of the same type and similar capacity, and check that the climate class is suitable for the room.
A fridge contains components that need to be collected and handled appropriately. ADEME directs refrigerating appliances to a specialist treatment route.
When replacing your appliance, ask whether the retailer or delivery company can take it away, or drop it off at the designated area of a recycling centre.
The TSE1284N table-top model is one option to consider for a small kitchen.
The KIR41NSE0 is an integrated single-door fridge to consider if you know the housing dimensions and door-mounting requirements.
The freestanding CNd 5704 Pure NoFrost fridge freezer is worth considering if you need family-sized capacity.
The freestanding WFNF82EOXFR fridge freezer offers a useful comparison for splitting storage between fresh and frozen food.
Consider the RF65DG960ESL multi-door model if its very large capacity suits your household and the available space.
These Joybuy models let you compare fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food separate, as well as multi-door fridges for greater storage needs. Before ordering, check the dimensions and installation requirements of the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you want one appliance for both refrigeration and freezing as part of your everyday routine.
Listed total capacity: 390 L; energy rating C; silver finish. Check the capacity of each compartment, access routes and the clearances specified in the manual.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of storage and have enough room for a multi-door fridge.
Listed total capacity: 495 L; energy rating E; black finish. Measure the delivery route and check the connection requirements if you plan to use the water and ice dispenser.
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Worth comparing if you’d like a freezer beneath the fridge compartment.
Listed total capacity: 282 L; energy rating E; stainless steel finish. If the appliance will be near a living area, check its noise level and the installation instructions for this specific model.
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Worth considering if space is limited but you want to store fresh and frozen food separately.
The product details list 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost manually; also check the full dimensions and installation instructions.
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Worth considering if you want to organise a large amount of storage behind four doors.
Listed total capacity: 474 L; energy rating E; silver finish. Compare the capacity allocated to fresh and frozen food, then measure the access routes and required clearances.
As well as the energy rating, compare energy consumption, storage capacity and noise emissions. The European Commission lists this information for fridges and freezers; it’s most useful when comparing appliances of the same type and similar capacity.
No: you also need to check the delivery route, door clearance and the clearances specified in the model’s manual. For an integrated fridge, confirm the housing dimensions and door-fixing system.
No, it depends on the features of the model. If you want to use a dispenser or ice maker, check the requirements listed for the model you choose; the Joybuy product details for the Samsung RF65DG960ESL specify a cold water supply for these features.
In France, ask whether the retailer or delivery company can take it away, or take it to the designated area for electrical and electronic equipment at a recycling centre. ADEME advises that refrigerating appliances must go through the appropriate treatment route, rather than being left out with bulky waste.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. If the fridge doesn’t match its description, contact the seller to discuss the remedies available; this statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial guarantee that may be offered.