First, check that the fridge can be brought all the way to your kitchen, will fit in its space and can be installed in line with the instructions in its manual. A compact model suits households that mainly need fresh-food storage and shop frequently. A fridge-freezer has a separate space for frozen food, while a multi-door or side-by-side model needs to justify its larger capacity based on your household’s habits and available space. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, noise levels and stated annual energy consumption for each model.
If you have a kitchenette, studio flat or narrow alcove, choose an appliance whose dimensions and fresh-food capacity suit frequent shopping. Que Choisir highlights table-top models as an option for studio flats. Be sure to check the exact dimensions and the space needed to open the door.
A fridge-freezer lets you assess the space for fresh food separately from the freezer capacity, rather than choosing based on total capacity alone. You should also compare the depth, noise level and installation requirements of the model you’re considering.
A multi-door or side-by-side model is worth considering if you shop less often and need plenty of space in both compartments. Measure the space for the appliance and the delivery route too: Samsung advises checking access for its RM70F63NER multi-door model in its packaging.
Consider this: for a small space and frequent food shops, when you mainly need fresh-food storage.
Bear in mind: storage capacity is limited, particularly for frozen food, depending on the model’s configuration.
Consider this: if you prioritise fridge space and have another freezer, or only need to freeze a small amount.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment may not meet your needs if you regularly store a lot of frozen food, as Que Choisir points out.
Consider this: if you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: its height and depth must fit the space available, even if the width seems suitable.
Consider this: if you want to stock up between less frequent food shops and your kitchen and access routes can accommodate this size.
Bear in mind: you’ll need more space. ADEME also recommends considering an appliance’s size and features when choosing a model that runs continuously.
Once you’ve decided on a format, start with your household’s main need, then check the other features on the product page and in the manual for the exact model.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Appliance dimensions and any alcove; access route, door clearance and required ventilation. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without obstruction. Around 36% of consumers would make this installation requirement their top priority. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Usable fridge capacity in litres, considered alongside the number of people in your household and how often you shop. | If several people share the shopping or you shop less often, I need enough room for fresh food. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Frozen-food capacity | Usable freezer capacity in litres and the defrosting system specified for that compartment. | If I regularly store frozen food, a small freezer may not suit my habits. Around 21% of consumers would make freezing capacity their top priority. |
| Noise and energy use | Stated consumption in kWh/year and stated noise level, comparing appliances of a similar capacity and with similar features. | In an open-plan room, I pay attention to the noise and energy use of an appliance that runs continuously. Keeping one or the other to a minimum would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A large appliance needs to fit in its intended space, but it also has to pass through doors, corridors and any lifts. Samsung advises checking the delivery route for its RM70F63NER multi-door model in its packaging.
Measure the space and access routes, then check the package dimensions if they’re listed, as well as the clearance needed to open the doors once the appliance is in place.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may have different compartment layouts. Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly eat a lot of frozen food.
Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately, based on the food you usually buy.
Ventilation requirements and climate class depend on the model and how it’s installed. Bosch gives clearance guidance in its FAQ, while Whirlpool explains where to find the climate class for your appliance.
Check the manual and product page for the model you’ve chosen, especially if it’s built in or will be used in a particularly cold or hot room.
According to ADEME, refrigeration appliances run continuously, and their size and range of features affect their energy use.
Compare the stated kWh/year figures for models that offer similar storage capacity, without overlooking usable space or noise.
Its range includes both freestanding fridge-freezers and models to consider for a built-in project.
A brand to consider for a built-in project, comparing the appliance’s specifications with those of the housing space.
Its larger models are worth considering when your storage needs and access routes justify a wider appliance.
These Joybuy models include a compact fridge for light refrigeration needs, fridge-freezers with separate fresh- and frozen-food compartments, and larger models for storing more. First choose a format that suits your kitchen and shopping habits, then check the manual for the model you select.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one freestanding fridge-freezer.
Stated total capacity of 390 L and energy rating D. Check how the capacity is divided between compartments, along with the dimensions and required clearances, before choosing where to put it.
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Consider this if less frequent food shops mean you need plenty of capacity and your kitchen can accommodate a side-by-side model.
Stated total capacity of 640 L. Check the appliance dimensions, delivery route and installation requirements. If you plan to use the water and ice dispenser listed for this model, also check that it can be connected to the mains water supply.
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This multi-door model is suited to households looking for plenty of storage, with several doors giving access to its compartments.
Stated total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and energy rating E. Check which way the doors open, the clearance they need and the dimensions of the access route before delivery.
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Worth considering if width is limited but you still want a separate compartment for frozen food.
The model title lists 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm and energy rating E. Its Low Frost technology reduces frost build-up but may not eliminate the need for manual defrosting. Check the height, depth and installation instructions too.
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This compact model is worth considering if you have limited space and only need to store a small amount of fresh food, rather than stock up for a family.
Stated total capacity of 45 L and energy rating E. Before relying on it for frozen food, check the capacity of the relevant compartment, along with the dimensions and installation requirements.
No. Follow the manual for the model you’ve chosen, as ventilation requirements depend on the appliance and how it’s installed. Bosch’s FAQ specifies at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath its fridges. Don’t automatically apply this guidance to other models.
First check that its climate class is suitable for the room’s temperature. Whirlpool says the climate class is shown on the rating plate and in the technical specifications. Check the operating temperature range for the exact model before buying.
Compare their stated annual consumption in kWh/year and their noise levels, taking each appliance’s capacity and features into account. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously, so comparing energy ratings alone won’t show the impact of choosing a model with more capacity than you need.
When you buy a new appliance in France, the retailer must offer to take back your old one, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. Ask the retailer how to arrange this, including access to your home and how to prepare the old appliance before delivery.