First, work out how much fridge and freezer space your household needs between shops, then check that the appliance can be delivered and installed in your kitchen. A fridge freezer combines both types of storage in one appliance; an under-counter model takes up less space, while a multi-door model needs more room. Finally, compare the kWh/year and noise levels shown on the energy label for appliances that meet your storage needs.
Fresh food storage should last from one shop to the next without requiring an appliance that is too large for your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person, adjusting this to suit your household’s habits.
Check freezer capacity separately from fridge capacity: a large total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is available for frozen food. The European Commission says the energy label lists the capacity of each compartment separately.
The appliance’s dimensions, delivery route and door clearance matter just as much as its capacity. Follow the model’s instructions when installing it and leave space for air to circulate around the appliance, as Electrolux France advises.
Worth considering: when limited height restricts your choice of appliance.
Bear in mind: check that its fridge and freezer capacities are sufficient for your shopping.
Worth considering: if fridge storage is your priority and you have another way to freeze food, or don’t need to.
Check: whether it has a freezer compartment and, if so, how much capacity it offers.
Worth considering: if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Check: how capacity is divided between the two compartments, as this varies by model.
Worth considering: if your household needs plenty of storage space and you have room for the appliance.
Check: the route into your kitchen and the space needed to open the doors.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge capacity | Compare the fridge compartment’s capacity in litres with the number of people in your household and the time between shops. | When I leave longer gaps between shops, I want enough room to keep my fresh food until my next shop. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need for fresh food storage. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres separately and make sure it suits the amount of frozen food you keep. | If I regularly buy frozen food, the space set aside for it matters more than the total capacity advertised. Around 29% of consumers put this need for freezer space first. |
| Delivery and installation | Measure the space and access route; check the instructions for door clearance and ventilation. | In a kitchen with limited space, I need to be able to get the appliance in, open its doors and install it properly. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy use | Once you’ve found a suitable capacity and size, compare the dB(A) and kWh/year shown on the label. | If my fridge is near a living area, I pay attention to its noise level and the energy use listed for an appliance that runs continuously. Around 14% of consumers put noise or energy use at the top of their list of concerns. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity can offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. The European Commission says the energy label lists these capacities separately.
Work out how much space you need in each compartment before comparing models.
A fridge that fits in its intended space could still be difficult to get through a doorway or use once its doors are open.
Measure access points and check the model’s delivery dimensions, door-opening diagram and installation instructions.
No Frost and fast freezing serve different purposes from storage capacity. An energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you how much the appliance can hold, either.
Choose features to suit your habits, then compare capacity, kWh/year and noise levels on the energy label.
Air needs to circulate around the fridge. The clearance and installation requirements vary by model, as Electrolux France advises.
Check the instructions before deciding where to put the appliance, especially if it will be near a heat source.
These models include fridge freezers and large-capacity appliances for households looking to store fresh and frozen food. Before choosing, compare the capacity of each compartment with your shopping needs, and make sure the model’s dimensions suit your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want a multi-door appliance for larger shops: check that the split between fridge and freezer space suits your needs.
Advertised total capacity: 467 L; Total No Frost; energy class E. Check the delivery route and door clearance before ordering.
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A fridge freezer to consider if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance.
Advertised total capacity: 316 L; Total No Frost; energy class D. If you have an open-plan kitchen, check the model’s noise level on the energy label.
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Compare it with other fridge freezers if your shopping includes both fresh and frozen food.
Advertised total capacity: 333 L; energy class C. Check the instructions for clearance requirements and make sure the access route is suitable before delivery.
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Its total capacity is suited to households planning to store plenty of fresh and frozen food; compare the capacity of each compartment before choosing.
Advertised total capacity: 495 L; energy class E. Check the door layout and clearance, and make sure the delivery route into your kitchen is suitable.
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Worth considering if your shopping needs plenty of fridge and freezer space, provided you can fit this style of appliance in your kitchen.
Advertised capacity: 333 L fridge and 192 L freezer; No Frost; 37 dB; energy class E according to the product description. Check the dimensions and energy label details before choosing.
Compare fridge and freezer capacities, annual energy use in kWh and noise levels, as well as the energy efficiency class. The European Commission says the label for household fridges includes these details. Compare appliances with a size and capacity that suit your needs.
No. Check the instructions for your chosen fridge to find out how much clearance it needs. Electrolux France recommends leaving room for air to circulate around the appliance and following its installation instructions.
No, it isn’t a feature you need to insist on with every purchase. Decide whether it suits the way you use your fridge, then check the capacity of each compartment, energy use and noise level separately.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity covers faults that existed when the goods were delivered and become apparent within two years, in accordance with Article L217-3 of the Consumer Code published by Légifrance. Contact the retailer; this guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty.