After moving, first choose a fridge that can be installed in your kitchen. An integrated model needs a suitable housing unit, ventilation and, where applicable, compatible door fixings; a freestanding model does not rely on a housing unit. Then decide between a fridge freezer, which combines fresh and frozen food storage, and a table-top model, which is worth considering when space is limited and its capacity meets your needs. Finally, check the energy consumption, noise level and delivery terms for the model you choose.
Your kitchen layout may rule out some appliances before you even compare their capacity. Once you’ve established where it will go, your storage habits and delivery arrangements can help you narrow down the options.
If you have a housing unit, existing cabinets or a narrow space, measure the area and check the door-fitting system on the model you’re considering. Electrolux specifies that an integrated model needs ventilation suited to its housing unit.
If you regularly keep both, a fridge freezer combines a fridge and freezer in one appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
A table-top or compact freestanding model may suit a limited space, provided its capacity is right for you. Before ordering, also check the route into your kitchen and the delivery, removal or installation services available at your address.
Start with anything that could prevent installation, then compare how much space is available for fresh and frozen food. Energy consumption, noise and delivery arrangements can help you choose between the models that suit your kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the available space. For an integrated model, compare the housing unit, ventilation and door system with the instructions for the exact model. | A housing unit or narrow access route may determine your choice before capacity does; around 36% of consumers prioritise these space and fit requirements. |
| Space for fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacity of both compartments. If you store frozen food, check the type of freezer compartment. | If your regular shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, you’ll need room for each; around 29% of consumers put this balance first. |
| Energy consumption and noise | Once you’ve found a suitable size, check the annual energy consumption in kWh and noise level in dB on the label or product details. Also check the relevant durability information. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters every day, as does the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously; around 21% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
| Delivery and removal | Check that the appliance can be brought into your kitchen and confirm the seller’s terms for delivery, removal and, if needed, installation. | If access to your new home or removal of your old appliance makes moving more complicated, the service can be a deciding factor; this is the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Integrated and freestanding describe how an appliance is installed; fridge freezer describes an appliance with two compartments. So a fridge freezer can be either integrated or freestanding. A table-top model, meanwhile, is a compact option: check its capacity and whether it has a freezer compartment rather than judging what it can do by its size alone.
Having an external width similar to your cabinet isn’t enough: the housing unit dimensions, airflow and door-panel fitting can all prevent installation. Electrolux’s documentation, for example, specifies a low-level air intake and a high-level outlet for the integrated appliances it features.
Compare all your cabinet measurements with the installation diagram for the exact model, then check its ventilation requirements, hinges and door clearance.
The total capacity doesn’t show how much space is available for each use. Different layouts may suit different shopping habits, even when the appliances have a similar total capacity.
Work out separately how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the capacity of each compartment in the product details.
Access to your home, removal of your old appliance and installation depend on the service you choose and the seller’s terms. BUT, for example, describes a home collection service linked to delivery of a new appliance, subject to its own terms.
Before you pay, tell the seller about any access restrictions and check exactly what your order includes, particularly if you need your old appliance removed or the new one installed.
The rating helps you compare appliances, but it won’t tell you whether the fridge will fit in your kitchen or whether its compartments suit your needs.
First rule out sizes that won’t fit, then compare annual energy consumption, capacity and noise levels across the remaining suitable models. ADEME recommends using the energy label to help guide your choice.
These brands offer different starting points. Always check the dimensions, fittings and features in the details for the specific model.
The range includes integrated fridge freezers, which are worth considering if your kitchen already has a housing unit and cabinet door.
You can explore the integrated range according to your housing unit dimensions, capacity and noise requirements.
The brand offers freestanding, integrated and fridge-freezer models, so you can consider the installation type separately from your freezer needs.
Its compact models are worth considering when limited space points towards a freestanding table-top appliance.
These models include freestanding fridge freezers, an integrated fridge freezer and an integrated fridge for fresh food. Compare them according to your available space and how much room you need for frozen food. Integrated models need particular care when checking the housing unit.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a freestanding appliance. The title lists a total capacity of 440 L and energy rating D; also compare the space available in each compartment.
Measure the route into your kitchen, the space available and the clearances required for installation. Check which services are available at your address before ordering.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a freestanding four-door fridge freezer. Its title lists a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and energy rating E; check the usable capacity for fresh and frozen food separately.
Check the delivery route, available space and door clearance, as well as the services available at your address.
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Consider this if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and you need compartments for both fresh and frozen food. The title mentions TwinTech No Frost and energy rating E.
Before choosing this model, compare its installation diagram with your housing unit, ventilation and cabinet door. Also check the net capacity of each compartment in the model documentation.
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Worth considering if space is limited and you also want to store frozen food. The title lists 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a reversible door and energy rating E.
Check the height, depth and clearance required, then consult the model’s energy label for its annual consumption.
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Worth considering for a kitchen with a compatible housing unit if you need space for fresh food rather than a fridge freezer. The title lists energy rating E.
Check the net capacity in the model documentation before deciding whether it offers enough room for your shopping. Also check the installation diagram and ventilation requirements.
Compare the internal dimensions of the housing unit with the installation diagram for the exact model. Also check the ventilation, door opening direction and, if you’re fitting a cabinet door, its fixing system. Electrolux specifies that an integrated model needs airflow suited to its housing unit.
Yes, provided its freezer compartment offers the space and features you need. A fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage, but its total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is available for each, so check both capacities separately.
Compare the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh, particularly between appliances with a size and capacity that meet your needs. ADEME recommends using the energy label as a guide; also check the noise information and product details before making your decision.
Check the removal terms of the seller you’re ordering from and the service selected for your address. BUT, for example, offers home collection of old appliances when delivering a new product, subject to its terms. Also mention any access restrictions before delivery.
Anses recommends regularly checking that the temperature at the coldest point in the fridge is between 0 °C and 4 °C. This applies once the appliance is in use, whatever size you choose.