Start by working out the usable capacity: UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L extra per additional person. A fridge-freezer is suitable when you store both fresh and frozen food, while a table-top fridge is mainly designed for compact use, and a multi-door model requires a suitable kitchen and access route to accommodate its size.
If space is limited and you mainly store fresh food, a table-top fridge or a small single-door fridge could be suitable. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person; also compare the depth, noise level and space available for frozen food.
A fridge-freezer lets you keep fresh food and a supply of frozen food in one appliance. UFC-Que Choisir states that this is by far the best-selling format in France, but the fridge and freezer capacities should be checked separately.
A multi-door fridge can help organise large quantities of fresh and frozen food. However, measure the width, depth, doorways and delivery access before choosing this format.
First compare the genuinely usable capacity and the available installation space, then consider everyday-use factors such as energy consumption and noise.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen capacities | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L per additional person. Also check the 4-star compartment and freezing capacity if you freeze fresh food. | I want enough room to put away my shopping without running out of space for frozen food. A high total capacity cannot make up for an unsuitable split between fresh and frozen storage. |
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width, depth, door opening, corridors and delivery access. UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm above and behind the appliance for air circulation. | My fridge needs to fit in my kitchen and remain easy to open. In a narrow space, I also check the depth once the appliance is installed. |
| Annual energy consumption | Compare the energy class from A to G and the kWh/year between appliances with a similar capacity and intended use. The energy label is the standard comparison tool for applicable appliances in France and the European Union. | I am looking for an appliance that runs continuously without choosing based solely on its format or features. Its position, ventilation and settings also matter every day. |
| Noise | Use dB(A) as an initial filter and check the sound emission class. For an open-plan kitchen, supplement this figure with independent tests when quiet operation is essential, as vibrations and cycles can affect perceived noise. | In a studio flat, open-plan kitchen or near a workspace, I want to minimise noise. Two appliances with a similar stated level will not necessarily sound the same. |
A large fridge compartment with a small freezer compartment will not necessarily suit a household that buys a lot of frozen food. Conversely, a very large multi-door model may be excessive for modest shopping trips.
List your fresh and frozen storage needs separately, then compare the usable litres in each compartment before considering convenience features.
The depth, width and door clearance may prevent installation or make the appliance awkward to use. The risk is particularly high with appliances close to 90 cm wide.
Measure the space, doors, corridors and delivery route. Allow for the ventilation clearances required before confirming a model.
A useful option for compact requirements, with freestanding table-top fridges.
A useful option for storing a large quantity of fresh food in a single-door fridge, with or without a small freezer compartment.
A useful option for households seeking a standard-width fridge-freezer with plenty of capacity and, depending on the model, connected features.
A useful option for very high storage capacity and organisation in a multi-door format.
These Joybuy options are fridge-freezers for households that want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
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For family shopping trips requiring a clear division between fresh and frozen food.
276 L fridge capacity and 114 L freezer capacity, giving 390 L in total; class C, 169 kWh/year, 35 dB and No Frost. Dimensions: 59.5 × 203 × 65.8 cm.
Check the height of 203 cm, the delivery access routes and ventilation clearances. Wi-Fi features require a compatible setup.
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For a household wanting separate storage for fresh food, frozen food and a dedicated cooling compartment.
183 L fridge capacity, 113 L freezer capacity and a 37 L cooling compartment; 34 dB, 169 kWh/year and Total No Frost. Dimensions: 597 × 1860 × 674 mm.
Check the depth of 674 mm, door opening and the clearances required for installation.
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For weekly shopping trips requiring separate storage for fresh and frozen food.
230 L fridge capacity and 114 L freezer capacity; 204 kWh/year, 35 dB, reversible door and advertised fast freezing of 8 kg/24 h. Dimensions: 59.5 × 185.3 × 65.8 cm.
Check the depth, door opening and ventilation. Wi-Fi and SmartThings features require a compatible connection.
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For a household wanting a supply of frozen food in a standard-width fridge-freezer.
230 L fridge capacity and 114 L freezer capacity; class E, 254 kWh/year, 35 dB, No Frost and advertised freezing capacity of 7 kg/24 h. Width: 59.5 cm.
Compare the 254 kWh/year with appliances of a similar capacity and intended use. Also check the depth of 65.8 cm and delivery access routes.
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For large shopping trips requiring more space for fresh food while keeping a separate freezer compartment.
366 L fridge capacity and 101 L freezer capacity; Total No Frost, 38 dB, class E and 254 kWh/year. Dimensions: 704 × 1850 × 686 mm.
The width of 704 mm and depth of 686 mm mean you must measure the available space, access routes, door opening and ventilation clearances.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding around 50 L per person. Increase this guide figure if you do large shops, cook frequently or store lots of fruit and vegetables, and check the freezer capacity separately.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir states that a simple freezer compartment is not enough when you eat a lot of frozen food; compare the freezer capacity, star rating and freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you freeze fresh food.
Keep the appliance away from heat sources and allow at least 10 cm of space above and behind it, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Set the fridge between 4 °C and 5 °C and the freezer to -18 °C to avoid lowering the temperature unnecessarily.
They provide an initial guide, but do not fully predict how intrusive the noise will seem. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that vibrations, frequency and the type of noise affect perception; for an open-plan kitchen, a level below 40 dB(A) can be used as an initial filter, supplemented by independent tests where possible.
Yes. The European regulation on the energy labelling of refrigerating appliances covers mains-powered electrical appliances with a volume greater than 10 L and less than or equal to 1,500 L. In France, official information from the ministry responsible for ecological transition states that the energy label rates appliances from A to G.