First, choose a size that leaves enough room to install the appliance and open its door. Then check whether you need a proper freezer compartment: a table-top fridge suits smaller shops, a single-door fridge prioritises fresh food, while a fridge-freezer is better for regular freezer use. In an open-plan kitchen, compare the stated noise level, but don’t take it as a guarantee of quiet operation. Also compare the separate compartment capacities, annual energy consumption and installation requirements of the models you’re considering.
When space is tight, check not only the appliance’s dimensions, but also how far the door opens and whether the drawers can be removed. UFC-Que Choisir points out that you need to be able to take the drawers out once the fridge is installed.
If your fridge is in the same room as your living space, compare the stated noise emissions. If noise is a key concern, look for tests that also assess the sounds made during operating cycles. UFC-Que Choisir includes these sounds in its testing process.
If you want to put away a full shop and keep frozen food, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. The total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is available for each use.
Worth considering: in a studio flat, if space is limited and you don’t need to store much.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited, particularly for larger shops or regular freezing.
Worth considering: if storing fresh food is more important than keeping frozen food.
Check: what any cold compartment is actually designed for; a freezer compartment won’t necessarily meet your needs if you freeze food regularly.
Worth considering: if you freeze food regularly or need to keep more provisions between shops.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check that its height, doors and compartment capacities work for your space and needs.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space, the door’s opening arc and access to the drawers. For an integrated model, check the housing, door fitting and ventilation against the model’s instructions. | In a studio flat, I need to be able to open the appliance and remove its drawers without blocking the way; around 36% of consumers would make this space constraint their top priority. |
| Noise in an open-plan room | Compare the dB rating and noise class shown, then look for tests that assess operating sounds if quiet performance is particularly important. | If I sleep or work near the kitchen, operating-cycle sounds may bother me even if the stated rating seems reassuring; around 29% of consumers would put quiet performance first. |
| Fresh food storage | Check the fridge capacity in litres, separately from the freezer capacity, and choose one to suit how often you shop. | I want to store fresh food and ready meals without choosing a larger appliance than I need; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this storage capacity. |
| Freezing | Check the freezer capacity, the compartment’s star rating and whether it is stated as suitable for freezing fresh food. | If I shop less frequently, I want to keep frozen food or freeze meals I’ve prepared; around 14% of consumers would make this capacity their top criterion. |
A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough freezer space for less frequent shopping.
Compare the litres available for fresh and frozen food separately, then see how they match your storage habits.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that people perceive noise differently. Its testing process also takes into account sounds made during operating cycles.
Use the label to compare stated ratings and, if quiet performance is essential, consult a test that assesses how the appliance sounds in use.
An appliance may fit into its space but still prevent the door from opening far enough or the drawers from being removed. An integrated model must also be compatible with the cabinet’s door system.
Check the internal measurements, any obstacles and the ventilation route using the installation diagram for the exact model.
If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the cabinet or find another place for it.
The energy rating doesn’t replace the annual consumption figure in kWh: ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously.
Compare the annual kWh consumption of appliances with similar functions and capacities, taking into account the amount of space you actually need.
These fridge-freezers and this single-door fridge let you compare the space available for fresh and frozen food, as well as the requirements for freestanding and integrated installation.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer for less frequent shopping, provided you check that there’s enough room for installation and to open the doors.
Stated total capacity: 360 L; Total No Frost, energy rating E and Wi-Fi are included in the model description. Compare the capacity of each compartment before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to combine fridge and freezer storage in a compatible cabinet. Check the housing, ventilation and door fitting in the instructions.
Stated total capacity: 249 L; TwinTech No Frost and energy rating E are included in the model description.
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Its separate compartments are worth considering if you want to freeze food while keeping an eye on the appliance’s width. Also check its height and the clearance required.
The model description lists 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a 4-star compartment and energy rating E.
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Worth considering if you need generous fridge and freezer compartments to shop less frequently. If you have a small kitchen, measure the space and allow for the doors to open before choosing.
The model description lists 333 L of fridge space, 192 L of freezer space, a stated noise level of 37 dB and energy rating E. The stated noise level alone doesn’t tell you how loud the operating cycles will be.
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Worth considering if fridge storage is your priority and your kitchen has a suitable housing. Before deciding, confirm the model’s capacity, cabinet compatibility, ventilation requirements and whether it has a freezer compartment.
The model description lists energy rating E.
No. You also need to check how much room is needed to open the door and remove the drawers. For an integrated model, check the housing’s internal dimensions, ventilation and door system against the instructions for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir also stresses the importance of being able to access the drawers once the appliance is installed.
No. Stated dB ratings make it easier to compare models, but they don’t tell you everything about operating-cycle sounds or how noticeable they’ll be. If quiet performance is a priority, look for a test that assesses operating noise; UFC-Que Choisir includes these sounds in its testing process.
Compare the annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise emissions, especially between appliances with similar functions and capacities. The European Commission states that this information appears on the labels of relevant appliances in the European Union.
Not necessarily. If you freeze fresh food or regularly store frozen food, check the function, star rating and capacity of the compartment in the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the need to freeze food regularly and simply using a freezer compartment.