For regular shops, start by comparing the fridge and freezer capacities of a fridge-freezer with what your household actually needs to store. A multi-door or American-style model is worth considering if you need more space and your kitchen and delivery access can accommodate it. A fridge and separate freezer let you choose the freezer capacity independently, but require two spaces. In every case, check the dimensions, noise level and kWh/year against the constraints of your home.
The size of your household isn’t enough to determine the capacity you need: how often you shop, how much freezer space you use and your kitchen layout all affect your decision.
If you put away lots of fresh food, drinks and meals in one go, look at the usable space and the layout of the shelves and drawers, not just the total capacity. Que Choisir includes a weekly shop among the scenarios assessed in its fridge-freezer test.
If you buy frozen food or freeze portions in advance, freezer capacity and access to its drawers may matter more than a few extra litres of fridge space. Compare the two compartments separately.
There’s no benefit to a large capacity if the appliance won’t fit through the delivery route or its doors can’t open properly. Measure the space too, and consider noise levels in an open-plan kitchen before choosing a larger model.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then rule out any styles that won’t fit in your kitchen or through your access route. Next, compare the internal layout, noise level and annual energy consumption of the models that remain.
Consider it if: you want fridge and freezer space in one appliance for your regular shopping.
Bear in mind: freezer capacity varies by model and may not be enough if you often freeze food in batches.
Consider it if: you’re looking for plenty of space spread across several doors or drawers.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check that its dimensions work for your kitchen and delivery route.
Consider it if: your household needs to store large quantities of fresh and frozen food, making this size worthwhile.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir recommends allowing around 1 m of width for this style, compared with around 70 cm for a standard model.
Consider it if: you want to choose your freezer capacity independently of your fridge capacity.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to find space for two appliances and check the installation requirements, noise levels and energy consumption of each.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for your shopping | The usable litres in the fridge and the space available for meals, drinks and fresh food. | After my shop, I want to put away fresh food without cramming every shelf. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise this storage capacity. |
| Freezing | The freezer capacity and drawer layout, considered separately from the total capacity. | If I freeze portions or often buy frozen food, I need space that suits these items. For around 25 % of consumers, freezer space comes before other considerations. |
| Space and noise | Dimensions, delivery access, door clearance and noise level in dB(A). | In a narrow or open-plan kitchen, I need to install the appliance without obstructing movement or overlooking the noise. These constraints are the top priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Layout and energy use | Compartments that suit the food you store and the kWh/year shown on the energy label. | I want to find my food easily and compare the stated electricity consumption of appliances that meet my storage needs. Around 19 % of consumers put this layout and energy use first. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. So a large fridge won’t necessarily meet your freezer needs.
Work out how many litres you need in each compartment before comparing total capacities.
A multi-door or American-style model may fit in its allocated space but not through a doorway, corridor or lift. Que Choisir notes that an American-style model needs around 1 m of width.
Measure the space and access route, then check the packaged appliance dimensions and delivery arrangements for your chosen model.
A water dispenser or ice maker won’t make up for an internal layout that doesn’t suit your household’s shopping. Que Choisir also notes that these accessories can use energy.
Check the capacities, storage layout and kWh/year first; then choose the features you expect to use.
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you the stated annual energy consumption or how quiet the appliance will be in an open-plan kitchen. The European energy label includes information such as kWh/year and airborne acoustical noise emissions.
Compare these figures for appliances with similar functions and capacities. Pay particular attention to noise if your kitchen opens onto a living area.
The details below relate to specific models. Use them to guide your checks, rather than as a description of every product in a brand’s range.
The KGN492IAF fridge-freezer is a useful comparison for households looking for detailed fresh and frozen food capacities.
The IRBci 5151 is a built-in model to consider if you already have a defined kitchen niche and need fridge space.
The RF24BB620EB1EF multi-door model offers 674 L of space for households that prefer storage arranged across doors and drawers.
The GSXV90MCAE American-style fridge lets you consider a larger format with separate stated capacities for fresh and frozen food.
These models include fridge-freezers, multi-door and American-style or side-by-side appliances for family shops. Compare their internal layout and overall size with your habits. If you’re considering two separate appliances, make sure each one is sized appropriately for your kitchen too.
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Worth considering if you want several doors to organise your shopping and frozen food in one appliance. The product title lists four doors, 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the dimensions and delivery access.
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Worth comparing if you want one appliance for fresh and frozen food, with storage arranged across three doors. The product title lists 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
Check how the capacity is split, the dimensions and whether these features will be useful for your shopping.
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Worth considering if you need a large appliance with both fridge and freezer space. The product title lists 488 L and an E energy rating.
Before choosing this style, check the available space, the entire delivery route and the capacity of each compartment.
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Worth comparing if freezer space is important for your shopping: the product title lists 333 L of fridge space and 192 L of freezer space. It also lists No Frost, 37 dB and an E energy rating.
Check the full dimensions, delivery access and kWh/year for this model before choosing.
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Worth comparing with other fridge-freezers if you want one appliance for everyday storage and frozen food. The product title lists 344 L and a D energy rating.
Check the capacity of each compartment, the depth, noise level and kWh/year on the label for the exact model.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person as a general guide, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this starting point to suit how often you shop and what you store, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
The European energy label for fridges shows details including the A to G rating, kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise emissions. The European Commission presents this information as a way to compare appliances. Focus on models with similar functions and capacities, rather than relying on the rating alone.
No: you’ll need to check the space and delivery route for the model you choose. Que Choisir recommends allowing around 1 m of width for an American-style model, compared with around 70 cm for a standard model. Also measure the doors, corridors and lifts the packaged appliance will need to pass through.
First check the climate class and installation conditions for the model you’ve chosen. For example, Que Choisir gives a range of 16 to 32 °C for climate class N and 10 to 32 °C for class SN. Don’t assume a location outside the specified range will be suitable.